2012 TOYOTA RAV4

5 recalls, 357 complaints - 431 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Defect Description

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the... Read more

Consequence

A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.

1,123,752 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Defect Description

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that c... Read more

Consequence

Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the w... Read more

423,456 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Defect Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within ... Read more

Consequence

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

261,114 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Defect Description

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-20... Read more

Consequence

An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-... Read more

7,525 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Defect Description

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model y... Read more

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag de... Read more

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

3,235 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Complaint Statistics

357 total complaints 58 crashes 8 fires 28 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	50
VISIBILITY/WIPER	50
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	35
SERVICE BRAKES	33
SEAT BELTS	31
ENGINE	24
AIR BAGS	23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	22
POWER TRAIN	18
STRUCTURE:BODY	13

Incident date: Jan 30, 2023

My 2012 Toyota RAV4 (Super White / Blizzard Pearl paint) is experiencing severe and recurring paint peeling caused by a known manufacturing defect in which the factory paint primer failed to properly adhere to the base metal layer. The peeling first began in 2023 following freezing weather in Austin... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2025

Was moving forward when all of the sudden the tailpipe flew off (metal thing in the muffler). No real cause, moves the vehicle normally oyt of the driveway and it just flew off.

Incident date: Jan 15, 2020

Date/Time of Incident: 1/29/36 at approximately 5:44 PM Location: Small school parking lot Vehicle: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 On 1/29/36 at approximately 5:44 PM, I was pulling out of a parking space at low speed in a small school parking lot in my 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. As I began to move, the vehicle s... Read more

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Jan 15, 2020

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Nov 30, 2025

My ABS control modual went out 14 months ago and no replacement part has been available at any jeep dealership. They state that this part is on extended back order. I have spent months trying to get this replacement. I believe it should be a recall. It not safe to have thousands of jeeps from year ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2025

Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.

Incident date: Jul 20, 2020

Check engine light came on and car stalled. The fault was a misfire in cylinder 2 and 3. When I checked vehicle out coolant was low and coolant leaked into cylinder. Checked online and saw thousands of complaints for the same thing

Incident date: Jul 20, 2020

First my radio will not come on when you first start the explorer. Then you turn it off and turn it back on then the radio will start to work. Then blind spot stop working will the radio. They said they fix the problem by updating the software in the radio. That work for a week then it happen again ... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2025

I was driving home from work one day my truck started. Losing power I could press the gas to make the truck drive it started slowing down

Incident date: Apr 17, 2025

I was driving home from work one day my truck started. Losing power I could press the gas to make the truck drive it started slowing down

Incident date: Apr 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor on the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was entering the interior of the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated the abnormal odo... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, causing the rear wheels to lock up. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the wrench symbol was displayed on the instrument panel.... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

I am the new owner of a 2016 Nissan Altima with approximately 179,000 miles, and I am experiencing a complete transmission failure despite Nissan’s claims that their CVT transmissions are reliable. After researching, I discovered that Nissan has faced multiple class-action lawsuits regarding faul... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

While driving on the expressway, traffic stopped and on the dashboard it said shift to park and the jeep completely turned off. I was in the middle of the expressway so it was scary, I’m glad we were stopped since it was rush hour. The truck turned on right away. I took it to the dealer a couple o... Read more

Incident date: Sep 24, 2024

The infotainment system on the Mazda consistently glitches causing vehicle settings to be changed while the vehicle is in motion or stopped. The volume changes, navigation settings change, maintenance settings change including door settings and any setting that can be controlled by the touch screen.... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2024

During a large rainstorm [XXX] in Colorado Springs, CO when driving through water amid the downpour, the front fabric like wheel well liners came loose and caught underneath the vehicle causing the front plastic undercarriage cover to also come loose. Despite the rain and lightning, and to mitigate ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 22, 2024

Truck down shifts randomly while driving and does not shift when it is supposed to on take off the RPMs go up 3 something. You can stop turn truck off and it starts to work again for 1 or 2 take offs then does it again.

Incident date: Aug 7, 2023

The horn is not working. I looked on google and it says that the manufacturer does not know about the problem and other cars are not working.

Incident date: Aug 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electric System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2023

The horn is not working. I looked on google and it says that the manufacturer does not know about the problem and other cars are not working.

