2013 Toyota RAV4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Toyota RAV4: 2 recalls, 257 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Trailer hitch, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #15V011000 · 2015 · 1,140 vehicles
What's wrong: The software within the module May incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V734000 · 2023 · 1,853,568 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 29 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (75): the most common themes are electrical failure (32), fire / smoke (15), stalls / loses power (14).
- Other / unknown (40): the most common themes are fire / smoke (10), electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (4).
- Engine (29): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (13), fire / smoke (10), electrical failure (8).
- Transmission & drivetrain (29): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (15), noise or vibration (6), stalls / loses power (6).
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 has 257 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 32 RAV4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 293). Complaints peaked in 2013 (39 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 20,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (260 complaints, 5 recalls), 2014 (197 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Toyota RAV4.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Toyota RAV4 problems?
Owners have filed 257 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (75), other / unknown (40), engine (29).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Toyota RAV4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.