repaired · 2017 Q3
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
2012 Toyota RAV4Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 260 owner complaints about the 2012 Toyota RAV4, most often about the visibility/wiper. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-096 the manufacturer reports only 56% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 17, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: DestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Toyota RAV4 has problems
260 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
53Visibility/wiper
49Vehicle speed control12 crash/fire/injury
34Service brakes11 crash/fire/injury
30Seat belts2 crash/fire/injury
30Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
22Air bags15 crash/fire/injury
22Engine2 crash/fire/injury
19Power train
15Structure
5714 other systems8 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 53 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 49 | 12 |
| Service brakes | 34 | 11 |
| Seat belts | 30 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 30 | 5 |
| Air bags | 22 | 15 |
| Engine | 22 | 2 |
| Power train | 19 | 4 |
| Structure | 15 | 5 |
| 14 other systems | 57 | 8 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2012 Toyota RAV4 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Visibility/wiper
Risk. Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other RAV4 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAV4 median. How we score
'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Toyota RAV4 safety ratings
2012 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What RAV4 owners report
Recent visibility/wiper complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
Own a 2012 RAV4?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.