2015 Toyota RAV4 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Toyota RAV4, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical8525.3%
- Steering4513.4%
- Engine3711.0%
- Brakes319.2%
- Body & structure308.9%
- Driver assistance267.7%
- Powertrain (other)236.8%
- Airbags154.5%
- Fuel system133.9%
- Visibility82.4%
- Seat belts61.8%
- Exterior lighting61.8%
- Suspension51.5%
- Other / unspecified41.2%
- Transmission20.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and scheduled an appointment with the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and scheduled an appointment with the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
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…
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Purchased less than 2 months ago from Performance Mitsubishi in Delray Beach FL. Lift gate was not opening and closing properly. Yesterday the hinges broke and lift gate won't shut. It appears there is a class action lawsuit for this issue. I am now responsible for fixing this because the dealership won't.
Request for Resolution -Peeling Paint on 2025 Toyota RAV 4 I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a paint peeling issue with my 2025 Toyota RAV 4 and Toyota's refusal to address the defect, despite timely reporting and documentation. The paint on my vehicle began peeling around February 2024 and significantly worsened by January 2025. I promptly filed two complaints with Toyota, and case numbers were opened. Per Toyota's request, I obtained a repair estimate from Toyota of Katy (attached) and submitted it through their system. However, Toyota has since closed both cases without resolving the issue, stating that the paint repair program expired in November 2024. This is particularly troubling because the issue was reported while the paint damage was progressing, I believe this reflects a serious quality defect that affects the appearance, durability, and resale value of the vehicle, and Toyota is failing to take appropriate responsibility. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and consider whether similar complaints exist from other Toyota owners experiencing premature paint peeling. Thank you for your attention to this matter
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and scheduled an appointment with the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Transmission shudder between approximately 25-40 mph. Toyota had a recall on some of the 2013-2015 RAV4 for this problem by the vin number. Car shakes and it has stopped running once at a red light
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
On November 4 2022 I was involved in a car accident The opposing driver hit me nearly head on but to the right on the drivers side. Crushed the left front tire and axle The car is totaled My air bags did not go off. Front side or otherwise. My life was put in serious danger, I am lucky to be alive; suffering chest back and knee pains due to the strong impact. I had the officer note and hospital note that the car bags did not go off. The opposing insurance made note of the air bags not going off. Unknown if there were warning lights. I am the only driver of that car and original owner. I am in Puerto Rico now and the local dealer in San Juan has not returned phone call.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH through an intersection, another vehicle had run a red light and hit the vehicle's passenger side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's son was injured as a result of the accident but did not seek medical attention at the scene. The contact took his son to a local hospital after the accident where he was treated for a fractured right collar bone and fractured right sternum. A police report was not filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle away from the scene and took the vehicle to an independent body shop for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that they would investigate the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My friend was leaving church and cranked my vehicle engine. My friend proceeded to exit the church parking lot onto a main road. Prior to exiting the parking lot, she heard the engine "rev", where my vehicle began moving forward without her control. She was consistently pressing the brake pedal; to no avail. where my vehicle was only stopped by careening into a nearby yard. She could hear my vehicle's engine continue rev until she turned it off.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. While opening the fuel cap, fuel was flowing out of the filler neck. The contact detected fuel leaking on the driveway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the EVAP canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system and EVAP canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
When it rains, water leaks in the interior of the car where the windshield meets the roof of the car. It leaks at the both visor attachments, the light in the middle, and along the sides of where the windshield is attached. I understand there is a recall for older RAV4's for a similar issue. I think the same thing is happening here. It's is causing visibility issues when it is raining and distracts the driver.
While driving on highway 394 in Minneapolis on August 19, 2023, my sunroof exploded. It was approximately 4:55 p.m., and I was driving between 60 and 70 miles per hour. It was around 90 degrees outside at the time. The highway was busy. As I was driving in the far left lane with my nearly 3 year old daughter in the backseat, I was startled by a loud bang like a gunshot or an explosion right above my head. I had no idea what had happened because the shade for my sunroof was closed. As I merged over to the nearest exit, I saw people looking at my car, including looking up toward my roof. After exiting the highway, I found a nearby street, Mt. View Avenue, and parked my car. I got out and looked at the roof, seeing that the sunroof had shattered nearly completely. I noticed immediately that most of the glass shards seem to have shot upward. There was not a large amount of broken glass laying on the sunroof shade. This indicates that the sunroof erupted from internal pressure, not an external object coming into contact with the glass. Additionally, I did not see any foreign objects in the window shade area on a visual inspection. Luckily the shade was closed, so no glass got into the interior of the cabin or hit me or my daughter. After inspecting the damage, I called a dealership that I regularly receive service from but it was closed, and I have not yet heard back. I explained the issue to a representative, who said they would notify the glass repair people and that they'd call me back ASAP. I drove the rest of the way home off of the highway. When I got home, I researched the issue and saw that this is not an isolated event. Specifically, many cars with sunroofs have had them explode, including Toyota Rav4 models dating back to 2014. There is no recall for the issue, and I have never been warned that my sunroof could randomly explode. Neither the manufacturer or insurance have inspected the damage yet. No warning light came on prior to the explosion.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while using the rear seat belts, the occupant was unable to adjust the straps, and while moving in the seats, the seat belt straps erroneously became tighter. The contact stated that the failure was present with the rear driver's side seat belt and rear passenger’s side seat belt. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer had not yet been contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the driver's side front seat belt buckle was stuck and failed to release immediately. The contact had to continuously push the seat belt button to release the seat belt. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Headlight bulbs burn out within a few months of replacement. This past year 2022, they have been replaced four times. It's never the same headlight, both are faulty.
Water is collecting in the outside taillights (attached to the body, not the rear hatch) on both sides. There are no visible leaks in the seals or holes in the lenses. In the attached photos, finger is pointing to water level on both lenses.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE ON HIGHWAY OR CITY STREET AT TIMES THE RADIO AND PANEL LIGHTS FLICKER AND THE SOUND SYSTEM GOES OFF AND WILL NOT RETURN TILL I STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF THEN ONCE I START THE ENGINE THE SOUND SYSTEM WILL COME ON ONCE AGAIN. ALSO AT TIMES THE HIGH BEAMS WILL TAKE A WHILE TO COME ON. THE REAR DIIR WILL NOT OPEN IN AUTOMATIC MUST BE HAND FORCED. THE REAR SUSPENSION IS AS IT DOES NOT EXIST
WHILE IN MOTION THE SUSPENSION MAKES LOTS OF NOISE, IT ALSO FEELS VERY FIRM AND YOU CAN FEEL THE BUMPS ON THE ROAD. IT ALSO MAKES CREECKING SOUNDS ON UNEVEN ROADS. AND WHILE DRIVING IT MAKES THE CAR FEEL UNSTABLE WHEN ON ROUGH ROADS BY LOSING SOME CONTROL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2015 Toyota Rav-4. The contact received notification of Customer Service Campaign: 21TG01 (12-Volt Battery Size and Installation Inspection). The contact stated that she inspected the battery and confirmed that it was the correct battery size prior to the failure. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, she drove to her friend's residence at an undisclosed speed when the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist and the air conditioner and radio inadvertently turned off. The contact arrived at her friend's residence and parked the vehicle for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove down the driveway when the vehicle lost motive power with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact and her friend exited the vehicle before it caught fire. A police officer was driving by when he witnessed the fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
FOUR INCIDENTS OF DAMAGE TO WIRING BY RODENTS. MECHANIC BELIEVES THE RODENT TO BE A RAT. ONE RAT HAS BEEN CAUGHT IN A LIVE TRAP. YET TWO MORE INCIDENTS OF EATEN WIRING.THE RAT EATS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING AND BITES THROUGH THE WIRING. THE RAT DRAGS TISSUES INTO THE H/A VENTS. EVEN TRIED TO EAT A PACKAGE OF FOIL WRAPPED HAND WIPES. THE RAT HAS LEFT SCAT UNDER THE SEATS. THE RAT WAS OBSERVED PLAYING UNDER MY CAR WHILE PARKED DOWNTOWN. HE MANAGED TO GET BACK IN THE CAR AND RODE 'HOME.'
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at speeds between 20-30 MPH the vehicle had experienced a severe shutter and vibration coming from the rear end and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-50 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure mainly occurred while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown extended warranty for the torque converter as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised as the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .