2014 TOYOTA RAV4 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
264
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
25
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4
The 2014 TOYOTA RAV4 has received a total of 264 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 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. 25 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (66 complaints), Unknown Or Other (41 complaints), and Engine (31 complaints).
Recalls for the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4
NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4, potentially affecting up to 7,530,595 vehicles.
Recall 23V734000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
| 1,853,568 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin...
View full details →Recall 23V734000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
| 1,853,568 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin...
View full details →Recall 23V734000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
| 1,853,568 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin...
View full details →Recall 23V734000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
| 1,853,568 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin...
View full details →Recall 15V144000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
| 110,085 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on...
View full details →Recall 15V011000 — TRAILER HITCHES
| 1,140 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
Consequence: If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for...
View full details →Recall 15V011000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 1,140 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
Consequence: If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for...
View full details →Recall 14V828000 — EQUIPMENT
| 3,958 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to...
Consequence: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4
264 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
BATTERY DIED MID-DRIVE NOW THE RADIO HEAD UNIT IS IN A BOOT LOOP RENDERING ALL FUNCTIONS UNAVAILABLE.
1) Vehicle had a recall for something concerning the transmission. Service was done and just after the warranty expired on that issue the transmission went out while driving and I had to put a new one in the vehicle, Toyota did help with $1500 of the cost but it cost me out of pocket over $4000. 2) For the last 2 years the car has been burning oil excessively, I have to put a quart of oil in almost every week. Now the vehicle out of the blue will start shaking and all the warning lights come on and I have to be able to pull over. I no longer can drive on the highway in fear this could happen. I am now being told I need a new or rebuild engine. I seen online that others have had this problem and there was a Class Action Law suit several years ago. What are the chances a Toyota Rav4 would need a transmission and now a engine.
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact’s son stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start and became inoperable, and lost power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Headlight Brightness - it's been degrading for the last 10 yrs to the point that I don't feel safe driving in the dark anymore. I've already had the lenses buffed out, but that only helped about 20%. The brightness looks like I have a dead battery (it's brand new). Not sure if this is a bulb or lens issue but it's not safe.
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that during a rainstorm, rainwater leaked into the cabin of the vehicle from the A, B, C, and D pillars and the ceiling control center. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced several times due to the failure, but the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the rear passenger side carpet was previously replaced due to excessive water entering the vehicle. The contact was concerned that the leaks were near the curtain air bag housing and might cause the air bags to malfunction. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Safety Rating for the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4
The 2014 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 2014 TOYOTA RAV4
Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 25 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
24TE03 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on November 19, 2024 to determine if the settlement should be finally approved. The settlement includes Toyota’s agreement to provide a...
21TG01 Dealer Le — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DL: During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota retailers and others who sell or install replacement batteries were recommending a small size battery for replacement. Toyota specifies a particular size replacement battery for the...
T-SB-0023-15 Rev — POWER TRAIN
TSB: Some 2013 ? 2015 model year RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a brief shudder intermittently while driving under light loads between approximately 25 and 50 mph. The torque converter and Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic have been modified to reduce the possibility of this condition from...
Updated ZH1 U760 — AIR BAGS
DP: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit a brief intermittent shudder during torque converter flex lock up. This shudder may be observed while driving under light throttle conditions between approximately 25 ? 50 mph. Although the Torque Converter is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle...
ZKG_Dealer_Lette — EQUIPMENT
DL: 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 original...
T-SB-0117-19 — EQUIPMENT
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0015-15. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0015-15 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Some 2014 model year Corolla vehicles equipped with Entune? Audio (version BU.26.42) or Entune? Premium Audio (version AU.26.61) may exhibit one or more...
ZH1 Updated U760 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
Dealer Letter: December 13, 2017. Description of the covered transmissions has been corrected. In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit a brief intermittent shudder during torque converter flex lock up. This shudder may be observed while driving under light throttle conditions between approximately 25 ?...
ZH1_Region Lette — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
Region Letter: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit a brief intermittent shudder during torque converter flex lock up. This shudder may be observed while driving under light throttle conditions between approximately 25 ? 50 mph. Although the Torque Converter is covered by Toyota?s New...
T-SB-0096-16 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
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-TT-0399-16 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
TT: MULTIMEDIA SYSTEMS RESET PROCEDURE SHOULD BE PERFORMED WHEN THE MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM NO LONGER RESPONDS OR REBOOTS ITSELF.
Showing 10 of 25 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2014 TOYOTA RAV4.
Investigation PE21005 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Closed
Opened:
Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
Other Model Years of the TOYOTA RAV4
- 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 — 391 complaints
- 2010 TOYOTA RAV4 — 493 complaints
- 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 — 398 complaints
- 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 — 355 complaints
- 2013 TOYOTA RAV4 — 328 complaints
- 2014 TOYOTA RAV4 (current)
- 2015 TOYOTA RAV4 — 391 complaints
- 2016 TOYOTA RAV4 — 289 complaints
- 2017 TOYOTA RAV4 — 402 complaints
- 2018 TOYOTA RAV4 — 422 complaints
- 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 — 1,136 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