Toyota RAV4 Recalls

The Toyota RAV4 has 58 recalls spanning the 1997–2025 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2024 models where loose bolts securing the front brake caliper and wheel hub bearing can damage the brake hose, cause brake fluid to leak and reduce stopping power, or allow a wheel to detach entirely.

The 2025 model year has two seat-related recalls: front seat brackets may have been improperly welded, which can allow the seat to move in a crash and fail to restrain the occupant. On 2023–2025 models, a software error can cause the instrument panel display to go blank, hiding the speedometer, warning lights, and other critical information. The rearview camera on 2023–2025 vehicles can also freeze or show a blank screen when reversing. A separate instrument cluster issue on 2023 models equipped with a 12.3-inch display can prevent the entire gauge cluster from appearing at startup. On 2023 models fitted with 17-inch black alloy accessory wheels, improperly installed tire valve stems can leak air and lead to underinflated tires. The 2022 model year has a passenger seat sensor that can misread the occupant and cause incorrect airbag deployment in a crash, and a stability control software fault that can deactivate the system without warning.

Going back to the 2019–2021 era, several significant issues cluster here. The 2019–2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid have cracked front lower suspension arms that can separate from the wheel assembly, causing loss of control. The same years have a fuel pump that can fail and stall the engine while driving, and a coolant leak from porous engine castings that can cause the engine to overheat and stall. The 2019–2020 electric power steering gearbox cover can admit water, corrode internal components, and cause a sudden loss of steering assist, particularly at low speeds. The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid has a brake booster pump that can fail, disabling stability control and reducing braking assist. A damaged electrical connector on 2019 models can prevent the backup camera from activating in reverse. The 2020 model year has two steering column issues: breakaway pins designed to absorb crash energy can be damaged during production and affect driver airbag performance, and a separately damaged steering column can shift when the airbag deploys, reducing driver protection. The 2020–2021 passenger seat sensor can also misclassify the front passenger and cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly or not at all.

The 2013–2018 span has a recurring battery fitment problem where certain replacement 12-volt batteries can shift in the tray, contact the hold-down bracket, short-circuit, and start a fire. The 2014–2015 electric power steering control unit can develop internal damage over time and fail, causing sudden loss of steering assist. The 2016 model year has an electronic stability control defect where insufficient brake fluid pressure can cause loss of vehicle control. The 2012–2013 brake actuator can malfunction and disable anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control simultaneously. The 2012 RAV4 EV has a software fault in the traction motor assembly that can drop the drivetrain into neutral and cut drive power without warning.

The 2006–2011 generation carries several serious issues. Rear suspension tie rods on 2006–2011 vehicles can loosen after improper alignment service, develop rust in the threads, and