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Toyota RAV4

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 RAV4 is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Toyota RAV4 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Other noises & leaks problem

""NO LEAKS. The ride is just noisy and LOUD! The doors "whistle" from the doors not being sealed well. Sometimes road noise is so loud that I can't hear the radio or listen to audio books. Also, the head rests do not stay down. They pop up as high as possible. Took it to Andy Mohr Dealership and they said they couldn't fix it. This is a major safety issue.""

Anonymous, IN (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)

"The rear door latch malfunctioned"

Anonymous A., SK (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""Rattle has been there for a few years, specially when the engine is lugging. Haven't tried to fix it.""

Anonymous A., NC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Powertrain cooling leaks

"The upper radiator hose connector is plastic and broke at 83,000 miles. When I went to the Toyota dealership to buy a new one, the service manager said it is a common fail point for on these generation RAV4s"

Anonymous A., CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"had to replace a water pump"

Anonymous, ND (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"The rear differential is leaking oil"

Anonymous A., SK (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"a number of rattles and squeaks. haven't been able figure out where the are coming from."

Anonymous, ND (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Plastic air intake squeeks where it attached into engine air filter. Took apart and cleaned and it stopped for about 6 months. Back again."

Anonymous, MI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Might be the spare tire cover or squeeky seals around tailgate."

Anonymous, LA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)

"I think that the radio rattles from bumps in the road."

Anonymous A., CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Passenger side mirror motor began grinding and not moving. Faulty tire pressure circuit."

Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Tire pressure sensor"

Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)

"TPM (tire pressure)Sensor needed replacing. Tire was showing as flat (dashboard light) when pressure was actually good. New TPM unit installed 10/24. All fine."

Anonymous, CT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)

"tire pressure sensor"

Anonymous, MD (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)

""The headlights on my 2012 Toyota RAV4 have clouded over and turned yellow, a condition that dramatically reduces nighttime visibility and degrades the cars appearance. This common issue is caused by the breakdown of the polycarbonate plastic lens coating due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation, heat, and environmental contaminants. Over time, the factory-applied UV protective layer deteriorates, leaving the plastic vulnerable to oxidation and surface pitting. This isnt just cosmeticits a safety hazard, and it reflects poor engineering. Instead of using glass or a more durable coating, manufacturers opted for cheaper plastic with inadequate long-term protection. This choice appears rooted in planned obsolescence and cost-cutting, ensuring customers return for expensive replacements or upgrades far sooner than necessary.""

Anonymous A., NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)

"moonroofleaks"

Anonymous, MD (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Battery failure 4 times with 2 -3 months"

Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)

"I have forgotten what the repairman told me was wrong. I remember that to cost just over $175.00 for the repair."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)

""Replaced original back gate electric door actuator because of intermittent problems not opening or closing. 6/13/24 (Mainly not opening. I don't know how you replace it if it permanently failed shut and can't open door. There is no key.) Replaced all 5 original TPMS Sensors (1 failed after 13 years when battery wore out.) 4/7/25. Replaced starter 15 months ago. Otherwise, nothing else has worn out yet. Barely uses oil, still has original spark plugs. I pulled a plug at 120,000 miles service and it still looked/measured new. I plan to replace all soon even if they still look new. Maybe replace fuel pump at 200,000 miles as preventive maintenance. Also, had all 4 tires replaced 3/17/25.""

Anonymous A., SC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)
Pipes

"One of the muffler pipes came loose and needed to be replaced"

Anonymous, NH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"White "pearl" paint is peeling dpwn to the base metal in MULTIPLE areas; approximately 25% of total body."

Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport Unsure)

"The car has been parked outside the garage in the sun and elements. Last summer it was 90+ degrees and the paint became severely dulled and faded. We had to have parts repainted."

Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The paint is peeling off in large patches."

Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"This car was paert of the Toyota "White Paint" problem - paint peeling/flaking off. Toyota repainted part of the car via warranty but it's still peeling/flaking off in other areas. The repaint job done by the local Toyota Dealer was terrible."

Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)

"The clear coat on the spare tire cover was severely cracked and breaking away."

Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The car is 13 years old. Paint chips and fades"

Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rust

"Severe door and under carriage rust. Equivalent vehicle has almost no rust."

Anonymous, VT (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The car is rusting on the hood and underneath. When getting regular repairs/maintenance, it sometimes has cost extra as parts have broken off. They usually soak the parts in lubricant for a while so they can safely remove the parts that need to be removed to do the maintenance like rotating tires."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Door handle

"All door handles snapped in half about within a year. They were plastic and expected that sun exposure degraded them."

Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Rear left passenger door handle snapped into 2 pieces"

Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The door handles are made of a form of plastic that eventually fractures due to age and sun exposure. To suddenly have the door handle come apart, potentially injuring your hand is unacceptable."

Anonymous A., FL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)
Mirrors

"The driver's side mirror became loose inside. May have been due to some unknownimpact"

Anonymous, BC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Seat controls - manual

"Seat will not adjust, repeat problem reported at least twice, they told us that the next maintenance a trained person will evaluate the problem"

Anonymous A., NB (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"The rubber molding around the hatch has come loose in certain areas. And the interior is a bit threadbare."

Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"Camera display is in the rear view mirror. Twice it has gone out for several days and then began working again."

Anonymous, NM (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)
Other in-car electronics problem

""The back up screen is pretty much useless. The screen's picture, that presents on the rear view mirror, looks as though someone took support stockings and slid them over the mirror.""

Anonymous, IN (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Blue tooth will not connect with new iPhone . Just let go."

Anonymous A., WI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Hit or miss. Cell phone sound is distorted. Map audible directions rarely pair."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Radio

"Radio beeps like you're switching the next screen and lights up the arrow button and beep, beep, beep. Sometimes stops for a minute then goes rapid beep. Various beep, etc. Turn car off. Later start car again goes for 5-10 minutes then starts again. This happened for 8 m9nths. Stopped for a year and recently has started a little again."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)
Speakers

"Speakers on drivers side stopped working."

Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Shocks leaking oil. Discovered at routine maintenance. Repaired"

Anonymous, MN (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)
Tire wear is uneven

""Sway bar ends and tie rod wore out ,normal wear.""

Anonymous A., WI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Wheel bearings

"Noticed the car had a rhythmic noise coming from the front end about six months ago. It increased with speed. Took it to my mechanic who diagnosed a bad front left wheel bearing. Had both left and right front wheel bearings replaced. Problem resolved."

Anonymous, CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Left front wheel bearing needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"weirdly, this vehicle had the same trouble as our Forester, just a few weeks later, with the wheel bearings failing. The car is 13 years old, so I was not too upset, but it was a costly repair."

Anonymous, WI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Corrosion causing sticking of the brakes"

Anonymous, ME (2012 Toyota RAV4 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Premature brake wear

"Seems like brakes need work every year. Sometimes replacement is defective and has to be redone. A real weakness in an otherwise reliable car."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Brake pads wear quickly."

Anonymous, TX (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"Diagnosis of wear needing replacement"

Anonymous, BC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Replaced the AC Compressor."

Anonymous, TX (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"the a/c has never been strong, but had the blowers fixed a few years ago and they are broken again. think it is some sort of defect the car gets warm when at a stop no matter how high the a/c & fan are set"

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)
Blower (fan) motor

"don't think the fan or blower is moving the heat or cooling"

Anonymous, MN (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport Unsure)
Condenser

"developed a minor leak"

Anonymous, WI (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Slipping transmission

""Issue started about 24 months ago. Estimate of $7000 to replace. We decided against replace, drive locally only. It's been fine.""

Anonymous, IN (2012 Toyota RAV4 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission leaks

"I have a leak on the side of my transmission. The Toyota dealership recommended dropping the transmission and doing a complete reseal to address the issue. This leak started occurring around 75,000 miles. Its not a major leak, but it is something I have to check on regularly"

Anonymous A., CO (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Transmission was laboring when going up incline until you gave it more gas. This went on for about 12 months and was getting more pronounced. Toyota mechanic said the transmission needed to be replaced or it would eventually fail."

Anonymous, (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2012 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SEAT BELTS
Feb 19, 2016
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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 G0F.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V096000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1123752
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Sep 18, 2015
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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 to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V577000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 423456
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 13, 2015
A loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Rav4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. Due to a software issue within a component of the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly, the electric propulsion motor may shift to "neutral" resulting in a possible loss of drive power.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly software, free of charge. The recall began on September 10, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V143000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2497
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Feb 12, 2014
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
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 warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V054000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 261114
EQUIPMENT
Apr 09, 2013
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.
Summary:
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 XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
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 contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V123000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7525
AIR BAGS, SEATS
Jan 16, 2013
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.
Summary:
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 year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V014000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3235
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