2021 TOYOTA RAV4

While driving at highway speeds (approx. 65 MPH), the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic loss of motive power. The "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning illuminated, followed immediately by a "Check Engine" light. The vehicle entered a fail-safe mode, then completely shut down. The steering wheel locked, making it extremely difficult to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder in a dark, remote area with freezing temperatures. This presented an immediate life-safety risk to all occupants. Following the incident, the vehicle was presented to two separate authorized Toyota dealerships in the US for emergency assistance. Both failed to provide the standard of care required for a high-voltage safety failure. The first dealer refused to perform even a basic safety inspection or intake the vehicle, stating they had no hybrid technicians on weekends. They turned the vehicle away without safety warnings, forcing the operation of a chemically failing vehicle on public roads. The second dealer attempted to charge a diagnostic fee. However, when questioned, they admitted they also did not have a hybrid-certified technician on site. They attempted to bill for a diagnostic service they knowingly could not perform. This fraudulent charge was only rescinded after it was challenged. They subsequently refused further assistance, leaving the occupants stranded. The vehicle was eventually towed to a third dealer (in Canada) where it was diagnosed with severe corrosion of the High-Voltage Floor Under Wire Harness (MGR Cable), a known defect. The dealer confirmed the rear motor cable was corroded and required replacement. The repair involved replacing the cable and installing a "splash guard" cap. No prior warning signs occurred before the sudden highway shutdown. This failure is a result of the manufacturer's failure to adequately seal high-voltage components against corrosion and the dealer network's gross negligence in refusing emergency safety support.

The vehicle is affected by Toyota Safety Recall 23TA15 / 23TB15 (NHTSA 23V865) involving the front passenger Occupant Classification System sensor. The recall notice states that the sensor may have been improperly manufactured, which could prevent the passenger airbag from deploying in a crash. As of 2025, the manufacturer continues to list the remedy as “not available,” far past the originally estimated timeline of Quarter 3 2024. This means the safety defect cannot be repaired, and passengers may be at risk if the airbag fails to deploy. The issue has been confirmed through Toyota’s recall lookup and dealer inquiries. No warning lights are present, so there is no way for the driver to know if the sensor is malfunctioning. The manufacturer has not provided parts, an inspection, or an interim repair. I am filing this complaint because the prolonged delay leaves the vehicle with an unresolved safety defect.

I was involved in an accident on the interstate traveling at about 80 mph and I hit a guard rail. I swerved, and then the lane assistance kicked in and made me lose control of the car completely, which is how I slammed into the guard rail. In that process, none of the airbags deployed and I had a passenger in the car.