When trouble arises

If the vehicle becomes stuck

6steps
~36min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 6
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow:
  1. Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to p.
  2. Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the stuck tire.
  3. Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide traction under the tires.
  4. Restart the engine.
  5. Awd models: activate all-wheel drive lock mode.
  6. Shift the shift lever to d or r and release the parking brake. Then, while exercising caution, depress the accelerator pedal.
When it is difficult to free the vehicle

Turn off trac and/or vsc if these functions are hampering your attempts to free the vehicle.

Press to turn off trac.


2Wd models
Toyota RAV4. 2Wd models

Awd models
Toyota RAV4. Awd models

Caution When attempting to free a stuck vehicle

If you choose to push the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surrounding area is clear to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or people.

The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme caution.

When shifting the shift lever

Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.

This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

Notice To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
  • Avoid spinning the wheels and depressing the accelerator pedal more than necessary.
  • If the vehicle remains stuck even after these procedures are performed, the vehicle may require towing to be freed.

Test yourself

A quick Toyota RAV4 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.