CarModelProblems.com

2015 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
302Complaints
4Recalls
37Crashes
41Fires
30Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (27.5% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Electrical System complaints here are 2.5× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System83 · 27.5%RecalledRecall 23V734000
Steering45 · 14.9%RecalledRecall 15V144000
Engine37 · 12.3%not available
Service Brakes30 · 9.9%not available
Structure:body26 · 8.6%not available
Power Train23 · 7.6%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Unspecified / other60 · 19.9%
STEERING45 · 14.9%
ENGINE37 · 12.3%
SERVICE BRAKES30 · 9.9%
STRUCTURE:BODY26 · 8.6%
POWER TRAIN23 · 7.6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20 · 6.6%
AIR BAGS15 · 5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12 · 4%

Percentages are the share of the 302 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 14V828000 · 2014 · reported 12/30/2014

Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Trailer Hitches

NHTSA campaign 15V011000 · 2015 · reported 01/16/2015

If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:electric Power Assist System

NHTSA campaign 15V144000 · 2015 · reported 03/13/2015

An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

NHTSA campaign 23V734000 · 2023 · reported 11/01/2023

A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“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…”NHTSA complaint 11246595 — filed 08/27/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11208494 — filed 05/19/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“CAR STALLED SO I PULLED OVER. THERE WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN MINUTES IT TURNED INTO A BIG FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE…”NHTSA complaint 11138884 — filed 10/07/2018 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

12014493520163222201827322020494120224333202425102026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 83 of 302 NHTSA complaints (27.5%), followed by unspecified/other issues (60), steering (45), engine (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 have?

302 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 37 involved a crash, 41 involved a fire, and 30 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V828000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2015 Toyota RAV4's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.