2012 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Visibility/Wiper 54

“The windshield pump is not working front and back The wipers turn but no liquid comes out though the tank is full It does not make the sound it normally does when it pumps the windshield liquid Dealer wants almost $200 just to look at it and verify the problem”
NHTSA complaint #11687761, 2025

“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon activating the windshield wipers, the wipers responded erratically. The contact stated that the wipers moved significantly slowly, changed direction, and paused in the center of the windshield. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V577000 (Visibility/Wiper) however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was file…”
NHTSA complaint #11528402, 2023

“Poor winter visibility: This is an issue with this vehicle but also with almost all other vehicles with internal combustion engines. During cold weather the defroster is ineffective until the engine warms up and provides heat. This results in two unsafe conditions 1) warming the engine up while parked, which exposes the vehicle and driver to theft ("carjacking" is an increasing crime in our area) and increases carbon emissions, or, 2) driving the vehicle while the engine is cold and having poor forward visibility. If defrosters were equipped with electric heating elements, defroster heat woul…”
NHTSA complaint #11445409, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 50 13 crash 5 injury

“ON JUNE10TH. I HAD A MAJOIR ACCIDENT IN WHICH BOTH MY WIFE & MYSELF SUFFERED FRACTURED STERNUMS & FRACTURED RIBS. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT I PULLED INTO A LOT IN PRINCETON, N.J. & AFTER STOPPING TO SET MY GPS, I JUST TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR & THE CAR SHOT FORWARD, AS IF SHOT OUT OF A CANNON. WHILE STOPPED I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE & THE CAR SHOT BACKWARDS IN THE SAME MANNER, THEREBY STRIKING A WALL. NOW I WENT FORWARD LIKE A ROCKET, WITH NO TIME TO HIT THE BRAKE, THEREBY GOING HEADFIRST INTO A PARKED CONSTRUCTION TRUCK.”
NHTSA complaint #11343888, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 EV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL REMEDY. FIVE DAYS AFTER THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD TO A HIGH SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED OVER A MEDIAN, A CONCRETE BARRIER, AND INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR WHIPLASH, BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAITED OVER THREE WEEK…”
NHTSA complaint #10808813, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A TRAFFIC LIGHT POLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND WOBBLED FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIB AND UPPER TORSO CONTUSIONS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10682815, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 39 13 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A CLICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR A NEW VEHICLE TO MAKE NOISES BUT PROCEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKES PAD AND SHIM KIT. ADDITIONALLY, ALL OF THE BRAKE COMPONENTS WERE LUBRICATED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THEY FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIP…”
NHTSA complaint #10544017, 2012 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WITHOUT CAUSE OR REASON, THE "BRAKE ACTUATOR" CIRCUIT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE CRUISE CONTROL, ABS, ANTI-SKID AND SPORADIC TAIL LIGHT PROBLEMS (LIGHTS WILL STAY ON OR COME ON WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED). I BROUGHT IT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY, THE ROADS WERE SNOW COVERED AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION CAUSING THE CAR TO SKID INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, AFTER THE BODY WAS REPAIRED, THEY LOCATED THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT WOULD COST $2900 TO REPLACE. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10726994, 2015 · crash · fire

“WHEN PULLING MY 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 INTO A PARKING SPACE AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED, I TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STARTED ROARING AND ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL. THE CAR JUMPED THE CURB THAT WAS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPOT, CROSSED THE ROAD, JUMPED ANOTHER CURB, AND LANDED IN A MUDDY RAVINE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED AND THE TECH COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO TOYOTA. THEY SENT AN INVESTIGATOR. THEY CLAIM THE EDR DETECTED NO DEFECTS IN THE VEHICLE AND BLAMED IT ON EITHER ME MISTAKING TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11331764, 2020 · crash

Electrical System 31 3 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“Over the last 4 years I have had 2 prior occurrence where I've lost power turning or stopping, causing the engine to stall. Both times the vehicle was taken to our mechanic and he replaced the connectors to the battery. On January 18th, 2024, while turning off of a rural highway onto the street we live on I again lost power and the engine stalled and smelled a faint electrical smell. I called my mechanic and he said he could get it in on January 22nd. We checked all connections to the battery, made sure the battery terminals were clean. The morning of January 22nd, while on my way to the mech…”
NHTSA complaint #11587409, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My rav4 caught fire by its self not running in the battery compartment and burned completely to the metal”
NHTSA complaint #11438012, 2021 · fire

