2014 Toyota RAV4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2014 Toyota RAV4: 4 recalls, 197 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #14V828000 · 2014 · 3,958 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles May have accessories installed by set, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Why it matters: Accessories that detach from a vehicle May result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
The fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015.
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.
Steering Vehicle recall #15V144000 · 2015 · 110,085 vehicles
What's wrong: A component of the electric power steering (eps) electronic control unit (ECU) May have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage May result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Why it matters: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the eps ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the eps ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 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. 25 mention a fire, 22 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (69): the most common themes are electrical failure (30), fire / smoke (19), door / lock issues (14).
- Other / unknown (45): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), electrical failure (9).
- Engine (31): the most common themes are fire / smoke (14), electrical failure (10), warning light on (7).
- Steering (21): the most common themes are steering problems (19), warning light on (7).
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 has 197 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 32 RAV4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 293). Complaints peaked in 2018 (25 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 48,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2013 (257 complaints, 2 recalls), 2015 (305 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 |
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 2014 Toyota RAV4.
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FAQ
Does the 2014 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2014 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 2014 Toyota RAV4 problems?
Owners have filed 197 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (69), other / unknown (45), engine (31).
What gas mileage does the 2014 Toyota RAV4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2014 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.