The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 15V-577 (15V577000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Component | Visibility/wiper |
| Report date | September 18, 2015 |
| Owners notified | November 7, 2016 |
| Vehicles affected | 423,456 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 15V-577 repair free?
Yes. Toyota dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 423,456 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.