Home · 2015 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid · Complaints

What 302 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 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 (302)Crash / fire / injury (80)Electrical system (84)Steering (45)Engine (37)Brakes (31)Body & structure (30)Transmission & drivetrain (25)Speed control (21)Airbags (15)Fuel system (13)Visibility & wipers (8)

84 of 302 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 1 of 4

Jun 25, 2026SteeringElectrical systemBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The contact stated that the gauges failed to properly operate. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the rearview camera image was reversed before becoming inoperable. The ABS, AWD, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an undisclosed fuse was replaced. The mechanic made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and scheduled an appointment with the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

NHTSA ODI 11746428

Mar 2, 2026Electrical systemBrakesEngineFire

On Friday February 27, 2026 as the vehicle was being driven it caught fire. Fire department and sheriffs office was called to the scene. Vehicle fire was put out but the whole front end burned.

NHTSA ODI 11721498

Dec 9, 2025Electrical systemFire

When we bought the SUV, it had a small top battery installed. The battery slid over and caused my alternator to go out completely. I must have caught fire, as there were burnt wires to the alternator. We replaced the alternator, and it was over $295 dollars and then had to get a new battery, and that was over $150 dollars. I installed it myself because I am a mechanic.

NHTSA ODI 11703983

Nov 14, 2025Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or being driven, water was leaking into the vehicle from the roof, causing water damage to the electrical wiring to the air bags. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that there was a hole in the roof and that the roof needed to be removed for a proper investigation. The contact was informed that the air bags could unintendedly deploy unintentionally if not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via letter and phone calls, and the contact was informed that the case had been closed. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11699388

Aug 25, 2025Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the battery, ABS, and brake warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was jump-started, and the vehicle operated normally. Additionally, the steering wheel became difficult to turn on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone which replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682771

Aug 22, 2025Electrical system

See attached document for complaint. text from attached document: To my disappointment, the remedy was not perfo rmed totally. The reason for this was, "improper battery size" . Cont inuing with the message I was texted : "This means we cannot fully complete the recall without replacement of the battery. The recall is to replace hardware that keeps the battery secure due to this happening, this smaller size battery which had been Installed in your car is not properly secured.

NHTSA ODI 11682364

Jul 22, 2025Electrical systemFire

After a battery recall was performed on the vehicle at the dealership, a serious safety issue occurred. A short circuit in the battery cable caused a fire in the engine compartment. Fortunately, I was able to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher before it spread, but it happened very close to the gas line and posed a severe danger. We believe the fire may be related to the recall service. The fire caused visible damage to the battery area, and we have documented it with photos and video. We are very concerned about the safety of this vehicle and potential negligence in the recall repair. We are requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and take appropriate action.

NHTSA ODI 11675487

Jun 27, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

The battery is off . It does not work. The car does not start. It looks like the battery is not properly installed. I just left my car at the Toyota dealership in June 12 for maintenance services, for brake fluid and flush etc including the replacement of a battery mounting hardware however it does not look right. The car started to go off and today it does not start at all. Please advice Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11669832

Feb 4, 2025Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jumpstarted several times. The contact called AAA who replaced the battery, and the vehicle was able to start. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,945. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11640571

Jan 17, 2025Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at an independent mechanic for a routine service appointment, the contact was advised that corrosion was present on the battery hold down clamps. In addition, the contact was informed that, due to the corrosion, the battery test indicated a faulty battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11636538

Dec 23, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11632200

Dec 4, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11628878

Nov 12, 2024Electrical system

I'm submitting this formal complaint because the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy of the open recall on my vehicle. The recall was first created on Nov 01,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number: 23TB13 NHTSA Recall Number: 23V734 As of November 12, 2024, and after one year since it was issued, the recall status is still marked as "Recall Incomplete; remedy not yet available." I am in the process of importing my vehicle to Canada, and this unresolved recall is putting the entire process on hold. I have done the free recommended inspection under Consumer Advisory 21TG01, but this isn't considered a solution in order to call the recall completed.

NHTSA ODI 11624872

Oct 22, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11621376

Oct 7, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was 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 the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11618446

Sep 26, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted each time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the positive wiring post needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616717

Sep 24, 2024Electrical systemEngine

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electric System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 109,643. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11616112

Sep 12, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11614211

Sep 10, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11613823

Aug 6, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11606823

Jul 30, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electric System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11605435

Jul 19, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11603389

Jul 1, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11597931

May 21, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the battery failed to charge. The contact stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact purchased a new battery to replace the old battery. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11589901

May 10, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11588048

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Working with the data? Download all 302 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid verdict →