How common are visibility and wiper problems on the 2011 Toyota RAV4?

NHTSA logged 50 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2011 RAV4, which is 17% of that year's 287 total complaints.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Toyota RAV4 wipers?

Yes. Recall 15V577000 covers the windshield wiper linkage and water diverter channel on 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles built between October 2008 and December 2012; Toyota replaces both parts.

At what mileage do RAV4 wiper problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2011 RAV4 is 49,000 miles.

Did the wiper recall cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data for this component and year shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

Was the 2011 RAV4 worse for this problem than other model years?

The 2011 RAV4's 17% share of complaints for Visibility & Wipers is higher than 2010's 6% and lower than 2012's 23%, both of which are also covered by the same recall.

2011 Toyota RAV4 Visibility & Wipers Problems

Owners filed 50 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2011 Toyota RAV4, 17% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 49,000. A related recall (15V577000) covers a defective windshield wiper linkage and water diverter channel, though many owners reported parts were unavailable for months.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 50; 17% of 287
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 49,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Windshield wiper transmission fails outright and stops moving the wiper arms, sometimes with the dealer confirming the part is defective.
In freezing weather the heating and defrost system cannot keep the windshield and side/rear windows clear, leaving the cabin fogged over even with defrost on full blast.
Owners who received the wiper linkage recall notice (15V577000) reported waiting an extended period because replacement parts were not available at dealers.
At least one owner tied a radio malfunction to rainy weather alongside the recalled wiper linkage issue.

When 2011 Toyota RAV4 visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 7, 2014, latest Feb 23, 2024.

50 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2014 to Feb 2024; peak Apr 2016 (11).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2011 Toyota RAV4

NHTSA 15V689000Oct 22, 2015Visibility & Wipers1,814,284 vehicles
Visibility:power window devices and controls
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Risk: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
NHTSA 15V577000Sep 18, 2015Visibility & Wipers423,456 vehicles
Visibility/wiper
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
Risk: Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by RAV4 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201024 (6%)
201150 (17%)
201259 (23%)
201313 (5%)
20148 (4%)
20158 (3%)
201616 (7%)
201711 (4%)
201821 (6%)
201922 (3%)
202017 (3%)
202130 (8%)
20226 (4%)
202311 (7%)
20248 (5%)
202511 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are visibility and wiper problems on the 2011 Toyota RAV4?: NHTSA logged 50 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2011 RAV4, which is 17% of that year's 287 total complaints.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Toyota RAV4 wipers?: Yes. Recall 15V577000 covers the windshield wiper linkage and water diverter channel on 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles built between October 2008 and December 2012; Toyota replaces both parts.
At what mileage do RAV4 wiper problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2011 RAV4 is 49,000 miles.
Did the wiper recall cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data for this component and year shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
Was the 2011 RAV4 worse for this problem than other model years?: The 2011 RAV4's 17% share of complaints for Visibility & Wipers is higher than 2010's 6% and lower than 2012's 23%, both of which are also covered by the same recall.