During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines...

Bulletin number

21TG01 (21TG01)

Component

Electrical system

Summary

During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota retailers and others who sell or install replacement batteries were recommending a small size battery for replacement. Toyota specifies a particular size replacement battery for the RAV4 that does not include this small size. The smaller battery may not fit securely with the RAV4’s battery mounting parts, and, in some cases, can move around when the vehicle is driven, causing a short circuit. Using the wrong size battery, or not installing a replacement battery properly, can cause damage to the battery and the vehicle, and it could cause a vehicle fire.

Owners of these vehicles have filed 526 complaints in the electrical category.