[northofsouth]

It says right in the manual,,,

When the hybrid battery (traction
battery) is extremely cold (below
approximately -22°F [-30°C]) under
the influence of the outside temperature,
it may not be possible to
start the hybrid system.

Wow - hadn't seen that. I'm going to read this in the manual to see what else it says. I can't understand why the hybrid system wouldn't start in those temps as you'd think they'd design something more robust. I could see if it said that for -40C. On the prairies -30C is not uncommon in winter. Last year we saw -40C without a windchill factored in, and no problem there in starting.

 

[northofsouth]

I haven't gotten mine in that cold of weather yet, but I just always keep a lithium ion jumper pack with me just in case it doesn't want to start (haven't had to use it yet, but have used it to jump other cars). I have a '20 with a NiMH hybrid battery in it, and yours has a Lithium hybrid battery in. Lithium batteries don't like the cold, so if it doesn't want to start right away, just turn the car on to accessory for a bit to get some electricity flowing through it to warm it a little bit, then try to start. Although, if it just doesn't want to start, that means the 12v battery is a little too low/cold, that is were the jumper pack will come in. Just attach it, and it should start it right up.

EDIT: As for the squeal from the brakes, I'm not sure about that. It could be surface rust that has built up and just rubbing away the first couple of times you are braking. If it happens all the time, I don't know this is a thing, but the chirpers (pieces of metal on brake pads to let you know when the pads are getting worn down too much) might be cold enough and shrink some to curl over to start scraping on the rotors. Since it should still be under warranty, I would take it to the dealership and have them take a look at it.

Mine in Alberta (Ontario build) is a NiMH battery

 

[northofsouth]

My '21 Rav4 Hybrid was plugged in 4 hours prior to me starting it yesterday, but it was -35 C (Saskatoon, SK) at the core temp and it started, but when I got in after brushing, the note on the dash was "Hybrid System Malfunction Reduced Power Output Visit Your Dealer" - engine was running by indicator was not showing that. It was having a trouble going in an out of Park and its as making some strange sounds as it was probably trying to kick in the Hybrid traction motor. So, I did not go anywhere and it was Dec 31, so now I am fairly sure I will have to wait until Tuesday and hopefully it will drive to the dealership, but then who knows. Less than 10k on the ODO and last Feb it did start when I was up north in -46 C (-56 windchill)....

It has been frigid since before Christmas and it had been working fine, so I am not sure what is up...

Weird, as it had been plugged in for that amount of time before. Given that we're living with the same weather systems on the prairies, I'd be interested in hearing back on what Toyota says - please keep us updated (and sorry to hear this happened!)