Toyota RAV4 Electronic Stability Control (esc) Problems
Owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Toyota RAV4 across 19 model years. The 2007 model year has the most (17). The words owners use most often: “traction control” (12% of reports).
- 123electronic stability control (esc) complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Traction control: mentioned in 15 of 123 complaints (12%)
At what mileage do electronic stability control (esc) problems happen?
Based on 111 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 123 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury.
Toyota RAV4 electronic stability control (esc) complaints by model year
| Model year | Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 RAV4 | 2 | 0% | 1,998 |
| 2019 RAV4 | 6 | 1% | 3,042 |
| 2018 RAV4 | 2 | 1% | 16,000 |
| 2016 RAV4 | 3 | 1% | 26,000 |
| 2015 RAV4 | 3 | 1% | 30,938 |
| 2014 RAV4 | 2 | 1% | 68,500 |
| 2013 RAV4 | 3 | 1% | 15,482 |
| 2012 RAV4 | 7 | 3% | 48,500 |
| 2011 RAV4 | 9 | 3% | 73,000 |
| 2010 RAV4 | 5 | 1% | 34,000 |
| 2009 RAV4 | 2 | 1% | 7,500 |
| 2008 RAV4 | 7 | 1% | 102,000 |
| 2007 RAV4 | 17 | 2% | 28,500 |
| 2006 RAV4 | 12 | 2% | 44,000 |
| 2005 RAV4 | 5 | 4% | 185,232 |
| 2004 RAV4 | 7 | 5% | 99,000 |
| 2003 RAV4 | 7 | 2% | 108,000 |
| 2002 RAV4 | 16 | 3% | 95,000 |
| 2001 RAV4 | 8 | 3% | 129,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Model years: 2016
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.
Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Model years: 2012
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floor. The contact stated that he had to top off the brake fluid constantly. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. Upon…
Driving the vehicle at 65 miles on a freeway i drive daily. While having the cruise control active the vehicle suddenly and drastically reduced the speed to almost 0 when the vehicle got closed to another vehicle on the right side lane making a right turn. The vehicle turning was not on my lane in…
Battery "died" the beginning of august - jump started and drove to the dealership service center. I was told that the battery was fine and that "short distance" driving can drain the battery - since i drive 45 miles a day to and from work, that is not a valid "excuse". Now, 3 weeks later, my car…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INCLUDED THE ABS, POWER STEERING, HEADLAMPS, BACK-UP CAMERA, PARKING SUPPORT BRAKE, REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT, BLIND SPOT MONITORING, DRIVE START CONTROL…
I purchased the vehicle (new) on 6/03/2020. On 6/16/2020, warning lights and buzzers went on as i was driving the vehicle. The warnings told me that there was a problem with my brakes, and that i should pull over as soon as possible. I drove to a nearby parking lot. The brakes continued to work. I…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Toyota RAV4s have electronic stability control (esc) problems?
No. NHTSA has 123 owner complaints about electronic stability control (esc) for the Toyota RAV4. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Toyota RAV4 electronic stability control (esc)?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list electronic stability control (esc). Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Toyota RAV4?
The most frequent phrase is “traction control”, in 15 of 123 complaints.
Other Toyota RAV4 problems
- Power Train problems (1,395)
- Electrical System problems (1,375)
- Engine problems (1,337)
- Steering problems (948)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (901)
- Air Bags problems (837)
- Suspension problems (549)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (518)
See all Toyota RAV4 problems.