The windshield pump is not working front and back The wipers turn but no liquid comes out though the tank is full It does not make the sound it normally does when it pumps the windshield liquid Dealer wants almost $200 just to look at it and verify the problem
2012 Toyota RAV4 visibility problems
59 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 33,251.
- owner complaints
- 59
- of this car's complaints
- 23%
- typical mileage
- 33,251
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Windshield wiper/washer: motor1
- Windshield1
- Rear window wiper/washer: motor1
- Glass, side/rear1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota RAV4 visibility problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Toyota RAV4 visibility
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Visibility/wiper
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 15V577000 · Recall details
What 2012 Toyota RAV4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I have a 2012 Toyota Rav-4 Limited . I have had the vehicle since 2020. Ever since I bought the vehicle it fogs up. All the windows fog up and it does not matter what setting I have it on, de-foggers, fan, fresh air, AC, etc. nothing resolves the problem.It is very dangerous as I cannot see where I am going. I cannot use the front de-foggers in bad weather because it makes the afore mentioned problem worse.I have to put the windows down to see and this remedy is not feasible. I have researched and a lot of other people are experiencing this same safety issue in this model vehicle. I love the vehicle but dread bad weather as it is a struggle to see . Please help.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon activating the windshield wipers, the wipers responded erratically. The contact stated that the wipers moved significantly slowly, changed direction, and paused in the center of the windshield. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V577000 (Visibility/Wiper) however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Poor winter visibility: This is an issue with this vehicle but also with almost all other vehicles with internal combustion engines. During cold weather the defroster is ineffective until the engine warms up and provides heat. This results in two unsafe conditions 1) warming the engine up while parked, which exposes the vehicle and driver to theft ("carjacking" is an increasing crime in our area) and increases carbon emissions, or, 2) driving the vehicle while the engine is cold and having poor forward visibility. If defrosters were equipped with electric heating elements, defroster heat would be provided almost immediately. I was told that VW provided this feature for several years and it was very effective. The electric heating element could be thermostatically controlled so it would turn off once the engine starts providing heat. Since a household toaster can be purchased for $25, it should not cost manufacturers more than $15 to add an electric heating element to the defroster. Thank you for considering this recommendation. I am embarrassed to admit to the times when I drove while peering through a small patch of clear windshield . . . reasonably safe for seeing directly forward but definitely not safe for seeing side traffic or crossing pedestrians.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was receiving routine maintenance at fred anderson toyota (9101 glenwood ave, raleigh, nc 27617, (919) 890-3686) the contact was informed that there was a crack in the windshield wiper reservoir. The contact was informed that the windshield wiper motor pump was defective and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The low windshield washer fluid warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v577000(visibility). When she received the recall notice, she drove the vehicle to city world toyota (3333 boston rd, the bronx, ny 10469, 888‑258‑4365) and was informed that the part was on backorder and was not available. The contact stated that her windshield wipers were leaking an unknown substance and did not operate. The dealer called the contact to have the recall serviced; however, once she arrived, she was informed again that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Driver side sun visor blocks vision while driving due to visor sagging down from it's non-use state. The spring or mechanism in the sun visor won't keep the visor in the non use position. This has to be a recall / defect because this is happening on my current 2012 rav4 and also my previous rav4 that was a 2007 model year. Sun visor is dangerous due to blocking view and or when braking your head will hit the visor as well. See more info in these threads: https://www.rav4world.com/threads/can-anyone-tell-me-how-to-fix-this-[xxx]-hanging-visor.78000/ parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I turned the wipers on the other day when it was raining, they came on and made one wipe up and stopped on the downward wipe. I got out and pulled on one side and they wiped several more times then stopped again. I pulled on them again and they moved but very slowly then they stopped completely. I tried to pull them down again but they wouldnt budge. The vehicle was sitting in .my driveway at this time
My 2012 toyota rav4 driver side visor started falling down about 6 months ago, later would fall down and wouldn't go back up and stay. Then is was very loose. I would move it to the side because I couldn't see to drive. This last time I tried to move it to the side it completely fell off. My passenger side is doing it as well and making it hard for the passengers to see and even myself because it's constantly blocking my view of that side. I'm very aggravated because I called customer care and they will not do anything about it. This is a very dangerous safety hazard. I'm very disappointed in toyota! My vehicle wasn't cheap but apparently the parts they put in them are. I am including the first picture of me at a 4way red light to show my view driving and at a red light, I can't see and have to bend down to do so. Also the light no longer works on the driver side mirror because of this defect. I also included pictures of the fabric bubbling off. My vehicle was garbage kept for 6 years and for the last year or so it's been outside. Also, my wipers pop and get stuck when trying to use them. Even if it's raining or just cleaning my windshield off. They will go and then it's like it can't and gets stuck but it literally will make a pop sound and bounce when trying to use them. It sounds ridiculous and everyone complains about them when riding with me. I'm so frustrated with it. They have done it the whole time I've owned it and I'm the only owner of it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota rav4. While operating the vehicle, the driver's side sun visor would not remain secured and fell down, which was a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to mike kelly toyota (1 mary jane wood dr, union town, pa) where it was diagnosed that the visor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Questions about the 2012 Toyota RAV4 visibility
Does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have visibility problems?
Owners have filed 59 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Toyota RAV4, 23% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota RAV4 visibility problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 33,251 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Toyota RAV4 visibility?
Yes, 1 recall: 15V577000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota RAV4 have the most visibility problems?
The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most visibility complaints are 2012 (59 complaints), 2007 (50 complaints) and 2011 (50 complaints).
Other 2012 Toyota RAV4 problems
Acceleration 49Brakes 39Electrical 30Seat belts 30Engine 23Airbags 22Transmission 19Body 15Driver assistance 9Steering 9Fuel system 8Suspension 6Seats 3Lights 2Tires 2Wheels 2
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