MotorDeets

Toyota RAV4 EV problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every RAV4 EV from 2012 to 2014: 21 owner complaints and 9 recalls across 3 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (10), 2012 (6), 2013 (5). Best fuel economy: 76 mpg combined (2014).

Toyota RAV4 EV
Photo: DestinationFearFan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain9
Fuel & propulsion7
Electrical4
Other / unknown3
Engine2
Speed control / throttle2
Seat belts2
Visibility/Wiper2

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20123676
20133576
201431076

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Toyota RAV4 EV.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Toyota RAV4 EV manual

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Toyota RAV4 EV?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (10), 2012 (6), 2013 (5).

How many recalls has the Toyota RAV4 EV had?

Across 2012–2014, NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).