Queensland Police Union Calls Toyota RAV4 Hybrids ‘Not Fit for Purpose’ After Overheating Memo

QPS says the hybrids remain in frontline duty with no recorded failures in normal operations.

Overview

A leaked assistant commissioner’s memo says the RAV4 AWD Hybrid’s high‑voltage battery can overheat under extreme training, instructing officers to stop urgent driving and pull over if warnings appear, with limp‑home mode possible.
Drive reports the overheating warning surfaced in testing after as little as five minutes of hard braking and heavy acceleration cycles.
Union president Shane Prior urged officers to avoid urgent duty driving in the RAV4, labelling the vehicle not fit for purpose.
Toyota said inspections found the SUVs function as designed and that any intervention protects the hybrid system, with no such issues reported during routine policing.
A leaked QPS weight guideline shows limited payload once the RAV4 is police‑fitted and crewed, leaving roughly 75–101kg for detainees or extra gear, prompting further safety concerns.