Incident date: Aug 5, 2023

After making a left turn and giving it gas to get up the road the car suddenly stalled and had to come to a complete stop. Almost as if the car had went into park but it was still in drive. Service transmission message came on board and check engine light. Had to have a rollback come to tow home. Ca... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2023

The sensor for my gas cap was the first thing to malfunction, then My check engine light came on. Then the power steering sensor have me notice to drive carefully my drive assistance was malfunctioning. During my drive last night the power steering went out and the dashboard went dark several tim... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2023

On 7/18/2023 - my car reported the following: Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat. In essence the seat sensor on the car malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. Tesla charged me $466.29 to replace this and said that this was not under warranty, even though this was ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2023

Vehicle has continually shifted roughly, but beginning last year it stalled while coming to a stop. We replaced the battery and removed the auxillary battery that controls the automatic start/stop and had no issues for almost a year. Approximately a week ago, the vehicle began to stall again when co... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2023

I was in an accident on 5/13/2023 and I got hit head on in the front. None of my airbags came out.

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Apr 21, 2023

Value covers leaking oil and I replace it 6 times and it keep leaking

Crash

Incident date: Mar 27, 2023

I took my car in to have the 2nd row passenger seat belt buckle repaired last year 2022 and again this year the a seat belt buckle has to be replace. The car has only 32,700 mile and I am told by the dealership that the motor mounts are leaking and need to be replaced.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2023

While driving at highway speeds and the vehicle goes over a bump, bridge connection, etc the vehicle goes into an uncontrollable “death wobble”. This began with less than 10,000 miles on the vehicle, and the vehicle has not had any alterations from factory (factory wheels, tires, suspension, etc... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V650000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall r... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2023

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were flickering on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump f... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2022

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2022

Check EV System - Have your vehicle checked by a dealership immediately Warning has come on several times in the past few days. RAV4 EV forum indicates this is a problem that can make the vehicle stop while driving - very dangerous. There was a recall issued for this problem in 2015, and your site i... Read more

Incident date: Dec 14, 2021

Inaudible turn signal prompt: Older drivers who drive for miles with their turn signal on is the subject of many a cartoon and common source of highway frustration. It is also a safety issue when a vehicle does not perform the turn that it is apparently signaling to make. I find myself being one of... Read more

Incident date: Dec 27, 2021

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 park... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2021

The mechanism that controls the up/down position of the sun visors breaks after a few years of use. As a result, the sun visors will not stay in a 'closed' position (against vehicle roof) and constantly fall halfway down obstructing proper view of the road. The drivers side sun visor broke several ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2021

My rav4 caught fire by its self not running in the battery compartment and burned completely to the metal

Fire

Incident date: Oct 17, 2021

My rav4 caught fire by its self not running in the battery compartment and burned completely to the metal

Fire

Incident date: Aug 31, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a delay for the vehicle to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to put a lot of pressure while depressing the brake pedal for the vehicle to stop. An independent mechanic was ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2021

Unknown. Vehicle is having problems with fuel system. Vehicle intermittently runs rough like engine is not getting enough gas.

Incident date: May 18, 2021

LACK OF TIE POINTS: This is an issue with our RAV4, but it is an issue with about every vehicle manufactured recently. It is a requirement of drivers to “secure their load” but when top carrying boats it is very difficult to find suitable tie points in the front and rear of the vehicle. Could ve... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2021

Driver's side sun visor falls down blocking view of road.

Incident date: Jan 6, 2021

I HAVE JUST BEGUN HAVING THE ISSUE THAT MANY OTHERS COMPLAIN ABOUT - THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT + 4WD + TRAC LIGHTS ALL CAME ON (2012 TOYOTA RAV4, 100,000 MILES). WE TRIED SOME SIMPLE FIXES AT HOME, BASED ON THE MANY ONLINE POSTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE (CHECKED/REFASTENED HOSES, BATTERY CONNECTIONS, ETC.), A... Read more

Incident date: Nov 5, 2020

BOTH FRONT DRIVE AXLES EXHIBITED SIGNS OF SEVERE CORROSION DAMAGE LEADING TO COMPLETE LOSS OF LUBRICANT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 34,056 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED AND NOT SUBJECT TO ANY UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED SEVERE CRACKING AND POPPING NOISES ON TURNS.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2020

DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR HAD TO BE REPLACED A COUPLE YEARS AGO BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT STAY IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AND HUNG IN A LOOSE DROPPED POSITION.THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR IS NOW DOING THE SAME THING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT CAN DROP UNEXPECTEDLY AND BLOCK THE DRIVERS VISUAL FIELD.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2020

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 T... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2020

PAINT IS PEELING ON MULTIPLE PANELS. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER HAD BODY DAMAGE OR BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.

