2015 TOYOTA RAV4 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

391

Owner Complaints

61 Crashes 59 Fires 1 Death

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

24

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2015 TOYOTA RAV4

The 2015 TOYOTA RAV4 has received a total of 391 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 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. 24 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (81 complaints), Unknown Or Other (59 complaints), and Steering (44 complaints).

Recalls for the 2015 TOYOTA RAV4

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2015 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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2015 TOYOTA RAV4

391 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 81 2 Crashes 25 Fires 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 59 6 Crashes 11 Fires 3 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 44 5 Crashes 1 Fire 6 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 36 1 Crash 17 Fires
Service Brakes
Complaints: 29 12 Crashes 1 Fire 9 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 26 6 Crashes 2 Fires 2 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 23 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 20 11 Crashes 7 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 15 13 Crashes 1 Fire 13 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 12
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 5
Seat Belts
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 5 Injuries 1 Death
Suspension
Complaints: 5
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 5
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalinfotainmentbluetoothwifi
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Firerelated
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionscanister
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11710487 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
There were two recalls on paint chipping off the body of the car. The last one ended in Nov 2025 I think. BUT...there are many of us who had no idea there was a paint recall, me included. I brought my Rav (great car btw, no issues with how it runs at all) thru a car wash over Thanksgiving, and two softball size paint chips came off, probably due to high pressure water. I then researched the paint and found out that there WAS a recall but I just missed it. This recall needs to be extended needs for I have paint chips missing now all over my car. This is unacceptable from a great car company like Toyota, they need to stand by something so basic as paint quality. The paint color in question is white pearl, code is 070. Thanks for your time here.
#11709758 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
The oil filter housing is made of plastic and can crack when removing and installing and if not alert after an oil change, the engine can blow if oil drains out under pressure.
#11703983 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
When we bought the SUV, it had a small top battery installed. The battery slid over and caused my alternator to go out completely. I must have caught fire, as there were burnt wires to the alternator. We replaced the alternator, and it was over $295 dollars and then had to get a new battery, and that was over $150 dollars. I installed it myself because I am a mechanic.
#11703014 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 70,450 miles Crash
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was parking the vehicle. The contact's vehicle crashed into a vehicle that was parked beside the contact's vehicle. In addition, the vehicle crashed into the Dollar Tree Store doors. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact stated that it was very scary. The Dollar Store door glass was completely shattered. The Dollar Store was closed down as a result of the damage. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. A Police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated that an insurance claim was filed. The contact stated that the failure needed to be investigated by NHTSA. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,450. The VIN was unavailable.
#11700931 | STEERING | | N/A miles
November 20,2025 I was driving my 2015 Toyota Rav-4….Turning into my driveway and Suddenly a light on the dashboard came on…An emblem with the Steering 🛞 Wheel and Exclamation ❗️ point came on…I was glad that I was at a safe place and called Toyota dealership service department…I was told that it was something to do with the Power Steering Electrical System…That I shouldn’t drive the vehicle but take it to the dealer…I asked if there was a recall and I was told that there wasn’t a recall…I checked several places on Google and it showed several recalls for this particular vehicle and issue…The dealership advised me that there’s no recall for my vehicle…I’m not understanding…I have my Rav-4 that I’m afraid to drive and don’t know what to do at this point…

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Safety Rating for the 2015 TOYOTA RAV4

The 2015 TOYOTA RAV4 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
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 2015 TOYOTA RAV4

Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 24 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

21TG01_Dealer_Da — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

DD: 21TG01_Dealer_Daily_Message

T-SB-0023-15 Rev — AIR BAGS

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 — SEAT BELTS

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...

Customer Support — STRUCTURE

Dealer Daily Message: ***Phase 2 ? Customer Renotification and Repair Phase*** Repair is Now Available Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint. The repair phase of Customer Support Program ZKG is now available. Refer...

T-SB-0117-19_Rev — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

TSB: REVISION NOTICE December 02, 2019 Rev1: ? The bulletin title and Software Update section have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin 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...

T-SB-0025-19_Rev — SERVICE BRAKES

TSB: REVISION NOTICE September 26, 2019 Rev1: ? The Warranty Information, Parts Information, and Repair Procedure sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2009 ? 2018 model year RAV4 and 2017 ? 2018 model year iM vehicles may exhibit a grind/groan noise...

T-SB-0006-15_Rev — STRUCTURE

TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 08, 2018 Rev1: REVISION NOTICE November 08, 2018 Rev1: ? The Applicability section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2018 model year RAV4 vehicles. ? The Production Change Information and Repair...

ZH1_Dealer Daily — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Dealer Daily Message: Warranty Enhancement Program ZH1 Dealer Letter and/or Technical Instructions now available on TIS.

ZH1_Region Email — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

Region Email: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for repairs related to U760E Torque Converter Shudder. In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit a brief intermittent shudder during...

T-SB-0023-15-Rev — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TSB: REVISION NOTICE August 31, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 model year RAV4 vehicles. ? Production Change Information has been added. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2013 ? 2015 model year...

Showing 10 of 24 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2015 TOYOTA RAV4

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the TOYOTA RAV4

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Other TOYOTA Models

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