2012 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 266 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 39 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seat belts, rear/otherFeb 19, 2016
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 outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility/wiperSep 18, 2015
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 connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
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.
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 wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 15V577000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleFeb 12, 2014
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 the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V054000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsApr 9, 2013
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, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
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.
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 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
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 year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
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 deployment.
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.
Campaign 13V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
31 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, May 7, 2024, crash
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 mechanic the vehicle in front of me stopped quickly. I started to stop a little quicker than normal, causing the front of the vehicle to tip down. I immediately lost power and the engine died, causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. The collisions was at slow speed, but it also caused disproportionate damage to my vehicle. Over the weekend of January 20th, we became aware if a recall for 2013 to 2018 Rav4s regarding the tops of newer batteries being smaller and causing problems with the battery shifting causing loss of power and potential fires. We strongly believe this recall needs to be extended to the 2012s.
Electrical system, Mar 3, 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 indicates there are no outstanding recalls on this vehicle. Please help resolve this potentially severe problem. Thanks.
Electrical system, Dec 29, 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 those older drivers who leaves their turn signal on. I have moderate hearing loss and do wear hearing aids, but not all the time. Perhaps my RAV4's audible prompt is quieter than others, but with road noise and the radio on I often do not hear it. A simple solution to this problem would be the ability to control the volume of the audible turn signal prompt so it could be "cranked up" to be easily heard. If dashboard lights have a dimmer control, why don't turn signal prompts have a volume control? It seems like a simple solution and with today's touch control panels one that could be added for very little cost. Thanks for considering my recommendation. It is a common safety problem that has a simple and low-cost solution.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2021, fire
My rav4 caught fire by its self not running in the battery compartment and burned completely to the metal
Electrical system, Mar 1, 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.), AND THE LIGHTS CAME RIGHT BACK ON. TOOK TO OUR USUAL MECHANIC, AND THEY DIAGNOSED O2 SENSOR PROBLEMS, BOTH BANK 1 & BANK 2. PAID $750 FOR THEM TO REPLACE BOTH SENSORS. THE 3 DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME BACK ON AS I WAS DRIVING HOME AFTER PICKING UP MY CAR FROM THE SERVICE. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED WITH GENUINE TOYOTA PARTS. THE CAR IS NOW BACK AT THE MECHANIC - THEY SAID THE SAME O2 SENSOR CODES ARE COMING UP WHEN THEY CHECK THE DIAGNOSTICS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A CHRONIC PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA, AND REALLY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND DEALT WITH. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH AN EARLIER TOYOTA SIENNA, AND SPENT MUCH TIME AND MONEY TRYING TO FIX THE ISSUE, WHICH WAS NEVER RESOLVED. THERE ARE MORE THAN 15 YEARS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE - PLEASE HELP US, THE CONSUMERS!
Electrical system, Aug 14, 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
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 7, 2019
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 BACK ON A FEW DAYS LATER. PLEASE HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 21, 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
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Dec 19, 2018
O2 SENSOR AND OTHER SENSORS KEEP LIGHTING UP
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 24, 2018
I COULD NOT START MY VEHICLE ON 7/26/2018. I CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE AND GOT A JUMP START FROM A POWER DEVICE. I WAS DRIVING TOWARDS TOYOTA SERVICE. SUDDENLY MY VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED: NO POWER STIRRING, NOT EVEN ALARM SIGNAL WORKING. IF THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY, MORE LIKELY, I WOULD NOT BE ALIVE TODAY. SAME DRIVER WHO WOULD HIT ME FROM BEHIND, BECAUSE DISABLED VEHICAL STOPED IN A MOMENT. I AM SURE, NOBODY MUST DRIVE TOYOTA RAV4 2012. IF BATTERY IS NOT FUNCTIONING, THERE MUST BE INDICATION ON THE DASHBOARD BEFORE THE VEHICLE GET DISABLED, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING TO TELL ME THAT VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. FOR REFERENCE : A) BATTERY. TRUE STAR BATTERY. WARANTY 2 YEARS. DIED IN 10 MONTHS. B) THE INCIDENT FILED IN TOYOTA AS #1808151393. NO RESOLUTION. C) SERVICE. FRED HAAS TOYOTA. 22435 SH 249, HOUSTON, TX 77070. C) ATTACHED: TOYOTA OWNER'S MANUAL MALFANCTIONED BATTERY INDICATOR.
