2015 Toyota RAV4 electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 23V734000Nov 1, 20231,853,568 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

  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.

  Risk: 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 on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 19, 2026TXElectrical SystemSteering

   While driving my 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2WD (2.5L, about 207,000 miles), the electric power steering assist failed instantly with no warning, making the steering wheel feel locked. At the same moment, the infotainment screen went black and rebooted. It has happened at freeway speeds and at low neighborhood speeds, including on 9/14 and 9/15/2026, and also more than once last year (2025). No warning light or messages appeared beforehand. An OBD2 scan at AutoZone on 9/15/2026…

   NHTSA complaint #11765496 · source
2. Filed Jun 25, 2026189,000 miAZDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemSteering

   The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The contact stated that the gauges failed to properly operate. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the rearview camera image was reversed before becoming inoperable. The ABS, AWD, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an undisclosed fuse was replaced. The mechanic made the contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11746428 · source
3. Filed Mar 2, 2026TXFireBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   On Friday February 27, 2026 as the vehicle was being driven it caught fire. Fire department and sheriffs office was called to the scene. Vehicle fire was put out but the whole front end burned.

   NHTSA complaint #11721498 · source
4. Filed Dec 9, 2025GAFireElectrical System

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11703983 · source
5. Filed Nov 14, 202565,000 miMAElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or being driven, water was leaking into the vehicle from the roof, causing water damage to the electrical wiring to the air bags. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that there was a hole in the roof and that the roof needed to be removed for a proper investigation. The contact was informed that the air bags could unintendedly deploy…

   NHTSA complaint #11699388 · source
6. Filed Aug 25, 2025110,000 miINElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the battery, ABS, and brake warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was jump-started, and the vehicle operated normally. Additionally, the steering wheel became difficult to turn on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone which replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was notified of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11682771 · source
7. Filed Aug 22, 2025MAElectrical System

   See attached document for complaint. text from attached document: To my disappointment, the remedy was not perfo rmed totally. The reason for this was, "improper battery size" . Cont inuing with the message I was texted : "This means we cannot fully complete the recall without replacement of the battery. The recall is to replace hardware that keeps the battery secure due to this happening, this smaller size battery which had been Installed in your car is not properly secured.

   NHTSA complaint #11682364 · source
8. Filed Jul 22, 2025FLFireElectrical System

   After a battery recall was performed on the vehicle at the dealership, a serious safety issue occurred. A short circuit in the battery cable caused a fire in the engine compartment. Fortunately, I was able to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher before it spread, but it happened very close to the gas line and posed a severe danger. We believe the fire may be related to the recall service. The fire caused visible damage to the battery area, and we have documented it with…

   NHTSA complaint #11675487 · source
9. Filed Jun 27, 2025AZBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The battery is off . It does not work. The car does not start. It looks like the battery is not properly installed. I just left my car at the Toyota dealership in June 12 for maintenance services, for brake fluid and flush etc including the replacement of a battery mounting hardware however it does not look right. The car started to go off and today it does not start at all. Please advice Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…

   NHTSA complaint #11669832 · source
10. Filed Feb 4, 202546,945 miMAElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jumpstarted several times. The contact called AAA who replaced the battery, and the vehicle was able to start. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable…

    NHTSA complaint #11640571 · source
11. Filed Jan 17, 202568,000 miILElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at an independent mechanic for a routine service appointment, the contact was advised that corrosion was present on the battery hold down clamps. In addition, the contact was informed that, due to the corrosion, the battery test indicated a faulty battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were not available.…

    NHTSA complaint #11636538 · source
12. Filed Dec 23, 2024COElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2015 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint #11632200 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology