2018 Toyota RAV4 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Toyota RAV4 and 333 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (130), unknown or other (69), engine (33). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 25 mpg combined.
The 2018 ranks #11 of 14 RAV4 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more 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 2018 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.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. 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 load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
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
All warning lights came on and started flashing, steering wheel locked completely and total system failure. Car suddenly died and I had no control of it. Engine started smoking with black smoke. I got out of car and engine immediately caught fire starting at the bottom left driver side of engine and within a few minutes vehicle was completely engulfed with flames. It explod…
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning right or left, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was i…
Cooper tires 225/65R17. Purchased 4 tires in June. From installation the tires were bouncy. The garage said it was the struts, so I replaced the struts, but the problem persists. 2 weeks later I took the car back. They said there was nothing wrong with t he tire. They rebalanced them. But that did not fix the problem. I took the car to a different garage and they told me the ti…
Safety ratings
2018 Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD
2018 Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 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 2018 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 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 2018 Toyota RAV4?
Based on 333 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (130), unknown or other (69), engine (33).
Is the 2018 Toyota RAV4 safe?
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Toyota RAV4?
The 2018 ranks #11 of 14 RAV4 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (313). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 get?
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is EPA-rated at about 25 mpg combined.
Own a 2018 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.