2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The motor generator ECU may encounter an error, causing the plug-in-hybrid system to reduce power or shutdown when driven at higher speeds.
What could happen: An unexpected powertrain shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting November 22, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 26TA22.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V659000 (manufacturer code 26TA22).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-331-4331.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The motor generator ECU may encounter an error, causing the plug-in-hybrid system to reduce power or shutdown when driven at higher speeds.
Consequence: An unexpected powertrain shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting November 22, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 26TA22.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (7), Electrical system (5), Engine (3), Airbags (2), Forward Collision Avoidance (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/29/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
While driving in heavy traffic, the engine shuddered then dashboard warnings: "Hybrid System Malfunction Output Power Reduced, Drive-Start Control Malfunction, AWD System Malfunction." I pulled over, parked, then the transmission wouldn't shift to drive or reverse.
09/24/2026 · Electrical system
If I could select everything under the adaptive driver assistance details, I would. Upon startup, every warning light lit up on the car and messages popped that all of the safety systems were disabled on the car with a message to visit the dealer stating there was a "system malfunction." I turned the car off and turned it back on and all warnings remained a…
09/24/2026 · Unknown Or Other
The sunglasses holder above and between the driver and passenger suddenly opened while on the interstate, causing the sunglasses to fall out, creating a sudden distraction. The sunglasses could have also fallen by and interfered with the pedal assembly. The sunglasses holder continues to pop open while driving even when there is nothing inside of it.
09/01/2026 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
The front windshield on my new 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid XSE, which is equipped with a head-up display (HUD) and uses HUD-specific laminated glass, appears to have an optical clarity/distortion issue. The original factory-installed windshield is still on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. From the first day I drove the vehicle,…
08/30/2026 · Body / structure
On two separate occasions, the hatch has opened all by itself. One time was in public, and another time while sitting in my driveway overnight with the vehicle locked. This is a safety hazard as opening by itself could cause things to fall out of the back while driving, or theft/weather damage when just sitting in my driveway. I did not receive any notifica…
08/28/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with an EV inverter and transmission failure. The vehicle was pending repairs and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. T…
08/13/2026 · Forward Collision Avoidance
A few weeks after purchasing a brand new Toyota Rav 4 we had three incidents of "ghost braking". The first was sometime between XXX and XXX. While traveling about about 35 MPH the car suddenly braked hard and the warning light came on.. No cars of objects were in the road on any side, Then on XXX, we were traveling onXXX in the far left lane heading south i…
08/10/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
On XXX, my wife, who is [XXX] pregnant, was driving our brand new 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (approximately 20 miles on the odometer) at 45 mph on a highway when the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion. What failed: The hybrid powertrain system shut down while the vehicle was in motion. The instrument cluster displayed "Hybrid System Malfu…