VehicleVerdict

2015 Toyota RAV4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2015 Toyota RAV4 sits mid-pack among RAV4 years: 399 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 344, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 47 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (89), other (62), and steering (45), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

399

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

61

Crash-involved

62

Fires reported

47

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other RAV4 years?

RAV4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted1,240 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 54 complaints1997: 61 complaints1998: 92 complaints1999: 75 complaints2000: 34 complaints2001: 418 complaints2002: 682 complaints2003: 392 complaints2004: 182 complaints2005: 168 complaints2006: 880 complaints2007: 1,240 complaints2008: 708 complaints2009: 397 complaints2010: 498 complaints2011: 402 complaints2012: 357 complaints2013: 331 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 399 complaints2016: 291 complaints2017: 408 complaints2018: 435 complaints2019: 1,168 complaints2020: 795 complaints2021: 505 complaints2022: 206 complaints2023: 234 complaints2024: 250 complaints2025: 101 complaints
RAV4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RAV4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Toyota RAV4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8922%
Other6216%
Steering4511%
Engine379%
Brakes318%
Body & Structure308%
Transmission256%
Speed Control215%
Airbags164%
Fuel System144%
Visibility & Wipers82%
Seat Belts62%
Lighting62%
Suspension51%
Tires & Wheels21%
Driver Assistance21%

Does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V734000Electrical SystemNovember 1, 2023 · 1,853,568 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.

Consequence

A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.

15V144000SteeringMarch 13, 2015 · 110,085 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

15V011000Trailer HitchJanuary 16, 2015 · 1,140 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.

Consequence

If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.

14V828000OtherDecember 30, 2014 · 3,958 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Driver was driving on the highway when the screen turned off and on and the steering wheel seized momentarily. Approximately 5 minutes later, screen went blank again and could not accelerate. Driver pulled over to the side of the road. Strange noises were coming from under the hood and the car…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 23, 2021 · fire

“Was going a route that we do daily, and thankfully it was a backroad and no one was walking. Was coming up to a turn and pressed the brake but the car accelerated. 100% sure I pressed the brake! I couldn't steer the car and lost the brakes. Thankfully a tree stopped the car. Airbags deployed,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 22, 2025 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT TO THE FACE AND ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION LOT. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 30, 2016 · crash

“Driver was driving on the highway when the screen turned off and on and the steering wheel seized momentarily. Approximately 5 minutes later, screen went blank again and could not accelerate. Driver pulled over to the side of the road. Strange noises were coming from under the hood and the car…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 23, 2021 · fire

“Road conditions were perfect - sunny, dry, nice weather. I was pulling into a parking spot and when I applied the brakes, they FROZE. I.e. the brake pedal DID NOT GO DOWN. (The mats were not an issue). Then the car suddenly accelerated and went over an embankment. I was able to stop the vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 2, 2021 · crash

2015 Toyota RAV4 — common questions

Is the 2015 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

It is close to typical for the RAV4: 399 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2015 RAV4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (89 complaints), other (62 complaints), steering (45 complaints).

Does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Toyota RAV4 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota RAV4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RAV4 years to avoid are 2007, 2019, 2006, 2020, 2008, 2002. The cleanest record among RAV4 years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2015 Toyota RAV4?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.