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2012 Toyota RAV4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 258.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

163 reports with mileage · 97 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

36 crash reports4 fire reports17 injury reports

Visibility/wiper complaints

53 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2025
Visibility/wiper

The windshield pump is not working front and back The wipers turn but no liquid comes out though the tank is full It does not make the sound it normally does when it pumps the windshield liquid Dealer wants almost $200 just to look at it and verify the problem

NHTSA ODI #11687761

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2025
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

I have a 2012 Toyota Rav-4 Limited . I have had the vehicle since 2020. Ever since I bought the vehicle it fogs up. All the windows fog up and it does not matter what setting I have it on, de-foggers, fan, fresh air, AC, etc. nothing resolves the problem.It is very dangerous as I cannot see where I am going. I cannot use the fro…

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I have a 2012 Toyota Rav-4 Limited . I have had the vehicle since 2020. Ever since I bought the vehicle it fogs up. All the windows fog up and it does not matter what setting I have it on, de-foggers, fan, fresh air, AC, etc. nothing resolves the problem.It is very dangerous as I cannot see where I am going. I cannot use the front de-foggers in bad weather because it makes the afore mentioned problem worse.I have to put the windows down to see and this remedy is not feasible. I have researched and a lot of other people are experiencing this same safety issue in this model vehicle. I love the vehicle but dread bad weather as it is a struggle to see . Please help.

NHTSA ODI #11675227

112,000 miles · Jun 22, 2023
Visibility/wiper

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon activating the windshield wipers, the wipers responded erratically. The contact stated that the wipers moved significantly slowly, changed direction, and paused in the center of the windshield. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicl…

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The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon activating the windshield wipers, the wipers responded erratically. The contact stated that the wipers moved significantly slowly, changed direction, and paused in the center of the windshield. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V577000 (Visibility/Wiper) however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #11528402

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2021
Visibility/wiper

Poor winter visibility: This is an issue with this vehicle but also with almost all other vehicles with internal combustion engines. During cold weather the defroster is ineffective until the engine warms up and provides heat. This results in two unsafe conditions 1) warming the engine up while parked, which exposes the vehicle …

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Poor winter visibility: This is an issue with this vehicle but also with almost all other vehicles with internal combustion engines. During cold weather the defroster is ineffective until the engine warms up and provides heat. This results in two unsafe conditions 1) warming the engine up while parked, which exposes the vehicle and driver to theft ("carjacking" is an increasing crime in our area) and increases carbon emissions, or, 2) driving the vehicle while the engine is cold and having poor forward visibility. If defrosters were equipped with electric heating elements, defroster heat would be provided almost immediately. I was told that VW provided this feature for several years and it was very effective. The electric heating element could be thermostatically controlled so it would turn off once the engine starts providing heat. Since a household toaster can be purchased for $25, it should not cost manufacturers more than $15 to add an electric heating element to the defroster. Thank you for considering this recommendation. I am embarrassed to admit to the times when I drove while peering through a small patch of clear windshield . . . reasonably safe for seeing directly forward but definitely not safe for seeing side traffic or crossing pedestrians.

NHTSA ODI #11445409

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2019
Visibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000(VISIBILITY). WHEN SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE, SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO CITY WORLD TOYOTA (3333 BOSTON RD, THE BRONX, NY 10469, 888-258-4365) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND WAS NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000(VISIBILITY). WHEN SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE, SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO CITY WORLD TOYOTA (3333 BOSTON RD, THE BRONX, NY 10469, 888-258-4365) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE LEAKING AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE AND DID NOT OPERATE. THE DEALER CALLED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE RECALL SERVICED; HOWEVER, ONCE SHE ARRIVED, SHE WAS INFORMED AGAIN THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11253615

72,000 miles · Aug 22, 2019
Visibility/wiper

DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BLOCKS VISION WHILE DRIVING DUE TO VISOR SAGGING DOWN FROM IT'S NON-USE STATE. THE SPRING OR MECHANISM IN THE SUN VISOR WON'T KEEP THE VISOR IN THE NON USE POSITION. THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL / DEFECT BECAUSE THIS IS HAPPENING ON MY CURRENT 2012 RAV4 AND ALSO MY PREVIOUS RAV4 THAT WAS A 2007 MODEL YEAR. SUN…

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DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BLOCKS VISION WHILE DRIVING DUE TO VISOR SAGGING DOWN FROM IT'S NON-USE STATE. THE SPRING OR MECHANISM IN THE SUN VISOR WON'T KEEP THE VISOR IN THE NON USE POSITION. THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL / DEFECT BECAUSE THIS IS HAPPENING ON MY CURRENT 2012 RAV4 AND ALSO MY PREVIOUS RAV4 THAT WAS A 2007 MODEL YEAR. SUN VISOR IS DANGEROUS DUE TO BLOCKING VIEW AND OR WHEN BRAKING YOUR HEAD WILL HIT THE VISOR AS WELL. SEE MORE INFO IN THESE THREADS: HTTPS://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/THREADS/CAN-ANYONE-TELL-ME-HOW-TO-FIX-THIS-[XXX]-HANGING-VISOR.78000/ PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11245870

