2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems

toyota logo

The Toyota RAV4 (Japanese: トヨタ・RAV4, Hepburn: Toyota Ravufō) is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers.

It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system.

For the third-generation model, Toyota offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions were sold in Japan and Europe; long-wheelbase versions in Australia and North America. Toyota of Japan also sold the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴァンガード, Hepburn: Toyota Vangādo) at Toyopet Store dealership chain from 2005 through 2016. RAV4 for the Japanese market were sold at two different Toyota dealership chains, Corolla Store and Netz.

In 2019, the RAV4 was the best-selling SUV of any type in the world, and the fourth best-selling passenger car overall. North America is the largest market, with 535,000 units sold in 2019, followed by Europe (133,000) and China (127,000). By February 2020, a total of 10 million RAV4s had been sold globally.

2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid

Social links

Common 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2017 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, common problems include:

  • Electrical Issues:
    • Hybrid models of the Rav4 are prone to electrical system problems, such as the vehicle shutting off while driving and displaying a "Charging system fault" error. Repair costs for this issue range from $200 to $6300, depending on the severity. To prevent buying a Rav4 with electrical issues, buyers are recommended to thoroughly test the vehicle and have a mechanic inspect any odd behaviors or errors.
  • Steering Pulls To One Side:
    • Another common problem reported by owners is the steering pulling to one side, especially at higher speeds. This issue seems to be a design flaw rather than a repairable problem, as it affects cars with low mileage. The cost to fix this issue is not applicable due to its nature. To avoid this problem, potential buyers are advised to test drive the Rav4 at highway speeds to feel for any off-center or wandering steering behavior.
2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid engine

What is the battery problem on the 2017 Toyota RAV4 hybrid?

Toyota RAV4 Recall Details

Vehicles recalled: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Toyota RAV4. The problem: Some 12-volt batteries have different top dimensions than the original battery and may not be properly secured.

Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 hybrid reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? The 2017 RAV4 Hybrid has a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is average for a used vehicle.

Does 2017 RAV4 have transmission problems?

If you don't routinely and constantly change your fluids at least each 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2017 Toyota RAV4 transmission will swiftly slip.

What are the disadvantages of a RAV4 Hybrid?

Things We Don't Like

  • Noisy Cabin. Excessive interior noise from different sources is an issue with the RAV4 Hybrid. ...
  • Rough Rider. As capable as the RAV4 feels in the corners, the price paid is a relatively firm and unsettled ride for a compact SUV. ...
  • Nothing Special Inside. ...
  • Technical Difficulties.

Is the 2017 RAV4 hybrid reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? The 2017 RAV4 Hybrid has a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is average for a used vehicle.

What is the battery problem on the 2017 Toyota RAV4 hybrid?

Toyota RAV4 Recall Details

Vehicles recalled: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Toyota RAV4. The problem: Some 12-volt batteries have different top dimensions than the original battery and may not be properly secured.

What are the disadvantages of a RAV4 hybrid?

Things We Don't Like

  • Noisy Cabin. Excessive interior noise from different sources is an issue with the RAV4 Hybrid. ...
  • Rough Rider. As capable as the RAV4 feels in the corners, the price paid is a relatively firm and unsettled ride for a compact SUV. ...
  • Nothing Special Inside. ...
  • Technical Difficulties.

How long will Toyota RAV4 hybrid battery last?

between 3 to 5 years

A common question among Toyota RAV4 owners is, “How long does a Toyota battery last?” The average lifespan of a Toyota RAV4 battery can vary depending on various factors, such as driving conditions, maintenance, and climate. However, on average, a Toyota RAV4 battery can last anywhere between 3 to 5 years.

2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid

The NHTSA has received 268 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid vehicles.

2024-10-19

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
  • VIN: JTMBFREV6HJ
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: i have a 2017 rav4 with less than 60k miles and the factory back up camera stopped working
2024-09-22

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-22
  • VIN: 2T3NFREVXHW
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Toyota has not provided an update to its customers on when remedy will be fixed. It still reports that remedy will be available mid 2024. Whenever I call Toyota they have no answers. I have made numerous complaints with no real update. This is severely affecting my business as my car cannot be rented out due to an active recall.
2024-09-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
  • VIN: 2T3RFREV1HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
  • VIN: 2T3NFREV8HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
  • VIN: JTMWFREV8HJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact became aware that the VIN was included NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-09-09

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 2T3YFREV0HW
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: My Toyota RAV4 was involved in an accident. My vehicle was rear-ended on [XXX], at the corner of [XXX] and [XXX] in Tucson, AZ. Because it was during rush hour traffic, I moved my vehicle to an adjacent parking lot. It was while I was in this parking lot that I experienced brake failure and I was unable to stop my vehicle. As a result, my car hit a concrete pillar in the parking lot. This automatically stopped my vehicle and resulted in front end damage to my vehicle. 911 was dispatched and a sheriff was called to the accident scene. My car was towed to a tow yard before the Toyota collision center could begin work on estimating the amount of damages to my vehicle for the front-end and rear-end damage. My insurance company totaled my vehicle. I contacted Toyota to notify them of this brake failure. I was notified by a third party to contact you to report this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-09-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-03
  • VIN: 2T3DFREVXHW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, there was a loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle's hood. The contact stated that while opening the hood of the vehicle the contact noticed there were several sparks near the battery. The contact unplugged the battery. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and it confirmed there was no remedy available, and there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 57,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-08-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
  • VIN: 2T3YFREV9HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-08-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-20
  • VIN: 2T3RFREV9HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The Recall is about battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp Recall was issued before 7/2024. But the recall is not repaired till today 8/19/2024.
2024-08-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
  • VIN: 2T3RFREV3HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: It has ben 9 months since the recall was issued. But still no remedy ready.
2024-08-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
  • VIN: 2T3ZFREV5HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-08-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
  • VIN: JTMWFREV2HD
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-08-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
  • VIN: 2T3ZFREV4HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: There has been a recall on my vehicle (2017 Toyota Rav 4) since November 2023. It is now August 2024. I have not been able to drive my vehicle this entire time and Toyota had done nothing to help me. There is a safety concern with the battery catching on fire, so I fear that this will happen while driving it, so I decided to pay for a rental car while I wait for a remedy. I have been paying for a rental car since November 2023 and Toyota still has not found a remedy. Please help.
2024-08-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
  • VIN: JTMDFREV7HJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-07-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JTMDFREV5HJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: As the driver was making a right hand turn, the dash lights came on and the vehicle lost power. The driver was able to get the vehicle to roll to a stop in the middle of the road after making the turn. As the driver exited the vehicle to check the engine, the passenger stated smoke could be smelled coming into the cabin. Before the hood could be disengaged, flames engulfed the engine compartment and began raising above the hood of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle activated 911 and emergency personnel extinguished the fire. The fire was contained to the engine compartment. The vehicle does have a recall for aftermarket batteries causing fires. The vehicle was purchased on December 13, 2023 at which time the recall wasn't communicated by the independent dealer. Currently, there isn't a known fix for the recall.
2024-07-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
  • VIN: JTMRFREV1HD
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-07-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-18
  • VIN: 2T3NFREVXHW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-07-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-18
  • VIN: 2T3WFREV7HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: This is in regards to Safety Recall 23TA13 "Certain Model Year 2013- 2018 RAV4- Potential Vehicle Fire related to 12-volt battery". This recall was suppose to have a solution "late June" Toyota has removed that verbiage once that date passed and we still don't have a resolution. Every day I'm concerned my car might just catch fire when going over a speed bump or hitting a pot hole. This issue has been known about since last November.
2024-06-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000(Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. The VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-06-02

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-11-07
  • VIN: 2T3NFREV1HW
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Hinge failed on the back lift gate, which in turn damaged the cylinder as well. Back lift gate would not close as a result of this failure. Back lift gate could have fallen off of vehicle, possibly resulting in injury or death to others. Multiple failure issues with the lift gate are common on internet sites and are known to dealers. The repair facility acknowledged this was a common problem with the 2017 Toyota RAV4. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by an authorized service center, as advised by Hendrick Toyota of Wilmington (NC). The repair was performed by Jeff Gordon Chevrolet/Hendrick Collision Center in Wilmington NC. There were no warning signs of this failure. The lift gate failure occurred on [XXX]. The dealer was notified and vehicle inspected by Hendrick Toyota on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-05-24

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-13
  • VIN: 2T3BFREV2HW
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: About two months ago (March 2024), a smell started to appear in the vehicle cabin whenever the vehicle is being driven. It became stronger over time and is particularly strong when the HVAC system was being used. I took the vehicle to a reputed independent repair shop who diagnosed the problem as leaking AC coolant within the passenger cabin. They gave a printed diagnosis that I then shared with Toyota because the vehicle mileage is under 35,000, for assistance in fixing this problem. However, Toyota North America manager Michael from their Corporate Headquarters in Plano, Texas informed me today (May 24, 2024) that Toyota does not want to help me with the repair because I had been using an independent repair shop instead of the Toyota dealership for regular maintenance on my vehicle. I am stuck with a vehicle that cannot be used due to a strong odor of AC coolant which is potentially hazardous. An internet search reveals numerous others who have experienced similar issues with their RAV4 vehicles, so it would be in the interests of the general public to report this to the NHTSA so that action can be taken if this problem is found to be widespread.
2024-05-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-05-10
  • VIN: 2T3WFREVXHW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off and later attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The battery was then recharged. The failure occurred on several occasions before the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic. The local mechanic was unable to diagnose a failure or determine a cause for the failure. Additionally, after opening the rear hatch door, the door failed to close and remained open. The contact stated that water and condensation were present inside the rear brake light assembly. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.
2024-05-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
  • VIN: 2T3BFREV1HW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake violently, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming from the battery. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-04-29

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-29
  • VIN: JTMDFREV4HD
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles. We purchased this vehicle new. Both inner CV Axles are leaking grease. I expected, for a Toyota brand, for these parts to last much longer. It is difficult to know how long these have been leaking, but suspect for quite some time. Meaning these parts have been quite defective for possibly over a year or two. If these were to dry out without knowing, the CV could completely lock up--very dangerous.
2024-04-25

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-16
  • VIN: 2T3DFREV1HW
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Driving along, and all of sudden engine shuts down. Message indicated a malfunction, showed picture of battery, and indicated to put vehicle in park, and restart engine. Did so, and engine started. Dangerous situation, but luckily traffic was light.

Negative 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid car reviews

  1. Webster Halvorson 2025-05-28

    This is my first Toyota and the first hybrid I have owned. While the low cost of ownership was the primary factor in deciding to buy it, I have some concerns about the interior design, infotainment system, gas mileage, rattles, CVT, and brakes. However, I am confident that Toyota will continue to improve and innovate in these areas, and I look forward to seeing their future developments. Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase and believe that Toyota is a reliable and trustworthy brand.

  2. Dock Hoeger 2025-04-25

    This vehicle has been very reliable with no squeaks or rattles. However, I must admit that the infotainment system is not up to par, as another reviewer has mentioned. The fuel mileage is also not great, averaging around 26. I opted for the hybrid version, but my Honda CR-V gets similar or better mileage without all the added features. On the positive side, I do appreciate that the vehicle stops the motor and continues with heating or cooling on electricity. The ride comfort is also pleasant enough. Overall, while this vehicle did not meet my expectations, I am looking forward to turning in the lease in seven days.

  3. Jerel Hauck 2024-11-25

    The 2019 Rav 4 gas version gets about 33mpg, which is the same mileage I got with the 2017 Hybrid. It's not worth paying extra for the Hybrid. Additionally, my 2019 has way more pickup than the Hybrid did. Unfortunately, I had an accident with the 2017 Hybrid and the airbags never deployed, even though the collision was direct and frontal. My son also had a Hybrid Toyota and experienced the same disappointing gas mileage results. Despite these issues, we have always owned Toyotas and will probably continue to do so, just not with Hybrids. Lastly, I should mention that the tires were worn out in under 20000 miles.

  4. Murray Koss 2024-09-27

    I wanted to bring to your attention that the trunk back door seems to be lower than expected, which has caused some injuries to myself and my family. We have hit our heads on the sharp corner of the door while trying to load the trunk. Normally, other models have at least a 72

  5. Nathaniel Corwin 2024-07-04

    Acceleration is as poor as stated, but it is important to note that this is a fuel-efficient vehicle designed for a smooth and steady ride. While I have not yet achieved the advertised mileage, I am confident that with proper care and maintenance, this car will perform exceptionally well.

Positive 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid car reviews

  1. Arely Marvin 2025-06-18

    I've been driving my 2017 Rav4 Limited Hybrid Compact SUV for 8 months now and have had ample time to become familiar with its drive performance, fuel economy, ride feel, handling, and cargo/storage capacity, as well as the advanced features of the car. At the time of purchase, I was looking for a compact to mid-size SUV that could achieve close to 30 mpg on fuel economy. My wife drives a 2010 Lexus RX450h that still averages 28.5 mpg, but we did not want another Lexus RX. We did look closely at the Lexus NX 300h, which shares much in common with the Rav4 Hybrid. In fact, after an exhaustive search, the final decision came down to a brand new 2017 Toyota Rav4 vs a 2015 Lexus NX 300h with 8000 miles on it (for about $5,000 more than the new Rav4). We chose the Rav4 because it was less expensive and offered most of what the Lexus was offering, but 8 months later, I am not certain that it was the smarter choice. Here are my thoughts: With its CVT Transmission, the Rav4 is a very smooth driving car (not talking about suspension here). Even under hard acceleration, you simply do not feel any jolts or changing of gears (the beauty of Continuously Variable Transmission) and it is my favorite thing about this car. The car holds to the road quite well on tight corners and accelerates well enough (not like a sports car but much better than I had expected) when merging onto the highway. Braking is good but not as So, in 'Sport Mode' I averaged 28.5 mpg. After switching to 'Eco Mode' (at the press of a button), I began averaging 31.5 - 32 mpg. I have averaged as high as 35.5 mpg (mostly city driving) and as low as 25.5 mpg (all highway and into heavy winds). Given the way that I drive (impatient but not a Nascar driver), I honestly cannot tell the difference in the 'feel of the car' between the Sport Mode and the Economy Mode, but I have really noticed the difference in the improved gas mileage performance when in Eco Mode. I have not driven in pure EV mode, as you cannot plug your battery into a charger to recharge it (like you can with a pure electric car). Consequently, my car stays permanently in Eco Mode now. In my estimation, the car strikes a reasonable balance between comfortable ride and stiffness on the suspension (for cornering). The suspension and seats do not afford the 'cushy' ride of my wife's Lexus but are not as 'stiff' and unforgiving as my previous car. While I am happy with the midway balance in the suspension, I am less enamoured with the seats. The faux leather looks cheap to me, and the seats are of average comfort. While the front seats are heated, they are not vented (a feature that I would have had in the Lexus NX 300h), and they feel much less supportive than the seats in my old car or my wife's Lexus. I am 5' 9' tall and weigh 160 Lbs. After 3 hours of driving, I am ready to get out of those seats to stretch my legs and give my posterior a break. I am planning a 3,000-mile trip in the Rav4 and feeling apprehensive about how comfortable those seats are going to be on such a long journey. I have no complaints with respect to cargo/storage space, considering that this is a 'compact' SUV. We have had more than ample room for our luggage on overnight trips and plenty of room for shopping (even when I bring along the large Yeti cooler).I really like this car, but I feel like I may have overpaid for some of the advanced features that I don't use. However, I absolutely love the auto-dim headlights that turn off the brights when a car is approaching and then turn them back on after they pass. Overall, I think the Limited Hybrid is a good value, but it could be a great one if it were priced under 30 Grand. I would definitely recommend it in that case!

  2. Kurt Thompson 2025-06-16

    The Rav4 hybrid was a complete surprise to me. From the moment I entered and exited the vehicle, I knew it was something special. The supportive and comfortable environment made me feel right at home. The navigation system is great, the radio is fantastic, and the electronics are easy to navigate. The safety features are unbelievable, especially the adaptive cruise control. The hybrid system is really impressive, although it took me a while to get used to starting the vehicle and having total silence. My only complaint is that the range of the adjustable steering wheel is rather limited. However, I really like this Rav4 hybrid a lot and enjoy it more every time I drive it. My wife, as a perpetual passenger, thinks it is very comfortable, although I do feel that for the cost of this vehicle, it should have a passenger seat that can be raised and lowered. What is really amazing is the cost of gasoline. I now use under 9 gallons a week and save at least $12 a week, sometimes $18. Fantastic! With my costs having declined so much, I don't know why everyone doesn't get one. You owe it to yourself to at least check it out. That's what I did, having no intention of buying one, just checking it out. I ended up driving one home after 4 visits back to the dealer. Enjoy the experience!

  3. Maximilian Bernhard 2025-06-10

    I love my new Toyota Hybrid RAV4 Limited! If you're considering getting a regular RAV4, I strongly recommend getting the Hybrid instead. The Hybrid is faster than the regular RAV4 and more economical with higher mpg. When driving in the city, I use ECO mode which is very economical. When on the highway, I use SPORT mode. SPORT mode opens up the throttle so that you have better acceleration, and it's really fast! I purchased this car because consumer reports said in February of 2017 that consumers absolutely love the Hybrid version of the RAV4 and rated it #1 among small SUVs. I never thought I would buy a hybrid, but this one will not disappoint you! Overall, I average 32mpg (highway and city combined). I'm getting 38 mpg in the city. I've had the car for five years now and I'm still very happy with it. I highly recommend purchasing the RAV4 Limited which includes many safety features.

