Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In July 2026, the rear power liftgate on my Toyota RAV4 suddenly stopped operating properly and would not close. I was unable to push the hatch down normally and then noticed that one of the hinges appeared bent and the liftgate was misaligned. Because I needed to close the vehicle, I tried to lower the hatch very slowly, moving it down only a small amount at a time so I would not put additional pressure on the damaged hinge. While I was doing this, the hatch suddenly sprang back upward and struck me in the shoulder. It took approximately 15 minutes of carefully working with the hatch before I was finally able to get it closed. One hinge was replaced for $400, but after the liftgate was opened only about three times, the hinge became bent again and the hatch was once again visibly misaligned. …
Request for Resolution -Peeling Paint on 2025 Toyota RAV 4 I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a paint peeling issue with my 2025 Toyota RAV 4 and Toyota's refusal to address the defect, despite timely reporting and documentation. The paint on my vehicle began peeling around February 2024 and significantly worsened by January 2025. I promptly filed two complaints with Toyota, and case numbers were opened. Per Toyota's request, I obtained a repair estimate from Toyota of Katy (attached) and submitted it through their system. However, Toyota has since closed both cases without resolving the issue, stating that the paint repair program expired in November 2024. …
About three months ago the liftgate on my 2015 Toyota RAV4 SUV, suddenly started not wanting to close properly as if the door shock absorbers had slipped out of place. I clarify that at no time has my vehicle been impacted, forced or stolen. The moment I opened the door with the button, once I went to close it, it stayed open, causing my vehicle to get wet inside every time it rains. I can not park it in open places because they can force the door that is left open and they can steal it. There are times when the door opens but doesn't want to close, and other times it just doesn't want to open. I understand that I have taken very good care of my vehicle and this is an essential part of it. I hope you can give me a quick solution on this. Thanksyou!
The power hatch door liftgate support rods problems. The hatch door won't close. This is the third times. First two times were under warranty, this time is after warranty. The liftgate must have mechanical or design problem when manufacturing. If the hatch back door suddenly drop, it will hurt my head or body when I try to reach my trunks.
Purchased less than 2 months ago from Performance Mitsubishi in Delray Beach FL. Lift gate was not opening and closing properly. Yesterday the hinges broke and lift gate won't shut. It appears there is a class action lawsuit for this issue. I am now responsible for fixing this because the dealership won't.
I had a very dangerous experience with a 2015 toyotarv4 xle. I was going up an exit ramp slowly with the traffic going and stopping when all of a sudden my right foot was stuck between the accelerator and the brake pedal. I could not retract my foot to brake, causing the vehicle to continuing going forward. I believe that there is a serious problem with this vehicle braking/acceleration due to the short space between and or the height of the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. This issue has been documented by many other drivers that I have read about and I am sure this not new to the Toyota company. I have been in touch with the Toyota customer experience center and have filed a case number.
Vehicle was making a left turn, when another vehicle went through a 'red' light and hit it on the right fender. Fender came off. Other vehicle had front smashed in and airbags deployed. The air bags did not deploy in the Toyota. Driver was wearing seatbelt, but lack of airbag caused drivers arm and chest to hit steering wheel and legs to hit other components.
Takata recall. I would like more investigation regarding when a car is repair per specification and state law. How is that a company take control of the value and history of the car. But is not reported the correct way when the repair is done. Affecting the owner of the vehicle.
The car was being driven in philadelphia at a low speed when the engine caught fire. The fire quickly was out of control and destroyed most of the car, including the engine, dashboard, front seats, windshield, windows, front tires which exploded, and airbags.
After being parked in carport overnight on a winter night in dec 2017, I drove only a couple of miles down the I-15 freeway in utah between spanish fork and springville no more than 60 MPH when I heard a loud 'exploding sound' on the top of my car outside and then 'tinkling' noises from the front of the roof area to the back of the car. It happened at 0900 on a cold Sunday morning and the traffic was extremely light. The nearest vehicles to me were at least 10 car lengths ahead and behind me and there were no vehicles on either side of me. There was no visible road hazard and no ice falling from anywhere since we had had no winter weather of any kind so far that season. When I was able to stop and examine the damage, there was a giant hole in the middle of my moon/sun roof. …
Body complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2015 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the body & structure of the 2015 Toyota RAV4, 10% of the model year's 305 complaints. The component named most often is body (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Toyota RAV4 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2015 Toyota RAV4, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Toyota RAV4 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.