KNOWN FAULTS · Toyota

Toyota RAV4 (IV) 2.5 Hybrid common problems.

2013–2018 · Hybrid

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

Applies if: Toyota USA tech tip for all its models: it applies if the judder began after wheels, pads or discs were removed or changed.

Brake judder from wheel nuts over-tightened or tightened unevenly (Toyota tech tip)Brakes

Engine / equipment: Any Toyota: it depends on how the wheels are tightened
Period mentioned: 2016 tech tip for all its models
Symptoms: Vibration in the steering wheel and the pedal when braking, even gently and at any speed, often shortly after wheels, pads or discs were changed.
Possible cause described: Toyota points out in a tech tip that if the wheel nuts are over-tightened or tightened unevenly (a single one is enough), the brake disc is left with runout and brake judder appears. It happens above all when they are run fully home with an impact gun instead of a torque wrench in a star pattern.
Check for the garage: Ask the garage to loosen and re-tighten the nuts with a torque wrench, to the manual's torque and in a star pattern, and to measure whether the discs have been left warped; if so, they will need skimming or replacing.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Clogged hybrid battery cooling fan and filterHigh-voltage battery

Engine / equipment: Hybrid battery cooled with cabin air (intake next to the rear seat): Prius, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4, Camry and others
Period mentioned: 2003 onwards
Symptoms: Hybrid battery cooling maintenance message, warning light with codes P0A80 or P0A7F, a noisy fan and less electric assistance; if ignored, the battery ages faster.
Possible cause described: Dust, pet hair or dirt block the filter and fan that cool the battery; so do objects covering the intake. Toyota USA issued bulletin T-SB-0074-20 (2003–2020 Prius and Camry, Corolla, Highlander, RAV4 and Mirai hybrids up to 2020) and recommends cleaning the filter every 5,000 miles (about 8,000 km).
Check for the garage: Clean or replace the filter and clean the fan before condemning the battery; keep the intake grille clear. At the garage, read the codes and, if needed, install the software Toyota specifies.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Water pump, handbrake and campaigns on the RAV4 IVKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Toyota RAV4 IV (petrol, hybrid and diesel)
Period mentioned: 2013–2018
Symptoms: A water pump that leaks or fails and some oil loss on the 2.0 petrol; an insufficient or one-sided handbrake already at the first roadworthiness test; headlamps; a sluggish torque converter in the automatic; leaking differentials.
Possible cause described: Recalls (KBA): washer jets with fire risk, an EGR cooler leak, fuel-filter vapours, the passenger airbag (over 36,000 cars), eCall and loose diesel turbo bolts.
Check for the garage: Check every campaign by VIN; check the handbrake and coolant.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only those built in 2017 and 2018.

Will not start because of the 12 V battery on the Toyota RAV4 and C-HRElectrical and electronic systems

Engine / equipment: Toyota RAV4 from 2017 to 2022 and C-HR from 2020 to 2022, all versions
Period mentioned: RAV4: 2017–2022; C-HR: 2020–2022
Symptoms: The car will not start or does not go to “Ready”; when you unlock it, the dashboard and lights come on weakly or not at all, and several warnings may appear at once. It happens mostly after a few days parked.
Possible cause described: The ADAC, the German automobile club, analyses its members’ roadside assistance call-outs every year. In its 2025 statistics it places the 2017–2022 RAV4 and the 2020–2022 C-HR among the worst in their class and, for all the Toyotas on its list, gives a faulty 12 V starter battery as the cause of the breakdowns.
Check for the garage: Measure the 12 V battery voltage and load-test it; check that the system recharges it while driving. If it is weak, replace it and ask Toyota whether there is any action for that model. If the car stays parked for days, a battery maintainer helps.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.