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
304 reports, newest first.
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.
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2023, fire
I drove all day for work without issues and when I made a right into my neighborhood, I lost power and power steering. I pulled over and parked my car. I noticed smoke coming from it and popped the hood. The wired connecting to the battery caught fire. It seems the battery could have shifted and grounded itself.
Power train, Aug 10, 2023
Toyota dealer in the area says transmission fluid does not need to be serviced unless we tow trailer and etc. Well the transmission broke down and we need to put a remanufactured one. This could be fatal incident if vehicle quits on busy highway.
Engine, Aug 7, 2023
The engine oil is being consumed faster than normal. I have to keep taking it in for oil because the oil light turns on before the 5k miles!!
Power train, Aug 3, 2023
Ever since I purchased it, it had a shudder between 20-50 miles. Called the dealer, they said it was normal with these cars. 6 years after and still making shudder noise just louder now and it bothers my ears. Took it in for a diagnostic at the same dealer I bought it and they said it’s not a torque converter issue (a bulletin was issued), but a transmission issue and it will cost $6.100 to repair.
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2023, fire
Cause and Origin of the fire which led to the spread from the vehicle to the home resulted from a known issue with stated vehicle electrical failure. Fortunately the homeowner was able to remove herself from the home without injury. The vehicle had been parked and not operating for approximatley 18 hours prior to fire.
Power train, Jul 5, 2023
While driving on the interstate the transmission stopped working. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the transmission. It was working fine and suddenly would not engage in any gear. This was a new OE transmission replaced six months ago for the same issue, with less than 9,000 miles on the new unit. I had to coast from the middle lane to the side of the interstate in heavy traffic.
Power train, Jul 5, 2023
Transmission stopped working while driving in traffic. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the transmission. It worked fine one minute and the next it would not engage in any gear.
Structure, Jun 13, 2023
Paint is flaking at the upper doors
Power train, May 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at speeds between 20-30 MPH the vehicle had experienced a severe shutter and vibration coming from the rear end and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. While opening the fuel cap, fuel was flowing out of the filler neck. The contact detected fuel leaking on the driveway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the EVAP canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system and EVAP canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 9, 2023, fire
Approximately two minutes after turning the vehicle off, smoke started coming from the engine area. Within the next two minutes, flames emerged. The fire quickly engulfed the vehicle in flames causing a total loss. The fire department declared it a loss and stated a cause will likely not be known by them. I was not in the vehicle at the time of the smoke. A truck next to the vehicle quickly moved away. Insurance company is in route to investigate. No warning signs prior.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 25, 2023, fire
Today I started my RAV4 in my driveway to warm it up and went back in the house. Approximatly 5-10 minutes later someone knocked on the door to let me know the car was on fire. The fire department said it was likley that the fire started in the engine and spread to the rest of the vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Feb 22, 2023
Radio and Navigation system is not working. Dealership stated this is a factory problem that is very costly to repair. A lot of Toyota vehicles are having the same problem. It is a safety issue because driver can't use the hands free option or navigation system. So using the phone while driving is really not safe!
Power train, Feb 16, 2023
At 100,000 miles my 2015 RAV4 started experience intermittent shuttering during aacceleration when car is shifting gears. It feels like driving over a rumble strip. I read about the ZH1 torque converter extended warranty for 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4 models. This has been a frequent enough issue that Toyota has extended the warranty up to 8 years or 150,000 miles, in which they will replace the torque corverter and ECM at no charge. I called Toyota Customer Care and gave my VIN number. According to Toyota, my car is not covered under the warranty becuae my car was built in May 2015 and the warranty only covers RAV4s built through Nov 2014. In their extended warranty bulletin, Toyota claims the RAV4s that aren't covered have different software logic. I have called Toyota back to find out what is different about my car's software logic, but they claim they do not know and to ask the dealer. Today I took my car into the dealer to have it diagnosed. Sure enough, the torque converter is locking up and I need to have the torque converter clutch replaced and ECM reprogrammed. The dealer said they dont know the difference between the software logic. The dealer recommends i call Toyota Customer Care back and ask to speak to a field representative, who should know that information. So far, Toyota has not been helpful in answering my question, but I am planning to get to the bottom of this. I have read that many other RAV4 owners are experiencing the same issue, where Toyota claims they are not covered because the car was built outside of the designated window. I don't think the issue was corrected properly in the later toyotas and that is why others are experiencing the same problem. This is a safety concern. The ststor clutch will cause the torque converter not to work as efficiently, driving down your gas mileage. In some extreme cases, the convertor may violently self-destruct. https://www.rav4world.com/threads/2013-2015-rav4-torque-converter-shudder-warranty-extension.311617/
Engine, Feb 13, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Toyota Rav-4. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormal, popping sound as a burning odor began to emit from the vehicle. Her son and the other occupants immediately exited as flames began to emit from the vehicle's engine. The fire and police departments arrived at the scene and the fire was extinguished. No one was injured due to the failure. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene and taken to an independent tow yard. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2023
The infotainment unit is stuck in a loop. Spoke to multiple dealers that said they’ve seen at least 200+ of these issues in the past year. They said their fix is a total replacement of the unit.
Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2022
I own a White 2015 Rav4 Limited. I bought it used in 2019. I am emailing today due to the issue, like many other RAV4 and other white Toyota vehicles - the paint is peeling. A small piece started to peel at the end of last winter. It has peeled larger in the past month. In the past two weeks with high winds, two larger portions peeled off the front hood and drivers side rear door. This is a total of three different areas on the vehicle.
Air bags, Dec 12, 2022, crash
On November 4 2022 I was involved in a car accident The opposing driver hit me nearly head on but to the right on the drivers side. Crushed the left front tire and axle The car is totaled My air bags did not go off. Front side or otherwise. My life was put in serious danger, I am lucky to be alive; suffering chest back and knee pains due to the strong impact. I had the officer note and hospital note that the car bags did not go off. The opposing insurance made note of the air bags not going off. Unknown if there were warning lights. I am the only driver of that car and original owner. I am in Puerto Rico now and the local dealer in San Juan has not returned phone call.
Power train, Nov 30, 2022
Toyota poorly designed the torque converter for this vehicle leading to future transmission failure prematurely! I have had two torque converters replaced due to them failing!!! A torque converter when it fails pushes metal shavings into the transmission leading to transmission failure most manufacturers when a converter fails they check the transmission and if there is shavings they replace it. I had my torque converter replaced under a a special program through Toyota but it only covered the torque converter and no additional parts. I had to have my axle replaced twice and my seal after torque converter replacement covered by the dealership not even Toyota warranty under the torque converter recall or special program. I have complained about my transmission since day one of owning the vehicle originally told it was normal operation down the road Toyota admitted to the torque converter issue but does not cover the transmission even though if the torque converter fails or is faulty it is destroying the transmission and the transmission should be covered. My vehicle Not only financed through Toyota financial service only at Toyota with Toyota and they offer no customer assistance it is almost $8000 just to replace the transmission, which should be covered and recalled under the torque converter failure. I would love to keep this car for its lifetime but 80,000 miles to 130,000 miles I have driven it with a failing transmission and torque converter Toyota will not replace the torque converter again it is an expired coverage at this point now that it has been done. I wish they would stand behind our customers a little better. My 2015 Chevy Silverado is in the shop now for torque converter failure & they are replacing the transmission along with the torque converter because they know the torque converter causes transmission failure it's covered by Chevy! I made a case with Toyota & Better Business Bureau trying to get a even some form of assistance DENIED by Toyota
Seat belts, Nov 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the driver's side front seat belt buckle was stuck and failed to release immediately. The contact had to continuously push the seat belt button to release the seat belt. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 3, 2022, fire
Car caught on fire in my driveway .
Exterior lighting, Nov 2, 2022
Headlight bulbs burn out within a few months of replacement. This past year 2022, they have been replaced four times. It's never the same headlight, both are faulty.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 29, 2022
While leaving the bank parking lot my 2015 Rav 4 started to accelerate while my foot was on the brakes. I barely missed hitting an incoming car. This was not first time something like this happened. There were other incidents prior to this but I dismissed them as maybe me hitting the wrong pedal.