2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems

“While I was pulling into a parking spot at Aldi’s grocery store, another car was also parking in the slot right in front of my car. There was no danger at all, yet my 2026 Toyota RAV4 emergency braking system stopped my car and totally locked up the brakes. The engine and EV system was running, and I could shift to any gear, the wheels were so locked the car tried to move but couldn’t forward or backwards. I tried back and forth, finally turned off and car restarted. Same result about 5 times. Finally the wheels unlocked and I was able to drive. If this happened on an expressway or busy road, I feel my life would be in danger. The dealer couldn’t duplicate the problem next day, but was able to disable the emergency braking.”

“While driving my 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (VIN [XXX], approximately 354 miles on the odometer), I was involved in a frontal collision. Event Data Recorder (EDR) data retrieved from the vehicle's Airbag Control Module via Bosch CDR tool confirms the following: The Pre-Collision System (PCS) On/Off switch was ON and the system reported "Enable" status (no fault/DTC) throughout the 5-second pre-crash window. The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system status was recorded as "On, Non-Engaged" for the entire pre-crash window. The PCS-PBA Request Flag (which would indicate the system requested automatic brake assist) remained OFF for the entire pre-crash window — the system never requested autonomous braking. The PCS-ALM Request Flag (forward collision alert/warning) also remained OFF for the entire pre-crash window — no forward collision warning was issued to the driver at any point. No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) were present at the time of the event. All braking that occurred was driver-initiated: the EDR shows Service Brake changing from Off to On only 0.27 seconds before impact, with brake pedal position reaching 100% by the time of impact. The primary point…”

“Unexpected Automatic Emergency Braking – 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited While driving straight, I approached a vehicle near the exit of a residential complex. The other vehicle was not pulling out or entering my lane, and there was no apparent risk of collision. My RAV4 unexpectedly applied the brakes very hard, causing significant deceleration. I believe the red “BRAKE!” warning appeared on the dashboard along with an audible alert. I did not initiate the braking, and the other vehicle did not enter my path. Concern: Possible false activation of the Pre-Collision System (PCS).”

“Approximately 6 weeks ago I was driving on the Garden State Parkway North in the middle lane at about 65mph when the car just stopped. A voice came over the car speaker asking if I had a problem. I was panicked for fear I would be rear ended so rather than talk to the person I tried to restart the car. This took maybe 15 seconds after which I continued driving home. Fortunately, the cars behind me were able to stop in time. I brought the car into my dealer's service dept. a couple of days later. They could not offer any explanation or advice. This past Friday I heard that the 2026 plug in RAV 4 is being recalled for a similar situation. I am thus further convinced that there is a problem that needs to be addressed with this car. Currently my wife will only drive in this car on local trips off of major highways.”

“On September 10th my wife and I were driving on IN-66 and a Corvette ran us off of the road. We went into a culvert, up and embankment and crashed into a tree and fence. Our speed was approximately 50 mph. Our front end was heavily damaged and our airbags did not deploy.”

“The dash warning "System malfunction/SRS Airbag/advance parking system malfunction" and all the lights lit up as we were on a road trip. it happened 3 times- each after we had been driving 5 hours or more, and each time after we had stopped the car and then got in to drive again. Safety of ourselves and others put at risk as we had NO safety features working as we drove with this warning. Visited 2 dealers on trip- Ramey Princeton Toyota, WV and Toms' River Gateway Toyota, NJ, They told us the part was: ADAS Module part 881C0-42061. Car is currently at dealer where we purchased it: Hendrick Toyota, Wilmington NC. Told the part is on back order and NO ETA for it to arrive.”