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
197 reports, newest first.
Structure, Feb 5, 2025
In reference to Toyota Motor North America - Customer Support Program ZKG. My Toyota vehicle has experienced paint peeling on the exterior metal body panels. I have applied to receive coverage from Toyota for the paint peeling as part of the ZKG Program. Toyota has denied my request for coverage and did not provide me with notice of the ZKG Program. The paint color of my vehicle is the original factory applied Blizzard Pearl (070) paint color. The vehicle experienced noticeable paint peeling around 9.5-10 years from the Date of First Use of the vehicle. I reported the paint peeling to my local Toyota dealer service center around 5 months after the car was ten years past the Date of First Use. Because the ZKG program coverage had expired by the time I had reported the paint peeling, the Toyota dealer service center referred me to the Toyota Brand Engagement Center. The Toyota Brand Engagement Center denied my request for coverage because the vehicle was reported shortly after the Duration of Coverage. I did not receive notice of the Customer Support Program ZKG from Toyota. I became the owner of this vehicle three years before that the program notification was sent out, but the Toyota Brand Engagement Center representative and a Resolution Specialist both indicated that notices were sent to the previous owner. I purchased the vehicle directly from a Toyota dealership using Toyota financing. The paint peeling did not start until very close to time of coverage expiration for my vehicle. I was unaware that I would be required to report the paint peeling issue to Toyota by a certain date as I was never made aware of the Customer Support Program ZKG from Toyota.
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 45-50 MPH during night hours, a fellow motorist alerted the contact that her vehicle had caught fire from underneath the engine without warning. Upon opening the front, driver-side door, the fire entered the vehicle and the contact quickly shut the door. While in a panic, the contact re-opened the door and jumped out of the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and was consumed by the fire. Police arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard and was deemed a total loss. The road was scorched as a result of the fire which led to the road being repaved. The contact injured both knees and left baby finger after jumping out of the vehicle; the contact also suffered emotional distress due to the fire. The contact did not seek medical attention for her injuries. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Recently, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) which she linked to the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2024
Manufacture failed to provide remedy for recall 23TB13 (NHSTA recall 23V734) in a timely manner. The recall was issued on November 1, 2023; however, a remedy has not been provided as of December 9, 2024.
Electrical system, Nov 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the paint on the hood, the front driver-side door, and the rear passenger-side door was peeling. No warning light was illuminated. The VIN was included in an unknown manufacturer's customer program related to the paint issue. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where it was diagnosed that certain areas of the vehicle needed to be repainted. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure still occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2024
The entire computer screen is stuck on the downloading picture. Then it will restart itself and do it all over again. Nothing works. No radio or anything. I’ve been looking online and seeing there is a lot of people with the same issues a but no solutions. How has Toyota not fixed this issue yet.
Electrical system, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact advised that while she driving at approximately 45 MPH she observed three unknown warning lights on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle steering wheel was hard to turn and she observed that white smoke was issuing from the dashboard vents. The contact stopped turned the vehicle off and waited for the smoke to clear. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12V battery had shifted and that one of the terminals on the battery had become loose and touched the metal battery clamp causing a short circuit. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later drove the vehicle to a dealer but was advised that the battery clamp was not available to complete the recall. The failure was approximately 258,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Oct 8, 2024, fire
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at 35 MPH, smoke was coming from under the hood and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving downhill, however, the vehicle was coasted to the local fire department, which was on the same street. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact stated that a fire report was filed. The contact stated that there were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that the failure was due to the unrepaired recall repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Oct 7, 2024
Transmission fluid was serviced at Bill page Toyota, Falls Church, VA 22042 (102,468 miles on 11/2/2023) Transmission failed to operate at 104,771 miles. Car failed to go reverse, noise from transmission gear. Car was inspected at Toyota Ourishman, Fairfax, VA and concluded transmission problem failed.
Electrical system, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the instrument cluster and the radio blinked off and on. In addition, the contact noticed that some wires were burnt. The vehicle was started and taken to Auto Zone. The contact stated that the battery and the alternator were both tested and operated as designed. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact stated while driving the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was turned off and the contact attempted to restart however, the vehicle failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that battery cables were loose, and the positive battery terminal was incorrectly installed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to incorrect installation of the new battery which the previous owner had installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2024
Battery shifted in engine compartment and severed battery cable
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 5, 2024, fire
Car on fire
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the battery positive (+) terminal was corroded. The contact cleaned the terminal. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2024
Re: Manufacturer Recall Number23TB13 NHTSA Recall Number23V734 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available It has been over 6-months and manufacturer has not provided remedy for this recall. Dealer reports they have the parts but are not allowed to fix.
Steering, Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed the failure. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 109,003.
