2014 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems

69 complaints (35% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 69
of this car's complaints: 35%
typical mileage: 60,000
crashes: 3
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Instrument cluster/panel
2
12v/24v/48v battery
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Toyota RAV4 electrical problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Toyota RAV4 electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 22

Related recalls

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryReported November 1, 2023 · 1,853,568 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Recall number 23V734000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal EventsOpened February 25, 2021, closed August 12, 2024

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to understand the contributing factors and frequency of vehicle fires originating from the battery region of the engine compartment in Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on 25 February 2021. At the time of opening, ODI attributed eleven allegations and additional EWR events to this PE. PE21005 focused on replacement batteries installed in the subject vehicles. No reported fire event identified in PE21005 involved the originally supplied 12V battery. The reported fires took place in vehicles known to contain aftermarket batteries or whose age exceeded the expected life of the original equipment battery. ODI identified battery dimensioning as it relates to the battery retention system (hold down bracket, radiator support bolt, J-hook, and battery tray) as the main factor set in the contact between the battery hold down bracket contacting the positive terminal of the 12V battery. The subject vehicles carried over the same battery tray and retention system from the prior generation (MY2006 – MY2012) of RAV4 vehicles. However, the subject vehicles were equipped with a dimensionally smaller battery (Group 35) than the prior generation (Group 24F). The smaller- length measurement in the Group 35 battery size in a battery tray originally designed to fit a Group 24F battery contributed to increased potential for battery movement which was exacerbated by the diversity in aftermarket battery configuration and irregularities intrinsic to battery replacement procedures. Battery movement coupled with the proximity of the B+ terminal on the battery and the grounded electrically conductive hold down bracket set the stage for a short to ground leading to an engine stall (if in operation) followed by a vehicle fire. This investigation was not able to classify the installation status, battery size, or cause of every allegation due to the fire event causing damage to the area, inaccessible vehicle, modification to the battery retention system after the event, and/or inconclusive photographic evidence. Toyota's investigation of the issue identified aftermarket battery catalogs that listed an improper battery replacement size (Group 26R) that would nevertheless fit into the subject vehicles whose battery retention system is incapable of reliably restraining a Group 26R battery. On 18 November 2021, Toyota initiated a consumer advisory campaign (21TG01) to the subject vehicle owners, notifying them of the correct size battery and offering a free inspection of the battery and retention hardware, a caution label to affix to the hold down bracket, and a discounted replacement 12V battery. This investigation with Toyota established three broad categories to characterize the battery retention system state of a given vehicle: "correct", "minor mis-installation", and "major mis-installation". - The "correct" terminology references the front bolt, bracket, and J-hook installed in a position not in contact with the positive battery terminal and the front bolt torqued to 17 Nm and the J-hook engaged with the tray hole and torqued to 4.9 Nm. - A "minor mis-installation" would describe the three retention components installed in the prescribed location, however not to the correct torque values. - The "major mis-installation" condition would constitute a retention component missing or disconnected from the system. Toyota's own testing used five exemplar batteries installed on a subject vehicle in each battery categorization resulted in: - Contact between the B+ terminal and hold down bracket in "major mis-installations" - Movement of the battery in "minor mis-installations" - No observable motion in "correct" installations. ODI conducted its own evaluation of the Toyota- specified replacement battery and 5 aftermarket Group 35 batteries. The six batteries tested conformed to the Group 35 Battery Council International (BCI) standard on overall dimensional tolerance and terminal location. That standard does not define the edge shape or material of battery casing. Physical interaction between the hold down bracket and the battery case and the friction between the casing material and the battery tray resulted in a large variability in movement forces required to incite movement when the battery was installed in the "correct" condition. Resulting in movement at an induced lateral load between 0.6 G and 1.91 G equivalent force across each battery. This force is higher than a typical vehicle could exert in a steady state turn and would only experience loads through brief shock or impulses. Multiple shock or impulse loads across time would contribute to a delay between the replacement battery installation and the fire event. Likelihood of a fire event increases as the installation method degraded from the "correct", to "minor mis-installation", and then to "major mis-installation". Protruding vent caps atop some of the batteries tested aided in restricting battery movement relative to the hold down. An absence of vent caps permitted additional movement. Following several discussions and vehicle inspections with ODI during this investigation, on 01 November 2023, Toyota filed a safety recall (the federal safety agency 23V‑734) of 1,853,568 MY 2013 through MY 2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles to reduce the risk of a vehicle fire with redesigned battery retention components. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE21005