  4. Derick Wunsch 2025-05-22

    I really like that this compact SUV gets 30 mpg in everyday driving and up to 35 mpg on long trips. The ride comfort is good, and the cargo area and back seat room are great. I haven't had any issues over the past 9 months and 11k miles travelled. The XLE seats lack lumbar support, which caused some discomfort on my first long trip, but I found a simple solution by using a small pillow. If you upgrade to the SE or Limited trim levels, you can get lumbar support. The infotainment system is average, but I prefer physical buttons over touch screens for accessing entertainment options. Sometimes the screen doesn't respond to my finger touches or slides station/song selections up and down when I just want to make a selection. The absence of Apple Carplay and Android Auto is a negative, but overall, this is another super reliable Toyota product.

  5. Kennedy Wehner 2025-05-15

    Congratulations on your 4th Toyota hybrid! It's great to hear that you've had positive experiences with the RXH400, Camry Hybrid, Prius V, and now the Rav4 Hybrid Limited. It's understandable that you're concerned about the battery life and cost, but it's reassuring to know that you've been able to sell them at 80,000 miles. It's fantastic that you're averaging 35 MPG and have driven 6800 miles in just 8 months. While the storage area could have been made flatter, it's still very useful. It's also great that you were able to take advantage of the 0% for 5 years financing from Toyota. The safety features are impressive and it's exciting to think that we're only a few years away from self-driving cars. It's also good to hear that the car rides as nicely as your Lexus RX Hybrid for a much lower cost. It's unfortunate that the dealer offered you less than what you paid for your Rav4 in trade for a new Tacoma, but it's great that you're planning to keep your Rav4 for 200K miles. It's also interesting to hear that the taxi companies are switching over to Toyota Hybrids, which is a testament to their durability. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!

Leave your review of 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems:

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/rav4-hybrid/2017/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

The most common problems with used 2017 Toyota Rav4s - CoPilot
The most common problems with used 2017 Toyota Rav4s - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/2017-rav4-problems/

Sep 24, 2020 ... The 2017 Rav4 has consistent reports about a clunky and rough shifting automatic transmission. It appears that this issue is more specifically ...

Have there been any long-term issues with 2017/2018 RAV4 ...
Have there been any long-term issues with 2017/2018 RAV4 ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/comments/k5jah4/have_there_been_any_longterm_issues_with_20172018/

Dec 2, 2020 ... Have there been any long-term issues with 2017/2018 RAV4 Hybrids? I was set to pull the trigger on a 2018 RAV4 Hybrid, but just watched a ...

4th Gen Rav4 and rav4 hybrid Common problems and issues ...
4th Gen Rav4 and rav4 hybrid Common problems and issues ...
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/4th-gen-rav4-and-rav4-hybrid-common-problems-and-issues.1681347/

Jul 10, 2020 ... I am a Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician and currently work at a Toyota dealership. ... I also have other videos covering 2007-2017 Toyota Camry ...

Advice as I consider purchasing 2017 RAV4 LE | Toyota RAV4 Forums
Advice as I consider purchasing 2017 RAV4 LE | Toyota RAV4 Forums
https://www.rav4world.com/threads/advice-as-i-consider-purchasing-2017-rav4-le.312078/

Mar 26, 2021 ... My Rav - already detailed the issues. My mom;s Rav - '06 , drinks a couple litres of oil between oil changes, an now known issue with the older ...

Other years of Toyota Rav4 hybrid

toyota rav4 hybrid 2018 photo
Rav4 hybrid 2018
Toyota

12

0

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota rav4 hybrid 2019 photo
Rav4 hybrid 2019
Toyota

19

3

39

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota rav4 hybrid 2020 photo
Rav4 hybrid 2020
Toyota

6

5

43

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota rav4 hybrid 2021 photo
Rav4 hybrid 2021
Toyota

9

1

38

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota rav4 hybrid 2022 photo
Rav4 hybrid 2022
Toyota

3

2

31

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota rav4 hybrid 2023 photo
Rav4 hybrid 2023
Toyota

2

0

44

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid?

Add car complaint
2017 Toyota Rav4 hybrid photo