2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems
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.
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Common 2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2018, several common problems have been reported:
- Brake Squealing and Lack of Stopping Power:
- This issue is more prevalent in the Hybrid model of the 2018 RAV4. Owners have experienced brake squealing and, at times, a complete sinking of the brake pedal to the floor, affecting the stopping power of the vehicle.
- Toyota has not provided a definitive solution, often attributing the problem to the brake pad material used in certain factories. If not covered under warranty, owners may need to opt for a brake job, costing around $350.
- During a test drive, potential buyers should listen for any brake squealing or grinding noises and ensure the brakes function properly under quick deceleration.
- Electrical Issues:
- The 2018 RAV4 Hybrid has been associated with charging and electrical system problems, leading to sudden symptoms that can leave owners stranded.
- Symptoms typically occur at low speeds, especially when the vehicle is in "Eco" mode. Once towed to a Toyota dealer, solutions range from a $200 software reset to a $6300 complete electrical harness replacement.
- Warning signs include the vehicle dying during a test drive or any unusual smells or behaviors, indicating the need for further inspection or consideration of other vehicles.
- Windshield and Sunroof Issues:
- Owners have reported problems with the windshield and sunroof in the 2018 RAV4, with potential costs ranging from $200 to $900 for repairs.
- Specific details about these issues are not as extensively documented as the brake and electrical problems, but buyers should be aware of potential concerns related to these components.
These problems highlight some of the challenges faced by owners of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2018 model. Understanding these issues can help potential buyers make informed decisions and be vigilant during the purchasing process to avoid acquiring a vehicle with known problems.
Was 2018 a good year for RAV4?
2018 Rav4 XLE reliable and maintenance free
The SUVs appearance both inside and out is what makes it an attractive car. It has been reliable and maintenance free. I would buy another Rav4 when this one wears out in 10 years.
What is the brake problem with the 2018 RAV4 hybrid?
The 2018 Rav4 suffers from brakes that are prone to squealing, and at times also have an issue with the pedal sinking completely to the floor. Many owners indicate similar issues and explain that Toyota does not have a solid solution for the issue and claims this is normal.
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.
Are there any recalls on 2018 Toyota RAV4?
Toyota is recalling nearly 1.9 million RAV4 models over an increased fire risk. The affected RAV4s span from the 2013 through the 2018 model years. The increased fire risk stems from replacement 12-volt batteries, and the company is currently preparing a solution.
Does the 2018 RAV4 have any problems?
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Was 2018 a good year for RAV4?
2018 Rav4 XLE reliable and maintenance free
The SUVs appearance both inside and out is what makes it an attractive car. It has been reliable and maintenance free. I would buy another Rav4 when this one wears out in 10 years.
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 the battery last in a Toyota RAV4 hybrid?
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.
2018 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:
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid.
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-23
- VIN: 1NXBR18E3WZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON LONG TRIP GOING SOUTH ON HWY 101, VEHICLE STARTED BUCKING AND JERKING GOING 70ISH MPH. EV LIGHT WOULD COME ON LIKE IT WANTED TO SWITCH TO EV MODE. IT HAPPENED GOING DOWN A STEEP GRADE NEAR SAN LUIS OBISPO. IT STOPPED WHEN WE GOT TO FLAT GROUND. ABOUT 25 MILES LATER IT DID IT AGAIN AND I WAS ABLE TO RECORD A QUICK VIDEO OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. TOOK IT TO ONE TOYOTA IN OAKLAND CA AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CONCERN. WIFE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON ANOTHER LONG TRIP A FEW MONTHS LATER AND IT HAPPENED TO HER FOR ABOUT 1 1/5 HOURS. SEEMS LIKE SYSTEM RESETS AFTER CYCLING IGNITION AND SHE WAS NOT AWARE OF THAT AT THAT TIME.
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTMDJREV9JD
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. IT WAS SLOPED BACKWARD. THE CAR WAS STOPPED COMPLETELY, AND SILENT. I WAS DISTRACTED BY A MINOR TASK, AND THEN EXITED THE CAR, INADVERTENTLY WITH THE POWER ON AND THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE, NOT PARK. WHEN I NOTICED THAT I COULD NOT LOCK THE CAR, AND REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS STILL ENERGIZED, I REACHED OVER AND PRESSED THE ON BUTTON TO TURN-OFF THE CAR-- WHICH IT DID. AT WHICH POINT THE CARD IMMEDIATELY HEADED BACKWARDS, DOWNHILL, CROSSED A STREET WHILE I WAS TRYING TO SLOW THE CAR FROM OUTSIDE THE DRIVERS DOOR, AND FINALLY HIT A LAMP POST AND STOPPED WITH DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER. I TRIED TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE, WITH THE SAME RESULT: THE CAR CAN APPEAR TO BE OFF AND IN PARK, WHEN ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, BUT WITH THE CAR ACTUALLY ENERGIZED AND IN DRIVE. AND THERE IS NOTHING TO PREVENT ONE FROM TURNING OFF THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THERE IS NOTHING TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ROLLING BACKWARD. AS A COMPARISON, A COLLEAGUE HAD A CHRYSLER PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID, WE TRIED THE SAME AND THE CAR WILL DEMAND TO BE PUT INTO PARK BEFORE RE-ENERGIZING. THUS, THIS SEEMS TO BE A TOYOTA-SPECIFIC HAZARD. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED. I TWISTED MY KNEE TRYING DESPERATELY TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ROLLING-AWAY, BUT THE STRAIN WAS NOT NOTICEABLE BY THE NEXT DAY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-03
- VIN: JTMRJREV7JD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE ACTIVELY BRAKING AT LOW SPEED TO LINE UP TO A TICKET DISPENSER IN A PARKING GARAGE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS FLOORED. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE AND THE CAR STOPPED AT ABOUT 10 FEET. THE PARKING ARM WENT OVER THE HOOD ABOUT HALFWAY. WHEN I TRIED TO REVERSE I SAW THE GEAR SHIFT HAD MOVED AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-21
- VIN: JTMRJREV1HD
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON. OUT OF THE CORNER OF MY EYE, I SAW A VERTICAL RED LINE FLASH ONCE ON THE DASH DISPLAY. SUDDENLY THE CAR BRAKED AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WAS ALSO A LOSS OF POWER AS I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER. THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME AT THE TIME. THANKFULLY THE TRUCK BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO SWERVE AND AVOID HITTING MY CAR. AFTER STOPPING, I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO A LOWER GEAR AND THEN BACK, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-12
- VIN: JTMDJREV1JD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WE WERE DRIVING ON I 80 APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE WEST OF DIXON AT ABOUT 65MPH. THE DAY WAS SUNNY AND TEMPERATURE APPROXIMATELY 60F. THERE WAS NO OVERPASS NEARBY. WE THEN HEARD AN EXPLOSION LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST AND GLASS CAME INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE PARTIALLY OPEN SUNSHADE ON THE ROOF. NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE TOOK THE NEXT EXIT AND DISCOVERED THE MOON ROOF HAD EXPLODED. THE MAJORITY OF GLASS WAS GONE, INDICATING IT HAD GONE UP INTO THE AIR. THE CAR IS 7 MONTHS OLD. IT'S EXTREMELY UNLIKELY ANY OBJECT HIT THE MOON ROOF FROM ABOVE SO IT'S OUR OPINION THE GLASS WAS DEFECTIVE. TOYOTA HAS DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY UNDER ITS WARRANTY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-14
- VIN: JTMDJREV0JD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE BUZZER VOLUME ALERTING THE DRIVER OF CROSSING A LINE IN THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE IS SO LOW IT CANNOT ALWAYS BE HEARD. TOYOTA STATES THE VOLUME CANNOT BE INCREASED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-09
- VIN: JTMDJREV6JD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TOYOTA LOST TRACK OF WHERE VIN IS AT, THEN WHO HAS KEYS ECT, HAVING LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-31
- VIN: JTMRJREVXJD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ON 7/30/2018 I PICKED UP MY NEW 2018 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID FROM THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE AND FOUND THAT I DID NOT HAVE A DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER AS I WAS DRIVING HOME. A DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER IN MY BELIEF IS NOT JUST A MERE CONVENIENCE IN MOST VEHICLE BUT SHOULD BE A SAFETY STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN ALL VEHICLES IN THE 21ST CENTURY. LOOKING DOWN TO AN ANALOG SPEEDOMETER TO TRY AND GUESS WHAT SPEED I MAYBE TRAVELING AT IS WASTING PRECIOUS SECONDS THAT COULD BE USED TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD AHEAD OF ME. IT IS MUCH MORE SAFE TO SEE A LARGE DIGITAL DISPLAY OF THE SPEED AT WHICH MY TRAVELING AT RATHER THAN TRYING TO GUESS MY SPEED TO MAKE SURE THAT I'M TRAVELING AT A SPEED SAFE FOR THE ROAD I"M ON. I BROUGHT MY CONCERNS TO TOYOTA ON 7/31/18 BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A SATISFACTORY REPLY. I WANTED TO BRING MY CONCERN TO THE NHSTA AND REGISTER A SAFETY COMPLAINT AND BRING THIS ISSUE TO THE FOREFRONT AND HAVE SOMEONE LOOK INTO IT. THANK YOU.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-20
- VIN: JTMDJREV0JD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE LANE DEPARTURE ALARM ON THE 2018 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID IS VIRTUALLY INAUDIBLE AND REPRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-24
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY 84 IN CALIFORNIA AND A CRACK DEVELOPED IN MY WINDSHIELD. I DID NOT FIND A CHIP WHERE THE CRACK DEVELOPED. SO NO ROCK HIT MY WINDOW. THE CRACK STARTED ON THE VERY TOP OF THE GLASS UNDER THE RUBBER SEAL. I HAVE LESS THAN 2000 MILES ON THE SUV.
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-30
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTMRJREV2JD
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (THOMPSONS TOYOTA, 140 FORNI RD, PLACERVILLE, CA 95667), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO WAIT FOR THE DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-19
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: DURING THE BITTER COLD (14 F) AND SNOW, THE VIPER OF THE VEHICLE DIDN'T CLEAR THE ICE ON THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD TO STOP 3 TIMES IN 10 MILES FROM LOVELAND CLINIC TO FORT COLLINS, CO ON HIWAY 287 TO CLEAR THE ICE ON VIPER BLADES WHLIE OTHER CARS FROM DIFFERENT MAKERS KEEP RUNNING. THE ICE BUILT UP ON THE TOP WINDSHIELD RIGHT ON THE BIG CENSOR BOX, AND AT THE BOTTOM PART OF THE WINDSHIELD THERE THE VIPER BLADES RESIDE. IN THE LAST 100 FEET, THE VISIBILITY CAME TO NONE. THERE WERE SOME OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL COMING TO THE DEALERS TO FILE THEIR COMPLANTS, BUT THE PERSONELS DIDN'T GIVE THE RIGHT ADVICES. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE TO TOYOTA BEFORE IT TOO LATE LIKE THE CAMRY SPEEDING COUPLE YEARS AGO.
Negative 2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid car reviews
Positive 2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid car reviews
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The speedometer may be difficult to see during the day, but it's easy to read at night. The car is quite comfortable, especially with lots of leg room on the passenger side. As someone who is 6'2'' and uses a walker, I appreciate that it fits sideways and still leaves plenty of room for luggage and groceries. I also ride a recumbent trike, which fits perfectly with the front wheel on the console. I just lock the rear wheels, strap it down with bungee cords, and I'm good to go! Although the hybrid doesn't get the same mileage as the Prius, it still performs well for an SUV. We haven't had it for very long, so we're still discovering all of its features. Despite the speedometer issue, we absolutely love it. So far, we've driven 523 miles and are getting an impressive 28.6 miles per gallon.
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Perfect for city driving and light utility.
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You'll be pleased to know that this vehicle boasts great gas mileage and good power!
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My wife fell in love with this beauty at first sight. Appearance wise, this car is spectacular. We drove it 60 miles to get home and it was flawless. The white exterior set off by black highlights is hot. We cannot get over the ride and handling. The black interior is spotless and we love it.
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This car runs smoothly and quietly like a kitten. It's a limited hybrid model built in Japan, which shows in its quality. It runs efficiently and cleanly, making me laugh at all the other drivers paying a fortune for gas in their big SUVs and trucks. My 2018 hybrid model runs fantastically and I love everything about it, from the automatic rain-sensing wipers to the touchless rear entry. It's very well equipped.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems:
Have there been any long-term issues with 2017/2018 RAV4 ...
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 ...
Any issues to lookout for on a 2015-2018 RAV4? | Toyota Nation ...
May 31, 2019 ... Any issues to lookout for on a 2015-2018 RAV4? ... 2018 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid? - YouTube ... The 3 Most Common Toyota 2AR-FE Engine Problems - ...
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 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 2018 Toyota Rav4s - CoPilot
Apr 17, 2023 ... The 2018 Rav4 suffers from brakes that are prone to squealing, and at times also have an issue with the pedal sinking completely to the floor.
2018 RAV4 Hybrid. Any known problem? - Bogleheads.org
Nov 18, 2019 ... Have read the reviews on edmunds, nhtsa, toyotanation but nothing jumped out. Is there other forums or blogs that we should also check out?
Other years of Toyota Rav4 hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2018 Toyota Rav4 hybrid?
Scot Schaefer 2024-10-01
If you're looking to buy right now, I would recommend the Honda CRV. However, my personal plan is to purchase a plug-in Prius and then wait for the plug-in CRV to become available.
Curt Lebsack 2024-08-12
I have visited the dealer four times regarding my climate control issue, but unfortunately, it has not been resolved yet. Despite their suggestion that I did not know how to use it, I firmly believe that if the temperature is set to 72, the car should maintain that temperature. This experience has left me disappointed, and I am hesitant to purchase a Toyota again.
Rodrigo Aufderhar 2024-06-07
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2018 RAV4 Hybrid that I purchased in January 2022. Unfortunately, I have had three incidents of broken plastic clips within the past six months. I was hoping you could provide some insight into why this may be happening. I am a bit disappointed as I was not expecting this from a Toyota vehicle. Thank you for your time and assistance.
Rickie Block 2024-01-13
The RAV4 Hybrid has a serious design flaw in its instrument panel, which makes it difficult to clearly see the speedometer gauge on bright sunny days. This issue poses a serious safety concern, especially when driving at high speeds on the highway. Despite raising the issue with the dealer, they did not respond to my concerns. While the mileage is acceptable and the comfort and visibility are good, the flawed instrument panel makes it difficult to recommend this vehicle. Toyota should take immediate action to correct this issue and improve the safety of their vehicles.