2012 Toyota Rav4 ev problems

toyota logo

The Toyota RAV4 EV is an all-electric version of the popular RAV4 SUV produced by Toyota until 2014. Two generations of the EV model were sold in California, and to fleets elsewhere in the US, with a gap of almost ten years between them.

The first generation was leased from 1997 to 2003, and at the lessees' request, many units were sold after the vehicle was discontinued. A total of 1,484 were leased and/or sold in California to meet the state's mandate for zero-emissions vehicle. A small number were sold or leased in fleet sales in other states. As of mid-2012, there were almost 500 vehicles still in use in California. Production of the second generation EV was limited to 2,600 units during a three-year run, with sales limited to California beginning in 2012. Production ended in September 2014. A total of 2,489 units of the second generation model were sold in California through April 2015.

Toyota worked together with Tesla Motors and Panasonic to develop the second generation RAV4 EV, and the electric SUV was released in the United States in September 2012. The US Environmental Protection Agency rated the second generation RAV4 EV with a range of 103 mi (166 km) and a combined fuel economy rating of 76 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (3.1 L/100 km).

2012 Toyota Rav4 ev

Social links

Common 2012 Toyota Rav4 ev problems

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV, an all-electric version of the popular compact SUV, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners.

  • Gateway / communications "ECU": This issue can disable the vehicle, usually indicated by a Check EV light. The gateway or communications ECU is responsible for managing the communication between different vehicle systems, and a failure can cause the vehicle to become inoperable.
  • Motor / gearbox noise: This issue requires a motor replacement as the noise is caused by a problem within the motor or gearbox. This can be a significant repair cost and may indicate a more serious issue with the vehicle's drivetrain.
  • Heater failure: This issue can take out the DC to DC converter, which is responsible for converting high voltage DC power from the battery to low voltage DC power for the vehicle's accessories. This can cause the vehicle to lose heat, which can be a significant inconvenience in cold weather.
  • DC to DC failure: This issue can prevent the vehicle from charging, making it impossible to drive until the issue is resolved. This can be a significant inconvenience and may require a tow to a repair shop.
  • Onboard charger failure: This issue can prevent the vehicle from recharging, making it impossible to drive until the issue is resolved. This can be a significant inconvenience and may require a tow to a repair shop.
  • Leaking oil from gearbox: This issue has been reported in both the RAV4 EV and the Mercedes B-Class ED, which shares the same Tesla Model S drivetrain. This can cause damage to the vehicle's drivetrain and may require significant repairs.
  • Check EV system message: This issue requires four ON/OFF cycles to resolve and can indicate a problem with the vehicle's electrical system.
  • Charge timer: This issue can prevent the vehicle from charging at certain times, making it difficult to plan trips and recharge the vehicle.
  • Entunes: This issue can cause problems with the vehicle's infotainment system, making it difficult to use the vehicle's entertainment and navigation features.
  • 12-volt battery: This issue can cause problems with the vehicle's electrical system, making it difficult to start the vehicle and use its accessories.
  • Charge port door sticks: This issue can prevent the vehicle from charging, making it impossible to drive until the issue is resolved.

These issues can be significant and may require significant repairs. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all recalls have been addressed and that the vehicle is in good working order before driving it.

2012 Toyota Rav4 ev engine

How long do the batteries last in Toyota RAV4 EV?

between 3 to 5 years

A common question among Toyota RAV4 owners is, “How long does a Toyota battery last?” The average lifespan of a Toyota RAV4 battery can vary depending on various factors, such as driving conditions, maintenance, and climate. However, on average, a Toyota RAV4 battery can last anywhere between 3 to 5 years.

Why did Toyota discontinue the RAV4 EV?

If you didn't have a Level 2 charging station, it took at least 24 hours to get a full charge. That wasn't practical for daily drivers. That's the main reason why there wasn't enough interest in this electric SUV. It played a big part in Toyota's decision to discontinue production after the 2014 model year.

How reliable is 2012 Toyota RAV4?

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 is a great used compact SUV . It has a good reputation for reliability, seating for up to seven passengers, and a boxy cargo area that can easily fit large items. This Toyota is available with zippy four- and six-cylinder engines, and it rides comfortably even on rough and broken pavement.

Are there any recalls on 2012 RAV4?

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.

How long do the batteries last in Toyota RAV4 EV?

between 3 to 5 years

A common question among Toyota RAV4 owners is, “How long does a Toyota battery last?” The average lifespan of a Toyota RAV4 battery can vary depending on various factors, such as driving conditions, maintenance, and climate. However, on average, a Toyota RAV4 battery can last anywhere between 3 to 5 years.

Why did Toyota discontinue the RAV4 EV?

If you didn't have a Level 2 charging station, it took at least 24 hours to get a full charge. That wasn't practical for daily drivers. That's the main reason why there wasn't enough interest in this electric SUV. It played a big part in Toyota's decision to discontinue production after the 2014 model year.

Is the 2012 Toyota RAV4 a good car?

The RAV4 is a well-rounded package, combining good all-around performance with a comfortable ride and agile handling. Its engine gets impressive fuel economy and an optional third-row bench was offered to bring seating to seven in a pinch.

What is the most common problem with RAV4?

But with more used RAV4s in the market — some with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer — some of these hiccups will be unavoidable. The RAV4's issues include excessive oil consumption, steering wheel problems, lagging transmissions, fuel system problems, and electrical complications, among other troubles.

2012 Toyota Rav4 ev complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Toyota Rav4 ev.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2012 Toyota Rav4 ev recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2012 Toyota Rav4 ev.

2016-02-19
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
  • 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.
  • Consequence: A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
  • 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. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
2015-09-18
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • 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. 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.
2015-03-13
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • 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.
  • Consequence: A loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: 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.
Leave your review of 2012 Toyota Rav4 ev

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Toyota Rav4 ev problems:

What's Wrong with the Toyota RAV4 EV?
What's Wrong with the Toyota RAV4 EV?
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/models/rav4-ev/

The Most Common RAV4 EV Problem · Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. Somewhere in the mid-2000's there was an industry-wide push by automakers to replace plastic and ...

Top Ten List of problems with RAV4 EV / Pre-purchase List | Toyota ...
Top Ten List of problems with RAV4 EV / Pre-purchase List | Toyota ...
https://www.myrav4ev.com/threads/top-ten-list-of-problems-with-rav4-ev-pre-purchase-list.1589/

Apr 27, 2015 ... Well-known member · 1) Speed sensor - RECALL ITEM - vehicle will pop into neutral and stop, power steering disabled) · 2) Gateway / communications ...

2012 Toyota RAV4 Reliability - Consumer Reports
2012 Toyota RAV4 Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2012/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Steering And Suspension · Drive System · Exhaust · Noises And Leaks · Climate System · Brakes · Electrical Accessories · Fuel System/ ...

Owners: Would you recommend buying a used Rav4 EV? | Toyota ...
Owners: Would you recommend buying a used Rav4 EV? | Toyota ...
https://www.myrav4ev.com/threads/owners-would-you-recommend-buying-a-used-rav4-ev.2290/

Oct 20, 2018 ... There are a few known issues. Some of them are pretty expensive so you'll want to read about getting a Toyota warranty for them so that when you ...

Anything I should know or ask about before buying a used Rav4 EV ...
Anything I should know or ask about before buying a used Rav4 EV ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/electricvehicles/comments/9niryw/anything_i_should_know_or_ask_about_before_buying/

Oct 12, 2018 ... Toyota basically orders the ... faults. Unless it's basically free, I do not ... That's higher than the RAV4 EV, and much higher than the gasoline ...

Other years of Toyota Rav4 ev

toyota rav4 ev 2013 photo
Rav4 ev 2013
Toyota

5

3

2

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota rav4 ev 2014 photo
Rav4 ev 2014
Toyota

177

3

4

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota rav4 ev 2012 photo
Rav4 ev 2012
Toyota

0

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2012 Toyota Rav4 ev?

Add car complaint
2012 Toyota Rav4 ev photo