What 2014 Toyota RAV4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 17, 2026 · Electrical · MD

Battery died mid-drive now the radio head unit is in a boot loop rendering all functions unavailable.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · FL

Year: 2014 Make: Toyota Model: RAV4 Approx. mileage: 60K 2. Incident Details Date of most recent incident: [XXX] Problem: Vehicle stalls and loses power steering while turning. Engine shuts off suddenly, causing complete loss of steering control. Consequence: On [XXX], my son lost control of the RAV4, hit a curb, and went through bushes before stopping. Previous stalls also occurred while turning, with loss of steering assist. This is a severe safety hazard. Frequency: Has occurred multiple times, even after dealership inspection and repairs. 3. Dealer/Repair Info Dealer name: Sarasota Toyota Address: 7435 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 Repair attempts: Dealer inspected in August 2025, charged nearly $900, but problem persists. Car is now back in the shop (not Toyota) for a second opinion at an additional cost of over $200. 4. Description My 2014 Toyota RAV4 repeatedly stalls and loses engine power and power steering without warning, especially while turning. On [XXX], my son lost control of the vehicle, hit a curb, and went through bushes before managing to stop. This is extremely dangerous and could have resulted in a serious accident. Sarasota Toyota has inspected the vehicle and charged nearly $900 for repairs, but the defect was not fixed. The vehicle continues to stall and is unsafe to drive. I am pursuing a second opinion at additional expense. This issue places my family and others on the road in danger. I am filing this complaint so that Toyota and regulators address this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, and making a right turn, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · GA

The electric power steering has malfunctioned. The malfunction of the EPS may cause the car to jerk or swerve. The dealership has said they have seen countless problems with the EPS. There is a recall on the EPS in the 2014 Rav4, however this vehicle did not fall under the previous recall. No warning lamps or messages appear for this particular issue with the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection. The dealership has quoted $3014.00 for the repair. Steering column assembly replacement and EPS motor replacement.

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · Electrical · VA

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Electrical · NJ

I received a recall letter from Toyota to replace me battery in my 2014 RAV4. I made an appointment with Toyota on 31 in Clinton, NJ for 1/28/2025 at 9:30am. Upon bringing in my car for the recall I was told it will cost me $189.00+tax to replace my battery. The reason was because there is another battery in my car. I advised them that I bought the car second hand and had no reason to check my car's battery at that time. (who knew). In the letter of recall it states that the battery change is "the hold down clamps and short circuit, increasing the risk of fire." With that stated, changing my battery is the benefit to securing safety to me and my passengers. Isn't that the main reason for the recall! Safety by Toyota without Charge!

Filed Jan 23, 2025 · Electrical · NM · fire · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 45-50 MPH during night hours, a fellow motorist alerted the contact that her vehicle had caught fire from underneath the engine without warning. Upon opening the front, driver-side door, the fire entered the vehicle and the contact quickly shut the door. While in a panic, the contact re-opened the door and jumped out of the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and was consumed by the fire. Police arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard and was deemed a total loss. The road was scorched as a result of the fire which led to the road being repaved. The contact injured both knees and left baby finger after jumping out of the vehicle; the contact also suffered emotional distress due to the fire. The contact did not seek medical attention for her injuries. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Recently, the contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) which she linked to the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 9, 2024 · Electrical · CA

Manufacture failed to provide remedy for recall 23TB13 (NHSTA recall 23V734) in a timely manner. The recall was issued on November 1, 2023; however, a remedy has not been provided as of December 9, 2024.

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Electrical · WI

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 23, 2024 · Electrical · AR

The entire computer screen is stuck on the downloading picture. Then it will restart itself and do it all over again. Nothing works. No radio or anything. I’ve been looking online and seeing there is a lot of people with the same issues a but no solutions. How has Toyota not fixed this issue yet.

Questions about the 2014 Toyota RAV4 electrical

Does the 2014 Toyota RAV4 have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 69 complaints about the electrical of the 2014 Toyota RAV4, 35% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2014 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2014 Toyota RAV4 electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 23V734000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota RAV4 have the most electrical problems?

The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2018 (130 complaints), 2020 (120 complaints) and 2017 (108 complaints).