NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 5 recalls, 265 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Toyota RAV4.
76 MPGe combined
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints filed against the 2012 Toyota RAV4 cluster most heavily around visibility and speed control. On the visibility side, owners widely report persistent window fogging that doesn't clear regardless of HVAC setting, defrost, fan, fresh air, or air conditioning, making it difficult to see while driving. A smaller group reports wiper-related problems. Speed control complaints are the second-largest named group, with owners describing unintended acceleration events where the vehicle surged without driver input and, in some cases, felt unresponsive to braking or steering during the episode. Seatbelt complaints round out the top three reported systems, though the narratives don't point to a single dominant symptom there. Scattered reports also mention excessive oil consumption accompanied by warning lights, and paint or clear coat peeling on the roof.
265
Total Complaints
39
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
18
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 has 5 recalls, the most serious affecting EV models only: a software fault in the electric propulsion motor can cause the drivetrain to shift into neutral without warning, cutting drive power and raising the risk of a crash.
The brakes on certain vehicles carry two related concerns. The electric brake actuator can fail in a way that disables anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control all at once, lighting up warning lights on the dashboard and leaving the driver with reduced ability to maintain directional control during hard braking or a skid. A separate but similar brake actuator issue can cause those same safety systems to stop working, again limiting the vehicle's ability to help the driver stay on course in an emergency.
On the safety equipment side, the rear outboard seatbelts can be cut by the seat cushion frame during a frontal collision. A severed belt cannot hold a rear passenger in place, which significantly raises the risk of injury when it matters most.
The remaining recall involves the windshield wipers. Water can drip onto the joint connecting the wiper linkage to the wiper motor, corroding and wearing the connection over time until the linkage separates from the motor. If that joint fails, the wipers stop moving, leaving the driver without a clear view of the road in rain.
At a glance
What can fail
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
In a frontal collision, the rear outboard seat belts may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can drip onto the connection between the wiper linkage and wiper motor, potentially causing the wiper system to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water diverter channel and install a new wiper linkage with motor crank arm, protective cover, and retainer ring.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software problem in the electric traction motor may cause the motor to shift into neutral, resulting in loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing defect can affect the electric brake actuator, causing warning lights to appear and disabling ABS, traction control, and stability control systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle stability control computer software and perform repairs as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical component in the brake actuator may develop increased resistance, causing warning lights for Vehicle Stability Control, Antilock Brakes, and Traction Control to illuminate.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software in the Skid Control electronic control unit at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
