YearToAvoid

2011 Toyota RAV4 Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 20 airbag complaints for the 2011 Toyota RAV4, 7% of that year's 287 total complaints, tied to 11 crashes and 11 injuries. A related recall (12V029000) covers curtain shield airbags built with incorrect propellant specification.

Airbags complaints
20
7% of 287
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
11
Median mileage
40,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

  • Front and side airbags failed to deploy during moderate-speed crashes, including collisions at 45 mph and lower-speed impacts with trees, buildings, or deer.
  • Owners report airbags deploying but not preventing injury, with drivers and passengers sustaining rib fractures, bruising, and shoulder or collarbone injuries after harder-than-normal impacts.
  • A side curtain airbag reportedly failed to deploy in a side-impact crash, and the passenger suffered a concussion and broken ribs.
  • In several incidents, unintended acceleration or brake failure led to a crash where the airbags also failed to deploy.
  • The front passenger airbag warning indicator was reported to illuminate while a passenger was seated, linked to a separate seat belt recall campaign.

When 2011 Toyota RAV4 airbag complaints were filed

First complaint May 3, 2012, latest Jul 13, 2026.

2011 Toyota RAV4 airbags complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2012Jun 2013Feb 2015Dec 2016Dec 2018Feb 2023Jul 2026
20 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2012 to Jul 2026; peak Dec 2018 (2).

Airbags recalls for the 2011 Toyota RAV4

  1. NHTSA 12V029000Feb 1, 2012Airbags427 vehicles

    Air bags:side/window

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 rav4 vehicles, manufactured from november 24, 2011, through december 19, 2011. In the curtain shield airbags, propellant with the incorrect specification was used for the initiator assembled in the airbag inflator. In this condition, the inflator may not perform properly, causing one or both curtain shield airbags to not deploy.

    Risk: In the event of a crash, the airbags may not deploy and will not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the vehicle identification number to identify the curtain shield assemblies and replace the assemblies as necessary with new ones free of charge. The safety recall began on march 8, 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Airbags complaints by RAV4 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201028 (7%)
  2. 201120 (7%)
  3. 201222 (8%)
  4. 201313 (5%)
  5. 201412 (6%)
  6. 201515 (5%)
  7. 201619 (8%)
  8. 201720 (7%)
  9. 201816 (5%)
  10. 201945 (5%)
  11. 202055 (9%)
  12. 2021125 (32%)
  13. 202210 (7%)
  14. 20238 (5%)
  15. 202412 (7%)
  16. 20251 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA lists 20 airbag complaints for the 2011 RAV4, which is 7% of the 287 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2011 Toyota RAV4?
Yes. Recall 12V029000, reported February 1, 2012, covers curtain shield airbags built with propellant of the incorrect specification for the initiator.
Did the 2011 RAV4 airbag problems cause injuries?
Yes. NHTSA data shows 11 injuries and 11 crashes linked to the 20 airbag complaints for this model year.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up on the 2011 RAV4?
The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2011 RAV4 is 40,500 miles.
How does the 2011 RAV4's airbag complaint share compare to other years?
The 2011 RAV4's airbag complaints make up 7% of that year's total complaints, similar to 2010 (7%) and 2017 (7%), but lower than 2021's 32% share.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.