Incident date: Jun 15, 2020

MY 4WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT TRACTION LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CONE ON. I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BUT I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND IT'S A SENSOR PROBLEM . THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE 2007

Incident date: Jun 10, 2020

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 STOP... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jun 10, 2020

Crash 2 injured

Showing 50 of 357 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 TOYOTA RAV4

2012 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	17.4%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 TOYOTA RAV4

431 manufacturer communications from 203 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	53
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	46
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	29
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.	26
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	24
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	23
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	21
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	20

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the re

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

140000 AIR BAGS

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the v

160000 STRUCTURE

140000 AIR BAGS

TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The pur

160000 STRUCTURE

TSB: Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?. The wrinkles may trap water and

160000 STRUCTURE

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

160000 STRUCTURE

350000 EQUIPMENT

CSP: Customer Support Program ZKG - Paint Repair Process Operation Flow Chart

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

050000 PARKING BRAKE

TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retai

220000 SEATS

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custom

200000 WHEELS

190000 TIRES

160000 STRUCTURE

DL: CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth? connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth? failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth? Audio function

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TSB: Some 2006 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC evaporator drain hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX? Tip) is avai

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

OBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0012-21.

140000 AIR BAGS

Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

OBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0044-16.

220000 SEATS

TSB: Some 2010 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?. The wrinkles may trap water an

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the re

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS Customer Support Program ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

ZKG WEBSITE PROPER PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSION

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

ZKG WEBSITE PROPER PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSION

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

DL: Toyota plans to send Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices for the above referenced campaigns to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

RL: Toyota plans to conduct Safety Recall follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

DL: Safety Recall completion is an important part of our commitment to customer satisfaction of Toyota products. Toyota will be conducting follow-up notifications to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had Safety Recall repairs comp

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

RE: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

DE: Safety Recall is an integral part of our commitment to meet customer expectations of Toyota products. Toyota will be sending Follow-Up Notices to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had Safety Recall repairs completed for the ca

200000 WHEELS

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure

020000 SUSPENSION

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20.

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but part

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

160000 STRUCTURE

350000 EQUIPMENT

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The a

350000 EQUIPMENT

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0010-20.

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Some 2004 ? 2017 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bull

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should b

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Technical Instructions: December 12, 2019. This document has been updated to clarify that only authorized Toyota dealerships are authorized to confirm if the paint peeling condition is covered by this program. However, after confirming that

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE December 18, 2019: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE December 18, 2019: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Technical Instructions: Customer Support Program ZKG ? Technical Instructions. December 12, 2019. This document has been updated to clarify that only authorized Toyota dealerships are authorized to confirm if the paint peeling condition is

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Dealer Package: December 12, 2019 This document has been updated to clarify that only authorized Toyota dealerships are authorized to confirm if the paint peeling condition is covered by this program. However, after confirming that the pain

350000 EQUIPMENT

160000 STRUCTURE

Technical Instructions: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS Customer Support Program ZKG Phase 2 ? Customer Renotification and Repair Phase Repair is Now Available Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super Whit

160000 STRUCTURE

Repair Process: Customer Support Program ZKG ? Paint Repair Process.

