IllustrationAUDIO NOT WORKING REPEAT RELOADING . SOME HOW BACKUP CAMERA IS WORKING
2014 Toyota RAV4
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2014 Toyota RAV4 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 258.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAV4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
360–25K
2025–50K
2050–75K
1075–100K
11100–150K
10150K+
107 reports with mileage · 90 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.
- Electrical System. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
20 crash reports25 fire reports16 injury reports
What owners actually said
197 reportsALL THE APPS ON THE DASH BOARD, INCLUDING RADIO ARE GONE{WHITED OUT}. I AM AFRAID IF EVERYTHING IS SHUTING DOWN ALL AT ONCE WHILE I DRIVE AS IT DID ON THIS ONE
LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT - WATER IS ACCUMULATING INSIDE THE TAIL LIGHT LENSE - POTENTIAL FOR ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE AND INABILITY TO WARN VEHICLES BEHIND RAV4 THAT CAR IS TURNING OR BRAKING
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 APPROXIM…
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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
THE RADIO/INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES ARE FAILING (OURS FAILED LAST WEEK), WITH NUMEROUS EXAMPLES POSTED BY OWNERS ONLINE. A DEALERSHIP EVENTUALLY DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE RADIO UNIT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT QUOTED COST OF $1160 TOYOTA CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS COURTEOUS BUT UNWILLING TO ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE RADIO SYS…
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THE RADIO/INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES ARE FAILING (OURS FAILED LAST WEEK), WITH NUMEROUS EXAMPLES POSTED BY OWNERS ONLINE. A DEALERSHIP EVENTUALLY DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE RADIO UNIT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT QUOTED COST OF $1160 TOYOTA CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS COURTEOUS BUT UNWILLING TO ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE RADIO SYSTEM APPEARS TO ENTER A BOOT LOOP WHERE A LOADING TYPE SCREEN APPEARS FOR SEVERAL SECONDS FOLLOWED BY THE SCREEN TURNING OFF FOR A TIME BEFORE RESTARTING THE LOOP. WHILE I WOULDN'T CONSIDER THE RADIO/INFOTAINMENT TO BE A CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT, THIS CONSTANT ON/OFF OF THE RADIO SCREEN IS A DISTRACTION FOR THE DRIVER. AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY, THE CHANGE IN BRIGHTNESS FROM SCREEN OFF TO SCREEN ON LIGHTS UP THE ENTIRE CABIN. FURTHERMORE, THE BOOT LOOP CANNOT BE STOPPED- NO BUTTONS WORK AND THE SEQUENCE REPEATS ITSELF FOREVER AS LONG AS THE KEY IS ON.
WHEN I HAD MY CAR IN PARK MY STEREO STOPPED WORKING. NO RADIO, NO SATELLITE, NO NOTHING OTHER THAN BACK UP CAMERA. WHEN I START THE CAR I GET A BLUE PICTURE OF THE STEREO AND A STATUS BAR LOADING LIKE ON COMPUTERS WHEN A PROGRAM IS LOADING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REPLACEMENT WOULD COS…
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WHEN I HAD MY CAR IN PARK MY STEREO STOPPED WORKING. NO RADIO, NO SATELLITE, NO NOTHING OTHER THAN BACK UP CAMERA. WHEN I START THE CAR I GET A BLUE PICTURE OF THE STEREO AND A STATUS BAR LOADING LIKE ON COMPUTERS WHEN A PROGRAM IS LOADING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REPLACEMENT WOULD COST 2,500 DOLLARS TO REPLACE AND HE EXPLAINED THERE WAS NO MEANS TO FIX IT. I WENT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THE SAME THING. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY 1 YEAR AND 6 MONTHS WITH 45000 MILES AND IT JUST SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THESE RADIOS THAT CAUSE THIS ENDLESS LOOP TO OCCUR. MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME MODEL OF CAR AS WELL.
BRAKES HAVE MADE A HARD SCRATCHING SOUND IF VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN DAILY SINCE ITS PURCHASE. AT 30000 MILE SERVICE, MECHANIC HAS NOTED THAT REAR ROTORS ARE NOT MAKING FULL CONTACT.
WHILE VEHICLE IS STOPPED AND PARKED THE SMART KEY SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES IN YELLOW FOR 15+ SECONDS WHEN BOTH ELECTRONIC KEYS ARE IN THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WILL NOT START. SYSTEM WORKS NORMAL WITH ONLY ONE (EITHER) ELECTRONIC KEY. BOTH KEYS HAVE NEW DURACELL 3.0V CR2032 LITHIUM BATTERY INSTALLED AND ISSUE PERSISTS. USE…
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WHILE VEHICLE IS STOPPED AND PARKED THE SMART KEY SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES IN YELLOW FOR 15+ SECONDS WHEN BOTH ELECTRONIC KEYS ARE IN THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WILL NOT START. SYSTEM WORKS NORMAL WITH ONLY ONE (EITHER) ELECTRONIC KEY. BOTH KEYS HAVE NEW DURACELL 3.0V CR2032 LITHIUM BATTERY INSTALLED AND ISSUE PERSISTS. USER CHECKED FOR PRESSED BUTTON(S) ON ELECTRONIC KEY. KEY IS NOT ENCLOSED IN CASE, PURSE, OR HOLDER. NO IR OR RF INTERFERENCE. ISSUE HAS ALSO BEEN OBSERVED WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING WITH TRANSMISSION IN (P)ARK AND SECOND ELECTRONIC KEY IS INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE (PICK UP PASSENGER WITH SECOND KEY) AND THE SMART KEY SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES IN YELLOW FOR 15+ SECONDS. THE ISSUE HAPPENS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, AND AT ANY ELEVATION (PARKING GARAGE ABOVE OR UNDER GROUND) OR INSIDE A GARAGE. THIS ISSUE BEGAN AFTER 50,000 MILES (4 YEARS OF SERVICE). VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND ONLY ONE OWNER.
