2015 Toyota RAV4 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 85about this part
- Share
- 28%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,945miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 85 complaints about the electrical system of the 2015 Toyota RAV4, 28% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,945 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 26 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 drove for a few seconds, less than a block out of a parking lot, onto a local street, when my 2015 RAV4 suddenly shut down and smoke starting coming out from under the hood. I turned the steering wheel to roll to the side of the road and get out of the way of traffic, and got out of the car to walk far away. I saw flames under the front of the car and called 911.”
NHTSA complaint #11246595, filed 2019-08, 40,000 miles“I was exiting a highway on a curve (est. 40mph) when my power steering failed instantly jerking the steering wheel to the right creating a safety hazard. At the same time all of my dashboard lights flashed on and off. I have a Toyota RAV4 2015. There have been a recall for this description but not on my VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11330901, filed 2020-06, 91,000 miles“I was driving on the interstate entrance ramp when the battery died but then I was able to start it back and drove just a short distance when the hood started smoking. I pulled over and turned the motor off and raised the hood, and the battery was on fire. The battery and electrical system burned.”
NHTSA complaint #11311546, filed 2020-02, 60,000 miles“We purchased a Toyota RAV4 with a 100% o.k. From Toyota dealer four weeks and 200 miles after parking in the garage the next morning it would not start several try's later it barley started, I am a retired mechanic, the headlights were normal bright with horn honking, the dealer told my wife the battery had 0 cranking amps they installed a new 80 month Toyota battery,. …”
NHTSA complaint #11129760, filed 2018-09, 35,000 miles“Gas guage and odometer went to zero while driving. I had to pull over. It felt like the bluetooth radio button got hot. I turned off car and waited, then all the gauges came back on. Is there a recall on the electrical system? I never received a letter”
NHTSA complaint #11208494, filed 2019-05, 32,000 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 2015 Toyota RAV4
61 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsEngine
37 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 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