160000 STRUCTURE

Dealer Package: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied du

160000 STRUCTURE

Dealer Email: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied duri

160000 STRUCTURE

Region Letter: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied dur

160000 STRUCTURE

Region Email: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied duri

160000 STRUCTURE

Dealer Daily Message: ***Phase 2 ? Customer Renotification and Repair Phase*** Repair is Now Available Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Fact

160000 STRUCTURE

TSB: Some 2008 ? 2019 model year Toyota vehicles painted with either 070 Blizzard Pearl or 040 Super White may exhibit peeling paint on one or more metal body panels. The paint may peel between the primer and E-coat layer, exposing the gray

010000 STEERING

TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth? connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth? failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ? Various Bluetooth? Audio functions a

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

TSB: REVISION NOTICE September 26, 2019 Rev1: ? The Warranty Information, Parts Information, and Repair Procedure sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2009 ? 2018 model year RA

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Dealer Package: Phase 1 - Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports ind

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Dealer Email: Phase 1 - Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indic

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Region Letter: Phase 1 ? Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports ind

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Region Email: Phase 1 - Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indic

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0033-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2019 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0033-14 is obsolete and

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Some 2009 ? 2019 model year Toyota vehicles with super chrome wheel finishes may become discolored and/or damaged when aftermarket cleaners, polishes, or brake dust removal products are used on wheels with super chrome finishes. Wheel

200000 WHEELS

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has be

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

034520 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

TSB: Some 2009 ? 2018 model year RAV4 and 2017 ? 2018 model year iM vehicles may exhibit a grind/groan noise from the front brake pads. An updated pad kit is now available as a service part. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to a

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Showing 100 of 431 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, TOYOTA RAV4

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to understand the contributing factors and frequency of vehicle fires originating from the battery region of the engine compartment in Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on 25 February 2021. At the time of ope... ning, ODI attributed eleven allegations and additional EWR events to this PE. PE21005 focused on replacement batteries installed in the subject vehicles. No reported fire event identified in PE21005 involved the originally supplied 12V battery. The reported fires took place in vehicles known to contain aftermarket batteries or whose age exceeded the expected life of the original equipment battery. ODI identified battery dimensioning as it relates to the battery retention system (hold down bracket, radiator support bolt, J-hook, and battery tray) as the main factor set in the contact between the battery hold down bracket contacting the positive terminal of the 12V battery. The subject vehicles carried over the same battery tray and retention system from the prior generation (MY2006 – MY2012) of RAV4 vehicles. However, the subject vehicles were equipped with a dimensionally smaller battery (Group 35) than the prior generation (Group 24F). The smaller- length measurement in the Group 35 battery size in a battery tray originally designed to fit a Group 24F battery contributed to increased potential for battery movement which was exacerbated by the diversity in aftermarket battery configuration and irregularities intrinsic to battery replacement procedures. Battery movement coupled with the proximity of the B+ terminal on the battery and the grounded electrically conductive hold down bracket set the stage for a short to ground leading to an engine stall (if in operation) followed by a vehicle fire. This investigation was not able to classify the installation status, battery size, or cause of every allegation due to the fire event causing damage to the area, inaccessible vehicle, modification to the battery retention system after the event, and/or inconclusive photographic evidence. Toyota's investigation of the issue identified aftermarket battery catalogs that listed an improper battery replacement size (Group 26R) that would nevertheless fit into the subject vehicles whose battery retention system is incapable of reliably restraining a Group 26R battery. On 18 November 2021, Toyota initiated a consumer advisory campaign (21TG01) to the subject vehicle owners, notifying them of the correct size battery and offering a free inspection of the battery and retention hardware, a caution label to affix to the hold down bracket, and a discounted replacement 12V battery. This investigation with Toyota established three broad categories to characterize the battery retention system state of a given vehicle: "correct", "minor mis-installation", and "major mis-installation". - The "correct" terminology references the front bolt, bracket, and J-hook installed in a position not in contact with the positive battery terminal and the front bolt torqued to 17 Nm and the J-hook engaged with the tray hole and torqued to 4.9 Nm. - A "minor mis-installation" would describe the three retention components installed in the prescribed location, however not to the correct torque values. - The "major mis-installation" condition would constitute a retention component missing or disconnected from the system. Toyota's own testing used five exemplar batteries installed on a subject vehicle in each battery categorization resulted in: - Contact between the B+ terminal and hold down bracket in "major mis-installations" - Movement of the battery in "minor mis-installations" - No observable motion in "correct" installations. ODI conducted its own evaluation of the Toyota- specified replacement battery and 5 aftermarket Group 35 batteries. The six batteries tested conformed to the Group 35 Battery Council International (BCI) standard on overall dimensional tolerance and terminal location. That standard does not define the edge shape or material of battery casing. Physical interaction between the hold down bracket and the battery case and the friction between the casing material and the battery tray resulted in a large variability in movement forces required to incite movement when the battery was installed in the "correct" condition. Resulting in movement at an induced lateral load between 0.6 G and 1.91 G equivalent force across each battery. This force is higher than a typical vehicle could exert in a steady state turn and would only experience loads through brief shock or impulses. Multiple shock or impulse loads across time would contribute to a delay between the replacement battery installation and the fire event. Likelihood of a fire event increases as the installation method degraded from the "correct", to "minor mis-installation", and then to "major mis-installation". Protruding vent caps atop some of the batteries tested aided in restricting battery movement relative to the hold down. An absence of vent caps permitted additional movement. Following several discussions and vehicle inspections with ODI during this investigation, on 01 November 2023, Toyota filed a safety recall (NHTSA 23V-734) of 1,853,568 MY 2013 through MY 2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles to reduce the risk of a vehicle fire with redesigned battery retention components. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Rear Suspension Arm Assembly Failure