Electrical system, Traction control system, Engine, Feb 20, 2018
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2017
THE CHECK ENGINE, TRAC OFF AND 4WD LIGHTS WILL ALL COME ON TOGETHER AND STAY ON FOR A DAY OR TWO AND THEN GO OFF AGAIN. THIS KEEPS HAPPENING
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2017
POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS IN ALL DOORS HAVE FAILED. THE DRIVERS DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED FIRST. THE ACTUATORS IN EACH REMAINING DOOR INCLUDING THE TAILGATE DOOR HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED AS WELL. (THE DATE USED IN THIS REPORT TO INDICATE WHEN THE PROBLEM HAPPENED IS APPROXIMATE AND REFERS TO THE INITIAL PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S DOOR.) TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA SERVICE CENTERS HAVE DETERMINED THE ACTUATORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. ONE DEALER NOTED THAT THEY HAD SEEN THIS ISSUE IN MANY OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH TURNS UP SEVERAL PAGES DISCUSSING THIS ISSUE. A SEARCH OF THIS SITE ALSO REVEALED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH OTHER MODEL YEAR RAV4'S. EACH TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER ESTIMATED A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $400 FOR EACH ACTUATOR PLUS LABOR COSTS TO REPLACE THE PART. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT WHILE THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVERS-SIDE AND PASSENGER-SIDE DOORS HAVE MANUAL LATCHES INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE TAILGATE DOOR DOES NOT. THE LACK OF A MANUAL LATCH AND KEYED LOCK IN THE TAILGATE DOOR MEANS THAT THE TAILGATE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED AT ALL. THIS IS VERY PROBLEMATIC FOR BOTH CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY, PARTICULARLY IN THOSE RAV4'S WITH THE THIRD ROW SEAT. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR VEHICLE FIRE, PASSENGERS IN THE THIRD-ROW SEAT WOULD BE FORCED TO EITHER EXIT THROUGH ONE OF THE OTHER DOORS OR BREAK A WINDOW TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. WHEN I CONTACTED TOYOTA REGARDING THIS ISSUE, I WAS TOLD INITIALLY TO HAVE MY LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER EVALUATE THE PROBLEM AND CALL BACK TO TOYOTA TO DISCUSS AND SEE IF TOYOTA WOULD BE ABLE TO HELP AT ALL. WHEN I CALLED BACK TO TOYOTA, I WAS PUT ON HOLD FOR AN INCONVENIENT AMOUNT OF TIME, THEN SIMPLY TOLD THAT TOYOTA WOULD NOT HELP, PRESUMABLY BECAUSE MY VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I HOPE THAT TOYOTA WILL WORK WITH THE NHTSA TO TAKE A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM FOR ALL AFFECTED TOYOTA VEHICLES AND OWNERS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 30, 2017
2013 TOYOTA RAV4 W/ 40K MILES HAD THIRD ACTUATOR POWER DOOR LATCH FAIL ON A THIRD DOOR IN 5 MONTHS. LOOKING AT OTHER RECENT COMPLAINTS, OF A SIMILAR NATURE, THIS MAY INDEED BE THE RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PLEASE CONSIDER ISSUING A RECALL. MOST RECENT FAILURE IS THE DOOR MY 2 YEAR OLD USES, I WOULD HATE TO THINK OF AN EMERGENCY WHERE I COULDN'T GET HER OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS LOCKED. WHEN THE FIRST DOOR, DRIVER, WENT OUT (DEC 2016), I HAD IT FIXED AT MY MECHANIC THINKING IT WAS A FLUKE. WHEN THE SECOND DOOR, PASSENGER, WENT OUT MAR 2017, I CONTACTED TOYOTA & WAS TOLD TO GET THE PROBLEM CONFIRMED BY THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH I DID. THEY OFFERED ME A GOODWILL PYMT FOR THE SECOND DOOR ONLY, NOT THE FIRST, DESPITE HOW RECENTLY THE FIRST DOOR FAILED. IN MAY 2017 THE THIRD DOOR, BACK DRIVER, IS NOW FAILING & THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REP SAID THEY "ARE DECLINING TO OFFER ME ANY ASSISTANCE IN FIXING THIS ACTUATOR OR ANY FUTURE ACTUATOR LOCKS BECAUSE THEY GO OUT LIKE LIGHTBULBS EVERY 4 YEARS." I CANNOT BELIEVE TOYOTA KNOWINGLY MANUFACTURES VEHICLES W/ A PART THAT IT 'EXPECTS' TO FAIL EVERY 4 YEARS, LEAVING THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH A $2500 BILL THAT FREQUENTLY. WE ESCALATED THIS FROM THE INITIAL "CUST SERVICE" REP, ALEX S., TO HIS SUPERVISOR, ASHLEY, AND THEY BOTH SAID THEY ARE CHOOSING NOT TO HELP US ANY FURTHER WITH THIS PROBLEM ON DOOR NUMBER 3 (OR 1) OR DOORS 4 AND 5 WHEN THEY INEVITABLY GO OUT AS WELL. MY HUSBAND ALSO OWNS A 2013 RAV4, SO WE ARE BEING TOLD TO EXPECT TO PAY $5000 EVERY 4 YEARS IF WE WANT OUR DOORS TO LOCK. WE HAVE PURCHASED TOYOTAS BASED ON THEIR REPUTATION OF QUALITY AND I AM BAFFLED TOYOTA IS KNOWINGLY STICKING THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH EXPENSIVE PARTS THAT FAIL WITH THIS FREQUENCY. IT IS ALSO WORTH NOTING, MY CAR ISN'T EVEN 4 YEARS OLD YET AND WAS JUST OVER 3 YEARS OLD WHEN THE I EXPERIENCED THE FIRST FAILURE DEC 2016.
Electrical system, Apr 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE, TRAC OFF, AND 4WD WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Visibility/wiper, Apr 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD, THE FLUID FAILED TO EXIT THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR. ALSO, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE IN THE SNOW AT 5 MPH, THE ABS FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO REPEATEDLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 3, 2017, 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.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Equipment, Visibility/wiper, Apr 25, 2016
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 AND COULD NOT PROVIDE A TIME FRAME IN WHICH THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. UPDATED 06/23/16*LJ
Electrical system, Jan 8, 2016
WIRING HARNESS THAT CONTROLS NORMAL 2WD/4WD HAS BEEN CHEWED BY RODENTS LEAVING VEHICLE STUCK IN 4WD. VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON GARAGE APRON WHEN WIRES WERE CHEWED.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Dec 22, 2015, 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 A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO A SOFTWARE DEFECT WHICH AFFECTED "COMPONENTS IN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRACTION MOTOR ASSEMBLY." WE INFORMED TOYOTA THIS APPEARED TO BE AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INCIDENT. THEY PROMISED TO ASSIGN AN ENGINEER TO THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND DOWNLOAD INFORMATION FROM THE EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR). THE ENGINEER INSPECTED THE CAR AND PREPARED A 22 PAGE REPORT. HOWEVER HE WAS UNABLE TO DOWNLOAD THE EDR INFORMATION DUE TO A DATA COMMUNICATION ERROR. TOYOTA CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO A LOW BATTERY. THE ENGINEER CONFIRMED TO ME THAT IT WAS A DATA COMMUNICATION ERROR AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HALF CHARGED WHEN HE DROVE IT. TOYOTA REFUSED TO SHARE THE ENGINEER'S REPORT. THEY STATED IN SIX SHORT SENTENCES THAT THE ACCELERATION AND BRAKE PEDALS BOTH WORKED. THEY DID NOT ADDRESS THE RECALL, THE INCIDENT WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH, OR THE DATA COMMUNICATION ERROR, ALL OF WHICH SIGNAL POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC CIRCUITRY/SOFTWARE. WHEN WE WROTE THEM A DETAILED LETTER WITH ALL THE ATTACHMENTS TO DOCUMENT THE RECALL, THEY SIMPLY RESPONDED THAT THE ACCELERATION PEDAL AND BRAKE PEDAL WORKED.
