2022 Toyota RAV4 Problems

What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2022 Toyota RAV4, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Toyota RAV4, 2019 to 2024 model years
Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0
How the 2022 compares

Too new to judge fully

It has been on the road 4 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older RAV4 year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the electrical system.

Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other RAV4 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

Owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Toyota RAV4. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (41, 27% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the body, doors and structure. That is the fewest complaints of any RAV4 year from 2012 to 2024 on file. It has 1 recall.

Complaints150filed with NHTSA
Recalls1for this model year
Crashes1412 injuries reported
Fires0reported in complaints

2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.

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Most reported problems

Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2022 Toyota RAV4 before you buy.

Electrical system

41 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
  • Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
  • Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the infotainment system continuously rebooted at startup and while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was brief and intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test; however, the error message…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 53,800 miles
had parking brake malfunction. The wheels locked up could not move my care either forward or backward this was the second time within 8 month period. the failure was due to the parking break actuator. First time was in January 2026 second time was August 28, 2026 the wheels locked both times and I need to tow the car for service. Each…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Engine and cooling

29 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
  • Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
  • Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
  • Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact’s uncle owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. While the uncle was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure, the instrument panel remained illuminated, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. While with…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 10,000 miles
TSB T-SB-0010-24 P0303 code 163,000 miles Toyota denied goodwill assistance Cost: $2,549.65 Check engine light came on with vehicle hesitation on acceleration almost caused to stall with reduced power while driving , the dealership diagnosed the issue as TSB T-SB-0010-24 with cylinder #3 misfire requiring exhaust valve lash adjuster to…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Body, doors and structure

21 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 19,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (13).

What to check before you buy

  • Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
  • Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
  • Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side door. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that there was water in the door panel. In addition, the contact later became aware that there was water inside the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My 2022 Toyota RAV4 has experienced failures of the power door lock actuators on both front doors. Neither the driver's side nor the front passenger door consistently locks or unlocks using the key fob, interior power lock switch, or automatic locking system. This creates a significant safety concern because the doors may remain unlocked…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Steering

20 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
  • On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
  • A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the "Low Steering" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated, the vehicle shuddered, and then stalled as the contact pulled into a parking lot. The…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 50,000 miles
Electric Power Steering Low indicator displayed while driving. It re-appeared several times over the past days. Called dealer and awaiting their response.Owner complaint, filed 2025

Driver assist systems

13 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy

Parts named most: Warnings (7), Automatic emergency braking (5).

What to check before you buy

  • Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
  • Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

Within the 1st year I purchased it new, I would get a warning that the RSA is malfunctioning. It seems to happen when I park in the sun and the windshield is very hot. The warning in my dash prevents me from seeing my other readings; mph, fuel, and I can't use my other safety features; LDA, PCS or cruise control. I've taken it in but…Owner complaint, filed 2026
During a heavy rain period , the vehicle's forward collision warming sensor came on momentarily and after a few seconds it went off. This happen while driving on local roads and road was wet from the rain. And there were no cars ahead or behind me. Spoke about this with the service department at toyota dealer and they mentioned this was…Owner complaint, filed 2025

Transmission and drivetrain

11 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
  • Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
  • Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
  • If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

Driving up a slope of about 20-30 degrees gradient of a straight lane going into a private parking lot. Braked and decided to make a 3-point turn to get back out. There was no traffic in the lane. Put gear on reverse while on the slope with the vehicle pointing in the up direction of the slope. Vehicle suddenly surge backwards…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds and accelerating, the transmission momentarily shifted into 2nd gear and then into neutral(N), causing the vehicle to start coasting. The contact released and then depressed the accelerator pedal and instantaneously and…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 10,000 miles

Fuel system

10 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
  • On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
  • Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

On 11/15/23 I went to Byers Toyota Dealership and asked them to check my car due to the gas smell inside of the car when driven and outside of my car when parked for a longer period of time. The smell is coming from the rear. The car also has a very strong gas smell when the tank is open to pump gas. I did not notice any leaks. On the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
When I started my car there was an overwhelming smell of gas. I immediately turned it off and looked under the hood at which time I realized a hose was melted. When the engine is on, gas sprays from the melted hose. I have had regular maintenance which was just 1 month ago. No warning lights were on. I purchased this vehicle new in…Owner complaint, filed 2023

Air bags

10 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
  • Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

1.Airbag did not deploy but it did pop up from steringwheel and there is powder present. 2. Service at the dealership told me based on description that it is airbag failure and that there is no recalls for such on my car. 3.The vehicle is seating at the wrecker yard. UNKNOWN what if any inspections have been done. 4.No warning lights…Owner complaint, filed 2025
I was in a collision which was a tbone situation on the drivers side and the drivers side or front airbags did not deploy.Owner complaint, filed 2023

Brakes and stability control

8 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
  • The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
  • Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

I have taken vehicle to Toyota service center numerous times and showed them what the vehicle is doing and they are telling me it’s normal. Its not normal when every bump, manhole, railroad tracks you hit in the road with your foot on the brake when your trying to slow down when the abs or traction control is activated and the car skids…Owner complaint, filed 2025
While on eastbound I-80, my tire pressure sensor light came on. Approximately 5-8 minutes later, my right REAR tire came off my car. I was in the slow lane; however, when I went to slow down even more, my brakes failed. I had no brakes on I-80 with only 3 tires. I placed my car in neutral and coasted 1/2 in the slow lane & 1/2 in the…Owner complaint, filed 2023

Cruise control and acceleration

7 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
  • Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving through a trench at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to avoid scraping the bottom of the vehicle however, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and failed to stop. Additionally, the steering wheel failed to turn as needed, and the vehicle crashed into a picnic…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 62,000 miles
Driving up a slope of about 20-30 degrees gradient of a straight lane going into a private parking lot. Braked and decided to make a 3-point turn to get back out. There was no traffic in the lane. Put gear on reverse while on the slope with the vehicle pointing in the up direction of the slope. Vehicle suddenly surge backwards…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Lights, wipers and visibility

6 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
  • Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

The panoramic moonroof on my 2022 Toyota RAV4 spontaneously shattered and exploded outward at approximately 2:09 PM on June 21, 2026 while my wife was driving and exiting the freeway. There was a loud bang, followed by glass shards ejecting primarily outward onto the roof with a pattern showing the glass failed/bent from the inside out.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I just want it in writing that my windshield just randomly cracked. It was parked and nothing hit it and it just cracked.Owner complaint, filed 2023

Seats and seat belts

5 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
  • Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

The drivers side front seat belt buckle will not latch. There is no dirt or other debris in the latch to stop it from functioning.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the front driver's and rear passenger's seat belt buckles and the other rear seat belt buckle, where a child was seated, failed to latch securely, causing his grandchild's rear…Owner complaint, filed 2025

Wheels and tires

4 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
  • Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
  • The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

My steering wheel has been peeling/flaking off and it’s only 3 years old and my USB plug in inconsistent and turns off or doesn’t work will cords.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Tire split on the inside of the tire wall about 1 inch up. Less than 20,000 miles on them. I do not believe this is normal. 225/60 R18. Car was serviced by Toyota on March 21st.Owner complaint, filed 2024

Suspension

2 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
  • Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
  • Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

Loud clunk over bumps, suspension sounds loose and dangerous. Vehicle was purchased new and has 24,443 miles, this sound is NOT normal for a new vehicle.Owner complaint, filed 2024
6/15/23 @ 18,357 miles the car was given a four wheel alignment at the owners request. Due to loud tire noise and visible cupping on the right rear inside edge, it was clear the car's wheel alignment was wrong. The dealer's before and after alignment is attached. When presented the before and after, I noted RR Camber was.-2.3 vs. a range…Owner complaint, filed 2024

Toyota RAV4 complaints by year

Compare the 2022 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.

Compare with similar 2022 compact SUVs

Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.

CarVs. its other yearsRecallsMost reported
2022 Toyota RAV4Too new to judge1Electrical system
2022 Honda CR-VToo new to judge3Steering
2022 Mazda CX-5Too new to judge0Lights, wipers and visibility
2022 Subaru ForesterToo new to judge1Lights, wipers and visibility
Compare side by side

2022 Toyota RAV4 recalls

This is every recall issued for the 2022 Toyota RAV4, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.

Air bags Front passenger

Jul 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V519000
Risk
Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Rav4, Rav4 Hybrid, and Rav4 Prime vehicles. The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

2022 Toyota RAV4 questions

What are the most common problems with the 2022 Toyota RAV4?

The most reported problem areas on the 2022 Toyota RAV4 are the electrical system (41 complaints), the engine and cooling (29 complaints) and the body, doors and structure (21 complaints).

Is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 a good year to buy?

Too new to judge fully. It has been on the road 4 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older RAV4 year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the electrical system. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other RAV4 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 have?

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2022 Toyota RAV4. The most recent, from Jul 2022, covers the front passenger. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.

At what mileage do 2022 Toyota RAV4 problems start?

Half of the owners who reported a problem with the body, doors and structure gave a mileage of about 19,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.

Which Toyota RAV4 years should I avoid?

The RAV4 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2019 and 2020. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2014. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.

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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.