2015 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 304 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 37 involved a crash and 41 involved a fire. 30 people were injured and 1 person died.
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: steering
46 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 19, 2026
While driving my 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2WD (2.5L, about 207,000 miles), the electric power steering assist failed instantly with no warning, making the steering wheel feel locked. At the same moment, the infotainment screen went black and rebooted. It has happened at freeway speeds and at low neighborhood speeds, including on 9/14 and 9/15/2026, and also more than once last year (2025). No warning light or messages appeared beforehand. An OBD2 scan at AutoZone on 9/15/2026 found no active or pending trouble codes, and battery tests at AutoZone and Walmart Auto Care passed. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. The failed component is UNKNOWN. My best assessment is the EPS control unit, because the symptoms match NHTSA recall 15V144000. I only learned of this recall on 9/19/2026. A sudden loss of steering at any speed puts me and other drivers at serious risk of a crash. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Steering, Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The contact stated that the gauges failed to properly operate. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the rearview camera image was reversed before becoming inoperable. The ABS, AWD, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an undisclosed fuse was replaced. The mechanic made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and scheduled an appointment with the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
Steering, Nov 22, 2025
November 20,2025 I was driving my 2015 Toyota Rav-4….Turning into my driveway and Suddenly a light on the dashboard came on…An emblem with the Steering Wheel and Exclamation point came on…I was glad that I was at a safe place and called Toyota dealership service department…I was told that it was something to do with the Power Steering Electrical System…That I shouldn’t drive the vehicle but take it to the dealer…I asked if there was a recall and I was told that there wasn’t a recall…I checked several places on Google and it showed several recalls for this particular vehicle and issue…The dealership advised me that there’s no recall for my vehicle…I’m not understanding…I have my Rav-4 that I’m afraid to drive and don’t know what to do at this point…
Steering, Nov 10, 2025
While driving a 2015 Toyota Rav4 (w/AWD) the vehicle's steering wheel started to shake and the vehicle lost acceleration. The check engine, AWD, and traction (trac) control lights illuminated. After pulling the vehicle over I tried calling AAA. After about 30 minutes, the warning lights went out. I decided to try to drive it home. After about 5 miles the same thing happened. However, after slowing down the problem went away. I called a Toyota dealer and requested a recall service (to fix the power steering assist). They scheduled the appointment and I dropped the vehicle off. When the vehicle was ready I discovered that they only performed the recall for the battery terminal. They informed me that there was no other recall for my VIN number. This problem should be on recall as I've researched and discovered many other complaints similar to mine. These situations like mine, and many others, are safety issues and could easily lead to injury and/or death.
Steering, Nov 6, 2025
There is an intermittent loss of the electric power steering assist. The car can't be steered during this loss of power, leading to an extremely high risk of a crash. Toyota issued a recall for the 2015 RAV4 for this exact problem, but they did not include my car's VIN in the recall. The problem has not been confirmed, as Toyota informed me that this could only be done at my expense. The vehicle or component has not been inspected for this problem. There have not been any warning lamps, but it's very obvious while driving that the power steering has failed.
Steering, Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, and the vehicle failed to respond to the direction that the steering wheel was turned. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering became functional. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering); however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 21, 2023, fire
My vehicle's electrical components short-circuited, steering became difficult to control and the vehicle caught on fire under the hood near the battery compartment.
Steering, Oct 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the power steering warning light appeared on the instrument panel as the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact called a friend for assistance but once the friend arrived, the warning light had disappeared, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. Several days later, the same failure returned while driving at 30 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering shaft. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Steering, Aug 14, 2023
The electronic power steering in my vehicle has been acting difficult for approximately 3 weeks now. I had new tires, front end alignment, inspection of the rack and pinion and tie rods done thinking this was the issue. This did not help. The steering column makes a clicking noise when I turn the wheel while stopped like 2 pieces of plastic are rubbing together. The steering feels like it is fighting me while I’m trying to turn the wheel or even while I am going straight no matter at what speed. When making a turn I can remove my hands from the steering wheel and the wheel and tires will stay in that position and not correct itself. Overall, no matter what speed I am traveling (either at a red light or driving) there feels like a failure in the electronic power steering motor like something is fighting the wheels alignment, the steering wheel and the power steering motor. It feels like it’s an Indy car steering wheels needing complete resistance to keep the vehicle straight. I brought this to an independent mechanic that inspected everything and said it sounds like the NHTSA campaign: 15V144000 and that I should have Toyota look at it. I just came back from DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota in NY and they wouldn’t even look at it and stated my VIN is not covered. I was told they don’t get paid for looking at something and they hardly get paid for recall issues. And, if I spoke to the service manager, she would tell me the same. I immediately called Toyota directly and opened a case and have the email proof. Toyota manufacturer representative told me the same thing and said “even though it sounds like the same recall, I’d have to pay out of pocket to she it fixed and hope to get refunded later.” To let me leave the dealership with this issue knowing I’m a single father with 2 kids is horrible. This issue needs to be looked at and I don’t know who to look at it or the money to fix it. I don’t know if I can download a video of this occurring. Please let me know.
