2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
TRAILER HITCHES
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2006-2012 RAV4 4WD Rear Differential Coupling Growl - T-SB-0080-13 / ZF4, 2008-2017 RAV4 Blizzard Pearl/Super White Paint Peeling - CSP ZKG. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Toyota T-SB-0080-13 Rev1 documents a growl-type noise from the rear differential coupling on some 2006-2012 RAV4 4WD vehicles. Toyota attributes the condition to contamination of the front bearing inside the coupling, not to a model-wide rear wheel-hub defect. The bulletin applie… Severity: medium.
Toyota Customer Support Program ZKG covered certain 2008-2017 RAV4 vehicles with original factory Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) paint when adhesion degradation caused peeling on qualifying exterior metal body panels. Toyota described sunlight degrading adhesion betwee… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
