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Air bagsPart report

2018 Toyota RAV4 Air bags Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
5%of 333 total for the year
Median mileage
17,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the air bags of the 2018 Toyota RAV4, 5% of the 333 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,000 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“I hit a deer traveling at 60mph+ while traveling on I-470. The airbag did not deploy, I did see an error on the status display of a safety system failure. The repair shop found the front sensor was crushed in the collision and amazed the airbag did not deploy. I am concerned this is a functional flaw with the vehicle and could risk the safety of occupants. I have photos of the vehicle if needed.”

NHTSA complaint #11320662, filed 2020-04, 17,000 miles

“On a street turning left on green yielding to oncoming traffic. In motion of turning and the other car who was coming head on over 80mph clipping my front end making my car spin 360 degrees and air bags did not deploy.”

NHTSA complaint #11353747, filed 2020-09, 37,000 miles

“Vehicle was in a parking space; foot on brake. Went to shift the vehicle into park and it accelerated into the glass / building I was parked in front of. Air bags did not deploy.”

NHTSA complaint #11173003, filed 2019-01, 5,000 miles

“While I am driving my Toyota RAV4, the car will suddenly shut off and I can restart it and keep driving as the month is going on. The incidents are happening more often and now the dashboard is going black. I’ve had a couple of warning signs on the dashboard. I brought the car to Toyota and Pep Boys. Both of them checked the electrical systems and everything looks good according to their testing.”

NHTSA complaint #11748370, filed 2026-07

“06/04/21...I Had a Hit & Run Head On Collision(Side Swipe), As I Was Swerving To Avoid Oncoming Traffic & Get A Handle Of the Vehicle, No Warning Lights Came On. I Hit a Wall. My Front Nor Side Airbags Deployed. It What was A Very Forceful Hit From The Other Vehicle & Hitting The Wall. The Vehicle Is Being Inspected By My Insurance Adjuster Tomorrow.”

NHTSA complaint #11420037, filed 2021-06

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202522%
2024127%
202385%
2022107%
202112532%
2020559%
2019455%
2018165%
2017207%
2016198%
2015155%
2014126%
2013135%
2012228%
2011207%
2010287%
2009134%
20085810%
20079910%
2006578%
20055942%
20044731%
2003103%
2002224%
2001134%
200013%
19991423%
19981317%
199759%
199649%

Other parts of the 2018 Toyota RAV4

Electrical system
130 complaints
Other or unknown
71 complaints
Engine
33 complaints
Brakes
30 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
26 complaints
Exterior lighting
23 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaints
Vehicle speed control
20 complaints
Body and structure
14 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Steering
12 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Toyota RAV4

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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