Check AWD system is flashing on dash

Check the electrical connection that concern the AWD system and fuses and any relays if any. Get auto-zone to clear codes & reset the computer.

rav4 2017 dash says awd system malfunction 2wd mode engaged

I had this problem today while driving it off the lot! They couldn’t find the reason behind it and said it could either be from installing the car starter or contaminated fuel. Did they find out why yours said that?

I have same issue was told remote starter for my 2016 RAV4 but it’s not starter. It went off and everything has b en fine until now

Did anyone ever figure this out? We just bought a brand new 2018 rav 4, not even a week old, jsut started giving us this message?

Did you get a car starter installed? They cleared all the codes on my 2017 Rav and it’s been working fine ever since. They said that often times installing a starter throws a bunch of weird codes into the system and clearing them should be the solution and then of course if it happens again they would have to reinvestigate the problem.

Have not installed remote starter yet. Was going to do that later, but now I’m probaby going to hold off until I figure out what’s going on with this check engine light and AWD light. Going to run by the dealership tomorrow.

Good idea! Get it figured out before warranty is up! Good luck with everything

It was the remote starter they installed. I had it pulled out and my money refunded. I had a new starter put in by a different dealer and it worked no issues since.

We ended up taking it back to Toyota who said 2 of the injectors had gone. And also something on the exhaust. Fortunately we still have couple months left on warranty. Hope this helps.

Glad it fixed.

just got a 2016 rav4 and its saying this now what can it be

AWD is disengaged if the check engine light appears. Take it to dealership and get the codes read so they can fix the problem.

I have a RAV4 2017 XLE, this same thing happened to me, what seemed like out of no where today. I drove to work just fine. When I was leaving work my car wouldn't start, and I got the check engine light and the "AWD system malfunction 2wd mode engaged" warning. I was in a tizzy until I read the posts above, and then remembered that I found my son hadn't closed the rear passenger door and it was open overnight a few days prior. Even though I had driven to work with no problems, the battery was the issue. Jumped the battery and all of the warnings went away. Drove home without any issues.

Had this issue. Ended up being gas cap. Replaced cap had and code reset. This is my 2nd Toyota with gas cap issues.

Same problem with 4 AWD warning. Toyota say tho gas cap wasn't on correctly. We will see. He turned it and said to come back if it doesn't go off.

Have a 2016 J -vin Rav4. Same message popped up on my dash. Working for Toyota and the vehicle being on lease I took it in and it was the gas cap that was bad. What it has to do with the AWD system is still confusing. I have just over 24 thousand miles. I'm thinking a gas cap should last longer than what it did and I think outside temperature the last couple weeks being hot must have contributed to the failure. Excellent vehicle very happy :)

I just have the same problem. AWD malfunction. My car is brand new 2018 rav4 and just bought it last month. Hope it solves without furder problem.

have a rav4 the check awd sigh with a anti skid sigh also a yellow engine sigh come on the next day it dissapear though very funny that last week i went on holiday last week and the same thing happen but this time the gearbox seems to change with a thud left the car went on holiday after 7 days i returned andeverythings is back to normal no check awd sigh and the gearbox is sweet as a nut any suggestion thanks

We just had same problem three times now, eng light check awd system and goes into limp mode dealership said there was a communication error between two computers and the EFI system. They reset the system ran fine for about 200kms and then had same issue on highway at 2am. Removed the 30amp and 20 amp efi fuse to reset runs fine for maybe 60 kms then goes back into limo mode might try removing the FUEL cap and see how I get on

try to close gas cap properly make sure you will hear a click then drive it with in 48 hrs then it will automatic reset

I’m facing the same issue too and later realized that the gas cap was not closed properly. Have closed it now and still seeing that message. Should I get it to Toyota service to get the code reset or is it worth waiting for 48 hrs ?

I just have the same problem. AWD malfunction. My car is brand new 2018 rav4. Does anyone know what this is? Can the car considered as lemon?

I have Toyota Corrola Verso 2007, Diesel, with Check engine Problem, and I can't drive with velocity more than 80 Km/h. How can I solve this Problem

I have a 2017 rav 4.....i parked my car at work in the am and by the pm i had the engine light come on along with the exclamation mark and a warning sign that read AWD malfunction 2 WD engaged.....i took it to the dealership and right away they got me in. The guy checked my gas cap....and straight away he told me it was not on tight enough so air was getting into the fuel tank.....the second guy ran a diagnostic test with his computer and thats exactly what was picked up.....luckily the lights are gone.

Amazing! Just had this problem. Opened the fuel flap twisted the cap ‘till it clicked and all lights gone off, straight away! Thanks all!

How long after you twisted the fuel cap did it take for the warning light to go off?

I have a 2017 RAV4 Le with the standard 2.5L with the same issues, however it turns out that it was due to a MAF code. I'm not sure why toyota got rid of the code labeling system and now it just says "take it to the dealer". I'm also not sure why you need to disable AWD, ABS, and cruise controll for an air sensor code, but so be it. After the MAF was replaced codes went away and the car has been trouble free.

So my story is similar to many others here. I have a 2019 RAV 4 and the AWD system malfunction and warning light came on. I took it to the dealer to find that it was apparently caused by the gas cap not being re-installed properly after a fill up. What?? According to the dealer's service manager and a customer service rep at Toyota Canada yes "this safety feature will affect many aspect of the integrated system". Sadly Toyota did not cover the costs to reset the error codes (a mild $132.00) and now I'm wondering how many times this will happen over the life of the vehicle. This could be an expensive issue. It seems totally absurd to me that something as trivial as not properly securing the gas cap should cause a failure of so many components. Surely this is a design flaw? Please comment.

Same issue with 2017 Rav 4. First time, paid for diagnostic, (we have a code reader at home and got exhaust error code.) they reset but found nothing wrong. Second time, said it was gas cap (after explanation that this is more a generic error that “something” may not be related to AWD). Was told gas cap had eroded. Cost $40 (I’m sure cheaper at Pep Boys as I could have installed that.) less than a month later and back on. Gas cap tight (clicks when closed but easy to open?} I refused to pay diagnostic second time, although they said was a different code. Appointment tuesday for which I will not pay again. This time sent my code results.

I got this code message yesterday on my 2017 Rav4....have not had any problems with the car. Called dealer, computers down so he couldn't schedule appt, but said it should be ok to drive. Was fine yesterday, but today it doesn't want to start. Enough that in a panic after what seemed like forever to turn over, I went to Les Schwab and the battery tested good and he cleaned the corrosion. Still doesn't want to start. Tomorrow will take it to Auto Zone for them to tell me error codes, but guessing I will be at the dealer since it seems more than just the dirty battery connection and I even checked the gas cap.

Guys i have a 2017 CHR AWD had the very same problem, car shutting down at speed on the freeway, of course Toyota said that they had never seen this before, after it did it a second & third time they decided to download the faults, misfire on #1 coil. then all of a sudden Toyota had seen this on some CHR models, it is a build up of carbon on the valves in the head. of course i was questioned about the fuel . this car has run nothing other than Premium 98 fuel. car had approx. 45,000klm . had to remove the cylinder head to clean valves, in the shiop for more than 6 weeks. had a loan car from the local dealer, but still not happy with the way Toyota handled this warranty situation.

I have the same issue with my Toyota RAV4 SE 2017: AWD System Malfunction, 2WD Mode Engaged, Visit Your Dealer. I have checked the gas cap and it is perfectly closed but the message on panel still on. What else can it be the problem? Because the Engine light is on, the Warning light is on. According to this forum it seems like is common in Toyota RAV4 this message on the panel. Should I keep driving my car with that message on the panel?

I have your answer guys charcoal canister it's the problem