2013 Toyota RAV4 problems

“The system that failed is the 12-volt battery hold-down assembly and associated electrical infrastructure, exactly as described under NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign Number 23V-729 (Toyota Recalls 23TA13 / 23TB13). The vehicle is fully preserved in its post-fire state and is completely available for physical inspection upon request.Safety was severely compromised as the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent engine bay fire while actively traveling at highway speeds on Highway [XXX] in [XXX]. This forced an emergency evacuation on a high-speed corridor, directly endangering the lives of four occupants: an [XXX] driver, one adult passenger, and two minor children. A multi-fatality tragedy was avoided solely due to the driver navigating the failing vehicle into a parking lot, alongside the chance proximity of a local fire station a quarter-mile away.Prior to the sudden fire, there were zero warning lamps, dashboard messages, or mechanical symptoms of an issue. The problem has not been reproduced as the fire caused a complete loss, but the localized burn damage and melted main wiring harness at the battery housing confirm the recall's exact failure mechanism.The local…”

“The vehicle shudders significantly when accelerating/cruising between 35-45 mph. The shudder started slight and did not pose an issue for a while, but now its significant enough that is causes erratic steering. The vehicle waved back and forth from the vibration yesterday and went across the median line into oncoming traffic. I was able to regain control and accelerated through past 45 mph when the vibration receded. After calling Toyota I learned that Toyota knew about this issue and the a faulty torque converter was to blame. There was no recall or notification just (as the dealer explained, an extended warranty). Since I was not "notified" I did not know of this dangerous exposure and missed the time period to get the convertor replaced by Toyota.”

“Over the course of the past two days, 2013 Toyota RAV4 has engine cut-off while moving on surface streets, tollroads, and Interstate Highways. Thus far, this has occurred 9 times without any warning whatsoever. Car is in otherwise fine mechanical condition, with all four new tires, new brake rotors & ceramic brake pads, new battery & cables inspection, professional throttle body cleaning, 5,000 mile full-synthetic oil change & oil filter, new engine air filter, and all features and functions in what was known as 100% condition with no Engine Fault indicator on or subsequent OBD II codes. Yet it stalls at all speeds, including street traffic speeds and cruise at 70mpg. No indication whatsoever.”

“The vehicle has experienced premature and widespread paint peeling and clear coat failure on multiple body panels. The paint began deteriorating without impact, collision, or environmental damage and has progressively worsened over time. This condition is consistent with a known manufacturing defect affecting certain Toyota vehicles, which Toyota acknowledged through a Customer Support Program. The defect results in exposed metal and body surfaces, increasing the risk of corrosion and long-term structural damage. The issue has been visually confirmed and documented and is reproducible across affected panels. No warning indicators were present prior to the failure. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.”

“In at least 5 or more instances the vehicle has had unintended acceleration and thrust the car forward while I was braking and trying to come to a stop. Once it happened at a 4-way intersection and propelled my car into the middle of the intersection and I had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision with another car. I , or the other driver, could have been killed. In all cases the braking failed to stop the car and in fact sped it up even though the brakes were applied.”

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA RAV4 ELECTRIC VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ELECTRIC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DECELERATE WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO ANDREW TOYOTA (1620 W SILVER SPRING DRIVE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53209, (877) 308-0883), BUT THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT A TOYOTA ENGINEER WOULD BE SENT TO THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,564.”