Problems · by component

2013 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

29 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota RAV4 cite engine, 11% of all 261 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
29
11% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
9
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2025EngineODI 11693382
“I was traveling south on [XXX] when the vehicle stalled. I started the engine and proceeded. I noticed my Rav4 smoking from the engine so I turned off into a Extra Space Storage parking at 1415 Bergen Boulevard, Fort Lee N.J. 07024 were it stalled again. I then exited the vehicle and opened the hood and observed a burst flames coming from the engine/battery area. I ran to a Wendy's and asked for a fire extinguisher, but the fire escalated rapidly, burning the entire interior and exterior of the vehicle. It was towed to Sanos Towing Company 344 Bergen Blvd. Palisades Park. N.J.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2024EngineFire reportedODI 11622497
“I had a 2013 Rav4, while i was driving the car the car started a fire under the hood and burn completely up. Im trying to file a complaint or talk to someone discussing this matter. Toyota says I need to file a bad faith complaint.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 4, 2024Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11592405
“Pulled into driveway, turned off car. Entered house within a couple of minutes front end of car burst into flames. Fire Dept. was called to put out fire. Car was towed to Newburgh NY for insurance adjustor inspection. I was on my way to store and stopped at in-laws. Had I not made this stop, I would have been on thruway. If car had been a few feet closer to garage, it would have set the garage, with car inside, on fire, and house. Car in garage could have exploded (gas tank). The recall was received days prior to incident, and indicated remedy would be ready in June 2024. Police and Fire Dept were called, insurance reps, I believe have inspected the car. It was towed and I did not meet with insurance rep. There were no warning lights or problems, passed inspection in August 2023. Police Incident Rep #[XXX], 12/20/23, 12:05 p.m. Yonkers PD”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 29, 2023EngineFire reportedODI 11562628
“Car jerks when shifts gears and the problem just appeared one day with no warning. I went to 4 different mechanics and none can confirm if there is metal in transmission but to solely tell the transmission needs to be replaced. Either defective transmission or another problem not related causing jerking in driving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2023Unknown or other, EngineODI 11530146
“I was driving back home with my kids on 12/31/22 as usual, car suddenly turned off. The engine then caught fire within 2 min of turning off, the whole car was on fire within 8 min.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 1, 2023Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11499684

Showing 6 of 29 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.