2012 Toyota RAV4
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 260
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Visibility/wiper
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
20% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 260 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 77 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 309 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 315 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 705 |
| 2007 | 1,004 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 331 |
| 2019 | 879 |
| 2020 | 635 |
| 2021 | 387 |
| 2022 | 144 |
| 2023 | 157 |
| 2024 | 175 |
| 2025 | 88 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Visibility/wiper
20% · 53 reportsVehicle speed control
19% · 49 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota rav-4. The contact stated that after attempting to drive in reverse out of a parking space with the brake pedal engaged, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crash into a parked vehicle. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-13
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive, there was a rapid increase in the engine rpms and the vehicle began to surge forward.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-02-29
Service brakes
15% · 39 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
In a paved parking lot I attempted to park by applying the brakes but the car surged forward. It only stopped by going over a curb and hitting a tree at the perimeter of the parking space.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-23
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Pull into parking place step on the brakes .the car seam s if the gas was engage
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-15
after stepping on the breaks the car the vehicle revs and moves forward
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-25
Seat belts
12% · 30 reportsElectrical system
12% · 30 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Over the last 4 years I have had 2 prior occurrence where I've lost power turning or stopping, causing the engine to stall. Both times the vehicle was taken to our mechanic and he replaced the connectors to the battery.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-07
The car was parked in the driveway with the doors locked and the windows rolled up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-19
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013-03-21Air bags, seats13V014000 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…
Remedy: 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…
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2013-05-28Equipment13V123000 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…
Remedy: 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…
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2014-03-28Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic14V054000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
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2016-06-24Seat belts16V096000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2016-11-07Visibility/wiper15V577000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 53 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 49 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 39 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V014000 · Air bags, seats
- Recall 13V123000 · Equipment
- Recall 14V054000 · Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 16V096000 · Seat belts
- Recall 15V577000 · Visibility/wiper
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota RAV4?
- The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.