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
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. 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.
Related recalls
Same brand · TOYOTA
- SevereToyota Recalls Land Cruiser Hybrid Vehicles for Fuel Leak Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-14
- SevereToyota Recalls 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrids for Powertrain Shutdown Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-07
- HighToyota Recalls Multiple Models Due to Inaccurate Load Capacity Labels
NHTSA · 2026-09-02
- HighToyota Recalls 2026 C-HR Vehicles Due to Battery Overcharge Risk
NHTSA · 2026-09-02
- High
Same manufacturer · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
See all →- Severe
- Severe
- HighToyota 2024 Tacoma rear shock absorber suspension recall issued
NHTSA · 2026-08-06
Same hazard · fire
See all →- SevereVQQQ Gas Patio Heaters Recalled for Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC · 2026-10-22
- HighForest River Recalls 2023-2026 Pause Travel Trailers for Wiring Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-20
- SevereForest River Recalls 2026-2027 Cedar Creek Trailers for Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
- SevereAlliance RV Recalls Valor and Delta Trailers Due to Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
- SevereSpartan RV Chassis K2 Recalled for Fuel Hose Separation Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-15
Similar recalls
- HighToyota Recalls 2019 RAV4 Models for Backup Camera Defect
NHTSA · 2019-08-06
- Severe
- High
- High
- SevereToyota Recalls RAV4 Models Due to Rear Seat Belt Cut Risk
NHTSA · 2016-02-19
- HighToyota Recalls RAV4 and RAV4 EV for Wiper Linkage Separation Risk
NHTSA · 2015-09-18