Home · 2012 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid · Complaints

What 266 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (266)Crash / fire / injury (46)Visibility & wipers (60)Speed control (50)Brakes (39)Electrical system (31)Seat belts (31)Engine (23)Airbags (22)Transmission & drivetrain (22)Body & structure (16)Steering (10)

60 of 266 complaints match · Visibility & wipers · clear filters · page 1 of 3

Sep 16, 2025Visibility & wipers

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

NHTSA ODI 11687761

Jul 22, 2025Visibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11675227

Jun 22, 2023Visibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11528402

Dec 29, 2021Visibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11445409

Oct 27, 2020Visibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11366631

Sep 6, 2019Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000(VISIBILITY). WHEN SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE, SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO CITY WORLD TOYOTA (3333 BOSTON RD, THE BRONX, NY 10469, 888-258-4365) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE LEAKING AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE AND DID NOT OPERATE. THE DEALER CALLED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE RECALL SERVICED; HOWEVER, ONCE SHE ARRIVED, SHE WAS INFORMED AGAIN THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI 11253615

Aug 22, 2019Visibility & wipers

DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BLOCKS VISION WHILE DRIVING DUE TO VISOR SAGGING DOWN FROM IT'S NON-USE STATE. THE SPRING OR MECHANISM IN THE SUN VISOR WON'T KEEP THE VISOR IN THE NON USE POSITION. THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL / DEFECT BECAUSE THIS IS HAPPENING ON MY CURRENT 2012 RAV4 AND ALSO MY PREVIOUS RAV4 THAT WAS A 2007 MODEL YEAR. SUN VISOR IS DANGEROUS DUE TO BLOCKING VIEW AND OR WHEN BRAKING YOUR HEAD WILL HIT THE VISOR AS WELL. SEE MORE INFO IN THESE THREADS: HTTPS://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/THREADS/CAN-ANYONE-TELL-ME-HOW-TO-FIX-THIS-[XXX]-HANGING-VISOR.78000/ PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11245870

Aug 15, 2019Visibility & wipers

I TURNED THE WIPERS ON THE OTHER DAY WHEN IT WAS RAINING, THEY CAME ON AND MADE ONE WIPE UP AND STOPPED ON THE DOWNWARD WIPE. I GOT OUT AND PULLED ON ONE SIDE AND THEY WIPED SEVERAL MORE TIMES THEN STOPPED AGAIN. I PULLED ON THEM AGAIN AND THEY MOVED BUT VERY SLOWLY THEN THEY STOPPED COMPLETELY. I TRIED TO PULL THEM DOWN AGAIN BUT THEY WOULDNT BUDGE. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN .MY DRIVEWAY AT THIS TIME

NHTSA ODI 11244309

Jul 3, 2019Visibility & wipers

MY 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 DRIVER SIDE VISOR STARTED FALLING DOWN ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO, LATER WOULD FALL DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO BACK UP AND STAY. THEN IS WAS VERY LOOSE. I WOULD MOVE IT TO THE SIDE BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE TO DRIVE. THIS LAST TIME I TRIED TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF. MY PASSENGER SIDE IS DOING IT AS WELL AND MAKING IT HARD FOR THE PASSENGERS TO SEE AND EVEN MYSELF BECAUSE IT'S CONSTANTLY BLOCKING MY VIEW OF THAT SIDE. I'M VERY AGGRAVATED BECAUSE I CALLED CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA! MY VEHICLE WASN'T CHEAP BUT APPARENTLY THE PARTS THEY PUT IN THEM ARE. I AM INCLUDING THE FIRST PICTURE OF ME AT A 4WAY RED LIGHT TO SHOW MY VIEW DRIVING AND AT A RED LIGHT, I CAN'T SEE AND HAVE TO BEND DOWN TO DO SO. ALSO THE LIGHT NO LONGER WORKS ON THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. I ALSO INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE FABRIC BUBBLING OFF. MY VEHICLE WAS GARBAGE KEPT FOR 6 YEARS AND FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO IT'S BEEN OUTSIDE. ALSO, MY WIPERS POP AND GET STUCK WHEN TRYING TO USE THEM. EVEN IF IT'S RAINING OR JUST CLEANING MY WINDSHIELD OFF. THEY WILL GO AND THEN IT'S LIKE IT CAN'T AND GETS STUCK BUT IT LITERALLY WILL MAKE A POP SOUND AND BOUNCE WHEN TRYING TO USE THEM. IT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS AND EVERYONE COMPLAINS ABOUT THEM WHEN RIDING WITH ME. I'M SO FRUSTRATED WITH IT. THEY HAVE DONE IT THE WHOLE TIME I'VE OWNED IT AND I'M THE ONLY OWNER OF IT.

NHTSA ODI 11229175

Apr 3, 2019Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WOULD NOT REMAIN SECURED AND FELL DOWN, WHICH WAS A VISIBILITY HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE KELLY TOYOTA (1 MARY JANE WOOD DR, UNION TOWN, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11193595

Dec 19, 2018Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

O2 SENSOR AND OTHER SENSORS KEEP LIGHTING UP

NHTSA ODI 11162404

Jul 5, 2018Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A DISTORTION WAS NOTICED STRAIGHT ACROSS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE DISTORTION WAS APPROXIMATELY FIVE INCHES FROM WHERE THE DASHBOARD MET THE WINDSHIELD. THE DISTORTION ON THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOTICEABLE FROM THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED TWO YEARS AGO. THE CONTACT COMMENTED THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN MORE NOTICEABLE TO HER BECAUSE SHE WAS SHORT IN STATURE. THE DEALER (OXMOOR TOYOTA, 8003 SHELBYVILLE ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40222) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11109639

Jul 5, 2017Seat beltsVisibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOHN BROTHERS TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 3800 LAPALCO BLVD HARVEY, LA, 70058) ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHO STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE ATTEMPTED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THE WAIT TIME WAS LONG AND THE LINE DISCONNECTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 11003094

Apr 18, 2017Seat beltsVisibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4 EV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER) AND 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10978983

Apr 6, 2017Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10970970

Apr 4, 2017Electrical systemBrakesVisibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD, THE FLUID FAILED TO EXIT THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR. ALSO, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE IN THE SNOW AT 5 MPH, THE ABS FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO REPEATEDLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

NHTSA ODI 10970580

Jan 27, 2017Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10948005

Dec 27, 2016Visibility & wipers

I RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER THAT SAID I WOULD GET SECOND NOTIFICATION BUT I NEVER GOT ONE. WHEN WILL I GET A LETTER TO FIX THIS RECALL ON MY CAR????

NHTSA ODI 10937611

Oct 25, 2016Seat beltsVisibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER) AND 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10918823

Oct 11, 2016Visibility & wipers

THIS RECALL WAS INITIALLY ISSUED ON SEPT.17, 2015. AS OF OCT. 11, 2016 NO FIX HAS BEEN ISSUED. A YEAR IS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT TIME FOR TOYOTA TO COME UP WITH A REPAIR METHOD AND IMPLEMENTATION. TO DATE, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE.

NHTSA ODI 10915336

Oct 5, 2016Visibility & wipers

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING WATER DRIPPING ONTO THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR LINK. OVER TIME THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE CORROSION & WEAR @ THE WIPER MOTOR LINK JOINT RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE WIPER LINK FROM THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM. RECALL DATE WAS 9-17-15 (OVER A YEAR). I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS REMEDIED IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID LOSS OF MY WIPER AND A CORROSION PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI 10914034

Oct 4, 2016Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10913769

Sep 28, 2016Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI 10910194

Sep 2, 2016Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10903333

Aug 22, 2016Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10897685

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Working with the data? Download all 266 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 21, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid verdict →