“DRIVER SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL STARTED ON FIRE. THIS OCCURRED AFTER AN APPROXIMATELY 4 MILE DRIVE. I BELIEVE THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVE. I PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT WITH ONLY ONE OTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I WAS WALKING INTO THE STORE I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC BUT DID NOT RELATE IT TO MY CAR BURNING. I WAS IN THE STORE ABOUT 5 MINUTES. WHEN I WALKED OUT I SAW THE FIRE. THERE WAS NO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE TO THE FIRE AND NOTHING INSIDE THE VEHICLE VEHICLE. THE ONLY THING IN THAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE IS WIRING.”
NHTSA complaint #10958384, 2017 · fire

Seat Belts 31 1 crash 3 injury

“ON JUNE10TH. I HAD A MAJOIR ACCIDENT IN WHICH BOTH MY WIFE & MYSELF SUFFERED FRACTURED STERNUMS & FRACTURED RIBS. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT I PULLED INTO A LOT IN PRINCETON, N.J. & AFTER STOPPING TO SET MY GPS, I JUST TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR & THE CAR SHOT FORWARD, AS IF SHOT OUT OF A CANNON. WHILE STOPPED I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE & THE CAR SHOT BACKWARDS IN THE SAME MANNER, THEREBY STRIKING A WALL. NOW I WENT FORWARD LIKE A ROCKET, WITH NO TIME TO HIT THE BRAKE, THEREBY GOING HEADFIRST INTO A PARKED CONSTRUCTION TRUCK.”
NHTSA complaint #11343888, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER TIGHTENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT BY ANOTHER DRIVER. THE SEAT WAS REPLACED BY THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. A TOYOTA TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PERFORMED ACCORDING TO FEDERAL MOTOR SAFETY STANDARDS. THE CONTACT'S SUFFERED BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMAT…”
NHTSA complaint #10985688, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME AND SEAT BELL IS FLASHING AND FRONT ROTORS EXCESSIVE RUST AND ONLY ABOUT 2 1/2 INCHES IN MIDDLE THE ROTORS.”
NHTSA complaint #11298112, 2019

Unknown Or Other 26 1 fire

“My rav4 caught fire by its self not running in the battery compartment and burned completely to the metal”
NHTSA complaint #11438012, 2021 · fire

“Constant brake issues Sun visors won't stay in place (breaks) Massive oil consumption (not leaking) Oil on dipstick appears black & burnt quickly after adding or replacing oil”
NHTSA complaint #11649352, 2023

“While in transit I observed my rav4 engine light 4wd light and traction control light all come on and truck kinda felt like gear slip weather was clear. I continued and went across a railroad track and all of sudden truck completely shuts down and started smoking. I i coasted to side of road had it towed to my designated location Thought was on fire. After inspection following day it showed top radiator hose coupling broke causing antifreeze to spew from radiator ... I replaced the hose thinking all would be repaired. Antifreeze and water was replaced And tried to crank it sputter…”
NHTSA complaint #11521865, 2023

Engine 23 2 crash

“ON FEB 26, 2015 I TURNED LEFT INTO MY BANK GOING MAYBE 5 MPH. THEN I TURN LEFT AGAIN INTO A PARKING SPOT. I PUT ON MY BRAKE TO STOP AND THE ENGINE STARTED ROARING AND PUSHING THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. GOING ABOUT 7 TO 10 FEET UP CURB AND BUMPING INTO A FLOWER BARREL PLANTER. AS SOON AS IT HIT SOMETHING THE CAR DISENGAGED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP CAR AND PUT IN REVERSE. LOWER FRONT END DAMAGE OCCURRED. IT HAPPEN ONE OTHER TIME LAST AUGUST 2014. I WAS PULLING INTO A GAS STATION AND THE SAME THING. ENGINE ROARING AND WOULDN'T STOP WITH BOTH FEET PUSHING HARD ON THE BRA…”
NHTSA complaint #10714360, 2015 · crash

