IllustrationTransaxle Repair: reman transition with torque converter. The car begins to shake around 60MPH as well as acceleration gets stuck at times. The Toyota dealership looked at the vehicle 2 times before the cause was addressed.
2015 Toyota RAV4
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2015 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
700–25K
3725–50K
2750–75K
1875–100K
16100–150K
2150K+
170 reports with mileage · 133 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 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
37 crash reports41 fire reports21 injury reports
Unknown Or Other complaints
60 reportsThe white paint on my vehicle is chipping like crazy. I was told by my insurance company that there was a problem with the white paint on Toyota vehicle from 2008-2019. This is very disheartening as I’ve always buy toyota vehicles for their excellence.
When my phone is connected to Bluetooth for hands free talking, the person I’m talking to says that they can’t hear me clearly, so much background noise. After looking this up I see several hundred people saying the same thing. It’s now a law that you can’t be talking on your cell phone to your ear, wouldn’t this be considered …
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When my phone is connected to Bluetooth for hands free talking, the person I’m talking to says that they can’t hear me clearly, so much background noise. After looking this up I see several hundred people saying the same thing. It’s now a law that you can’t be talking on your cell phone to your ear, wouldn’t this be considered a safety issue? Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
On March 14, 2022 ( about 5:05pm)got in my car to drive to the post office to mail a package. ( less than one mile from my home) I noticed when I started the car that the computer appeared to be rebooting. It was grey and had a line at the bottom appearing to progress from left to right. I drove to post office, parked, turned o…
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On March 14, 2022 ( about 5:05pm)got in my car to drive to the post office to mail a package. ( less than one mile from my home) I noticed when I started the car that the computer appeared to be rebooting. It was grey and had a line at the bottom appearing to progress from left to right. I drove to post office, parked, turned off the car, locked it and went into post office. Waiting in line, a man came in and said whomever owns the silver RAV4 out front, your motor is smoking. I said that’s mine, went outside in shock, called 911 and the motor was in flames within minutes. I first noticed flames coming through crack in hood by the windsheild. I have no idea why this happened. Owned the car since 2018, never had a single issue. Car is totaled. Progressive Car insurance is investigating and will hopefully approve a fair settlement, minus my deductible.This is the most bizarre thing I”ve ever seen. Please advise if you know what I can do to at least get my deductible refunded from Toyota. Thank you By the way, I almost went to the gas station first, my tank was on E, it could have been a deadly situation had i done that first. Ps. I have a video of the fire that would not upload. If there is another way to get it to you, please let me know. Thank you.
My wife was driving her 2015 Toyota Rav4 on September 13, 2021 when the car stalled while on the interstate. She coasted to the side. It started back up so she continued to work which was off the next exit. As soon as she entered the parking lot, the Rav4 stalled again and she was able to coast in to a parking lot. As soon a…
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My wife was driving her 2015 Toyota Rav4 on September 13, 2021 when the car stalled while on the interstate. She coasted to the side. It started back up so she continued to work which was off the next exit. As soon as she entered the parking lot, the Rav4 stalled again and she was able to coast in to a parking lot. As soon as she walked inside the building the Rav4 caught on fire. There were no warning lights are any indication of anything wrong with the vehicle up until this point. According to the dealer and the insurance company, the battery caught on fire. What exactly caused this I do not know. The Insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss per the Toyota Dealers recommendation.
Was driving along when some warning lights came on, specifically the check engine light, traction control off light and the AWD light. 2 seconds later I heard a loud pop, saw smoke coming from the hood. I pulled over and looked in the engine compartment and saw flames. I suspect the coolant line popped and caught fire. My safety…
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Was driving along when some warning lights came on, specifically the check engine light, traction control off light and the AWD light. 2 seconds later I heard a loud pop, saw smoke coming from the hood. I pulled over and looked in the engine compartment and saw flames. I suspect the coolant line popped and caught fire. My safety could have been at risk if the battery exploded or oil/gas components were to catch fire. The car is currently at a dealer to be inspected. A NHP accident report was filled out and can be available if needed.
A. Mileage indicator: Full thank gives any where from 325-365 miles. But indicator goes down precipitously. If it indicates 20 miles, it will go down to 0 or 8 miles after only a 5 miles drive. B: The only safety I feel is put at risk is where it can leave me when my anticipated mileage suddenly goes below what was indicated. C:…
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A. Mileage indicator: Full thank gives any where from 325-365 miles. But indicator goes down precipitously. If it indicates 20 miles, it will go down to 0 or 8 miles after only a 5 miles drive. B: The only safety I feel is put at risk is where it can leave me when my anticipated mileage suddenly goes below what was indicated. C: Have reported to dealer a couple of times but always informed nothing defective could be detected D: Never received any warning signals. Just happens.
ONGOING ISSUES WITH MY FUEL SYSTEM. CAR WILL DISPLAY ONE OF THESE MANY SYMPTOMS: -MISFIRE, HARD START, STALL OR SHUTOFF. OTHER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE CAR STUTTERING AND STALLING OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS LAST SYMPTOM IS VERY DANGEROUS AS IT OFTEN COMES WITH NO WARNING. WHEN THE CAR STALLS OUT, THE CAR IS DRIVING UP STRAIGHT UP A MEDIUM…
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ONGOING ISSUES WITH MY FUEL SYSTEM. CAR WILL DISPLAY ONE OF THESE MANY SYMPTOMS: -MISFIRE, HARD START, STALL OR SHUTOFF. OTHER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE CAR STUTTERING AND STALLING OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS LAST SYMPTOM IS VERY DANGEROUS AS IT OFTEN COMES WITH NO WARNING. WHEN THE CAR STALLS OUT, THE CAR IS DRIVING UP STRAIGHT UP A MEDIUM GRADE HILL. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT DATES AND TIMES ALONG W 24TH ST. AUSTIN, TX NEAR 1106 W 24TH ST. THIS WILL HAPPEN IF I'M EITHER STOPPING AT A LIGHT OR WHILE IN MOTION. I DON'T HAVE THE EXACT MPH I AM DRIVING, BUT IT WOULD BE AROUND 20 - 40 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURS. IVE TAKEN THE CARE TO BOTH ROUND ROCK TOYOTA AND CHRISTIAN AUTO BROTHERS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. SO FAR, NEITHER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. ON 5/22/20, CHRISTIAN AUTO BROTHERS REPLACED THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION UNIT R&R, THE FUEL EVAPORATIVE CANISTER R&R, THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION PUMP, AND THE VAPOR CANISTER PURGE SOLENOID. THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. CURRENT CODES: P0441, P0455, P1604, P1605, P0171. WHILE NO DIAGNOSTIC PROOF HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, IT IS HYPOTHESIZED BY THE MECHANICS THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH EITHER THE FUEL PUMP OR THE FUEL LINE. AFTER READING ABOUT THE 2020 TOYOTA FUEL PUMP RECALL, I BELIEVE MY 2015 RAV4 HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUES. HOWEVER, IT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THEREFORE I AM SUBMITTING THIS INCIDENT INFO TO DOCUMENT THE CURRENT SITUATION. IF I LEARN MORE, I WILL TRY TO UPDATE.
MY CAR HAS 123,000 MILES I TAKE GREAT CARE OF IT I JUST HAD TO PUT A GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY IN TO THE TUNE OF 1100.00. MY TIRES WERE NOT RIDING WELL AND HE FOUND IT
PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV. PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND CAR WAS PUT IN HISH SPEED REVERSE CAUSING CAR TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE.
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.