2012 Toyota RAV4 EV: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV: 3 recalls, 6 owner complaints and up to 76 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #15V143000 · 2015 · 2,497 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A loss of drive power May increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Visibility/Wiper Vehicle recall #15V577000 · 2015 · 423,456 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, water May drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Seat belts Vehicle recall #16V096000 · 2016 · 1,123,752 vehicles
What's wrong: In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats May be cut by the seat cushion frame.
Why it matters: A cut seat belt May not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV has 6 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 3 RAV4 EV model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 7). Complaints peaked in 2014 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 20,296 miles. Neighboring years: 2013 (5 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (115 kW AC Induction) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 78e | 74e | 76e | Electricity |
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 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV problems?
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (3), fuel & propulsion (1), engine (1).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV get?
EPA ratings run up to 76 mpg combined, across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.