“ENGINE, IN IDLE AND IN GEAR, SUDDENLY SURGED. IT PROPELLED THE CAR FORWARD IN DRIVEWAY AND STRUCK A CAR ABOUT 1 FOOT-18 INCHES IN FRONT OF IT, DAMAGING FRONT BUMPER OF OUR CAR AND REAR BUMPER OF OTHER CAR. DAMAGE TO OUR CAR WAS QUOTED AT $878 AND SECOND CAR (OUR GRANDDAUGHTER'S) WAS LESS. REPORTED TO TOYOTA. THEY SENT ANALYST TO CHECK "BLACK BOX" AND REPORTED TO ME ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRAKES WERE OK. NOT CAR'S FAULT. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SURGE MANY TIMES SINCE LEASING THE CAR 30 MONTHS AGO BUT NO ACCIDENTS. EACH TIME I REPORTED IT TO DEALER. SERVICE MAN SAID HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10643117, 2014 · crash

“The small pipe that's part of the Upper Radiator Coolant Hose Connector Adapter broke off and drained coolant from the vehicle. This small pipe had deteriorated and become brittle leading to the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11702129, 2025

Air Bags 22 14 crash 14 injury

“ON JUNE10TH. I HAD A MAJOIR ACCIDENT IN WHICH BOTH MY WIFE & MYSELF SUFFERED FRACTURED STERNUMS & FRACTURED RIBS. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT I PULLED INTO A LOT IN PRINCETON, N.J. & AFTER STOPPING TO SET MY GPS, I JUST TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR & THE CAR SHOT FORWARD, AS IF SHOT OUT OF A CANNON. WHILE STOPPED I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE & THE CAR SHOT BACKWARDS IN THE SAME MANNER, THEREBY STRIKING A WALL. NOW I WENT FORWARD LIKE A ROCKET, WITH NO TIME TO HIT THE BRAKE, THEREBY GOING HEADFIRST INTO A PARKED CONSTRUCTION TRUCK.”
NHTSA complaint #11343888, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“GOT INTO A SEVERE CAR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT US WAS GOING APPROX 50MPH HEAD ON. OUR AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY...UPDATED 03/15/16 *BF *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10845862, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“MY TOYOTA RAV4 WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE IT WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER DOOR CAUSING MY CAR TO ROLL ON ITS SIDE, DEPLOYING THE CURTAIN AIRBAGS BUT THE SIDE AIRBAGS WERE NEVER DEPLOYED CAUSING ADDITIONAL INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10644662, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Power Train 22 5 crash 1 injury

“I PARKED MY CAR IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND PROCEEDED TO CROSS STREET WITH MY CAR PARKED BEHIND ME. THANKFULLY A MAN FACING CAR YELLED "YOUR CAR!" MY NEW CAR WAS ROLLING DOWN THE STREET BACKWARDS, GAINING SPEED DOWN THE INCLINE, HEADED FOR CURB, SIDEWALK AND HUGE TREE. I CHASED THE CAR DOWN THE STREET, GOT DOOR OPEN, JUMPED INSIDE VEHICLE AS IT WAS MOVING AND SLAMMED ON BRAKE, INJURING MY BACK AND SHOULDER IN THE PROCESS. THE PUSH-BUTTON START ALLOWED CAR TO "FREE-WHEEL" OUT OF CONTROL WHEN TURNED OFF, LEFT IN DRIVE, AND KEY LEFT IN CAR. I AM IN AND OUT OF CAR MANY TIMES A DAY. NO OT…”
NHTSA complaint #10476964, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“MY 2012 RAV4 EV HAS AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ACTUALLY ENGAGE FROM R TO D, OR D TO R WHEN STATIONARY, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENTATION INDICATES SO. THE VEHICLE INSTEAD MOVES INADVERTENTLY IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. IT HAS BEEN A CHRONIC ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE, AND I HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE CONDITION, BUT THAT A SOFTWARE UPDATE WOULD BE INSTALLED AND MIGHT CORRECT THE MATTER. IT HAS NOT, AND MY WIFE AND I CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM RANDOMLY.…”
NHTSA complaint #10840133, 2016 · crash

“ON OCTOBER 17 SHORTLY BEFORE 2 PM PST IN CLEAR WEATHER, I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AT ABOUT 2 TO 3 MPH. I TURNED THE VEHICLE INTO THE SPOT AND APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR SURGED OVER THE CURB, HIT A TREE, WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED ONTO A PARKED CAR. (THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES.) THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. FINALLY I DEPRESSED THE IGNITION BUTTON FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND IT TURNED OFF. JUST 5 DAYS EARLIER, THE CAR HAD UNDERGONE A SAFETY RECALL REPAIR TO THE ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY. TOYOTA HAD ISSUED…”
NHTSA complaint #10811744, 2015 · crash

Structure 16 5 crash 1 fire

“DRIVER SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL STARTED ON FIRE. THIS OCCURRED AFTER AN APPROXIMATELY 4 MILE DRIVE. I BELIEVE THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVE. I PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT WITH ONLY ONE OTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I WAS WALKING INTO THE STORE I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC BUT DID NOT RELATE IT TO MY CAR BURNING. I WAS IN THE STORE ABOUT 5 MINUTES. WHEN I WALKED OUT I SAW THE FIRE. THERE WAS NO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE TO THE FIRE AND NOTHING INSIDE THE VEHICLE VEHICLE. THE ONLY THING IN THAT AREA OF THE VEHICLE IS WIRING.”
NHTSA complaint #10958384, 2017 · fire

“ON OCTOBER 17 SHORTLY BEFORE 2 PM PST IN CLEAR WEATHER, I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AT ABOUT 2 TO 3 MPH. I TURNED THE VEHICLE INTO THE SPOT AND APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR SURGED OVER THE CURB, HIT A TREE, WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED ONTO A PARKED CAR. (THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES.) THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. FINALLY I DEPRESSED THE IGNITION BUTTON FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND IT TURNED OFF. JUST 5 DAYS EARLIER, THE CAR HAD UNDERGONE A SAFETY RECALL REPAIR TO THE ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY. TOYOTA HAD ISSUED…”
NHTSA complaint #10811744, 2015 · crash

“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE AT OUR CHURCH. WHEN I TURNED INTO THE PARKING PLACE THE CAR TOOK OFF AND IT JUMPED AN 8 INCH CURBING AND RAN INTO THE PARISH CENTER WALL. IT TRIED TO CLIMB THE WALL. I PUSH THE ACCELERATOR TO TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF! IT WAS NOT DRIVER ERROR! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10650934, 2014 · crash

Steering 10 2 crash

“I WAS SLOWLY MANEUVERING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR REVVED UP, JUMPED OVER THE CONCRETE BARRIER, OVER THE CURB AND SIDEWALK. I WAS HEADED DIRECTLY TOWARD A BUILDING AND A LARGE PLATE GLASS WINDOW. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR, AND FELT SQUISHY WHEN I PUSHED THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, TURNED OFF THE KEY AND HIT A PARKED CAR IN ORDER TO STOP. I ALSO WANT TO MENTION THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE LIGHT WOULD COME ON ANY TIME I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10545660, 2013 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON I-70 AROUND MP 129. THIS IS JUST BEFORE GLENWOOD CANYON. THERE WAS A FLASHING ICY ROAD SIGN AT WHICH TIME, I SIGNALED MY INTENTION TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT LANE WHICH I DID. I SLOWED DOWN AND PUT MY CAR IN 3RD. THIS WAS JUST BEFORE A CURVE TO THE RIGHT WHERE THE ROAD AND VISIBILITY NARROW. THE RIGHT LANE WAS COMPLETELY ICED OVER AS I REALIZED WHEN I GOT AROUND THE CURVE. IN FRONT OF ME, I SAW A PILEUP, BOTH LANES OF TRAFFIC WERE BLOCKED. I TAPPED MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT BECAUSE OF THE ICE, I DID NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. I WENT AROUND ONE CAR STOPPED IN MY LANE TO AVOID…”
NHTSA complaint #10490026, 2012 · crash

“While at the end of a car wash with the car in neutral, the car accelerated by itself. It reached 60 mph for over a half mile, and was unresponsive to steering and brakes. The left front wheel was severely damaged. Fortunately, there were no accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #11660962, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 9 1 crash

“IN A PAVED PARKING LOT I ATTEMPTED TO PARK BY APPLYING THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. IT ONLY STOPPED BY GOING OVER A CURB AND HITTING A TREE AT THE PERIMETER OF THE PARKING SPACE.”
NHTSA complaint #11301372, 2020 · crash

“The car lost all power to the wheels without warning. Fortunately the car was stopped at a red light but still had to be pushed out of the way in traffic with the help of strangers. The car was inspected by a Toyota service specialist who said that the splines had sheared off of the rotor and the entire motor would need to be replaced. There were no warnings (no lamps, no messages, no sounds) prior to the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11467056, 2022

“Unknown. Vehicle is having problems with fuel system. Vehicle intermittently runs rough like engine is not getting enough gas.”
NHTSA complaint #11430823, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 7 1 crash 1 fire

