YearToAvoid

2018 Toyota RAV4 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 50 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Toyota RAV4, about 15% of all complaints filed for this model year. Median mileage at failure is 17,500. No related recall is listed for this engine issue.

Engine complaints
50
15% of 331
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
10
Injuries reported
5
Median mileage
17,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the 12-volt battery shifting or jumping loose in the engine compartment, in some cases followed by a fire.
  • Some drivers describe sudden unintended acceleration while stopped or turning at low speed, with the engine revving even though the brake pedal was pressed.
  • One owner reported intermittent loss of power steering and electrical power while driving around 20-25 MPH, followed by the vehicle stalling near 107,000 miles.

When 2018 Toyota RAV4 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 24, 2018, latest Jul 29, 2025.

2018 Toyota RAV4 engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Sep 2018Jul 2019Sep 2020Aug 2021Mar 2022Jul 2023Aug 2024Jul 2025
50 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2018 to Jul 2025; peak Jan 2019 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Toyota RAV4

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by RAV4 model year

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

  1. 2010107 (27%)
  2. 201198 (34%)
  3. 201269 (27%)
  4. 201345 (18%)
  5. 201438 (19%)
  6. 201556 (18%)
  7. 201636 (15%)
  8. 201746 (15%)
  9. 201850 (15%)
  10. 2019239 (27%)
  11. 2020205 (32%)
  12. 202146 (12%)
  13. 202234 (23%)
  14. 202332 (21%)
  15. 202446 (26%)
  16. 202518 (21%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA lists 50 engine-related complaints for the 2018 RAV4, which is 15% of the 331 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Toyota RAV4 engine problem?
No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area on the 2018 RAV4.
At what mileage do engine problems usually show up on the 2018 RAV4?
The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2018 RAV4 is 17,500 miles.
Are engine complaints linked to crashes or fires on the 2018 RAV4?
Among the complaints filed in this area, NHTSA records show 10 crashes, 10 fires, and 5 injuries.
How does the 2018 RAV4 compare to other years for engine complaints?
The 2018 RAV4's engine complaints make up 15% of that year's total, lower than the 2019 model year's 27% and the 2020 model year's 32%.

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.