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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-TOYOTA-RAV4
2012 · toyota

toyota RAV4 problems

2 safety recalls. 264 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

visibility
47 reports · avg $350
moderate
cruise control
41 reports · avg $600
severe
seatbelts
28 reports · avg $500
moderate
electrical
25 reports · avg $850
severe
airbags
21 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
20 reports · avg $450
severe
powertrain
18 reports · avg $2,500
severe
steering
10 reports · avg $700
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 RAV4 · powertrain
BOTH FRONT DRIVE AXLES EXHIBITED SIGNS OF SEVERE CORROSION DAMAGE LEADING TO COMPLETE LOSS OF LUBRICANT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 34,056 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED AND NOT SUBJECT TO ANY UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED SEVERE CRACKING AND POPPING NOISES ON…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385936.0
2012 RAV4 · electrical Crash
ON THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER, MY WIFE AND I LEFT SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI TO DALLAS, TEXAS TO VISIT OUR FAMILY FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. WE WERE DRIVING OUR RECENTLY PURCHASED 2012 RAV4 WITH APPROXIMATELY 33,000 MILES WHICH WE PURCHASED IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2014. WE STOPPED SEVERAL TIMES…
12/30/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669207.0
2012 RAV4 · visibility
Poor winter visibility: This is an issue with this vehicle but also with almost all other vehicles with internal combustion engines. During cold weather the defroster is ineffective until the engine warms up and provides heat. This results in two unsafe conditions 1) warming the…
12/29/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445409.0
2012 RAV4 · electrical
Inaudible turn signal prompt: Older drivers who drive for miles with their turn signal on is the subject of many a cartoon and common source of highway frustration. It is also a safety issue when a vehicle does not perform the turn that it is apparently signaling to make. I…
12/29/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445415.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 16V096000 19/02/2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014

A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
severe NHTSA 15V577000 18/09/2015

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014

Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 264 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Toyota RAV4?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is visibility, with 47 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The visibility is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota RAV4 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Toyota RAV4?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 264 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $350, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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