2012 Toyota RAV4 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 8%of 260 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Toyota RAV4, 8% of the 260 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I took my vehicle in for service due to an engine knock. After 90 minutes to troubleshoot I was told that there was a major problem and that my vehicle was not safe to drive. Engine mount was broken, needed rear differential replaced. Mechanic had never seen anything like this.”
NHTSA complaint #11190078, filed 2019-03, 93,000 miles“As I was driving on a highway going straight with a speed of approx. 60 MPH, I heard a strange engine noise. I saw the oil pressure light flickering and then I exited the highway, parking on a nearby street. I checked the oil and the dip stick was dry. My car was towed to a auto shop. The first shop ( not Toyota) determined the oil leak was from the oil filter cap o-ring which part of it flatten and extended out causing a large amount of oil to leak out. …”
NHTSA complaint #11192137, filed 2019-03, 58,000 miles“2012 RAV4 - for no apparent reason my check engine light, trac off light and 4x4 light have been coming on for a few days, then off, then on, etc. We got a code of p0607, but the car is showing no symptoms associated with that code error. The vehicle is driving fine. I have checked the battery connection and the gas cap. Based on a large number of online complaints, I would ask that NHTSA seriously look into this issue and strongly consider a recall that will actually fix the problem for owners. …”
NHTSA complaint #11229921, filed 2019-07, 85,000 miles“This has happened about three times. When I am stopping the car with my foot on the brake the engine suddenly revs up and I have to really exert pressure on the brake to prevent the car from lurching ahead. After a few seconds of braking, the engine stops revving.”
NHTSA complaint #10764501, filed 2015-09, 19,000 miles“My 2012 RAV4 main evap canister went bad at only 77,113 miles. It almost costed me $1550 to get this part replaced, but thankfully was able to convince the dealership to get me a deal on the repair. There is no reason for this part to go bad so quickly. I do not top off my gas and I have had it in for routine maintenance at the dealership since it was purchased. To make the situation worse, when the check engine light comes on, the 4wd and traction control units turn off, making my car hard to control in the snow. …”
NHTSA complaint #11058280, filed 2018-01, 77,113 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11005119Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 11005061Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10149217Sep 14, 2016TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are…
- 10134223Sep 15, 2015TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
- 10132529Aug 24, 2015TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 14 | 15% |
| 2024 | 38 | 22% |
| 2023 | 25 | 15% |
| 2022 | 27 | 18% |
| 2021 | 41 | 11% |
| 2020 | 180 | 28% |
| 2019 | 207 | 23% |
| 2018 | 33 | 10% |
| 2017 | 31 | 10% |
| 2016 | 25 | 10% |
| 2015 | 37 | 12% |
| 2014 | 31 | 16% |
| 2013 | 29 | 11% |
| 2012 | 22 | 8% |
| 2011 | 33 | 12% |
| 2010 | 21 | 5% |
| 2009 | 27 | 8% |
| 2008 | 137 | 24% |
| 2007 | 195 | 19% |
| 2006 | 109 | 15% |
| 2005 | 9 | 6% |
| 2004 | 11 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 9 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
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 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 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