2013 Toyota RAV4 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 75about this part
- Share
- 29%of 257 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,745miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 75 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Toyota RAV4, 29% of the 257 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,745 miles. 14 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on a local road. As I turned into the parking lot of a store, the vehicle shut off and smoke and fumes began to fill the cabin. I pulled to the side,got out of the car, and raised the hood. There was a fire in the area of the battery. A person nearby noticed the fire and came to put it out before the entire vehicle was engulfed. Local police and fire also responded.”
NHTSA complaint #11316999, filed 2020-03, 62,000 miles“Car started actin g up on may 4th. Didn't want start right away it stated after 4 5 tires after 3 days of that I took the car to local dealer they told me battery was low and they charged it. I brought this car brand new it has only 14 mile and I brought in march 31 2014. This problem started again yesterday ( 05/18/2014).”
NHTSA complaint #10592352, filed 2014-05, 963 miles“In may, 2017 the front passenger door lock actuator quit working. I paid over $600 to have it fixed. This week, the front driver's side actuator has quit. On both doors, they will only lock if I manually push the lock. We have had many cars over the years and have never had this problem. I do some research online and find out it's a common problem with Toyota. Not happy! I can upload a picture of the invoice from the first lock if you need it, but that's all I have.”
NHTSA complaint #11014046, filed 2017-08, 62,000 miles“I saw article in USA today. Exact same thing was happening to my RAV4 a month ago. I brought back to dealer and they changed the battery- but I paid for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11398466, filed 2021-03, 101,000 miles“The power brake actuator went out on my 2013 Toyota rav-4 three times while I was driving the vehicle. Every time this happened, all of the warning lights on the dash board would come on. At the same time all of the gauges including the speedometer, the vehicle stability control, anti lock brakes, traction control system and power steering would all stop working on the vehicle. This would make it almost impossible to stop or control the vehicle what so ever.”
NHTSA complaint #10819456, filed 2016-01, 20,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V734000Nov 1, 2023Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in…Covers: Toyota RAV4 2013–2018
Related service bulletins
- 11020667Jun 18, 2025Campaign Expired - replaced with campaign 23TA13TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY 21TG01 12-VOLT BATTERY SIZE AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION CERTAIN 2013 – 2018 RAV4
- 11020666Jun 18, 202521TG01 Exprired - Replaced with Campaign 23TA13 During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid…
- 11020657Jun 13, 2025The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service…
- 11007433Jul 1, 2024During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota…
- 11006139Jul 1, 2024During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota…
- 11005132Jun 27, 2024TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY 24TE03 Rav4 Battery Class Action Settlement CERTAIN 2013 – 2018 Model Year RAV4
- 11005131Jun 27, 2024On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on…
- 11005130Jun 27, 2024On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on…
- 11005074Jun 27, 2024TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY 24TE03 Rav4 Battery Class Action Settlement CERTAIN 2013 – 2018 Model Year RAV4
- 11005073Jun 27, 2024On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court. The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 16 | 18% |
| 2024 | 32 | 18% |
| 2023 | 44 | 27% |
| 2022 | 40 | 27% |
| 2021 | 47 | 12% |
| 2020 | 120 | 19% |
| 2019 | 103 | 12% |
| 2018 | 130 | 39% |
| 2017 | 108 | 35% |
| 2016 | 59 | 25% |
| 2015 | 85 | 28% |
| 2014 | 69 | 35% |
| 2013 | 75 | 29% |
| 2012 | 30 | 12% |
| 2011 | 19 | 7% |
| 2010 | 15 | 4% |
| 2009 | 19 | 6% |
| 2008 | 27 | 5% |
| 2007 | 76 | 8% |
| 2006 | 42 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 10 | 6% |
| 2003 | 42 | 13% |
| 2002 | 92 | 17% |
| 2001 | 60 | 19% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 10% |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% |
| 1997 | 3 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2013 Toyota RAV4
40 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsBody and structure
28 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEquipment
15 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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