2012 TOYOTA RAV4 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
355
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
15
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4
The 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 has received a total of 355 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VISIBILITY/WIPER, SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Visibilitywiper (53 complaints), Vehicle Speed Control (49 complaints), and Service Brakes (34 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4, potentially affecting up to 2,083,431 vehicles.
Recall 15V577000 — VISIBILITY/WIPER
| 423,456 vehicles affected
Defect: 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. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V096000 — SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
| 1,123,752 vehicles affected
Defect: 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. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
Consequence: A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V054000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
| 261,114 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various...
Consequence: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
View full details →Recall 14V054000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 261,114 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various...
Consequence: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
View full details →Recall 13V123000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 7,525 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion...
Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may...
View full details →Recall 13V014000 — SEATS
| 3,235 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model...
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
View full details →Recall 13V014000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
| 3,235 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model...
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4
355 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and DTC: P0607, P1603, and P1604 were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and DTC: P0607, P1603, and P1604 were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000
The small pipe that's part of the Upper Radiator Coolant Hose Connector Adapter broke off and drained coolant from the vehicle. This small pipe had deteriorated and become brittle leading to the failure.
The windshield pump is not working front and back The wipers turn but no liquid comes out though the tank is full It does not make the sound it normally does when it pumps the windshield liquid Dealer wants almost $200 just to look at it and verify the problem
I have a 2012 Toyota Rav-4 Limited . I have had the vehicle since 2020. Ever since I bought the vehicle it fogs up. All the windows fog up and it does not matter what setting I have it on, de-foggers, fan, fresh air, AC, etc. nothing resolves the problem.It is very dangerous as I cannot see where I am going. I cannot use the front de-foggers in bad weather because it makes the afore mentioned problem worse.I have to put the windows down to see and this remedy is not feasible. I have researched and a lot of other people are experiencing this same safety issue in this model vehicle. I love the vehicle but dread bad weather as it is a struggle to see . Please help.
Safety Rating for the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4
The 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4
Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
20R001 Customer — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
RE: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.
T-SB-0010-20 — EQUIPMENT
TSB: Some 2004 ? 2017 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced
ZKG_Region Lette — STRUCTURE
Region Letter: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the...
SET-TSB-16-001 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Revised Document- Southeast Toyota Accessory Advent Navigation system displays splash screen only or randomly shuts off, Discusses audio system hard reset procedure and updated software card. Updated contact information for Radio software
T-SB-0096-16 — SERVICE BRAKES
TSB: SOME 2012 2016 MODEL YEAR RAV4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK NOISE WHICH IS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKES WITH LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING. TO ADDRESS THIS SQUEAK NOISE CONDITION, USE THE FOLLOWING REPAIR PROCEDURE.
T-SB-0080-13 Rev — SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
TSB: Some 2006 - 2012 model year 4WD RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a growl type noise from the rear differential coupling when driving as a result of contamination to the front bearing. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
ZF4_DEALERD 12/3 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
"DD: IN OUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO HELP ENSURE THE BEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, TOYOTA IS ANNOUNCING A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING GROWL NOISE ON 2006-2012 MODEL YEAR RAV4 4WD VEHICLES. IN SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED SOME REPORTS THAT THE...
POL15-04 — POWER TRAIN
WPB: IN CERTAIN 2006 TO 2012 MODEL YEAR RAV4 4WD VEHICLES, TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED SOME REPORTS WHERE THE VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT A GROWL TYPE NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING WHEN DRIVING AS A RESULT OF CONTAMINATION TO THE FRONT BEARING.
T-SB-0005-13 Rev — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
TSB: Obsolete Notice November 2, 2015: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0101-15
TT-0307-14 Rev2 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
TT: Some customers may encounter various Bluetooth connectivity concerns after upgrading to iOS 8.0 and later. Conditions typically experienced include inability to pair the iPhone to the system, poor sound quality during phone calls placed through the audio/navigation system, and the inability to place a hands free phone call using...
Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 TOYOTA RAV4
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the TOYOTA RAV4
- 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 — 1,240 complaints
- 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 — 707 complaints
- 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 — 391 complaints
- 2010 TOYOTA RAV4 — 493 complaints
- 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 — 398 complaints
- 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 (current)
- 2013 TOYOTA RAV4 — 328 complaints
- 2014 TOYOTA RAV4 — 264 complaints
- 2015 TOYOTA RAV4 — 391 complaints
- 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 — 289 complaints
- 2017 TOYOTA RAV4 — 402 complaints
Other TOYOTA Models
- TOYOTA CAMRY — 23,209 total complaints
- TOYOTA PRIUS — 15,411 total complaints
- TOYOTA COROLLA — 14,342 total complaints
- TOYOTA SIENNA — 10,769 total complaints
- TOYOTA TACOMA — 10,512 total complaints
- TOYOTA TUNDRA — 8,997 total complaints
- TOYOTA HIGHLANDER — 6,663 total complaints
- TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 6,405 total complaints