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2024
Per the current recall my vehicle can have a risk of fire. No remedy has been given since the recall information was released.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver while turning. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,258. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jul 7, 2024
In reference to Toyota Motor North America - Customer Support Program ZKG. My Toyota vehicle has experienced paint peeling on the exterior metal body panels. I have applied to receive coverage from Toyota for the paint peeling as part of the ZKG Program. Toyota has denied my request for coverage and did not provide me with notice of the ZKG Program. The paint color of my vehicle is the original factory applied Blizzard Pearl (070) paint color. The vehicle experienced noticeable paint peeling around 9.5-10 years past the Date of First Use of the vehicle. I reported the paint peeling to my local Toyota dealer service center around two (2) weeks after the car was ten (10) years past the Date of First Use. Because the ZKG program coverage had expired by the time I had reported the paint peeling, the Toyota dealer service center referred me to the Toyota Brand Engagement Center. The Toyota Brand Engagement Center denied my request for coverage because the vehicle was reported shortly after the Duration of Coverage. I did not receive notice of the Customer Support Program ZKG from Toyota. I became the owner of this vehicle in the same year that the program notification was sent out. The paint peeling did not start until very close to time of coverage expiration for my vehicle. I was unaware that I would be required to report the paint peeling issue to Toyota by a certain date as I was never made aware of the Customer Support Program ZKG from Toyota.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 4, 2024
This car was purchased in March 2024 at Peak Motors in Hickory, NC and on [XXX] 2024, while driving the Check engine light, power steering, oil lamp, A&T temp oil, battery, tire and seatbelt light came on, the RPM went to 0 and we could no accelerate so we coasted down a hill and pull off to restart the car. After restarting it, all the lights disappeared and proceeded home and it happened 2 more times on the way home. The next day our mechanic and tested the battery and alternator, the alternator was good, but battery was weak so we got a new battery. A couple weeks later, the same thing happened and took it back in the mechanic but they could not get any codes nor could get it to reproduce what was happening so nothing could be done. They cleaned the mass air filter, but the same thing happened a few weeks later. The car has been in the shop for a total of 5 times and kept at the shop for 3 weeks. On [XXX] 2024, the car engine died again while in a drive thru and immediately took it to the mechanic 10 minutes away and they were able to get the code P1604 Startability Malfunction but the code is too generic they couldn't pinpoint specifically exactly what is the problem. Because of this being a HUGH safety issue, I contacted the dealer and they said they inspected it but could not provide proof when I asked for paperwork. I contacted Toyota in Asheville, NC where it serviced and they haven' returned my call. I contacted Mike Johnson Toyota in Hickory, NC where it was bought and they had no service records regarding this vehicle. It has passed inspection in Buncombe, NC but nobody can figure out what's going on. I am scared to drive the car because it happens at random times and it puts us at risk of being hit since we suddenly loss power but also puts others at risk as could hit us harming themselves and damaging their car. We drove the car for only a month before all of this began to happen and we just want to feel safe driving and riding in this car again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2024, fire
While driving, front of car ignited. Seems related to unresolved recall: Nov 01,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number23TB13 NHTSA Recall Number23V734 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns. Safety Risk The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Remedy Toyota is currently preparing the remedy. When the remedy is available, Toyota dealers will replace the battery hold down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones FREE OF CHARGE. At this time, Toyota estimates the remedy will be available in the middle of 2024 but this is subject to change. Until the remedy is available, owners who have not had the free inspection performed under Consumer Advisory 21TG01 should be encouraged to do so.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2024
I made my report more than 8 months ago and they did not give me an answer about the fuel pump toyota rav4 2013-2018 that all the vehicles are having a problem with a small arie escaping from that part at the top of the tank I was at the dealer and they can't do nothing because they say that this is normal and that who pays for that work and I told him that if that problem occurs, the entire vehicle has to do a recall for that problem
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 5, 2024
2014 Toyota Rav 4 EV with 30,898 miles, the vehicle has full power but no start. towed vehicle to Toyota Dealership for dianostic it was checked with a scan tool and found code U0293, this set the code for lost communication with the EV control system. A special cable was bought to communicate with the vehicle root cause of problem is Traction Motor bad need replaced and service plug at top of battery has blown fuse need replaced. Solution is engine replacement.
Power train, Jan 22, 2024
This matter is not related to a accident. This matter is related to a bad transmission on our Rava4. This started at a little over 100.000 miles. Toyota did replace transmission filter and torque converter at 102.000 miles and now we have 152.000 miles at this time, and now our 2nd gear is going out and the transmission needs to be replaced but can't found a rebuilt transmission. Due to back ordered parts. So what are we to do? The Rava4 is worthless without good transmission .Has there been any other related problems like this ? Toyota's are suppose to be good reliable cars.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Dec 28, 2023
2014 Toyota RAV4 perfectly good headlight bulb stops working on low beam selection, severely limiting visibility for night-time driving. Looks like everyone on the internet is having the same problem.
Engine, Dec 11, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving up a slight grade, the vehicle stalled on the roadway. The contact stated that he saw smoke issuing from under the hood. The contact stated that he exited the vehicle and observed that flames were issuing from under the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the fire department was called, however by the time the fire truck arrived the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the fire department extinguished the flames with water. The police department was also on scene and wrote a report. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and the VIN was not available.