2014 Toyota RAV4 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 Toyota RAV4 and 197 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (69), unknown or other (45), engine (31). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2014 ranks #5 of 14 RAV4 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (313). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2014 Toyota RAV4. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery
Problem: 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.
Risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
Steering · electric power assist system
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Trailer hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.
Equipment
Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
We purchased a used 2014 RAV4 (VIN [XXX]) a few months ago. During a trip to the store my wife all of a sudden found it extremely hard to steer and almost went into a ditch! (thank God she didn't). It was a blessing that she didn't hit anything or anybody when this happened. It was close to home at the time so I came there to help. I was barely able to get the vehicle home…
Request for Investigation – 2014 Toyota RAV4 Airbag Non-Deployment On [XXX], at approximately [XXX]., the vehicle was involved in a traffic collision in Lakeland, Florida. The vehicle sustained a significant impact to the driver’s-side front area. Despite the nature and location of the collision, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags did not deploy. Law enforcement…
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The failure was intermittent. The failure lasted for several seconds before the power steering feature returned, and the vehicle returned to normal operation and the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The veh…
Safety ratings
2014 Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD
2014 Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2014 Toyota RAV4.
RAV4
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
RAV4 AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2014 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 Toyota RAV4, most recently for electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery (11/01/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota RAV4?
Based on 197 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (69), unknown or other (45), engine (31).
Is the 2014 Toyota RAV4 safe?
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2014 a good year for the Toyota RAV4?
The 2014 ranks #5 of 14 RAV4 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (313). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Toyota RAV4 get?
EPA ratings for the 2014 Toyota RAV4 range from 25 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2014 Toyota RAV4 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: RAV4.