Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper — runs 4.0× the fleet median for that category across the 326 model-years tracked on this site.
260Complaints
5Recalls
36Crashes
4Fires
22Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper (20.4% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Visibility/wiper complaints here are 4.0× the median for that category across the 326 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Visibility/wiper
53 · 20.4%
Recalled
Recall 15V577000
Vehicle Speed Control
49 · 18.8%
No official action
—
Service Brakes
34 · 13.1%
Recalled
Recall 14V054000
Electrical System
30 · 11.5%
No official action
—
Seat Belts
30 · 11.5%
Recalled
Recall 16V096000
Engine
22 · 8.5%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 260 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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 the passenger's size and position.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE…”NHTSA complaint 10861206 — filed 04/25/2016 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER). AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER…”NHTSA complaint 10854111 — filed 04/07/2016 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR…”NHTSA complaint 10853879 — filed 04/06/2016 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota RAV4?
Visibility/wiper issues are the most-reported category, cited in 53 of 260 NHTSA complaints (20.4%), followed by vehicle speed control (49), service brakes (34), electrical system (30). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have?
260 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 36 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 22 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V096000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Toyota RAV4's reported problems?
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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