78,000 miles · Aug 15, 2019
Visibility/wiper

I TURNED THE WIPERS ON THE OTHER DAY WHEN IT WAS RAINING, THEY CAME ON AND MADE ONE WIPE UP AND STOPPED ON THE DOWNWARD WIPE. I GOT OUT AND PULLED ON ONE SIDE AND THEY WIPED SEVERAL MORE TIMES THEN STOPPED AGAIN. I PULLED ON THEM AGAIN AND THEY MOVED BUT VERY SLOWLY THEN THEY STOPPED COMPLETELY. I TRIED TO PULL THEM DOWN AGAIN B…

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I TURNED THE WIPERS ON THE OTHER DAY WHEN IT WAS RAINING, THEY CAME ON AND MADE ONE WIPE UP AND STOPPED ON THE DOWNWARD WIPE. I GOT OUT AND PULLED ON ONE SIDE AND THEY WIPED SEVERAL MORE TIMES THEN STOPPED AGAIN. I PULLED ON THEM AGAIN AND THEY MOVED BUT VERY SLOWLY THEN THEY STOPPED COMPLETELY. I TRIED TO PULL THEM DOWN AGAIN BUT THEY WOULDNT BUDGE. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN .MY DRIVEWAY AT THIS TIME

NHTSA ODI #11244309

85,000 miles · Jul 3, 2019
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

MY 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 DRIVER SIDE VISOR STARTED FALLING DOWN ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO, LATER WOULD FALL DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO BACK UP AND STAY. THEN IS WAS VERY LOOSE. I WOULD MOVE IT TO THE SIDE BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE TO DRIVE. THIS LAST TIME I TRIED TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF. MY PASSENGER SIDE IS DOING IT AS WELL AN…

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MY 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 DRIVER SIDE VISOR STARTED FALLING DOWN ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO, LATER WOULD FALL DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO BACK UP AND STAY. THEN IS WAS VERY LOOSE. I WOULD MOVE IT TO THE SIDE BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE TO DRIVE. THIS LAST TIME I TRIED TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF. MY PASSENGER SIDE IS DOING IT AS WELL AND MAKING IT HARD FOR THE PASSENGERS TO SEE AND EVEN MYSELF BECAUSE IT'S CONSTANTLY BLOCKING MY VIEW OF THAT SIDE. I'M VERY AGGRAVATED BECAUSE I CALLED CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA! MY VEHICLE WASN'T CHEAP BUT APPARENTLY THE PARTS THEY PUT IN THEM ARE. I AM INCLUDING THE FIRST PICTURE OF ME AT A 4WAY RED LIGHT TO SHOW MY VIEW DRIVING AND AT A RED LIGHT, I CAN'T SEE AND HAVE TO BEND DOWN TO DO SO. ALSO THE LIGHT NO LONGER WORKS ON THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. I ALSO INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE FABRIC BUBBLING OFF. MY VEHICLE WAS GARBAGE KEPT FOR 6 YEARS AND FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO IT'S BEEN OUTSIDE. ALSO, MY WIPERS POP AND GET STUCK WHEN TRYING TO USE THEM. EVEN IF IT'S RAINING OR JUST CLEANING MY WINDSHIELD OFF. THEY WILL GO AND THEN IT'S LIKE IT CAN'T AND GETS STUCK BUT IT LITERALLY WILL MAKE A POP SOUND AND BOUNCE WHEN TRYING TO USE THEM. IT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS AND EVERYONE COMPLAINS ABOUT THEM WHEN RIDING WITH ME. I'M SO FRUSTRATED WITH IT. THEY HAVE DONE IT THE WHOLE TIME I'VE OWNED IT AND I'M THE ONLY OWNER OF IT.

NHTSA ODI #11229175

98,000 miles · Apr 3, 2019
Visibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WOULD NOT REMAIN SECURED AND FELL DOWN, WHICH WAS A VISIBILITY HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE KELLY TOYOTA (1 MARY JANE WOOD DR, UNION TOWN, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WOULD NOT REMAIN SECURED AND FELL DOWN, WHICH WAS A VISIBILITY HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE KELLY TOYOTA (1 MARY JANE WOOD DR, UNION TOWN, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #11193595

60,000 miles · Dec 19, 2018
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

O2 SENSOR AND OTHER SENSORS KEEP LIGHTING UP

NHTSA ODI #11162404

Official recalls

5

16V096000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

15V577000 · Visibility/wiper

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

14V054000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc); Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

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.

Consequence: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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.

Consequence: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

13V123000 · Equipment:other:labels

Apr 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats

Jan 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Toyota RAV4 problems