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    More Than 1.8 Million Toyota RAV4 SUVs Recalled Due to Battery Concerns

    Replacement 12-volt batteries may not be properly secured, risking fire

    2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited front
    2016 Toyota RAV4
    Photo: Toyota

    Toyota has announced that it is recalling 1,854,000 RAV4s from the 2013 to 2018 model years due to concerns that replacement 12-volt batteries might not be properly secured. 

    more on car recalls

    The problem stems from the tops of the batteries possibly having smaller top dimensions than the original battery. If the hold-down clamp isn’t tightened correctly for the smaller size, the battery could move during aggressive driving, enabling the positive battery terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit, risking fire. 

    This announcement follows a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation launched in 2021, looking at “thermal events.” Among the cases it looked at, the safety agency reports that “drivers experienced stalling prior to the thermal event in half of the instances where the vehicle was in motion.”

    Toyota is still developing a fix. The automaker expects its dealers to replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved parts. 

    Toyota plans to notify owners about this recall in late December 2023. 

    Toyota RAV4 Recall Details

    Vehicles recalled: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Toyota RAV4.

    The problem: Some 12-volt batteries have different top dimensions than the original battery and may not be properly secured.

    The fix: Toyota dealerships will replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved parts at no charge.

    How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Toyota customer support at 800-331-4331.

    NHTSA campaign number: 23V734000. 

    Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

    If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

    Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.


    Jeff S. Bartlett

    Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett