NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
45 reportsClear category filter24,000 miles · Nov 28, 2016
Service BrakesSteeringCrashInjury
VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING (POSSIBLE STALLING, LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE), RESULTING IN A SEVERE CRASH INVOLVING TWO PARKED CARS AND PROPERTY, INJURY TO DRIVER, AND TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED GOING DOWN HILL DUE TO HAVING NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP, TH…
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VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING (POSSIBLE STALLING, LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE), RESULTING IN A SEVERE CRASH INVOLVING TWO PARKED CARS AND PROPERTY, INJURY TO DRIVER, AND TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED GOING DOWN HILL DUE TO HAVING NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP, THE VEHICLE RAN TWO STOP SIGNS. THE CRASH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO TWO PARKED CARS, "JUMPING" THOSE VEHICLES AND RUNNING INTO A HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TWICE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY FOR STALLING. OCCASION 1 (14K MILES): VEHICLE STALLED AT STOPLIGHT AND KEY LIGHT WAS FLASHING. ERROR CODES P1605 AND P219A AT THE TIME. OCCASION 2 (16K MILES): VEHICLE STALLED TWICE WHILE STOPPED, ON THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKY AT THE STOPLIGHT AND MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, CODE P1605 (2ND REPAIR). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10928436
Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2016
Service BrakesSteeringCrash
POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND BRAKES FAILED , DURING AN EVASIVE MANEUVER ..ON OR 11. 2015 : WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY IMPACTED A TREE
NHTSA ODI #10920262
20,000 miles · Jul 7, 2016
Air BagsService BrakesSteeringCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE MERGING INTO THE RIGHT LANE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED LEFT AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE DOWN A SHORT INCLINE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE MERGING INTO THE RIGHT LANE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED LEFT AND ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE DOWN A SHORT INCLINE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THEIR ELBOWS. THE REAR PASSENGER SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
NHTSA ODI #10883451
500 miles · May 11, 2016
Steering
THE CAR WANTS TO PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN ACCELERATING OR,JUST RELEASING THE BRAKE TO COAST.TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA SAID IT IS NORMAL.I NEVER HAD A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CAR DO THIS.I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE,BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAPPEL ALL THE TIME.THE FRONT END IS ALIGNED CORRECTLY.
NHTSA ODI #10864461
5,500 miles · Apr 1, 2016
SteeringCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE FACE AND ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE FACE AND ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500.
NHTSA ODI #10852963
140,000 miles · Dec 23, 2015
Service BrakesSteeringCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, A VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY, RELEASING A CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE. THE CON…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, A VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY, RELEASING A CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED ARM, LEGS AND WHIPLASH INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V144000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ...UPDATED 12/06/16 *BF UPDATED 03/09/17.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10811893
8,745 miles · Sep 20, 2015
Steering
THREE MONTHS AGO I RECEIVED NOTICE FOR RECALL ON STEERING, CALLED BERNARDI TOYOTA AND MADE APPT. GOT THERE AND THEY SAID MACHINE WAS DOWN AND COULDN'T DO IT. MADE ANOTHER APPT. AND THEY SAID THE MACHINE COULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE OF LABEL NOT BEING ORIGINAL. MY SIDE DOOR HAD BEEN HIT SO THE LABEL WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. TECH'…
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THREE MONTHS AGO I RECEIVED NOTICE FOR RECALL ON STEERING, CALLED BERNARDI TOYOTA AND MADE APPT. GOT THERE AND THEY SAID MACHINE WAS DOWN AND COULDN'T DO IT. MADE ANOTHER APPT. AND THEY SAID THE MACHINE COULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE OF LABEL NOT BEING ORIGINAL. MY SIDE DOOR HAD BEEN HIT SO THE LABEL WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. TECH'S WOULD LOOK INTO THE MATTER, AN LET ME KNOW, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR MY REGULAR CHECK UP AUG 10TH 2015 AND ASKED ABOUT THE MATTER AND WAS TOLD NOT TO WORRY BECAUSE MOST LIKELY THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT IF ANYTHING HAPPENED TO LET THEM KNOW. WELL ON SEPT.3, 2015 TOOK A RIDE TO CAPE COD FROM HUDSON MASS. WHEN I WAS GETTING READY TO START BACK TO HUDSON FROM THE CAPE MY STEERING LET GO. COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR, CALLED FALMOUTH TOYOTA AND THEY SAID TRY AND DRIVE IT TO THEM WHICH WAS ABOUT THREE MILE, I DID AN THEY GAVE ME A RENTAL AND FIXED THE CAR IN A WEEK. QUESTION IS , HOW COME THEY COULD FIX IT IN A WEEK AND BERNARDI DIDN'T DO IT IN MOUTHS? I WAS LUCKY IT WASN'T SERIOUS, I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT BERNARDI'S SERVICE. I AND MY WIFE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT ALONG WITH PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR*JB
NHTSA ODI #10765333
10,000 miles · Jul 29, 2015
Service BrakesSteeringWheels
I PURCHASE THE RAV4 IN OCTOBER 2015, AND THREE MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A CRUNCHING SOUND COMING FROM MY BRAKES AND A FLUCTUATION ISSUE WHERE THE BRAKES DO NOT ALWAYS CATCH CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALER AND TOYOTA ARE REFUSING ON TWO OCCASIONS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE TOY…
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I PURCHASE THE RAV4 IN OCTOBER 2015, AND THREE MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A CRUNCHING SOUND COMING FROM MY BRAKES AND A FLUCTUATION ISSUE WHERE THE BRAKES DO NOT ALWAYS CATCH CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALER AND TOYOTA ARE REFUSING ON TWO OCCASIONS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AGAIN ON 7/28/2015 IN HOPES THAT THEY WILL FINALLY FIX THE ISSUE. THE DEALER WILL NOT DOCUMENT THE ISSUE!
NHTSA ODI #10744552
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V144000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIRS 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…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V144000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIRS 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. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10724540
4,500 miles · Jun 10, 2015
Steering
TOYOTA ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL THAT AFFECTS POTENTIALLY 46,000 VEHICLES AND TOYOTA ESTIMATES THAT 20,000 WILL NEED TO HAVE A STEERING PART REPLACED. THE LETTER FROM TOYOTA ADVISES CAR OWNERS THAT IT WILL TAKE 1.5 HOURS TO INSPECT AND 2.5 HOURS TO REPLACE THE PART. AFTER AN ENTIRE DAY AT THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY, MY CAR HAS N…
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TOYOTA ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL THAT AFFECTS POTENTIALLY 46,000 VEHICLES AND TOYOTA ESTIMATES THAT 20,000 WILL NEED TO HAVE A STEERING PART REPLACED. THE LETTER FROM TOYOTA ADVISES CAR OWNERS THAT IT WILL TAKE 1.5 HOURS TO INSPECT AND 2.5 HOURS TO REPLACE THE PART. AFTER AN ENTIRE DAY AT THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY, MY CAR HAS NOT HAD THE STEERING PART REPLACED AND TOYOTA IS UNABLE TO TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THE PART FOR THEIR OWN RECALL! I CALLED FORDHAM TOYOTA LAST WEEK TO MAKE AN SAFETY RECALL APPOINTMENT. I TOOK MY CAR IN YESTERDAY (TUESDAY, JUNE 9) AT 8:30. WHEN I PICKED IT UP AT 2:30, THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED THE PART, BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE IT. NO SENSE OF HOW RIDICULOUS IT IS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A RECALL REPAIR WITHOUT EVEN HAVING THE PART AVAILABLE. NOR THE WORRY THIS CAUSES ME TO KNOW THAT I AM DRIVING MY DAUGHTER AROUND IN A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE WHERE OUR SAFETY IS COMPROMISED. I CALLED TOYOTA CENTRAL TO ASK IF THEY MIGHT FACILITATE HAVING A DIFFERENT DEALER (MANHATTAN TOYOTA) DO THE RECALL REPAIR. AFTER NUMEROUS CONVERSATIONS WITH DIFFERENT TOYOTA EMPLOYEES (INCLUDING MANHATTAN TOYOTA), I WAS ADVISED THAT THE PROCEDURE IS THAT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP INSPECTS THE VEHICLE, THEN ORDERS THE PART AND THAT IT TAKES 2 DAYS TO GET THE PART. AND THAT IF I WANTED TO HAVE MANHATTAN TOYOTA DO THE RECALL REPAIR, I WOULD FIRST NEED TO HAVE THEM INSPECT THE VEHICLE - MEANING ANOTHER TWO DAY ADVENTURE. HAVING GOTTEN NO RESOLUTION FROM THE CENTRAL TOYOTA CARE LINE OR MANHATTAN TOYOTA, I DECIDED TO CALL FORDHAM TOYOTA TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT FOR SATURDAY MORNING (2 DAYS FROM NOW, ENOUGH TIME FOR THEM TO GET THE PART),I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NEED THE CAR ALL DAY ON SATURDAY (NOT 2.5 HOURS AS STATED IN THE TOYOTA LETTER), BUT THAT THEY NEED TO FIRST RECEIVE THE PART. I WAS TOLD THEY WILL CALL ME WHEN THEY GET IT.
NHTSA ODI #10724492
Official recalls
4Nov 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.
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.
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.
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.
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