Toyota RAV4 2012 — Problemas reportados

My 2012 Toyota RAV4 (Super White / Blizzard Pearl paint) is experiencing severe and recurring paint peeling caused by a known manufacturing defect in which the factory paint primer failed to properly adhere to the base metal layer. The peeling first began in 2023 following freezing weather in Austin, TX. It occurred again in 2024 after another freeze event, and then once more in 2025, at which point a large section of roof paint peeled off completely, exposing bare metal. I attempted to repair the damage with spray paint but the new paint continues to peel off as well, because the underlying adhesion defect was never corrected. This confirms the failure is rooted in the original factory primer, not in external damage or neglect. This poses a direct safety hazard to other drivers and pedestrians when paint debris becomes airborne at highway speeds, and the exposed bare metal is now vulnerable to rust and further structural deterioration. Toyota formally acknowledged this defect and created Customer Support Program ZKG to address it across nearly 1.74 million vehicles, including the RAV4. In July 2022, Toyota confirmed in writing that 'sunlight/ultraviolet exposure over time degrades the adhesion between the factory-applied paint primer coat layer and the base metal electrodeposition layer, causing paint to peel from the metal body panel.' Freeze-thaw cycles accelerate this exact failure mode by forcing moisture under already-weakened paint edges, causing rapid and widespread delamination — consistent with what I experienced after the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Austin winter weather events. I was not properly notified about Program ZKG and missed the coverage window as a result. Toyota has declined to provide goodwill assistance. Given that Toyota knowingly sold vehicles with a defective paint system, failed to adequately notify all affected owners, and that the ongoing peeling creates an active road safety hazard with bare metal now exposed on the roof, please investigate.

My vehicle is a 2012 rav 4 sport, color Barcelona Red. Said color and model has been know to have clear coat and paint issues. My vehicles clear coat and paint in the top has been peeling at an alarming rate, a year or so ago it started, but the last 6 months have been excrutiating. This problem poses a risk to me as if the issue continues on, oxidation might occur and possibly lead to holes in the surface. To other paint flying off from the vehicle might distract them in the porcess of driving and the glare produces by it might impact others vision. Other areas that have been affected include, hood and side mirrors.

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. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000

The small pipe that's part of the Upper Radiator Coolant Hose Connector Adapter broke off and drained coolant from the vehicle. This small pipe had deteriorated and become brittle leading to the failure.

The windshield pump is not working front and back The wipers turn but no liquid comes out though the tank is full It does not make the sound it normally does when it pumps the windshield liquid Dealer wants almost $200 just to look at it and verify the problem

I have a 2012 Toyota Rav-4 Limited . I have had the vehicle since 2020. Ever since I bought the vehicle it fogs up. All the windows fog up and it does not matter what setting I have it on, de-foggers, fan, fresh air, AC, etc. nothing resolves the problem.It is very dangerous as I cannot see where I am going. I cannot use the front de-foggers in bad weather because it makes the afore mentioned problem worse.I have to put the windows down to see and this remedy is not feasible. I have researched and a lot of other people are experiencing this same safety issue in this model vehicle. I love the vehicle but dread bad weather as it is a struggle to see . Please help.

Unknown

While at the end of a car wash with the car in neutral, the car accelerated by itself. It reached 60 mph for over a half mile, and was unresponsive to steering and brakes. The left front wheel was severely damaged. Fortunately, there were no accidents.

Over the last several years, I have experienced a minimum of four, possibly one or two more, incidents of this vehicle accelerating at a high rate while I have had my foot on the brake. In all of these cases, I was braking to come to a stop - braking quickly and hard in a couple cases. While braking and slowing, my engine revved/accelerated at a very high rate. In all of these incidents, I changed gears to neutral, and the acceleration stopped. These incidents were random and very far apart from one another in terms of time. In all cases, my foot was firmly (and only) on the brake pedal, and my floor mat was in the proper position and secure. There was nothing in contact with the acceleration pedal. On Monday, March 10, 2025, I got into my car in our garage to go to work. The car started normally. When I put my car into reverse, the engine started revving/accelerating at a very high rate and it was lurching, like it was trying to move. Luckily, my foot was firmly on the brake, and the brake held. I quickly put the car back into park, and the engine began revving/accelerating at an even higher rate. I then turned the car off. Again, I checked my floor mat, and it was in place and secured, my foot was only on the brake pedal, and there was nothing touching the acceleration pedal. This was a frightening experience, and at that point I decided that I would never drive this car again. If I did not have my brake firmly engaged, my car would have shot out of my garage when I put it in reverse. Upon researching the problem, my husband and I read about the unintended acceleration that many people have experienced with Toyotas, causing numerous deaths and injuries, and about the class action law suit with Toyota. Although the investigation seemed to chalk the incidents up to "user error" - foot being on the wrong pedal, floor mats affecting the acceleration pedal, etc. - I know with 100% confidence that none of these were the case. I will be notifying Toyota, as well.

