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    Toyota RAV4

    EPA MPG: 23 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 RAV4 will be much more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.

    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.

    Steering And Suspension

    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

    Bushings

    "Had to replace both the front lower control arms and rear trailing arms due to worn out bushings in these parts."

    Anonymous A., NS (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)
    Other steering/suspension problem

    "The front lower control arms were worn and needed to be replaced. They were starting to become worn out last year and I finally needed to replace them. Everything now is good."

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Shocks or struts

    "Probably not surprising for a car of its age, but all 4 struts and 2 shocks had to be replaced."

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

    "Shocks started leaking, orginal equipment, never replaced. Put in new shocks."

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

    "Front shock worn out (leaking)"

    Anonymous A., QC (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)
    Wheel bearings

    "Noise from left bearing started March 2024 and was fixed April 2024 by dealer."

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

    "Noise gradually increased. Sounded like knobby tires on a gravel road."

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

    "All four (4) original wheel bearings started failing around 115,000 miles. The front bearings were a bit more obvious as they got noisier first, with the R/F bearing eventually producing a high-pitched grinding sound and sensation that could be felt through the steering wheel. The rear bearings also started getting noisier (emitting a "roaring" sound) and failing around the same time. The vehicle was several thousand miles beyond its extended warranty period when we brought it to the dealership. The dealership replaced the R/F wheel bearing assembly, which resolved the grinding sound/sensation. A few months later, an independent shop replaced the remaining 3 wheel bearing assemblies, plus the front struts/coil assemblies and the rear shocks absorbers. A 4-wheel alignment was done and the vehicle has been driving great since then. According to the shop, wheel bearing failures on the 4-Wheel-Drive V6 RAV4 are somewhat common due to the increased power and weight of the engine and drivetrain. I've also read about other owners of this model having the same issue."

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

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "Touch screen does not respond to touch."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "It sometimes plays a random never before played playlist from Spotify"

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Navigation system became unstable, path changed with bumps in road. Stop working. Touch screen does not work with any feature"

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

    "All but one random address disappeared from my previous and saved addresses"

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

    "Dash lights come on indicating problems: check engine, oil, and another one that I can't remember."

    Anonymous, NS (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Stopped working and had to buy 3 rd party phone voice sysyem"

    Anonymous A., NH (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 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

    "had to replace after left rear started sticking, then two returns to dealer to adjust"

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

    "Parking brake cables were seized."

    Anonymous, NB (2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)
    Premature brake wear

    "Rear brakes were squealing and needed to be replaced. However, I think it may have been due to poorly done prior repair or inferior partsthis was not a Toyota dealer,"

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

    "When put on the brakes it would pull to the left. The repair shop replaced the rotor , that solved the problem."

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

    "Brakes have had a tendency to squeal even after replacement"

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Muffler

    "The dealer had said about 8 months ago that I had a hole in the muffler where it meets the converter and that the muffler and Converter would need to be replaced for $1700. I have not had the repair done."

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Passenger side mirror - decreased movement"

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

    "2 broken tire pressure sensors caused the tire pressure warning light to stay on. The sensors were replaced at $350 each"

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

    "Alternator had to be replaced"

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

    "Alternator failure that prevented vehicle starting July 2023. Replaced it and fixed the problem July 2023."

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

    Noises And Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "moon roof leakage"

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

    "moon roof leakage"

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

    "drive line vibration, may be related to drive shaft or axles"

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

    "drive line vibration"

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    "Had to replace right side axle assembly. Rubbing sound while driving in rotary. Dealer said had to replace right away. Cost $700 including parts and labor. CV Boots were not leaking. Seems okay now. but now have torque converter problem. Local Toyota dealers seems really busy for service."

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

    "Expensive repair"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Driveshaft or axle

    "Beginning to wear out"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 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

    "There is a sensor on the a/c compressor that failed, causing it to stop operating, and the car's idle to become too low. Occasionally the engine would stall at idle. Toyota will not replace the sensor alone, but instead they only offer to replace the whole a/c system. This is unnecessary considering that the a/c compressor is still sound. An aftermarket sensor is available for around $30. The sensor is difficult to replace, but I was able to do it and now I have cold air again."

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

    "AC quit. Shop said due to hole in condenser that lost the refrigerant"

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

    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

    Seat belts

    "I have had issues with the seat belt re-tractors in this car. Tugging the belt back and forth, up and down is required occasionally."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    "In 2023, we starting experiencing a sudden and significant loss of engine power when driving uphill, usually on roads and highways where a moderate amount of power was needed to maintain speed. Almost immediately after losing power, the "Check Engine" and "Traction Control Off" warning lights would illuminate in the instrument cluster. The engine would still be running, but producing minimal power, so we would have to pull off the road and shut down the engine. We'd then loosen and retighten the factory-original gas cap before restarting the engine, and that sometimes resolved the issue (full power restored with no warning lights illuminated) for a short while. After researching possible causes and discussing the issue with the shop, we replaced the gas cap, and that appears to have resolved the issue. As long as we tighten the gas cap to the point where we hear a 3rd "click", the engine will now maintain power going up hills."

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

    Paint And Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Toyota refused to provide my access to the voluntary recall that had been set up years before to a known issue with peeling paint saying the recall conveniently expired 2 weeks before I reported my problem. The dealer wanted almost $4000 plus the cost of a rental car for "two weeks plus" to just repaint the roof which means the total repair cost would have been over $5000 to just paint the roof."

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 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.

    What Owners Say

    Alternator

    "Alternator failed and caused the battery to fail. Car had to be towed to a repair shop"

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

    Transmission Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Torque converter

    "noise driving between 40-60 MPH. Sounds like engine is revving but it is not. took to dealer said to "baby" transmission. I am reluctant to take it back to dealer. I believe torque converter is very expensive to replace."

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    "The water pump began to make noise from the pulley bearing, and started to leak. It was replaced just before it totally failed. There have been no further problems after replacing the water pump. This is the second time that the water pump has been replaced. This seems unusual for Toyota. My 2002 Camry never had a water pump fail in 282,000 miles."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    "They cant repair the fob that controls the keyless entry. They have had vehicle for over 6 weeks and still cant fix it. The charge so far is well over 4 thousand dollars and it still doesnt work. This sucks!,"

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    Engine Minor

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

    Engine Major

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

    2012 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    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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