2017 Toyota RAV4 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Toyota RAV4 and 307 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (108), unknown or other (62), service brakes (38). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 25 mpg combined.
The 2017 ranks #10 of 14 RAV4 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (313). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Toyota RAV4. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
Risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
Tires · temporary/emergency spare tire
Problem: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Risk: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Toyota ABS Actuator Accumulator shows problems after a while. Most common on hybrid vehicles. Signs comes up such ABS Malfunction, Pre-Collision Malfunction, Low Braking Power, and lose traction control.
The tail light assembly on these vehicles seems to be a reoccurring issue reported by other owners on online forums and unfortunately we seem to fall under the same category. Water and moisture constantly gets into the rear brake/turn lighting assembly and has been constantly burning out the bulbs it’s become quite ridiculously expensive now. How was my safety put at risk? Well…
I was pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage and pressed on the brake. The brake pedal did not offer the usual resistance and went flat to the floor. The car began to accelerate and smashed into a concrete I-beam on the wall of the garage. I put the car in park and kept my foot on the brake but it still kept trying to move forward. Then I put it in reverse and it slowl…
Safety ratings
2017 Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD
2017 Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Toyota RAV4.
RAV4
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
RAV4 AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Toyota RAV4, most recently for electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery (11/01/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota RAV4?
Based on 307 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (108), unknown or other (62), service brakes (38).
Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 safe?
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Toyota RAV4?
The 2017 ranks #10 of 14 RAV4 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (313). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 get?
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is EPA-rated at about 25 mpg combined.
Own a 2017 Toyota RAV4 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: RAV4.