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Electrical systemPart report

2017 Toyota RAV4 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
108about this part
Share
35%of 307 total for the year
Median mileage
36,500miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 108 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Toyota RAV4, 35% of the 307 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 15 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Please see attached sheet for all that has happened since I purchased the car. I've had to replace the battery 2 times in 3 years as well. I have new battery and it became corroded fast. My car kept telling me there was an electrical issue and the check engine light would come on and all of the fails LED to the transmission issues.”

NHTSA complaint #11398650, filed 2021-03, 90,000 miles

“I was stopped at a red light and suddenly the battery light came on and the car shut down completely. I could not steer or move. After a moment I was able to start the car and proceed home. That was the only time it has happened and it occurred in october of 2020. I brought the car to my mechanic a few days later and they could not find a problem. Invoice is attached.”

NHTSA complaint #11399310, filed 2021-03, 30,798 miles

“While stopped at a stoplight, my RAV4 completely shut down and the dashboard flashed the warning charging malfunction; see owner's manual . I took my RAV4 to the dealership where they ran a full inspection and found zero issues. It has happened once since, as well. I believe it to be related to the overarching Toyota RAV4 battery/electrical issue as listed in other complaints.”

NHTSA complaint #11405821, filed 2021-03, 80,000 miles

“Ignition remains on when I exit vehicle if forget to push off button with my key in pocket. Car not running when I leave so it is easy to forget and engine can/will restart at later time. This has happened at least two times in driveway. If in happened when I put in garage and went to bed in room over garage it could present a carbon monoxide hazard.”

NHTSA complaint #11229458, filed 2019-07, 36,000 miles

“While driving on a major highway at 65 MPH. The engine shut off and all screens and gauges shut off for about 3 to 5 seconds then the car restarted on its own and began to accelerate quickly so I had to use the brakes to slow the car down. This event happened three times that day all on the highway and with the cruise control on.I called the Toyota dealer to have the car checked out the car was checked out no issues found. …”

NHTSA complaint #11078543, filed 2018-03, 10,685 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20251618%
20243218%
20234326%
20224027%
20214712%
202011919%
201910312%
201813039%
201710835%
20165925%
20158528%
20146935%
20137529%
20123012%
2011197%
2010154%
2009196%
2008275%
2007768%
2006426%
200564%
2004106%
20034213%
20029217%
20016019%
200013%
1999610%
199834%
199736%
199624%

Other parts of the 2017 Toyota RAV4

Other or unknown
65 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsExterior lighting
32 complaintsEngine
31 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsForward collision avoidance
8 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Toyota RAV4

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology