VehicleVerdict

2018 Toyota RAV4 electrical system problems

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has 132 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 30% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

132

Electrical System complaints

30%

Share of year

5

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AROUND 740AM ON 287 SOUTH JUST PAST RT 24. DASHBOARD HAS "4WD" WARNING AND SMOKE COMING OUT FROM HOOD. I QUICKLY MOVED TO THE SHOULDER AND FIRE BROKE OUT BEFORE CAR CAME TO FULL STOP, ALL WITHIN ONE MINUTE. I BARELY ESCAPE THE CAR AND CALLED POLICE AND FIRE DEPT. THEY CAME AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 19, 2019 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 have?

NHTSA has 132 complaints about the 2018 Toyota RAV4 electrical system — 30% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Toyota RAV4 electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 23V734000.

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.