CarBrief

Owners filed 321 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 RAV4, and the largest group of them is about the electrical system[1][2]. The car has 3 recalls on file, including a battery fit problem that carries a fire risk[3][4].

321owner complaints[1]
3recalls[3]
24–32MPG combined (EPA)[5]
5★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 321 owner complaints for the 2017 RAV4[1]. Of those, 34 mention a crash, 24 a fire and 30 an injury, and 2 report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries
Electrical System[2] 111 4 15 4
Unknown or other[7] 64 8 6 7
Brakes[8] 40 9 0 4
Engine[9] 34 1 14 1
Exterior lighting[10] 32 0 1 0
Structure[11] 21 6 3 5
Air bags[12] 20 13 0 12
Power train[13] 16 0 0 0

Electrical system. This is the biggest group. The median mileage at failure is 37,000 miles[2]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe the car losing power or the dash going dark, charging system warnings, driver assist features that react when they should not, and slow shifting in cold weather[2]. The sample is small and the stories are mixed, so it does not point to one single fault.

Brakes. There are 40 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 9,775 miles[8]. In the sample we read, owners describe pressing the pedal and the car not slowing as expected, or the pedal sinking toward the floor. Some of those reports end in a crash[8]. A few describe pads and rotors wearing out early[8].

Engine. Of the 34 complaints in this group, 14 mention a fire[9]. In the sample we read, some owners describe smoke and then flames under the hood. Others describe stalling or rough idle, and brake noise filed under this group[9].

Exterior lighting. There are 32 complaints with a median mileage at failure of 6,000 miles, and only 1 mentions a fire[10]. In the sample we read, owners describe low beam headlights that light the road below a line and leave the area above it dark. They say this makes night driving feel unsafe. Some say the dealer told them the lights work as designed[10].

Air bags. There are only 20 complaints, but 13 mention a crash and 12 an injury[12].

The unknown or other group has 64 complaints, and the power train group has 16 with no crashes, fires or injuries[7][13].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 RAV4[3]. They are listed here, newest first.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings differ by version. The hybrid is well ahead of the gasoline versions.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
RAV4, front-wheel drive[16] 23 / 29 / 25 $2,700
RAV4 LE/XLE, front-wheel drive[17] 23 / 30 / 26 $2,600
RAV4 AWD[18] 22 / 28 / 25 $2,700
RAV4 Limited AWD/SE AWD[19] 22 / 28 / 24 $2,800
RAV4 Hybrid AWD[5] 34 / 30 / 32 $2,100

All of the gasoline versions use a 2.5L 4-cylinder with an Automatic (S6) and run on regular fuel[16][17][18][19]. The hybrid is listed as Automatic (AV-S6) and also runs on regular[5].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive RAV4 an overall rating of 5 stars[6]. It scores 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 4 for rollover, with a rollover risk of 16.9%[6]. The front-wheel-drive version has the same star ratings and a rollover risk of 17.4%[20]. The RAV4 Hybrid AWD matches the all-wheel-drive car, with the same stars and a 16.9% rollover risk[21].

Engine and size

The EPA lists the 2017 RAV4 with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine rated from 112 to 176 hp, depending on version[22].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Every version is listed at 181 in long, 73 in wide and 67 in tall, on a 105 in wheelbase[23][24][25]. Curb weight differs by version:

Version Curb weight
FWD[24] 3,428 lb
AWD[23] 3,549 lb
Hybrid[25] 3,891 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

1996: 47 complaints, 0 recalls19961997: 54 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 77 complaints, 4 recalls1999: 62 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 30 complaints, 3 recalls2001: 309 complaints, 0 recalls2002: 527 complaints, 0 recalls20022003: 315 complaints, 0 recalls2004: 154 complaints, 2 recalls2005: 141 complaints, 5 recalls20052006: 705 complaints, 11 recalls2007: 1,004 complaints, 14 recalls2008: 575 complaints, 14 recalls20082009: 327 complaints, 15 recalls2010: 400 complaints, 14 recalls2011: 287 complaints, 11 recalls20112012: 266 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 262 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 207 complaints, 7 recalls20142015: 305 complaints, 4 recalls2016: 257 complaints, 3 recalls2017: 321 complaints, 3 recalls32120172018: 348 complaints, 3 recalls2019: 904 complaints, 8 recalls2020: 648 complaints, 6 recalls20202021: 409 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 154 complaints, 2 recalls2023: 169 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 177 complaints, 4 recalls2025: 105 complaints, 4 recalls2026: 42 complaints, 2 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each RAV4 model year. The 2017 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1996470
1997540
1998774
1999624
2000303
20013090
20025270
20033150
20041542
20051415
200670511
20071,00414
200857514
200932715
201040014
201128711
20122666
20132625
20142077
20153054
20162573
20173213
20183483
20199048
20206486
20214091
20221542
20231693
20241774
20251054
2026422

The 2017 model year has 321 complaints and 3 recalls[3]. The 2016 model year has 257 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2018 has 348 complaints and 3 recalls[3]. Some later years are higher: 2019 has 904 complaints and 8 recalls, and 2020 has 648 complaints and 6 recalls, while 2022 has 154 complaints and 2 recalls[3].

Across the 31 model years on file, 10 have more complaints than 2017: 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021[3]. Complaint counts do not account for how many cars were sold, so read them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2017 RAV4?

The 2017 RAV4 has 321 complaints, and 10 other RAV4 model years have more complaints, and NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall[3][6]. The recall to look at first is 23V734, because it carries a fire risk and its owner letters were sent in phases[4]. The electrical and engine groups have the most fire mentions, 15 and 14, and the samples we read include brake and headlight complaints[2][9][8][10]. If you are comparing versions, the hybrid has the best EPA fuel economy at 32 combined MPG[5]. Complaints are unverified, so check a specific car's recall status and service history before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota RAV4?
The biggest complaint group is the electrical system with 111 of 321 complaints[1][2]. Brakes has 40 complaints and engine has 34[8][9]. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3: a battery fit problem with a fire risk (23V734), an incorrect load label (19V503) and spare tire pressure (17V295)[4][14][15].
How many miles per gallon does a 2017 RAV4 get?
Gasoline versions are rated 24 to 26 MPG combined, and the Hybrid AWD is rated 32 combined[16][17][18][19][5].
How safe is the 2017 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover and 5 for side crash[6][20][21].
Is 2017 a good year for the RAV4?
It has 321 complaints, fewer than 2018 with 348 and 2019 with 904, and more than 2016 with 257[3]. Ten model years have more complaints than 2017[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 321 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Toyota RAV4 (34 mention a crash, 24 a fire, 30 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 111 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 15 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota RAV4 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 23V734, filed November 1, 2023: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for RAV4 Hybrid AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 34 city / 30 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 64 complaints name the unknown or other component group (8 crashes, 6 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 40 complaints name the brakes component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,775). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 34 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 14 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,336). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 32 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 21 complaints name the structure component group (6 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,482). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 20 complaints name the air bags component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 16 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 19V503, filed June 28, 2019: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 17V295, filed May 2, 2017: Tires › Temporary / Emergency Spare Tire. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for RAV4, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for RAV4 LE/XLE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for RAV4 AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for RAV4 Limited AWD/SE AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 112 to 176 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAV4 AWD 4DR SUV: length 181 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,549 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAV4 FWD 4DR SUV: length 181 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,428 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAV4 HYBRID: length 181 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,891 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.