Constant brake issues Sun visors won't stay in place (breaks) Massive oil consumption (not leaking) Oil on dipstick appears black & burnt quickly after adding or replacing oil

No accident but dealer mechanic says I need a new transmission as torque converter is the problem. . Car has 107500 miles and has had routine maintenance. I have since learned that there were dealer service bulletins on this issue and some owners got repairs. My vehicle, a 2012 RAV4, was not included in the bulletin. I read many situations like mine on the RAV4world website and other social media. Toyota needs to be held accountable for the thousands in repair costs owners are experiencing for a design flaw. The safety issue is the transmission could fail prematurely.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. The driver sustained burns to the neck, skeletal injuries, and bruises. The passenger sustained skeletal injuries, cuts, bruises, and throat issues. Medical attention was provided to both occupants. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or crash. The vehicle was towed to a tow plaza. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Over the last 4 years I have had 2 prior occurrence where I've lost power turning or stopping, causing the engine to stall. Both times the vehicle was taken to our mechanic and he replaced the connectors to the battery. On January 18th, 2024, while turning off of a rural highway onto the street we live on I again lost power and the engine stalled and smelled a faint electrical smell. I called my mechanic and he said he could get it in on January 22nd. We checked all connections to the battery, made sure the battery terminals were clean. The morning of January 22nd, while on my way to the mechanic the vehicle in front of me stopped quickly. I started to stop a little quicker than normal, causing the front of the vehicle to tip down. I immediately lost power and the engine died, causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. The collisions was at slow speed, but it also caused disproportionate damage to my vehicle. Over the weekend of January 20th, we became aware if a recall for 2013 to 2018 Rav4s regarding the tops of newer batteries being smaller and causing problems with the battery shifting causing loss of power and potential fires. We strongly believe this recall needs to be extended to the 2012s.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, traction control, and 4WD drive warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for approximately two months. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

after stepping on the breaks the car the vehicle revs and moves forward

I took the Rav4 to the dealership for a oil change and wheel alignment 0n 6-6-23. On 6-9-23 I took it back because on the freeway sometime it would start wobbling. They check it out and said the tow arms have play and movement. I said you gave it a 4 wheel alignment and didn`t see that. He recommend to change both rear tow arms and wanted to charge me $1,000. I did not think that was right after 3 days.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon activating the windshield wipers, the wipers responded erratically. The contact stated that the wipers moved significantly slowly, changed direction, and paused in the center of the windshield. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V577000 (Visibility/Wiper) however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 112,000.

While in transit I observed my rav4 engine light 4wd light and traction control light all come on and truck kinda felt like gear slip weather was clear. I continued and went across a railroad track and all of sudden truck completely shuts down and started smoking. I i coasted to side of road had it towed to my designated location Thought was on fire. After inspection following day it showed top radiator hose coupling broke causing antifreeze to spew from radiator ... I replaced the hose thinking all would be repaired. Antifreeze and water was replaced And tried to crank it sputtered and wouldn't start . Now it still won't start. It has only 135k miles on it and I know it should be more

The left rear toe arm bracket became detached from the rear subframe. This caused the vehicle to drive erratically. There is minimal to no rust on the vehicle. The failure happened without warning after hitting a small pothole.

Severe chipping on the top of the vehicle. If the vehicle goes over 40 mph, it chipps the paint on the other vehicles which is a hazard.

On Friday, 1/20, I got in my vehicle, turned it on and the engine maintenance light came on. First and only time in the few months I have owned it. While driving home in heavy traffic from work in Lutz, my RAV4 uncontrollably accelerated at a full stop lurching forward towards the vehicle in front of me. It did this 4 times on my drive home to Spring Hill nearly causing multiple potentially catastrophic accidents. I stayed in the far-right lane for the duration of my drive home with the exception of two left hand turns I had to make. Each time I came to a stop I kept further distance from the vehicle in front of me. I put it in neutral, pressed firmly on the brake, once at a full stop the engine was still revving up to 4-5,000 rpms. I steered the wheels to the right to avoid the vehicle in front of me in preparation that it would not stop accelerating. It was/is not a floor mat issue, those clip into place, it was not me accidentally pressing on the gas pedal. I have 30+ years of a good driving record and experience in all types of conditions. This is something seriously mechanically and electrically wrong. This put myself and any other vehicle or pedestrian around me at great risk of major collision or bodily injury. Since this is an intermittent problem, like the abundance of other complaints, neither my mechanic nor the Toyota dealership can reproduce it.

The car lost all power to the wheels without warning. Fortunately the car was stopped at a red light but still had to be pushed out of the way in traffic with the help of strangers. The car was inspected by a Toyota service specialist who said that the splines had sheared off of the rotor and the entire motor would need to be replaced. There were no warnings (no lamps, no messages, no sounds) prior to the failure.

Check EV System - Have your vehicle checked by a dealership immediately Warning has come on several times in the past few days. RAV4 EV forum indicates this is a problem that can make the vehicle stop while driving - very dangerous. There was a recall issued for this problem in 2015, and your site indicates there are no outstanding recalls on this vehicle. Please help resolve this potentially severe problem. Thanks.

Poor winter visibility: This is an issue with this vehicle but also with almost all other vehicles with internal combustion engines. During cold weather the defroster is ineffective until the engine warms up and provides heat. This results in two unsafe conditions 1) warming the engine up while parked, which exposes the vehicle and driver to theft ("carjacking" is an increasing crime in our area) and increases carbon emissions, or, 2) driving the vehicle while the engine is cold and having poor forward visibility. If defrosters were equipped with electric heating elements, defroster heat would be provided almost immediately. I was told that VW provided this feature for several years and it was very effective. The electric heating element could be thermostatically controlled so it would turn off once the engine starts providing heat. Since a household toaster can be purchased for $25, it should not cost manufacturers more than $15 to add an electric heating element to the defroster. Thank you for considering this recommendation. I am embarrassed to admit to the times when I drove while peering through a small patch of clear windshield . . . reasonably safe for seeing directly forward but definitely not safe for seeing side traffic or crossing pedestrians.

Inaudible turn signal prompt: Older drivers who drive for miles with their turn signal on is the subject of many a cartoon and common source of highway frustration. It is also a safety issue when a vehicle does not perform the turn that it is apparently signaling to make. I find myself being one of those older drivers who leaves their turn signal on. I have moderate hearing loss and do wear hearing aids, but not all the time. Perhaps my RAV4's audible prompt is quieter than others, but with road noise and the radio on I often do not hear it. A simple solution to this problem would be the ability to control the volume of the audible turn signal prompt so it could be "cranked up" to be easily heard. If dashboard lights have a dimmer control, why don't turn signal prompts have a volume control? It seems like a simple solution and with today's touch control panels one that could be added for very little cost. Thanks for considering my recommendation. It is a common safety problem that has a simple and low-cost solution.

The mechanism that controls the up/down position of the sun visors breaks after a few years of use. As a result, the sun visors will not stay in a 'closed' position (against vehicle roof) and constantly fall halfway down obstructing proper view of the road. The drivers side sun visor broke several years ago. When I took it to the Toyota dealer they stated the only way to fix this was to replace the visor (at my expense). The cost to replace one visor was >$200. The passenger side visor has now failed to hold in place as well. Toyota assumes no responsibility for this design defect (plastic part in the visor mechanism wears or breaks). This is a safety issue due to poor design on Toyota's part. Consumers should not have to pay $200 to have these replaced.

My rav4 caught fire by its self not running in the battery compartment and burned completely to the metal

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a delay for the vehicle to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to put a lot of pressure while depressing the brake pedal for the vehicle to stop. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure. The mechanic had repaired the brake master cylinder, front and rear brake-disc rotors, and caliper in 2019. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 139,435.

Unknown. Vehicle is having problems with fuel system. Vehicle intermittently runs rough like engine is not getting enough gas.

LACK OF TIE POINTS: This is an issue with our RAV4, but it is an issue with about every vehicle manufactured recently. It is a requirement of drivers to “secure their load” but when top carrying boats it is very difficult to find suitable tie points in the front and rear of the vehicle. Could vehicle manufacturers be required to provide tie points suitable for securing loads? It could be as simple as providing smooth- edged holes in the chassis under both bumpers.

Driver's side sun visor falls down blocking view of road.

I HAVE JUST BEGUN HAVING THE ISSUE THAT MANY OTHERS COMPLAIN ABOUT - THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT + 4WD + TRAC LIGHTS ALL CAME ON (2012 TOYOTA RAV4, 100,000 MILES). WE TRIED SOME SIMPLE FIXES AT HOME, BASED ON THE MANY ONLINE POSTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE (CHECKED/REFASTENED HOSES, BATTERY CONNECTIONS, ETC.), AND THE LIGHTS CAME RIGHT BACK ON. TOOK TO OUR USUAL MECHANIC, AND THEY DIAGNOSED O2 SENSOR PROBLEMS, BOTH BANK 1 & BANK 2. PAID $750 FOR THEM TO REPLACE BOTH SENSORS. THE 3 DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME BACK ON AS I WAS DRIVING HOME AFTER PICKING UP MY CAR FROM THE SERVICE. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED WITH GENUINE TOYOTA PARTS. THE CAR IS NOW BACK AT THE MECHANIC - THEY SAID THE SAME O2 SENSOR CODES ARE COMING UP WHEN THEY CHECK THE DIAGNOSTICS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A CHRONIC PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA, AND REALLY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND DEALT WITH. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH AN EARLIER TOYOTA SIENNA, AND SPENT MUCH TIME AND MONEY TRYING TO FIX THE ISSUE, WHICH WAS NEVER RESOLVED. THERE ARE MORE THAN 15 YEARS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE - PLEASE HELP US, THE CONSUMERS!

BOTH FRONT DRIVE AXLES EXHIBITED SIGNS OF SEVERE CORROSION DAMAGE LEADING TO COMPLETE LOSS OF LUBRICANT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 34,056 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED AND NOT SUBJECT TO ANY UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED SEVERE CRACKING AND POPPING NOISES ON TURNS.

DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR HAD TO BE REPLACED A COUPLE YEARS AGO BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT STAY IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AND HUNG IN A LOOSE DROPPED POSITION.THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR IS NOW DOING THE SAME THING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT CAN DROP UNEXPECTEDLY AND BLOCK THE DRIVERS VISUAL FIELD.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA (9101 GLENWOOD AVE, RALEIGH, NC 27617, (919) 890-3686) THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER RESERVOIR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOW WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

PAINT IS PEELING ON MULTIPLE PANELS. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER HAD BODY DAMAGE OR BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.

MY 4WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT TRACTION LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CONE ON. I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BUT I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND IT'S A SENSOR PROBLEM . THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE 2007

ON JUNE10TH. I HAD A MAJOIR ACCIDENT IN WHICH BOTH MY WIFE & MYSELF SUFFERED FRACTURED STERNUMS & FRACTURED RIBS. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT I PULLED INTO A LOT IN PRINCETON, N.J. & AFTER STOPPING TO SET MY GPS, I JUST TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR & THE CAR SHOT FORWARD, AS IF SHOT OUT OF A CANNON. WHILE STOPPED I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE & THE CAR SHOT BACKWARDS IN THE SAME MANNER, THEREBY STRIKING A WALL. NOW I WENT FORWARD LIKE A ROCKET, WITH NO TIME TO HIT THE BRAKE, THEREBY GOING HEADFIRST INTO A PARKED CONSTRUCTION TRUCK.

2012 TOYOYA RAV4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE SOUND OF THE TURN SIGNAL BEING TOO LOW. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR THE VOLUME OF THE TURN SIGNAL TO BE ADJUSTABLE *LD *JS

WHEN PULLING MY 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 INTO A PARKING SPACE AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED, I TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STARTED ROARING AND ACCELERATING OUT OF CONTROL. THE CAR JUMPED THE CURB THAT WAS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPOT, CROSSED THE ROAD, JUMPED ANOTHER CURB, AND LANDED IN A MUDDY RAVINE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED AND THE TECH COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO TOYOTA. THEY SENT AN INVESTIGATOR. THEY CLAIM THE EDR DETECTED NO DEFECTS IN THE VEHICLE AND BLAMED IT ON EITHER ME MISTAKING THE ACCELERATOR FOR THE BRAKES OR MY CUSTOM FITTED, LOCK-IN WEATHERTECH FLOOR MAT WHICH HAS BEEN IN PLACE SINCE DAY ONE OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2012. I HAD NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE BEFORE THIS AND I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED MY CAR BUT AM NOW TERRIFIED THAT IT WILL ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN AGAIN. *TR