“WITHOUT CAUSE OR REASON, THE "BRAKE ACTUATOR" CIRCUIT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE CRUISE CONTROL, ABS, ANTI-SKID AND SPORADIC TAIL LIGHT PROBLEMS (LIGHTS WILL STAY ON OR COME ON WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED). I BROUGHT IT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY, THE ROADS WERE SNOW COVERED AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION CAUSING THE CAR TO SKID INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, AFTER THE BODY WAS REPAIRED, THEY LOCATED THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT WOULD COST $2900 TO REPLACE. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10726994, 2015 · crash · fire

“2012 RAV4 - FOR NO APPARENT REASON MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TRAC OFF LIGHT AND 4X4 LIGHT HAVE BEEN COMING ON FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN OFF, THEN ON, ETC. WE GOT A CODE OF P0607, BUT THE CAR IS SHOWING NO SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT CODE ERROR. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING FINE. I HAVE CHECKED THE BATTERY CONNECTION AND THE GAS CAP. BASED ON A LARGE NUMBER OF ONLINE COMPLAINTS, I WOULD ASK THAT NHTSA SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND STRONGLY CONSIDER A RECALL THAT WILL ACTUALLY FIX THE PROBLEM FOR OWNERS. THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER WHO HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR, ONLY TO HAVE THE LIGHTS BAC…”
NHTSA complaint #11229921, 2019

“FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE, TRACTION STABILITY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL WENT ON AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF. DRIVING IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PUT STRAIN ON ENGINE. PLUS THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SITUATION. $545 FOR SERVICE IS COST FOR COMMON TO THIS CAR ISSUE. SEE FORUM LINK: HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/AMP/S/WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/96-4-3-GENERAL/196945-4WD-STUCK.HTML%3FAMP=1”
NHTSA complaint #11208911, 2019

Suspension 6

“I took the Rav4 to the dealership for a oil change and wheel alignment 0n 6-6-23. On 6-9-23 I took it back because on the freeway sometime it would start wobbling. They check it out and said the tow arms have play and movement. I said you gave it a 4 wheel alignment and didn`t see that. He recommend to change both rear tow arms and wanted to charge me $1,000. I did not think that was right after 3 days.”
NHTSA complaint #11533220, 2023

“The left rear toe arm bracket became detached from the rear subframe. This caused the vehicle to drive erratically. There is minimal to no rust on the vehicle. The failure happened without warning after hitting a small pothole.”
NHTSA complaint #11514315, 2023

“WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A STAND STILL THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE FEELS VERY LOOSE AND WOBBLY AS IF A WHEEL WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF. IN ADDITION THE VEHICLE IS PRODUCING A VIBRATING OR THUMPING THAT APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROGRESSING ISSUE. THE VIBRATION/THUMPING HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND OUR MECHANIC STATES THAT THE BEARING AND WHEEL BALANCE ARE GOOD.”
NHTSA complaint #11089561, 2018

Visibility 6 1 injury

“DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED AND SHATTERED, SENDING GLASS PARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. DRIVER SUSTAINED SMALL CUT TO LEFT MIDDLE FINGER. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE SUNNY AND DRY WITHOUT ROAD HAZARDS. NO OTHER VEHICLES IN VICINITY. NO GRAVEL ON ROAD. WINDOW APPEARED TO BE INTACT PRIOR TO THIS SPONTANEOUS INCIDENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10481329, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA (9101 GLENWOOD AVE, RALEIGH, NC 27617, (919) 890-3686) THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER RESERVOIR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOW WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11366631, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A DISTORTION WAS NOTICED STRAIGHT ACROSS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE DISTORTION WAS APPROXIMATELY FIVE INCHES FROM WHERE THE DASHBOARD MET THE WINDSHIELD. THE DISTORTION ON THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOTICEABLE FROM THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED TWO YEARS AGO. THE CONTACT COMMENTED THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN MORE NOTICEABLE TO HER BECAUSE SHE WAS SHORT IN STATURE. THE DEALER (OXMOOR TOYOTA, 8003 SHELBYVILLE ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40222) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS N…”
NHTSA complaint #11109639, 2018

Equipment 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE TO ANY OF THE DEALERS. A RECALL NOTICE WAS ALSO RECEIVED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WERE ALSO NOT AVAILABLE AN…”
NHTSA complaint #10861287, 2015

“WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASE OF NEW TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLE, WE HAD ONSET OF ACID SMELL WHENEVER AIR-CONDITIONER TURNED ON. AFTER ABOUT 3 MINUTES, THE ODOR DISSIPATES, AND AIR-CONDITIONER FUNCTIONS ADEQUATELY. THERE IS NO ODOR WHEN HEAT IS TURNED ON. WE HAD NO TIME TO DEAL WITH IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT ABOUT A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE WE WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER (WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR) TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ODOR. THEY CHANGED THE AIR-CONDITIONER FILTER, BUT STILL THE ODOR PERSISTS. ONLY THE DEALER HAS WORKED ON OUR CAR. IS THE ACID VAPOR HARMFUL TO THE OCCUPANTS OF OUR CAR? WHY DOESN'T IT GO AWA…”
NHTSA complaint #10660245, 2013

“DRIVER DOOR AN D WINDOW AND COORDINATED LOCK ARE OUT OF SYNC: DRIVE ABOUT 1 MILE AND LOCK CLOSES LIKE SOUND OF BULLET. HAD BEGUN ABOUT 6 MOS. FOLLOWING PURCHASE (AUG, 2012). TAKING TO DEALER TOMORROW & LEAVING CAR UNTIL PROPERLY REPAIRED! THIS IS A TOYOTA RAV4 (2012), PURCHASED NEW. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10652824, 2012

Seats 3

“THE REAR SEAT SHAKES OVER ANY ROUGH SURFACE. IN WATCHING THE HEADREST FOR THE REAR SEAT IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WHILE DRIVING THERE IS ABOUT A 2-INCH SIDEWAYS TRAVEL. HAVE TRIED THE SEAT IN VARIOUS POSITIONS AND THE PROBLEM REMAINS. BY ROUGH I DON'T MEAN POTHOLES...THINGS LIKE CHANGING LANES OVER REFLECTOR BUTTONS, FREEWAYS WITH RAIN GROOVES, THINGS LIKE THAT. MY 12 YEAR OLD JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE'S REAR SEAT DOESN'T SHAKE AT ALL IN THESE CONDITIONS, BUT THIS RAV4 REAR SEAT MOST CERTAINLY DOES. THE SHAKING IS SO BAD SOMETIMES THAT IT RATTLES. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT AN INFANT CAR SEAT STRAPPED…”
NHTSA complaint #10547214, 2013

“THE HEAD RESTRAINT WILL NOT LET ME SIT UP COMFORTABLY. IT PUSHES MY HEAD FORWARD CAUSING NECK PAIN. CAN'T JUST LEAN SEAT BACK MORE AS SOME SUGGEST. THAT WOULD JUST DECREASE THE INADEQUATE BACK SUPPORT IN THE SEAT EVEN FURTHER! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10480631, 2012

“THE ANGLE OF THE FORWARD-LEANING HEADRESTS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT UP STRAIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THEY PUSH THE DRIVER'S HEAD FORWARD, CAUSING NECK AND BACK PAIN. VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND DANGEROUS SINCE MANY PEOPLE ARE TURNING THE HEADRESTS AROUND IN ORDER TO DRIVE COMFORTABLY. THANK YOU. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10459680, 2012

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and DTC: P0607, P1603, and P1604 were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was not contacted. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11715035, 2020

“WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASE OF NEW TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLE, WE HAD ONSET OF ACID SMELL WHENEVER AIR-CONDITIONER TURNED ON. AFTER ABOUT 3 MINUTES, THE ODOR DISSIPATES, AND AIR-CONDITIONER FUNCTIONS ADEQUATELY. THERE IS NO ODOR WHEN HEAT IS TURNED ON. WE HAD NO TIME TO DEAL WITH IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT ABOUT A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE WE WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER (WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR) TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ODOR. THEY CHANGED THE AIR-CONDITIONER FILTER, BUT STILL THE ODOR PERSISTS. ONLY THE DEALER HAS WORKED ON OUR CAR. IS THE ACID VAPOR HARMFUL TO THE OCCUPANTS OF OUR CAR? WHY DOESN'T IT GO AWA…”
NHTSA complaint #10660245, 2013

Exterior Lighting 2 1 crash 1 fire

“WITHOUT CAUSE OR REASON, THE "BRAKE ACTUATOR" CIRCUIT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE CRUISE CONTROL, ABS, ANTI-SKID AND SPORADIC TAIL LIGHT PROBLEMS (LIGHTS WILL STAY ON OR COME ON WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED). I BROUGHT IT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY, THE ROADS WERE SNOW COVERED AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION CAUSING THE CAR TO SKID INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, AFTER THE BODY WAS REPAIRED, THEY LOCATED THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT WOULD COST $2900 TO REPLACE. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10726994, 2015 · crash · fire

