Problems · by component

2014 Toyota RAV4 electrical system problems

71 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Toyota RAV4 cite electrical system, 34% of all 207 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
71
34% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
17
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2025Steering, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11688355
“The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 18, 2025Electrical systemODI 11681310
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 11, 2025Steering, Electrical systemODI 11672933
“The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 14, 2025Electrical systemODI 11654404
“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!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 20, 2025Electrical systemODI 11643922
“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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) which she linked to the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 23, 2025Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11637992

Showing 6 of 71 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: 12v

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Nov 1, 2023NHTSA 23V734000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2014 RAV4 problem areas