In a letter dated August 1, 2012 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-373) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding possible separation of the Rear Suspension Arm No. 1 Assembly (arm) at the thread... ed portion (shaft and turn buckle) of the component in MY 2006 through MY 2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles built from October 2005 through September 2010 and in MY 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured from July 2009 through August 2010.According to Toyota, if the adjustment nuts for the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened when alignment is performed in service, backlash may develop at the threaded portion of the arm, followed by rust formation.The threads may then wear causing the arm to separate, which may result in a loss of vehicle control.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Toyota, ODI identified 131 non-duplicative reports alleging failure of the subject rear suspension arm (Note:some of the complaints and related service records refer to the arm as a rear tie rod).Six of the complainants allege the failure resulted in some loss of vehicle control.For purposes of this analysis, loss of control events involve alleged complete or partial departure from the intended lane of travel.An additional four complaints reported difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle when the arm failed.Recalled vehicles will be inspected for proper torque of the adjustment nuts and replaced as necessary.In addition, Toyota will take several actions to reduce the potential for improper torque in future alignment procedures.This includes:(1) providing proper tightening sequence and torque specification information to two major wheel alignment equipment manufacturers, who would disseminate the information to alignment shops using their equipment; (2) installation of a clip on each arm with an instructional label showing proper tightening sequence and torque specification (the clip must be removed to perform a wheel alignment); (3) installation of additional labels on the front and back vertical surfaces of the Rear Suspension Arm No. 2 assemblies; and (4) providing an instruction booklet to owners to place in the glove box.This investigation is closed.Read more

TOYOTA RAV4 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the TOYOTA RAV4 across all model years (1996, 2025).

149 Total Recalls

12,082 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

1,060 Reported Crashes

359 Reported Fires

11 Reported Deaths

TOYOTA RAV4 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	3	104	View
2024	3	251	View
2023	3	247	View
2022	1	209	View
2021	1	506	View
2020	6	795	View
2019	7	1,172	View
2018	3	439	View
2017	3	408	View
2016	3	291	View
2015	4	399	View
2014	4	275	View
2013	2	330	View
2012 (current)	5	357
2011	11	402	View
2010	14	498	View
2009	15	397	View
2008	14	708	View
2007	14	1,240	View
2006	11	880	View
2005	5	168	View
2004	2	182	View
2003	0	392	View
2002	0	682	View
2001	0	418	View
2000	3	34	View
1999	5	75	View
1998	5	92	View
1997	1	61	View
1996	1	54	View
1995	0	1	View
1994	0	4	View

Other TOYOTA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
TUNDRA	787	9,074	View
HIGHLANDER	677	6,756	View
CROWN	548	141	View
TACOMA	406	10,562	View
VENZA	404	969	View
GRAND HIGHLANDER	388	332	View
PRIUS	365	15,456	View
HIGHLANDER HYBRID	355	1,103	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 TOYOTA RAV4

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 TOYOTA RAV4

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 TOYOTA RAV4

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, TOYOTA RAV4

TOYOTA RAV4 - All Years Overview

TOYOTA RAV4 - Year by Year

Other TOYOTA Models