2012 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Engine · 138,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and DTC: P0607, P1603, and P1604 were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000

Filed Nov 30, 2025 · Engine · VA

The small pipe that's part of the Upper Radiator Coolant Hose Connector Adapter broke off and drained coolant from the vehicle. This small pipe had deteriorated and become brittle leading to the failure.

Filed Oct 31, 2023 · Driver assistance, Engine · 125,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, traction control, and 4WD drive warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for approximately two months. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed May 13, 2023 · Engine · MS

While in transit I observed my rav4 engine light 4wd light and traction control light all come on and truck kinda felt like gear slip weather was clear. I continued and went across a railroad track and all of sudden truck completely shuts down and started smoking. I i coasted to side of road had it towed to my designated location Thought was on fire. After inspection following day it showed top radiator hose coupling broke causing antifreeze to spew from radiator ... I replaced the hose thinking all would be repaired. Antifreeze and water was replaced And tried to crank it sputtered and wouldn't start . Now it still won't start. It has only 135k miles on it and I know it should be more

Filed Feb 27, 2023 · Engine · FL

On Friday, 1/20, I got in my vehicle, turned it on and the engine maintenance light came on. First and only time in the few months I have owned it. While driving home in heavy traffic from work in Lutz, my RAV4 uncontrollably accelerated at a full stop lurching forward towards the vehicle in front of me. It did this 4 times on my drive home to Spring Hill nearly causing multiple potentially catastrophic accidents. I stayed in the far-right lane for the duration of my drive home with the exception of two left hand turns I had to make. Each time I came to a stop I kept further distance from the vehicle in front of me. I put it in neutral, pressed firmly on the brake, once at a full stop the engine was still revving up to 4-5,000 rpms. I steered the wheels to the right to avoid the vehicle in front of me in preparation that it would not stop accelerating. It was/is not a floor mat issue, those clip into place, it was not me accidentally pressing on the gas pedal. I have 30+ years of a good driving record and experience in all types of conditions. This is something seriously mechanically and electrically wrong. This put myself and any other vehicle or pedestrian around me at great risk of major collision or bodily injury. Since this is an intermittent problem, like the abundance of other complaints, neither my mechanic nor the Toyota dealership can reproduce it.

Filed Jul 7, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 85,000 miles · IN

2012 rav4 - for no apparent reason my check engine light, trac off light and 4x4 light have been coming on for a few days, then off, then on, etc. We got a code of p0607, but the car is showing no symptoms associated with that code error. The vehicle is driving fine. I have checked the battery connection and the gas cap. Based on a large number of online complaints, I would ask that the federal safety agency seriously look into this issue and strongly consider a recall that will actually fix the problem for owners. There have been a number who have taken the vehicle in for repair, only to have the lights back on a few days later. Please hold toyota accountable for this.

Filed Mar 28, 2019 · Engine · 58,000 miles · PA

As I was driving on a highway going straight with a speed of approx. 60 MPH, I heard a strange engine noise. I saw the oil pressure light flickering and then I exited the highway, parking on a nearby street. I checked the oil and the dip stick was dry. My car was towed to a auto shop. The first shop ( not toyota) determined the oil leak was from the oil filter cap o-ring which part of it flatten and extended out causing a large amount of oil to leak out. The second shop( not toyota) who did the last oil change ( unknown brand of filter kit used) replaced the original plastic oil filter cap with an after market metal one and refilled approx. 3 quarts of oil. I was never told what caused this problem with the oil filter cap o-ring. Since then the car has been running fine but I'm concerned this might happen again.

Filed Mar 19, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 93,000 miles · MO

I took my vehicle in for service due to an engine knock. After 90 minutes to troubleshoot I was told that there was a major problem and that my vehicle was not safe to drive. Engine mount was broken, needed rear differential replaced. Mechanic had never seen anything like this.

Filed Mar 7, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 60,000 miles · IL

March 06 2019 when I was driving home from work all three lights, the check engine light, 4wd light, and the traction control light all came on. We are religious with our service with deanship. Big community of people complained of following website. I believe this is issue with toyota how they build there product. Www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-d306_ds582579

Filed Feb 20, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 62,655 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota rav4. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the 4-wheel drive, traction control, and the check engine indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to capitol toyota (783 auto group ave, ne, salem, oregon 97301) where the technician turned off the check engine indicator and performed an oil change; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 62,655.