VehicleVerdict

2012 Toyota RAV4 electrical system problems

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 has 39 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

39

Electrical System complaints

11%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

14V054000Electrical SystemFebruary 12, 2014 · 261,114 units

Defect

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.

What owners report

DRIVER SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL STARTED ON FIRE. THIS OCCURRED AFTER AN APPROXIMATELY 4 MILE DRIVE. I BELIEVE THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVE. I PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT WITH ONLY ONE OTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I WAS WALKING INTO THE STORE I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC BUT DID NOT RELATE IT TO MY CAR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 26, 2017 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have?

NHTSA has 39 complaints about the 2012 Toyota RAV4 electrical system — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 14V054000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.