2015 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
- 305
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2015
Opened by NHTSA
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2015: 305 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.
Electrical system
28% · 86 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-19
Also filed under Steering
Steering
15% · 47 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The steering "micro" sticking in steps for last 4 years. Talked to the Cedar Park Toyota dealership, they informed that there was no recall on the vehicle. But I found recall # 15V-144. I never received a recall notice.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-01
Engine
12% · 37 reportsService brakes
10% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Brakes did not respond while driving and an accident occurred.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-22
I used to have a 2004 Toyota highlander limited and have never had this problem with this rav 4 limited. Sometimes when I park, I forget to put the vehicle in park (I never had this happen with my highlander) and then take my foot off the brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-07-27
Structure
10% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was making a left turn, when another vehicle went through a 'red' light and hit it on the right fender. Fender came off. Other vehicle had front smashed in and airbags deployed. The air bags did not deploy in the Toyota.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-10
Also filed under Air bags
In July 2026, the rear power liftgate on my Toyota RAV4 suddenly stopped operating properly and would not close. I was unable to push the hatch down normally and then noticed that one of the hinges appeared bent and the liftgate was misaligned.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-19
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2015-02-23Equipment14V828000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
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2015-03-17Exterior lighting, trailer hitches15V011000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
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2015-05-07Steering15V144000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015.
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I
2021-02-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-08-12 Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
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2024-12-27Electrical system23V734000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2015 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 86 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 37 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V828000 · Equipment
- Recall 15V011000 · Exterior lighting, trailer hitches
- Recall 15V144000 · Steering
- Recall 23V734000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2015 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Toyota RAV4?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 have?
- 4 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.