2012 Toyota RAV4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 260 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 138,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Toyota RAV4, 1% of the 260 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Within 6 months of purchase of new Toyota RAV4 vehicle, we had onset of acid smell whenever air-conditioner turned on. After about 3 minutes, the odor dissipates, and air-conditioner functions adequately. There is no odor when heat is turned on. We had no time to deal with it for several months, but about a year after purchase we went to Toyota dealer (where we bought the car) to complain about the odor. They changed the air-conditioner filter, but still the odor persists. Only the dealer has worked on our car. Is the acid vapor harmful to the occupants of our car? Why doesn't it go away? …”
NHTSA complaint #10660245, filed 2014-11“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and DTC: P0607, P1603, and P1604 were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was not contacted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11715035, filed 2026-02, 138,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10253223Mar 4, 2024This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the…
- 10183281Oct 21, 2020TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10178524Jul 30, 2020TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10177599Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10111400Apr 7, 2015TT: Starting with 2010 Model Year, Toyota began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil. Due to the them…
- 10111207Apr 7, 2015TT: Starting with 2010 Model Year, Toyota began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil. Due to the them…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 8 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 10 | 3% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 24 | 4% |
| 2007 | 41 | 4% |
| 2006 | 40 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 18 | 12% |
| 2003 | 26 | 8% |
| 2002 | 41 | 8% |
| 2001 | 28 | 9% |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 6% |
| 1997 | 10 | 19% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2012 Toyota RAV4
59 complaintsVehicle speed control
49 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsSeat belts
30 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology