In the up-and-coming hybrid SUV segment, Toyota establishes its ascendancy with the 2017 RAV4 Hybrid. Like its gasoline-powered counterpart, the compact SUVdelivers an appreciable performance with its cleverly spaced cabin, high safety quotient, and comfortable ride quality. Though it also adds frugality to the mix, the hybrid vehicle receives credits for its reliability. It has 177 complaints registered to its name and has been recalled twice. While none of its problems have a widespread impact, there is an open investigation on the vehicle that deals with a possible chance of fire originating from its battery unit. So, in an augmenting segment, does the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid promise to be a trustworthy option compared to the likes of the Nissan Rogue Hybrid and the Kia Niro Hybrid? Let’s find out.
2017 Toyota RAV4 User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Improper functioning of the airbags: Among the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems, the issues with the airbags have been a common recurrence. Most buyers have reported the failure of the airbags to deploy in a crash, which has resulted in injuries to the buyers. Additionally, in three listed cases, buyers have also recorded the SRS warning light illuminating randomly, which can indicate a possible malfunctioning of the airbags.
Structural Complaints
- Explosion of sunroof: Like the 2017 Toyota RAV4, even the hybrid variant of the SUV suffers from issues with the sunroof. Without impact or incidence, buyers have reported the glass pane shattering and causing the debris to fly outward.
Electric System Complaints
- Auto-high beam malfunction: The auto-high beam functionality available on the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been reported to fail unexpectedly. Buyers have recorded the AHB system shutting off, causing an outage of the high beams, however, the failure happens momentarily.
- Substandard illumination and other lighting concerns: Among the RAV4 issues, complainants have reported a couple of problems with the exterior lighting. The first complaint is concerned with the improper illumination from the headlamps, which can hamper the outward visibility of the driver. Additionally, the bulbs used in, both, the front and rear units have short useful lives and require constant replacement, which can be frustrating for the buyers. On the other hand, some buyers have also complained about a shadow figure creating on the windshield as a result of the headlights, which can obstruct vision.
- Improper functioning of the seat heaters: In three distinct cases, users of the 2017 RAV4 Hybrid have reported the seat heaters malfunctioning and becoming excessively hot. As a result, they cause inconvenience to the buyers, and in one case, a complainant suffered from second-degree burns due to the problem.
- Inaccurate Forward-Collision Avoidance System: The Forward-Collision Avoidance system is improper in its functioning. It has been reported that the functionality either falsely identifies or fails to identify a threat of a crash, which can increase the risk of a crash. Currently, there have been no injuries reported from the malfunction.
Mechanical Complaints
- Stalling of engine: The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid engine problems are concerned with its unexpected stalling. Buyers have reported the vehicle shuddering excessively, and consequently, losing its speed and power, which makes it inoperable. In most cases, a “Charging System Malfunction” warning is displayed on the gauge cluster and the failure persists momentarily.
- Fire in the engine compartment: In three known cases, buyers of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have reported the vehicle to catch fire, without any prior symptoms. It has been recorded that the smoke originates from under the hood and engulfs the vehicle. While no injuries have been reported, the cause for the problem can be linked to the open investigation relating to the 12V battery setup.
- Service Brake failure: In many cases, buyers of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have reported the brake pads and rotors failing at low mileage. As a result, they create squeaking noises when in use and affect the overall performance. In most cases, a replacement of these units has been warranted as the only solution. For some other buyers, the brake system does not function properly, resulting in an increased halting time and distance.
- Issues with the battery: The Toyota RAV Hybrid battery issues are fairly recurring. Complaints have reported that the battery unit dies constantly and requires replacement. In one case, it also resulted in the engine being totaled, rendering the vehicle irreparable.
2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
29th June 2019 |
19V503000 |
Incorrect information on the label |
In the units equipped with factory-installed floor mats, the load carrying capacity modification label might have incorrect information, which can increase the chance of overloading. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
SET will provide a corrected label, free of cost. |
|
2. |
2nd May 2017 |
17V295000 |
Incorrect spare tire air pressure |
The spare tire air pressure might not have been adjusted in tandem with the air pressure mentioned on the label. |
Gulf Toyota will adjust the air pressure, wherever required, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
With the limited impact of its issues, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid promises to be a comprehensive option. It is frugal, easy to drive, and finds itself ranking highly in the segment with its 5-star safety ratings. Though there have been some problems, Toyota’s proactiveness has been helpful for all the buyers. So, the CarHP team recommends buying the RAV4 Hybrid for its reliability. However, if you are worried about the open investigation, the 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid stands as a viable alternative.
