Toyota Rav4 2012 problems
The Toyota RAV4 (Japanese: トヨタ・RAV4, Hepburn: Toyota Ravufō) is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers.
It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system.
For the third-generation model, Toyota offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions were sold in Japan and Europe; long-wheelbase versions in Australia and North America. Toyota of Japan also sold the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴァンガード, Hepburn: Toyota Vangādo) at Toyopet Store dealership chain from 2005 through 2016. RAV4 for the Japanese market were sold at two different Toyota dealership chains, Corolla Store and Netz.
In 2019, the RAV4 was the best-selling SUV of any type in the world, and the fourth best-selling passenger car overall. North America is the largest market, with 535,000 units sold in 2019, followed by Europe (133,000) and China (127,000). By February 2020, a total of 10 million RAV4s had been sold globally.
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Common Toyota Rav4 2012 problems
The Toyota RAV4, introduced in 1994, is known for its reliability and durability. However, like any car, it has its share of issues, especially in certain model years. Here are some common problems with the Toyota RAV4 2012, based on complaints from owners:
- Clunking noises and steering difficulties: Some RAV4 owners have reported clunking or clicking noises when attempting to turn the steering wheel. This issue is often caused by a loose steering shaft or worn-out CV joints. If left unaddressed, it can lead to more serious problems with the steering system.
- Lagging transmissions: Transmission issues are common in the RAV4, particularly in the third-generation models. These problems can range from delayed shifting to complete transmission failure. The root cause is often attributed to wear and tear or manufacturing defects. If not addressed promptly, transmission issues can lead to expensive repairs or even the need for a complete replacement.
- Fuel system problems: The RAV4's fuel system can experience issues, such as faulty fuel injectors or a malfunctioning fuel pump. These problems can result in poor fuel efficiency, reduced engine performance, or even engine stalling. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become more serious.
- Electrical complications: Electrical issues, such as malfunctioning sensors or wiring problems, can affect various systems in the RAV4, including the engine, brakes, and infotainment system. These problems can lead to poor performance, reduced safety, and inconvenience for the driver. In some cases, electrical issues can be traced back to faulty components or manufacturing defects, while in others, they may be caused by wear and tear or external factors like exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.
It is important to note that these issues are not exhaustive and may not affect all 2012 RAV4s. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address potential problems before they become more serious. Additionally, some issues may be covered under warranty or through recalls, so it is always a good idea to check with the dealership or Toyota directly for more information.
Is 2012 a good year for Toyota RAV4?
The 2012 RAV4 is great in every aspect for its generation though the Blizzard Pearl isn't holding up. The Blizzard Pearl paint, as good looking as it is, or paint prep is failing in a big way. The roof was pealing above the windshield aprox. 4 years ago, its repainting was cover per the extended warranty.
How many miles will a 2012 Toyota RAV4 last?
How many miles can you put on a RAV4? Experts tend to agree that you can put upwards of 200,000 to 250,000 miles on a Toyota RAV4 if it has been properly cared for.
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.
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.
Is the 2012 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
2012 Toyota RAV4: Quick Overview
Reliability ratings are great according to J.D. Power, with a similar number of problems compared to the older 2011 model. Two engine choices are available, including a V6 with excellent power for the class.
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.
How long can a 2012 RAV4 last?
between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles
How Long Does a Toyota Rav4 Last? The Toyota Rav4 is a leading SUV when it comes to longevity, clocking in at between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles on average, with higher numbers for owners who take good care of their Rav4.
What is the fuel consumption of a 2012 Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 2012 is a 5 seat SUV with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.It has a diesel or petrol engine with a fuel economy range from 5.6L/100km to 10.5L/100km, depending on the model badge. The storage space in the rear is 760L.
Toyota Rav4 2012 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Rav4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Rav4 2012 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Toyota Rav4 2012
The NHTSA has received 256 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Rav4 2012. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Rav4 2012 vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 2T3BF4DV4CW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: No accident but dealer mechanic says I need a new transmission as torque converter is the problem. . Car has 107500 miles and has had routine maintenance. I have since learned that there were dealer service bulletins on this issue and some owners got repairs. My vehicle, a 2012 RAV4, was not included in the bulletin. I read many situations like mine on the RAV4world website and other social media. Toyota needs to be held accountable for the thousands in repair costs owners are experiencing for a design flaw. The safety issue is the transmission could fail prematurely.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-11
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: 2T3ZF4DV1CW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. The driver sustained burns to the neck, skeletal injuries, and bruises. The passenger sustained skeletal injuries, cuts, bruises, and throat issues. Medical attention was provided to both occupants. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or crash. The vehicle was towed to a tow plaza. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTMYF4DV4C5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Over the last 4 years I have had 2 prior occurrence where I've lost power turning or stopping, causing the engine to stall. Both times the vehicle was taken to our mechanic and he replaced the connectors to the battery. On January 18th, 2024, while turning off of a rural highway onto the street we live on I again lost power and the engine stalled and smelled a faint electrical smell. I called my mechanic and he said he could get it in on January 22nd. We checked all connections to the battery, made sure the battery terminals were clean. The morning of January 22nd, while on my way to the mechanic the vehicle in front of me stopped quickly. I started to stop a little quicker than normal, causing the front of the vehicle to tip down. I immediately lost power and the engine died, causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. The collisions was at slow speed, but it also caused disproportionate damage to my vehicle. Over the weekend of January 20th, we became aware if a recall for 2013 to 2018 Rav4s regarding the tops of newer batteries being smaller and causing problems with the battery shifting causing loss of power and potential fires. We strongly believe this recall needs to be extended to the 2012s.
ENGINE,POWER TRAIN,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-07
- VIN: JTMRK4DV1C5
- Components: ENGINE,POWER TRAIN,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, traction control, and 4WD drive warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for approximately two months. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-05
- VIN: 2T3DF4DV4CW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: after stepping on the breaks the car the vehicle revs and moves forward
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-09
- VIN: 2T3BF4DV9CW
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: I took the Rav4 to the dealership for a oil change and wheel alignment 0n 6-6-23. On 6-9-23 I took it back because on the freeway sometime it would start wobbling. They check it out and said the tow arms have play and movement. I said you gave it a 4 wheel alignment and didn`t see that. He recommend to change both rear tow arms and wanted to charge me $1,000. I did not think that was right after 3 days.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-15
- VIN: 2T3BK4DV1CW
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon activating the windshield wipers, the wipers responded erratically. The contact stated that the wipers moved significantly slowly, changed direction, and paused in the center of the windshield. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V577000 (Visibility/Wiper) however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 112,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-21
- VIN: 2T3BF4DV2CW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: While in transit I observed my rav4 engine light 4wd light and traction control light all come on and truck kinda felt like gear slip weather was clear. I continued and went across a railroad track and all of sudden truck completely shuts down and started smoking. I i coasted to side of road had it towed to my designated location Thought was on fire. After inspection following day it showed top radiator hose coupling broke causing antifreeze to spew from radiator ... I replaced the hose thinking all would be repaired. Antifreeze and water was replaced And tried to crank it sputtered and wouldn't start . Now it still won't start. It has only 135k miles on it and I know it should be more
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-27
- VIN: 2T3DF4DV2CW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The left rear toe arm bracket became detached from the rear subframe. This caused the vehicle to drive erratically. There is minimal to no rust on the vehicle. The failure happened without warning after hitting a small pothole.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-20
- VIN: 2T3ZF4DV7CW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Severe chipping on the top of the vehicle. If the vehicle goes over 40 mph, it chipps the paint on the other vehicles which is a hazard.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-20
- VIN: 2T3ZF4DV6CW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: On Friday, 1/20, I got in my vehicle, turned it on and the engine maintenance light came on. First and only time in the few months I have owned it. While driving home in heavy traffic from work in Lutz, my RAV4 uncontrollably accelerated at a full stop lurching forward towards the vehicle in front of me. It did this 4 times on my drive home to Spring Hill nearly causing multiple potentially catastrophic accidents. I stayed in the far-right lane for the duration of my drive home with the exception of two left hand turns I had to make. Each time I came to a stop I kept further distance from the vehicle in front of me. I put it in neutral, pressed firmly on the brake, once at a full stop the engine was still revving up to 4-5,000 rpms. I steered the wheels to the right to avoid the vehicle in front of me in preparation that it would not stop accelerating. It was/is not a floor mat issue, those clip into place, it was not me accidentally pressing on the gas pedal. I have 30+ years of a good driving record and experience in all types of conditions. This is something seriously mechanically and electrically wrong. This put myself and any other vehicle or pedestrian around me at great risk of major collision or bodily injury. Since this is an intermittent problem, like the abundance of other complaints, neither my mechanic nor the Toyota dealership can reproduce it.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-19
- VIN: 2T3YL4DV7CW
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The car lost all power to the wheels without warning. Fortunately the car was stopped at a red light but still had to be pushed out of the way in traffic with the help of strangers. The car was inspected by a Toyota service specialist who said that the splines had sheared off of the rotor and the entire motor would need to be replaced. There were no warnings (no lamps, no messages, no sounds) prior to the failure.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-02
- VIN: 2T3YL4DV4CW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Check EV System - Have your vehicle checked by a dealership immediately Warning has come on several times in the past few days. RAV4 EV forum indicates this is a problem that can make the vehicle stop while driving - very dangerous. There was a recall issued for this problem in 2015, and your site indicates there are no outstanding recalls on this vehicle. Please help resolve this potentially severe problem. Thanks.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-27
- VIN: 2T3BF4DV8CW
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Poor winter visibility: This is an issue with this vehicle but also with almost all other vehicles with internal combustion engines. During cold weather the defroster is ineffective until the engine warms up and provides heat. This results in two unsafe conditions 1) warming the engine up while parked, which exposes the vehicle and driver to theft ("carjacking" is an increasing crime in our area) and increases carbon emissions, or, 2) driving the vehicle while the engine is cold and having poor forward visibility. If defrosters were equipped with electric heating elements, defroster heat would be provided almost immediately. I was told that VW provided this feature for several years and it was very effective. The electric heating element could be thermostatically controlled so it would turn off once the engine starts providing heat. Since a household toaster can be purchased for $25, it should not cost manufacturers more than $15 to add an electric heating element to the defroster. Thank you for considering this recommendation. I am embarrassed to admit to the times when I drove while peering through a small patch of clear windshield . . . reasonably safe for seeing directly forward but definitely not safe for seeing side traffic or crossing pedestrians.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-14
- VIN: 2T3BF4DV8CW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Inaudible turn signal prompt: Older drivers who drive for miles with their turn signal on is the subject of many a cartoon and common source of highway frustration. It is also a safety issue when a vehicle does not perform the turn that it is apparently signaling to make. I find myself being one of those older drivers who leaves their turn signal on. I have moderate hearing loss and do wear hearing aids, but not all the time. Perhaps my RAV4's audible prompt is quieter than others, but with road noise and the radio on I often do not hear it. A simple solution to this problem would be the ability to control the volume of the audible turn signal prompt so it could be "cranked up" to be easily heard. If dashboard lights have a dimmer control, why don't turn signal prompts have a volume control? It seems like a simple solution and with today's touch control panels one that could be added for very little cost. Thanks for considering my recommendation. It is a common safety problem that has a simple and low-cost solution.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- VIN: 2T3DK4DV3CW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The mechanism that controls the up/down position of the sun visors breaks after a few years of use. As a result, the sun visors will not stay in a 'closed' position (against vehicle roof) and constantly fall halfway down obstructing proper view of the road. The drivers side sun visor broke several years ago. When I took it to the Toyota dealer they stated the only way to fix this was to replace the visor (at my expense). The cost to replace one visor was >$200. The passenger side visor has now failed to hold in place as well. Toyota assumes no responsibility for this design defect (plastic part in the visor mechanism wears or breaks). This is a safety issue due to poor design on Toyota's part. Consumers should not have to pay $200 to have these replaced.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: Jtmzf4dv6c5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My rav4 caught fire by its self not running in the battery compartment and burned completely to the metal
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-31
- VIN: 2T3BF4DV0CW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a delay for the vehicle to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to put a lot of pressure while depressing the brake pedal for the vehicle to stop. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure. The mechanic had repaired the brake master cylinder, front and rear brake-disc rotors, and caliper in 2019. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 139,435.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-02
- VIN: 2t3bk4dv5cw
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Unknown. Vehicle is having problems with fuel system. Vehicle intermittently runs rough like engine is not getting enough gas.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-18
- VIN: 2T3BF4DV8CW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: LACK OF TIE POINTS: This is an issue with our RAV4, but it is an issue with about every vehicle manufactured recently. It is a requirement of drivers to “secure their load” but when top carrying boats it is very difficult to find suitable tie points in the front and rear of the vehicle. Could vehicle manufacturers be required to provide tie points suitable for securing loads? It could be as simple as providing smooth- edged holes in the chassis under both bumpers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- VIN: 2T3DF4DV7CW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Driver's side sun visor falls down blocking view of road.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-06
- VIN: 2T3BF4DV1CW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE JUST BEGUN HAVING THE ISSUE THAT MANY OTHERS COMPLAIN ABOUT - THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT + 4WD + TRAC LIGHTS ALL CAME ON (2012 TOYOTA RAV4, 100,000 MILES). WE TRIED SOME SIMPLE FIXES AT HOME, BASED ON THE MANY ONLINE POSTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE (CHECKED/REFASTENED HOSES, BATTERY CONNECTIONS, ETC.), AND THE LIGHTS CAME RIGHT BACK ON. TOOK TO OUR USUAL MECHANIC, AND THEY DIAGNOSED O2 SENSOR PROBLEMS, BOTH BANK 1 & BANK 2. PAID $750 FOR THEM TO REPLACE BOTH SENSORS. THE 3 DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME BACK ON AS I WAS DRIVING HOME AFTER PICKING UP MY CAR FROM THE SERVICE. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED WITH GENUINE TOYOTA PARTS. THE CAR IS NOW BACK AT THE MECHANIC - THEY SAID THE SAME O2 SENSOR CODES ARE COMING UP WHEN THEY CHECK THE DIAGNOSTICS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A CHRONIC PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA, AND REALLY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND DEALT WITH. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH AN EARLIER TOYOTA SIENNA, AND SPENT MUCH TIME AND MONEY TRYING TO FIX THE ISSUE, WHICH WAS NEVER RESOLVED. THERE ARE MORE THAN 15 YEARS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE - PLEASE HELP US, THE CONSUMERS!
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-05
- VIN: JTMRK4DVXC5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BOTH FRONT DRIVE AXLES EXHIBITED SIGNS OF SEVERE CORROSION DAMAGE LEADING TO COMPLETE LOSS OF LUBRICANT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 34,056 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED AND NOT SUBJECT TO ANY UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED SEVERE CRACKING AND POPPING NOISES ON TURNS.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-01
- VIN: 2T3DK4DV3CW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR HAD TO BE REPLACED A COUPLE YEARS AGO BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT STAY IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AND HUNG IN A LOOSE DROPPED POSITION.THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR IS NOW DOING THE SAME THING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT CAN DROP UNEXPECTEDLY AND BLOCK THE DRIVERS VISUAL FIELD.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-01
- VIN: 2T3ZF4DV0CW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA (9101 GLENWOOD AVE, RALEIGH, NC 27617, (919) 890-3686) THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER RESERVOIR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOW WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Toyota Rav4 2012 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Toyota Rav4 2012.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- 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.
- Consequence: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative Toyota Rav4 2012 car reviews
Positive Toyota Rav4 2012 car reviews
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Hi there! I've been driving a RAV4 for the past 9 years and I wanted to share my experience with you. I've noticed that the tires seem to develop issues with time and usage. I'm not sure if this is a common problem, but it's been my only issue with the car. It's always something with the tire - one day it's the shock, the next day it's the bearing, and then the tyroid. But overall, it's a great car!
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In my opinion, the size is just right - not too big, not too small. I really enjoy the ride!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that I have a single driver car that's in excellent condition and has very low mileage. It also comes with a Kenwood entertainment center and a rear view camera. Let me know if you're interested!
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I have 2012 Rav4 with 3rd row seating. I bought this in 2014 with still 6K warranty left on it for a very reasonable price. The Good - Reliable, dependable, easy to service, standard services. Large corgo space when thrid row is folded. Newer models do not have this size cargo space. The BAD - Seats are not suitable for 6 feet tall folks. Back and Neck hurt, now i developed full time issues. Fuel economy is not that great. Acceleration is lacking. Dealers try to sell bad OEM tires that go bad before their stated end of life, better to buy tires from Costco or Walmart. Also you can replace the in-dash CD with a Android unit from ebay.
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I recently made the switch from a V6 2006 Escape to an I4 2012 RAV4 and I'm happy to report that it's been a great decision so far. Although I live in the NC bay area, I ended up purchasing my RAV4 from a dealer near LA downtown during my July 4th trip. It was a totally unplanned purchase, but David at Buena Park Toyota gave me a great price and a reasonable trade-in value. I highly recommend him! After two weeks and two tanks of gas, with a mix of highway and local driving, I'm averaging around 24 miles per gallon. This is a significant improvement from my previous Escape, which only got 17-18 miles per gallon. While the Escape was a reliable small SUV that never gave me any problems, I had to make some trade-offs due to the increasing cost of living in the bay area.
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More sources of information about Toyota Rav4 2012 problems:
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2012 Toyota RAV4 Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Toyota RAV4? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Toyota RAV4.
Other years of Toyota Rav4
Are you having problems with your Toyota Rav4 2012?
Olen Kuhic 2024-11-28
I purchased the car on April 16th and have been gathering information for my review over the past 3 and a half months. Overall, the car is good and runs smoothly on normal roads. However, it struggles with potholes and train tracks, which can be quite jarring. The car is a bit slow, even for a 4-cylinder. Initially, I was conned into buying the RAV4 with no money down and a finance rate of 6.00%, resulting in monthly payments as high as $355.83 for 75 months. However, I was able to refinance the RAV4 at a much lower rate of 2.00% with a bank in New York, bringing my monthly payments down to $305.25. Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase and the refinancing decision I made.
Charley Leffler 2024-11-28
I've had my Rav4 for a year and took it to the dealer to have the transmission checked.When making a low speed turn, after braking then pressing the accelerator, the automatic transmission shifts roughly. It feels like a new driver just learning to drive a manual transmission.The dealer test drove it, identified the issue, then said that was normal and there is nothing wrong with my Rav4.Other dislikes: hard seats, brake too close to accelerator, doors sound tinny when closed, keyless ignition locks up randomly, too many lever controls on steering column (3 with wipers, lights, and cruise control)
Wilfredo Olson 2024-10-05
I purchased the 2012 V6 4x4 sport a few months ago. I opted for the sport model due to the lack of a tire on the tailgate, although I must admit I didn't pay enough attention during the test drive. Unfortunately, the ride quality is not the best, as every little bump and crack in the pavement seems to be felt. I'm not sure if it's due to the sport suspension or the 18
Elmer Kiehn 2024-10-03
I noticed that the driver position in the RAV4 is not very comfortable for me, especially during normal driving. Unfortunately, I don't feel very safe or at ease while driving. My right leg and foot become numb, my knee is pressed and hurts, and my muscles feel tense. Although the RAV4 seat has many adjustments, none of them seem to work for me. Additionally, there was an issue with the acceleration pedal getting stuck once, and the solution made the pedal too high and small, causing discomfort and even pain. If I had known about these issues beforehand, I might have chosen a different car, such as the Rogue or CRV.
Lincoln Gutmann 2024-07-29
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my Toyota car. We paid around 35,000 dollars for it, including all the upgrades. Unfortunately, we've been experiencing an intermittent no-start problem since the first week we owned it. We've taken it back to the dealer 3 or 4 times, but they haven't been able to fix it. Today, they told us that it had something to do with the steering lock and that we just have to live with it. However, now that we know what the problem is, we know it will eventually start. They sent a tech bulletin to Toyota, so maybe someday they will do something about it. Despite this issue, I find the ride a bit uncomfortable. I'm not sure if I would buy a Toyota again, but I hope they can address this issue soon.