YearToAvoid

2023 Toyota RAV4 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 32 engine-related complaints for the 2023 Toyota RAV4, 21% of its 155 total complaints that year. There are no related recalls filed for this issue. Reports include sudden unintended acceleration and stalling with a "Engine Stopped, Power Steering Low" message.

Engine complaints
32
21% of 155
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
—
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the engine suddenly shuts off while stopped or slowing, with a dashboard message reading "Engine Stopped, Power Steering Low" along with loss of power steering and multiple warning lights.
  • Some drivers describe the vehicle stalling mid-drive, rough idling, or shutting off within seconds of restarting, sometimes after rain or highway driving.
  • Several complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking, with the vehicle lurching forward and striking objects before the driver could stop it.
  • One owner reported the engine dying completely at a stoplight, requiring a tow and a jump start to get the vehicle running again.
  • A few reports mention the check engine light, battery light, and steering light illuminating together during a stall event.
  • One complaint described a metal tailpipe component detaching from the muffler while driving normally.

When 2023 Toyota RAV4 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 29, 2022, latest Aug 31, 2026.

2023 Toyota RAV4 engine complaints: complaints filed per month9Dec 2022Feb 2024Aug 2024Mar 2025Jul 2025Mar 2026
32 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2022 to Aug 2026; peak May 2025 (9).

Engine recalls for the 2023 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. 200528 (20%)
  2. 2006220 (31%)
  3. 2007331 (33%)
  4. 2008246 (43%)
  5. 2009129 (39%)
  6. 2010108 (27%)
  7. 201198 (34%)
  8. 201269 (27%)
  9. 201345 (18%)
  10. 201438 (19%)
  11. 201556 (18%)
  12. 201636 (15%)
  13. 201746 (15%)
  14. 201850 (15%)
  15. 2019239 (27%)
  16. 2020205 (32%)
  17. 202146 (12%)
  18. 202234 (23%)
  19. 202332 (21%)
  20. 202446 (26%)
  21. 202518 (21%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2023 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 32 engine-related complaints for the 2023 RAV4, which is 21% of the 155 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2023 RAV4 engine problems?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this issue as of the latest update.
What is the main engine complaint on the 2023 RAV4?
Owners most often describe the engine stalling or shutting off with a "Engine Stopped, Power Steering Low" dashboard message, along with some reports of sudden unintended acceleration.
Did the engine issue cause any crashes?
NHTSA data lists 5 crashes and 1 injury tied to engine complaints on the 2023 RAV4, with no fires reported.
How does the 2023 RAV4 compare to other years for engine complaints?
The 2023 RAV4's 21% engine complaint share is lower than 2020 (32%) and 2019 (27%) but similar to 2022 (23%) and 2024 (26%).

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.