Electrical system, May 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AVS WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V054000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 1, 2015
THIS PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH THE RAV4 GEAR SHIFTER STICKING AND/OR DEFORMED. THE PROBLEM IS ADDRESSED FOR YEARS 2013-2015 IN TOYOTA TSB 0145-14; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM ALSO EXISTS IN THE 2012 MODEL. THE 2012 RAV4 CAN HAVE A STICKING OR DEFORMED GEAR SHIFTER. THIS COULD BE CAUSED BY COFFEE HAVING BEEN SPILLED INTO THE AREA. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 30, 2014, crash
ON THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER, MY WIFE AND I LEFT SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI TO DALLAS, TEXAS TO VISIT OUR FAMILY FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. WE WERE DRIVING OUR RECENTLY PURCHASED 2012 RAV4 WITH APPROXIMATELY 33,000 MILES WHICH WE PURCHASED IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2014. WE STOPPED SEVERAL TIMES DURING OUR TRIP TO REFUEL AND ALLOW MY WIFE, WHO IS 6 MONTH PREGNANT, A CHANCE TO STRETCH HER LEGS. FOR MUCH OF THE TRIP, I USED CRUISE CONTROL WHEN POSSIBLE AT VARYING SPEEDS FROM 65 MPH (IN MISSOURI) TO 75 MPH (IN PARTS OF OKLAHOMA). AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM, WHILE DRIVING THROUGH TUSHKA, OKLAHOMA WE APPROACHED A STOPLIGHT WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT DROPPED FROM 65 TO 45 MPH. THE LIGHT WAS RED, A SEMI WAS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT, AND I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE CAR'S BRAKES. AS I DID SO, THE CAR FELT AS IF IT WAS FIGHTING MY ATTEMPTS TO STOP IT. I HAD TO KEEP BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL, AND I DO NOT KNOW IF THE CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED. AS I APPROACHED THE SEMI, I PRESSED HARDER ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP MY VEHICLE. FINALLY WITH LESS THAN A CAR LENGTH, MY CAR CAME TO A FULL STOP. WITH MY FOOT STILL PRESSED FIRMLY ON THE BRAKES, BOTH MY WIFE AND I HEARD THE CAR BEGIN TO MAKE A HIGH-PITCHED NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR INTO 'PARK,' AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AND I SAW THAT THE RPM GAUGE ON THE CAR ROSE TO 7-8,000 RPM. AT THIS POINT, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AT THE IGNITION SWITCH. MY INTENT WAS TO RE-START THE CAR AND SAFELY PULL OVER AFTER WE PROCEEDED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. HOWEVER, AT THIS POINT THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND, AS I RESTARTED THE CAR, WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. ON FRIDAY, THE 19TH, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO TOYOTA OF LEWISVILLE (TX) WHERE THEY PROVED UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I WAS CONTACTED BY A REPRESENTATIVE ON 12/29/2014 WHO INFORMED ME THAT NOTHING WOULD BE DONE UNLESS THE EVENT "REPLICATED" OR SOMEONE HAD BEEN INJURED. *JS
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 15, 2014
WHILE FOOT WAS ONE THE BRAKE AND VEHICLE WAS STOPPED THE ENGINE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD I SLAPPED THE SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF.THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO OTHER TIMES SINCE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER THE LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED 9/13/14 THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER AND COULD NOT DETECT ANY FAULTS.I GOOGLED THIS CONDITION AND FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE.NOTE EACH TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE ACCELERATION THE ANTI SKID LIGHT HAS COME ON AS I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 20, 2014
SINCE JANUARY 13, I HAVE HAD MY BATTERY DIE ON ME 4 TIMES (INCLUDING THE FIRST TIME) - TWICE IN JANUARY AND THE OTHERS A FEW MONTHS IN BETWEEN. IT NEVER SAT FOR MORE THAN A FEW DAYS. BRAND NEW CAR END OF NOVEMBER 2012, SO IT WAS ONLY A YEAR OLD. I THINK THERE MAY BE SOME DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND WHERE YOU CAN PLUG IN YOUR IPOD FOR MUSIC... THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT WAS 'LEFT ON'/PLUGGED IN (I CHECKED EVERY TIME). THE TOYOTA GUY SAID THAT SHOULDN'T BE ISSUE, BUT NOTHING ELSE MAKES SENSE. I EVEN WENT TO A BATTERY SPECIALIST GUY AND HE SAID SOMETHING WAS JUST SLOWLY DRAINING AND A GOOD CHARGE OVERNIGHT WOULD DO THE TRICK. *TR