How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have?

NHTSA lists 19 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2012 RAV4, which is about 7% of the 260 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 transmission or powertrain?

No related recalls are listed in the data for this component area on the 2012 RAV4.

What is the most common transmission problem owners report on the 2012 RAV4?

The most common pattern is the vehicle rolling away after being parked on an incline, often tied to the keyless push-button start not confirming the car was in park.

At what mileage do transmission problems tend to show up on the 2012 RAV4?

The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 22,360 miles.

Did any 2012 RAV4 transmission complaints involve crashes or injuries?

Yes, NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 1 injury linked to complaints in this Transmission & Powertrain category, with no fires reported.

2012 Toyota RAV4 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Toyota RAV4, about 7% of its 260 total complaints for the year. Owners most often report the vehicle rolling away after being parked, with median mileage at failure of 22,360 miles. No related recalls are listed.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 19; 7% of 260
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 22,360 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the vehicle rolling backward on an incline after they exited without confirming it was in park, sometimes striking objects or other vehicles.
Multiple complaints describe the keyless push-button start allowing the driver to leave the vehicle without it being fully in park, letting it roll unattended.
Some owners describe the gear shifter sticking or becoming deformed, which they link to a Toyota technical bulletin covering nearby model years.
A few complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking or shifting into reverse, with the vehicle lurching forward or backward unexpectedly.
One owner reported severe corrosion on both front drive axles causing lubricant loss and popping noises during turns at 34,056 miles.

When 2012 Toyota RAV4 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 24, 2012, latest May 14, 2025.

19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2012 to May 2025; peak Aug 2012 (1).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Toyota RAV4

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by RAV4 model year

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

20058 (6%)
200653 (8%)
200753 (5%)
200837 (6%)
200928 (9%)
201038 (10%)
201125 (9%)
201219 (7%)
201329 (11%)
201420 (10%)
201525 (8%)
201611 (5%)
201716 (5%)
201826 (8%)
201980 (9%)
202038 (6%)
202122 (6%)
202211 (8%)
202311 (7%)
20248 (5%)
20256 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2012 Toyota RAV4 have?: NHTSA lists 19 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2012 RAV4, which is about 7% of the 260 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 transmission or powertrain?: No related recalls are listed in the data for this component area on the 2012 RAV4.
What is the most common transmission problem owners report on the 2012 RAV4?: The most common pattern is the vehicle rolling away after being parked on an incline, often tied to the keyless push-button start not confirming the car was in park.
At what mileage do transmission problems tend to show up on the 2012 RAV4?: The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 22,360 miles.
Did any 2012 RAV4 transmission complaints involve crashes or injuries?: Yes, NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 1 injury linked to complaints in this Transmission & Powertrain category, with no fires reported.