This page covers 3 recalls, 299 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Toyota RAV4.
25–26 mpg combined
9–9.4 L/100km
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 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2012 to 2015 Toyota RAV4 received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, the RAV4 earned four stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars. The vehicle received four stars in rollover resistance and four stars in side pole crash testing. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2012 to 2015 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints make up the largest share of reports for the 2015 RAV4, with owners describing issues ranging from burnt wiring and alternator failures to broader electrical malfunctions. Steering draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners frequently reporting that the electric power steering behaves unexpectedly, including moments of stiffness, sudden changes in assist, or the system cutting out while driving. Engine complaints are the third most-reported area, where owners describe oil leaks and concerns around the plastic oil filter housing cracking during service, which some say led to significant oil loss and engine damage. A smaller number of reports mention unintended acceleration, typically described as the vehicle surging forward unexpectedly during low-speed maneuvers such as parking.
299
Total Complaints
37
Crash-Related
41
Fire-Related
21
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 has 3 recalls, the most serious involving a replacement 12-volt battery that can shift in its tray, contact the hold-down bracket, short circuit, and start a fire.
On the steering side, a component inside the electric power steering control unit may have been damaged during production and can degrade over time until the power steering stops working entirely. When that happens, the steering wheel becomes significantly harder to turn, particularly at low speeds and in parking situations, raising the risk of losing control. The third recall affects vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer light module: the module's software can misread normal electrical activity as a fault and cut power to the trailer lights. If this happens while towing at night, the trailer's brake lights and turn signals go dark, leaving following drivers with no warning of slowing or turning ahead.
At a glance
What can fail
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.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 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 →
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
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.
