NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 5 recalls, 204 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Toyota RAV4.
76 MPGe combined
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
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
Electrical system complaints dominate owner reports for the 2014 RAV4, covering a wide range of issues from lighting faults to sensor and module failures. The powertrain draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners frequently describing torque converter shudder, vibration during acceleration, and rough or delayed engagement, symptoms that tend to show up after the vehicle has some miles on it. Engine complaints follow, with owners noting stalling, hesitation, and rough running. A recurring separate thread involves white Blizzard Pearl paint peeling and flaking across multiple body panels, roof, hood, doors, and side panels, with owners reporting the deterioration starting as chipping and progressing to large-area peeling over several years, even on garaged vehicles.
204
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
25
Fire-Related
15
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 has 5 recalls, with the most serious affecting EV models: a software fault in the electric traction motor can unexpectedly shift the drivetrain into neutral, cutting drive power and leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate.
A separate fire risk affects a broader range of RAV4 vehicles: certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not sit securely in the battery tray, allowing the battery to shift and contact the hold-down bracket, which can cause a short circuit and start a fire under the hood.
Two recalls cover the electric power steering system, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles. In both cases, the power steering control unit can develop internal circuit damage that causes the system to fail without warning, leaving the driver with full manual steering effort and no power assist. A dashboard warning light may come on, but the loss of assist can happen suddenly, making the vehicle noticeably harder to steer at low speeds or in tight situations.
There is also a recall affecting vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The module's software can mistakenly read a normal electrical condition as a short circuit and shut off power to the trailer lights. If this happens while towing at night, the trailer's taillights, brake lights, and turn signals go dark, making the trailer invisible to drivers behind it.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
Some replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit securely in the battery tray, allowing the battery to shift and contact the hold-down bracket, which can cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering control unit may have been damaged during manufacturing. This damage can eventually cause the electric power steering system to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will check your steering system's serial number. If it's in the affected range, they'll replace the control unit at no cost.
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
The circuit board in the electric power steering control unit may become damaged, causing sudden loss of power steering assistance. The vehicle would revert to manual steering, requiring more driver effort, especially at low speeds.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the electric power steering control unit and replace it with a new one if damaged.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer light module's software may incorrectly sense an electrical short and shut off power to the trailer lights.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new one that has corrected software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
