2014 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 197 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 20 involved a crash and 25 involved a fire. 22 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v batteryNov 1, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Campaign 23V734000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 15V144000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesJan 16, 2015
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.
Campaign 15V011000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentDec 30, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
Campaign 14V828000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
12 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Structure, Aug 4, 2026, crash
Request for Investigation – 2014 Toyota RAV4 Airbag Non-Deployment On [XXX], at approximately [XXX]., the vehicle was involved in a traffic collision in Lakeland, Florida. The vehicle sustained a significant impact to the driver’s-side front area. Despite the nature and location of the collision, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags did not deploy. Law enforcement responded to the scene and completed Police Report. Emergency medical services also responded, and the driver was transported from the scene by ambulance due to injuries sustained in the collision. The primary concern is whether the airbag system, including the crash sensors and SRS components, functioned as designed during this crash. Based on the impact, I am seeking an investigation into whether the non-deployment of the airbags was the result of a defect or malfunction. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this incident, document it within its vehicle safety database, and determine whether similar complaints involving 2014 Toyota RAV4 vehicles exist that may indicate a broader safety concern warranting further investigation. Supporting documentation, including photographs of the vehicle damage, the police report, and any other relevant records, can be provided upon request. Thank you for your attention to this important vehicle safety matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Mar 3, 2026, crash
I was in a car accident and the side and steering airbags deployed. While the main steering airbag deflated successfully following the accident, the driver's side door side airbag never deflated. Once I was trying to get out of the car and had the door open, this meant it was much harder and took longer to get out as I had to slide out from underneath it. Because I wasn't able to get out quickly, I remained in a car in direct line of traffic with my driver's side door where it would have been hit first putting me in more danger.
Air bags, Nov 16, 2021, crash
My 2014 Toyota RAV4 had an accident (front end collision) No air bags deploy
Air bags, Structure, Oct 24, 2020, crash
AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED AFTER A CRASH THAT LEFT THE CAR CONSIDERED A 'TOTAL LOSS'. THE CAR HIT A POLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. CAUSING DRIVER TO INJURE FINGER AND MISS TIME FROM WORK.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2020, crash
MY SISTER ACCIDENTALLY RAN INTO THE BACK OF A BOX TRUCK ON 7/2/2020 AND THE KNEE AIRBAG IN HER TOYOTA 2014 RAV4 DEPLOYED. THE AIRBAG OR COVER CAUSED MAJOR GASHES IN HER LEG AND SHE IS NOW IN THE HOSPITAL AND WILL NEED TO HAVE SKIN GRAFTS. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT THAT IS NOT YET READY. I AM ATTACHING PICTURES OF THE LEG. I HAVE NEVER SEEN DAMAGE LIKE THIS CAUSED BY AIRBAG AND WONDERING IF THERE IS SOME TYPE OF ISSUES WITH KNEE AIRBAGS?
Power train, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Dec 21, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BODY REPAIR WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $4,700. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE ACCELERATION MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FRONT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 30, 2015, crash
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. BEFORE STARTING WORK, MY WIFE WAS ATTEMPTING TO SLOWLY PARK OUR 2014 RAV4 AT LESS THAN 2 MPH IN AN EMPTY PARKING SPACE IN THE PUBLIC PARKING LOT WHERE SHE WORKS WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN REACHING A FINAL SPEED OF 21 MPH IN THE SPAN OF APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 SECONDS. DURING THESE 2 TO 3 SECONDS THE VEHICLE TRAVELED A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 27 FEET FROM THE EMPTY PARKING SPACE, RUNNING OVER THE PARKING SPACE CONCRETE CURBS AND HIT A PARKED VEHICLE ON THE RAV4 RIGHT AND THEN RAN INTO A TREE, WHICH WAS THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE APPLIED THE SERVICE BRAKE TO TRY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT THIS EFFORT DID NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. AFTER HITTING THE TREE MY WIFE SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND PUSHED A BUTTON TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING THE TREE AT 21 MPH. WE NOTIFIED TOYOTA OF THE PROBLEMS REGARDING SUDDEN ACCELERATION, SERVICE BRAKE AND THE NON-DEPLOYED AIR BAGS. TOYOTA OPENED A CASE AND SENT AN INSPECTOR TO INSPECT THE RAV4. WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING THEY FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY TYPE OF MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT. WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. WE ARE NOT DRIVING THE 2014 RAV4 DUE TO THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. VEHICLE SAFETY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,577 MILES.
Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Nov 2, 2015, crash
CAR 1 CUT IN FRONT OF CAR 2, CAR 3 (OURS) STOPPED 1 CAR LENGTH AWAY, WHEN STARTED TO DRIVE PAST THE CRASH SUDDENLY CAR 4 SLAMMED INTO CAR 3 (OURS) AND PUSHED MY WIFE'S CAR INTO CAR 2 AND CAR 2 INTO CAR 1 AGAIN. AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, SEAT BELT LOCKED AND EMS HAD TO GET MY WIFE OUT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I95 HEADING SOUTH JUST PASSING EXIT 60 HYPOLUXO DR AT ABOUT 45MPH WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP. SHE WAS GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH WHEN SHE WAS HIT BY CAR 4....UPDATED 11/05/15 *BF *JS
Air bags, Aug 13, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON AN OVERPASS AND WAS ABOUT TO TURN ONTO AN ON RAMP TO ENTER INTERSTATE 70 IN LIMON COLORADO AND I STRUCK A VEHICLE ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF BOTH OUR CARS. AND MY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. I HIT THE STEERING COLUMN WITH MY RIGHT ARM AND LEFT SIDE OF MY CHEST AND STOMACH.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Jan 19, 2015, crash
AT APPROXIMATELY 8:20 AM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2015, I WAS PULLING INTO AN EMPTY PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AFTER DROPPING MY 6 YEAR-OLD AT SCHOOL. THIS WAS A ROUTINE AS I DO THIS EVERY MORNING. HOWEVER, AS I WAS SLOWING THE CAR DOWN PREPARING TO PARK (5-10 MPH), THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED (APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH) AND RAN OVER THE SIDEWALK, BUSHES AND INTO THE SIDE OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX. DESPITE MY ATTEMPTS TO BRAKE, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. IN THE PROCESS I RAN THROUGH THE SIDE OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX WALL AND FRONT GATE, NEARLY GOING RIGHT THROUGH MY FRONT DOOR AND LIVING ROOM WHERE MY 6 MONTH OLD AND WIFE WERE PLAYING. I HAD TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF. THAT STOPPED THE CAR. I THEN TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND REVERSED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE DONE TO THE SIDE OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AND MY VEHICLE. SHOULD BE NOTED, THAT DESPITE THE IMPACT, NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. AT THE MOMENT, MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS ME AT FAULT. I HAVE FILED WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THEY ARE HAVING A SPECIALIST INVESTIGATE THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR. AND HOPE THAT THIS IS INVESTIGATED FURTHER. HAD I NOT TURNED OFF MY CAR, I WOULD HAVE SURELY GONE THROUGH MY FRONT DOOR AND INTO MY LIVING ROOM, POTENTIALLY HURTING MY 6 MONTH OLD AND WIFE. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Seats, Oct 2, 2014, crash
ON BUSINESS AND VACATION, COMING FROM LA TO ATLANTA...I WAS DRIVING SPEED LIMIT IN FAR LEFT LANE, ON INTERSTATE, IN LAGRANGE ,GA, A TRUCK COMING ONTO THE INTERSTATE MERGING FROM FAR RIGHT LOSS CONTROL BECAUSE SHE WAS SPEEDING AND THE ROADS WERE SLICK FROM A LIGHT RAIN, SHE FISHTAILED FROM THE FAR RIGHT , CROSSING THE RIGHT LANE AND COMING HEAD ON IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC , HITTING MY RENTAL VEHICLE..RAV 4. HIT US HEAD ON...THE AIRBAGS POPPED OUT EVERYWHERE, BLOCKING ESCAPE EXITS, WE THOUGHT THE TRUCK WOULD CATCH AFIRE, BECAUSE OF SMOKE SMELL, WE TRIED TO GET OUT, ALL DOORS ON THE LEFT OF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPEN, ALTHOUGH IT WASN'T HIT IN ANY WAY, HAD TO CRAWL OVER SEATS AND UNDER AIRBAGS TO ESCAPE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. EVEN THE HATCH BACK DOOR AT REAR OF VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. WE JUST BARELY ESCAPED WITH OUR LIVES,AND INJURIES, BECAUSE IF WE DIDN'T PUSH THE RIGHT SIDE DOORS WE WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED. *TR
Air bags, Jul 18, 2014, crash
RAV 4 TRAVELING ON ROADWAY WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK ITS RIGHT FRONT FENDER AND FRONT DOOR IN T-BONE IMPACT. FORCE OF IMPACT WAS ENOUGH TO MOVE RAV 4 TO THE LEFT 2.5 LANES. RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR