Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 10 | 1.6× | 3 | Transmission | Average |
| 2013 | 5 | −30% | 3 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2012 | 6 | −16% | 3 | Transmission | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median RAV4 EV year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Toyota RAV4 EV problems
Latest Toyota RAV4 EV recalls
Seat belts › Rear/other
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.
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.
Visibility/wiper
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.
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.
Hybrid propulsion system
Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Rav4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. Due to a software issue within a component of the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly, the electric propulsion motor may shift to "neutral" resulting in a possible…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly software, free of charge. The recall began on September 10, 2015.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Toyota RAV4 EV should you avoid?
None of the Toyota RAV4 EV years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Toyota RAV4 EV?
2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other RAV4 EV years at the same age, followed by 2012. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Toyota RAV4 EV problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (9), fuel & propulsion system (7) and electrical system (4). Transmission complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Toyota RAV4 EV had?
3 recalls across 2012–2014. The model year with the most is 2012. See all Toyota RAV4 EV recalls by year.
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.