Toyota Recalls 2013-2018 RAV4 Models for Battery Fire Risk
Toyota is recalling 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles because certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly, potentially causing a short circuit and fire.
What this means for you
Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (battery tray/clamp) that creates a risk of fire, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.
Plain-English summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. The recall addresses an issue where certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray. This improper fit allows the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, which can cause a short circuit.
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire. The defect is associated with the electrical system, specifically the 12V/24V/48V battery components.
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover free of charge. Owner letters were mailed to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners on December 27, 2024. Additional notification letters will be mailed in phases, with phase 2 beginning on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- TOYOTA RAV4
- Brand
- TOYOTA
- Manufacturer
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Category
- Vehicle — SUV
- Affected units
- 1,853,568
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- RAV4
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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