2023 Toyota RAV4 engine problems
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The vehicle experienced a sudden, severe loss of vehicle control while driving twice. Without any warning lights, dash indicators, or stored error codes, it began violently surging and decelerating uncontrollably around 20 mph with severe bucking. My [XXX] daughter was driving. Fortunately, this…”
filed Aug 31, 2026
“On August 6 2026, my RAV4 just cut off at the traffic light. The car was completely dead. I was unable to unlock the trunk but the doors did open. The vehicle was towed to the local dealership. The tow truck man hooked up his portable car charger and the car started. On August 8, 2026 the car cut…”
filed Aug 12, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Technical instructions for emission noncompliance recall 26tc03 certain 2022 – 2025 model year rav4 incorrect mass air flow sensor reading
26TC03 · Service Campaign · issued Aug 17, 2026In wet conditions, water contacting the radiator in the subject vehicles after idling for an extended period can create steam that can cause an incorrect engine sensor reading. This can lead to a warning light, a…
26TC03 · Service Campaign · issued Aug 17, 2026Technical instructions for emission noncompliance recall 26tc03 certain 2022 – 2025 model year rav4 incorrect mass air flow sensor reading
26TC03 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 16, 2026Technical instructions for emission noncompliance recall 26tc03 certain 2022 – 2025 model year rav4 incorrect mass air flow sensor reading
26TC03 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2026In wet conditions, water contacting the radiator in the subject vehicles after idling for an extended period can create steam that can cause an incorrect engine sensor reading. This can lead to a warning light, a…
26TC03 · Service Campaign · issued Jul 9, 2026
Engine problems in other RAV4 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 RAV4 | 13 | 15% |
| 2024 RAV4 | 37 | 21% |
| 2022 RAV4 | 27 | 19% |
| 2021 RAV4 | 41 | 11% |
| 2020 RAV4 | 180 | 28% |
| 2019 RAV4 | 205 | 23% |
| 2018 RAV4 | 32 | 10% |
| 2017 RAV4 | 31 | 10% |
| 2016 RAV4 | 25 | 10% |
| 2015 RAV4 | 37 | 12% |
| 2014 RAV4 | 31 | 16% |
| 2013 RAV4 | 29 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2023 Toyota RAV4
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.