Are electrical system problems common on the 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Yes. NHTSA lists 90 electrical system complaints for the 2015 RAV4, which is 30% of all 304 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Toyota RAV4 electrical system?

Yes. Recall 23V734000 covers 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles where replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit the battery tray properly, allowing the battery to move and contact nearby components.

Do these electrical complaints involve fires?

Yes. NHTSA data shows 26 fires and 1 injury among the 2015 RAV4 electrical system complaints, along with 2 crashes.

At what mileage do these electrical failures typically happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 49,972 miles.

How does 2015 compare to other RAV4 years for electrical complaints?

2015 electrical complaints made up 30% of that year's total, lower than 2017 (44%) and 2018 (45%), but higher than 2010 (4%) and 2011 (7%).

2015 Toyota RAV4 Electrical System Problems

Owners filed 90 electrical system complaints for the 2015 Toyota RAV4, 30% of all 304 complaints that year, with 26 reported fires and one injury. NHTSA recall 23V734000 covers a battery tray fit issue on 2013-2018 RAV4 models that can let the battery move and short.

Electrical System complaints: 90; 30% of 304
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 26
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 49,973 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report fires starting near the battery or battery cable, sometimes while the vehicle is parked and not running.
Several complaints describe the vehicle stalling or losing power steering and dashboard power while driving, followed by smoke or fire from the engine compartment.
Some owners noticed the instrument panel shut down along with dark smoke from the dashboard or front of the vehicle.
One report describes a loose or ill-fitting battery sliding and damaging the alternator, leading to burnt wiring.
A few complaints mention fire discovered minutes after the vehicle was shut off, with the fire department later citing an engine-area origin.
Median mileage at failure across these electrical complaints is 49,972 miles.

When 2015 Toyota RAV4 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 5, 2015, latest Sep 19, 2026.

90 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q3 (8).

Electrical System recalls for the 2015 Toyota RAV4

NHTSA 23V734000Nov 1, 2023Electrical System1,853,568 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
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.
Risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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 late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.

Electrical System complaints by RAV4 model year

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

201016 (4%)
201121 (7%)
201232 (12%)
201376 (30%)
201473 (37%)
201590 (30%)
201685 (35%)
2017136 (44%)
2018149 (45%)
2019105 (12%)
2020120 (19%)
202150 (13%)
202238 (26%)
202342 (27%)
202434 (20%)
202519 (22%)

Frequently asked questions

Are electrical system problems common on the 2015 Toyota RAV4?: Yes. NHTSA lists 90 electrical system complaints for the 2015 RAV4, which is 30% of all 304 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Toyota RAV4 electrical system?: Yes. Recall 23V734000 covers 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles where replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit the battery tray properly, allowing the battery to move and contact nearby components.
Do these electrical complaints involve fires?: Yes. NHTSA data shows 26 fires and 1 injury among the 2015 RAV4 electrical system complaints, along with 2 crashes.
At what mileage do these electrical failures typically happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 49,972 miles.
How does 2015 compare to other RAV4 years for electrical complaints?: 2015 electrical complaints made up 30% of that year's total, lower than 2017 (44%) and 2018 (45%), but higher than 2010 (4%) and 2011 (7%).