2013–2018 Toyota RAV4s Recalled Due to a Potential Fire Risk

• Toyota is recalling nearly 1.9 million RAV4 models over an increased fire risk.
• The affected RAV4s span from the 2013 through the 2018 model years.
• The increased fire risk stems from replacement 12-volt batteries, and the company is currently preparing a solution.

Toyota will recall 1,854,000 RAV4 models from the 2013–2018 model years due to a potential fire risk. Owners of affected models should visit the NHTSA recall website and enter their VIN or license plate information to see if their vehicle is involved in the voluntary recall, which Toyota announced yesterday, November 1.

The recall stems from an increased fire risk from the 12-volt battery. According to the automaker, the dimensions of the top of some replacement 12-volt batteries are too small. If a replacement battery is too small and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the driver is at increased risk of the battery moving during aggressive cornering. The movement can then cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

As things stand now, Toyota is not issuing a stop-drive warning, nor is it asking owners to park their vehicles away from structures and other vehicles. The company is currently working on a solution. Once the fix is available, Toyota dealers will replace the battery hold-down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved versions for free. Toyota will notify customers with affected vehicles by late December 2023.