Steering, Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Steering, Aug 16, 2022
Cs Traction Light Is On Cause INTERNAL OPEN IN STEERING ANGLE SENSPR MODULE THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR TRANSMITS THE STEERING WHEEL'S RATE OF TURN, WHEEL ANGLE, AND OTHER IMPORTANT DATA TO THE SPECIFIC VEHICLE'S COMPUTER. IF THERE IS A FAULT IN THE SIGNAL, THE COMPUTER CAN DISABLE THE VEHICLE'S STABILITY CONTROL. Correction REPLACE STEERING ANGEL SENSOR MODULE
Steering, Jun 8, 2022
Toyota informed me That my 2015 Rav4 is not eligible for Recall no. 15V144000, it does not apply to my VIN. However my Electric Power steering has malfunctioned with 82k miles on the Vehicle
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 23, 2022
Power to the vehicle was lost while making a turn under a stop light. Emergency flashers were used. All dashboard lights came on at the time the vehicle lost power. Radio stopped. The car was turned off and was able to be restarted after several seconds. The danger was having a vehicle stopped under a stop light for several seconds. The problem has yet to be repeated. It happened just this morning 5/23/22. No other warnings were given before loss of power. We have not yet had an inspection by any other parties but will plan on it as we are aware there had been an issue with a 12 volt battery case in the past on this model.
Steering, Feb 28, 2022
Power steering suddenly failed (and dash lights came on) when my wife and 6 year old son were driving down the road at highway speeds nearly causing accident. After turning car off and back on, it was restored. NHTSA Campaign ID: 15V144000 addresses this exact issue, but our VIN falls outside those included, even though its the same model year. Opened case with Toyota Corporate. Dealer says they have to reproduce issue to do anything, but being an ECU flaw, it nearly impossible to reproduce on demand.
Steering, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized while the power steering warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact mentioned that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
Steering, Dec 18, 2021
The pump failed
Steering, Aug 3, 2021
The power steering has recently stopped working while driving. When the car is started, the power steering works fine, but within a few minutes, it will stop working and steering has to be done manually.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 3, 2021
CAR RANDOMLY SHUT OFF ON MONDAY OF THIS YEAR.ALSO THE RADIO IS DEFECTIVE AND CAR TRY'S TO SWITCH GEARS WHILE DRIVING
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 10, 2021
DRIVING NORMAL, MADE A RIGHT TURN AND CAR SUDDENLY RESTARTS, STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP DURING TURN FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. ELECTRIC RESTART ENGINE AND TURNS OFF THE CAR AND CANNOT GAS IT, ONLY BRAKE. CAR COMES BACK ON WITHOUT ME TURNING IT ON AND DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN REST OF THE DRIVE. DRIVING NORMAL FOR A FEW DAYS, HAPPENS AGAIN, ENGINE RESTARTS AGAIN RANDOMLY WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, SAME EXACT DESCRIPTION AS DESCRIBED PREVIOUSLY. MULTIPLE DATES OF OCCURENCE
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 24, 2021
DRIVING NORMAL, MADE A RIGHT TURN AND CAR SUDDENLY RESTARTS, STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP DURING TURN FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. ELECTRIC RESTART ENGINE AND TURNS OFF THE CAR AND CAN'T GAS IT, ONLY BRAKE. CAR COMES BACK ON WITHOUT ME TURNING IT ON AND DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN REST OF THE DRIVE. DRIVING NORMAL FOR 2 DAYS AND ON THE 3RD DAY, ENGINE RESTARTS AGAIN RANDOMLY WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, SAME EXACT DESCRIPTION AS DESCRIBED PREVIOUSLY. DRIVEN CAR FOR A DAY AND INCIDENT HASN'T REPEATED YET. BUT, NOW NOT SURE IF THIS AFFECTED IT, SENSORS OF CAR DOOR OPEN SIGN IS ON WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF AND ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS ARE IN PLACE FOR LOCKING. ONLY WHEN CAR IS OFF AND I CANNOT FIX IT.
Steering, Sep 29, 2020
I WENT TO START MY CAR AND THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ON AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO SHOP AND THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG AND IT STARTS RIGHT UP. CONCERNED THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 25, 2020
I WAS EXITING A HIGHWAY ON A CURVE (EST. 40MPH) WHEN MY POWER STEERING FAILED INSTANTLY JERKING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. AT THE SAME TIME ALL OF MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF. I HAVE A TOYOTA RAV4 2015. THERE HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS DESCRIPTION BUT NOT ON MY VIN. *TR
Steering, Apr 27, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CUT OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY HEAVY WITH NO ASSIST. THE RED STEERING WHEEL ICON LITE UP. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED AND LUCKILY I DID NOT HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Jan 3, 2020
A CRACKING NOISE IS NOTICE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, WHETHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED AT A TOYOTA DEALER AND RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY.