Problems · by component

2015 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

37 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Toyota RAV4 cite engine, 12% of all 305 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
37
12% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
18
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“On Friday February 27, 2026 as the vehicle was being driven it caught fire. Fire department and sheriffs office was called to the scene. Vehicle fire was put out but the whole front end burned.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 2, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineFire reportedODI 11721498
“The oil filter housing is made of plastic and can crack when removing and installing and if not alert after an oil change, the engine can blow if oil drains out under pressure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2026EngineODI 11709758
“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electric 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 failure mileage was approximately 109,643. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11616112
“When I try to start up my car after a full month of parking as usual I knew already it has a dead battery so I jump started then once it started I heard a very small explosion with smoke coming from underneath the glove compartment then I found a very small fire started from the same place so I left the car and I called 911 who came and extinguished the fire after the entire car was already engulfed and exploded in fire. The car closed the other two cars on both sides to melt partially as well. The picture attached has the incident number.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 4, 2024Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11569829
“This is concerning a recall. NHTSA recall No. 23V-734. Which can has a potential for vehicle fire. The remedy will not be available to mid 2024. This is a long time to drive a vehicle like this with such a high safety risk. I have reached out to Toyota and they have refused to do anything about it such as provide a loaner vehicle while they rectify the issue. My life and my families life is at risk driving this vehicle .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2023EngineODI 11561034
“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was inoperable and all the warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel was seized and the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the street. The contact's daughter noticed the vehicle was smoking from under the hood. The contact's daughter exited the vehicle and the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire or police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard. The insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System), however, the contact stated he did not receive the recall notification. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 9, 2023EngineFire reportedODI 11554307

Showing 6 of 37 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

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