TOP OF WINDSHIELD IS COMPLETELY BLACK WHEN DRIVING IN THE DARK AT NIGHT. VISIBILITY IS SPECIFICALLY IMPAIRED WHEN TRAVELING DOWN A HILL IN THE DARK.
RADIO NAVIGATION QUIT WORKING AFTER BATTERY REPLACEMENT. IT IS CONSTANTLY REBOOTING. DEALER SAYS NEED NEW RADIO WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $1200.00. CANNOT USE BLUETOOTH, HANDS-FREE, CD PLAYER, OR RADIO. TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE EVEN THOUGH MANY OTHERS HAVE SAME ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE.
Official recalls
423V734000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery
Nov 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
15V144000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Mar 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
15V011000 · Exterior Lighting; Trailer Hitches
Jan 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Exterior Lighting
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
14V828000 · Equipment
Dec 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Remedy: 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.
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
1PE21005 · Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
Opened Feb 25, 2021 · Closed Aug 12, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to understand the contributing factors and frequency of vehicle fires originating from the battery region of the engine compartment in Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on 25 February 2021. At the time of opening, ODI attributed eleven allegations and additional EWR events to this PE. PE21005 focused on replacement batteries installed in the subject vehicles. No reported fire event identified in PE21005 involved the originally supplied 12V battery. The reported fires took place in vehicles known to contain aftermarket batteries or whose age exceeded the expected life of the original equipment battery. ODI identified battery dimensioning as it relates to the battery retention system (hold down bracket, radiator support bolt, J-hook, and battery tray) as the main factor set in the contact between the battery hold down bracket contacting the positive terminal of the 12V battery. The subject vehicles carried over the same battery tray and retention system from the prior generation (MY2006 – MY2012) of RAV4 vehicles. However, the subject vehicles were equipped with a dimensionally smaller battery (Group 35) than the prior generation (Group 24F). The smaller- length measurement in the Group 35 battery size in a battery tray originally designed to fit a Group 24F battery contributed to increased potential for battery movement which was exacerbated by the diversity in aftermarket battery configuration and irregularities intrinsic to battery replacement procedures. Battery movement coupled with the proximity of the B+ terminal on the battery and the grounded electrically conductive hold down bracket set the stage for a short to ground leading to an engine stall (if in operation) followed by a vehicle fire. This investigation was not able to classify the installation status, battery size, or cause of every allegation due to the fire event causing damage to the area, inaccessible vehicle, modification to the battery retention system after the event, and/or inconclusive photographic evidence. Toyota's investigation of the issue identified aftermarket battery catalogs that listed an improper battery replacement size (Group 26R) that would nevertheless fit into the subject vehicles whose battery retention system is incapable of reliably restraining a Group 26R battery. On 18 November 2021, Toyota initiated a consumer advisory campaign (21TG01) to the subject vehicle owners, notifying them of the correct size battery and offering a free inspection of the battery and retention hardware, a caution label to affix to the hold down bracket, and a discounted replacement 12V battery. This investigation with Toyota established three broad categories to characterize the battery retention system state of a given vehicle: "correct", "minor mis-installation", and "major mis-installation". - The "correct" terminology references the front bolt, bracket, and J-hook installed in a position not in contact with the positive battery terminal and the front bolt torqued to 17 Nm and the J-hook engaged with the tray hole and torqued to 4.9 Nm. - A "minor mis-installation" would describe the three retention components installed in the prescribed location, however not to the correct torque values. - The "major mis-installation" condition would constitute a retention component missing or disconnected from the system. Toyota's own testing used five exemplar batteries installed on a subject vehicle in each battery categorization resulted in: - Contact between the B+ terminal and hold down bracket in "major mis-installations" - Movement of the battery in "minor mis-installations" - No observable motion in "correct" installations. ODI conducted its own evaluation of the Toyota- specified replacement battery and 5 aftermarket Group 35 batteries. The six batteries tested conformed to the Group 35 Battery Council International (BCI) standard on overall dimensional tolerance and terminal location. That standard does not define the edge shape or material of battery casing. Physical interaction between the hold down bracket and the battery case and the friction between the casing material and the battery tray resulted in a large variability in movement forces required to incite movement when the battery was installed in the "correct" condition. Resulting in movement at an induced lateral load between 0.6 G and 1.91 G equivalent force across each battery. This force is higher than a typical vehicle could exert in a steady state turn and would only experience loads through brief shock or impulses. Multiple shock or impulse loads across time would contribute to a delay between the replacement battery installation and the fire event. Likelihood of a fire event increases as the installation method degraded from the "correct", to "minor mis-installation", and then to "major mis-installation". Protruding vent caps atop some of the batteries tested aided in restricting battery movement relative to the hold down. An absence of vent caps permitted additional movement. Following several discussions and vehicle inspections with ODI during this investigation, on 01 November 2023, Toyota filed a safety recall (NHTSA 23V-734) of 1,853,568 MY 2013 through MY 2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles to reduce the risk of a vehicle fire with redesigned battery retention components. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.