“2012 TOYOYA RAV4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE SOUND OF THE TURN SIGNAL BEING TOO LOW. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR THE VOLUME OF THE TURN SIGNAL TO BE ADJUSTABLE *LD *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11337034, 2020

Tires 2

“NOT SURE OF DATE, BUT THE OUTSIDE HOUSING OF SPARE TIRE CAME OFF GOING THRU CAR WASH... THIS WAS AN AUTOMATIC WASH NO BRUSHES WAS USED. NOW IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD HAD HAPPEN ON THE ROAD AND I'M JUST WONDERING IF THIS HAS HAPPEN TO OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES... I DID TAKE IT THE FOX TOYOTA AND THEY FIXED THE INNER HOUSING BECAUSE THE SCREW ANCHOR WAS LOOSE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10562623, 2013

“I HAD JUST GOTTEN ON A 6 LANE EXPRESSWAY WITH A 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT. HANDS AT TEN AND TWO - JUST WATCHING THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 40 MPH IN THE FAR LEFT LANE SO PEOPLE COULD TURN ON THE ROAD. I HAD BEEN HAVING A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN I WOULD PULL OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY FOR AWHILE BUT DIDN'T WANT TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I HAD JUST GOTTEN A 10,000 MILE OIL CHANGE AND AFTER REMOVING A TIRE WITH A NAIL IN IT FOUND THEY HAD TO ORDER THE TIRE, WHICH TOOK 3 WEEKS TO GET (APPARENTLY RUN FLAT TIRES ARE STILL IN JAPAN,,) SO, I BACK TO MY NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE- I WAS DRIVING SLOWER THAN THE SPEED LIMIT DO…”
NHTSA complaint #10556032, 2013

Traction Control System 2

“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, traction control, and 4WD drive warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for approximately two months. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11552920, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAPITOL TOYOTA (783 AUTO GROUP AVE, NE, SALEM, OREGON 97301) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN TURNED OFF THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR AND PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,655.”
NHTSA complaint #11073832, 2018

Wheels 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V284000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE AND ONLY STATED THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED A LIMITED SUPPLY OF PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD ALSO EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN WHICH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE CONSTANTLY…”
NHTSA complaint #10845962, 2015

“I HAD JUST GOTTEN ON A 6 LANE EXPRESSWAY WITH A 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT. HANDS AT TEN AND TWO - JUST WATCHING THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 40 MPH IN THE FAR LEFT LANE SO PEOPLE COULD TURN ON THE ROAD. I HAD BEEN HAVING A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN I WOULD PULL OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY FOR AWHILE BUT DIDN'T WANT TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I HAD JUST GOTTEN A 10,000 MILE OIL CHANGE AND AFTER REMOVING A TIRE WITH A NAIL IN IT FOUND THEY HAD TO ORDER THE TIRE, WHICH TOOK 3 WEEKS TO GET (APPARENTLY RUN FLAT TIRES ARE STILL IN JAPAN,,) SO, I BACK TO MY NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE- I WAS DRIVING SLOWER THAN THE SPEED LIMIT DO…”
NHTSA complaint #10556032, 2013

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“TRYING TO USE THE 'HANDS FREE' FEATURE OF THE BLUETOOTH FEATURE IN THE RAV4 TOYOTA, I RAN INTO A CURB TRYING TO FIND A TELEPHONE NUMBER IN THE PHONE BOOK. I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE FOR OVER $200. AND I JUST HAD THE CAR FOR APPROX 2 OR 3 DAYS. I CAN'T BELIEVE TOYOTA WOULD EVEN HAVE A BLUETOOTH FEATURE THAT REQUIRES YOU TO USE THE ROTARY TUNER TO FIND A TELEPHONE NUMBER. THE SALESPERSON TOLD ME TO GET A SMART PHONE AND IT MAY HELP, BUT IT DID NOT. THE BLUETOOTH IN MY RAV4 IS ALMOST USELESS! WHO WOULD DESIGN OR PUT INTO A CAR A FEATURE THAT WOULD ALMOST INSURE ACCIDENTS IF USED AS DE…”
NHTSA complaint #10596877, 2012