2012 Toyota RAV4 engine problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Toyota RAV4 — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto…”
filed Feb 2, 2026
“The small pipe that's part of the Upper Radiator Coolant Hose Connector Adapter broke off and drained coolant from the vehicle. This small pipe had deteriorated and become brittle leading to the failure.”
filed Nov 30, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other RAV4 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 RAV4 | 11 | 15% |
| 2024 RAV4 | 37 | 22% |
| 2023 RAV4 | 22 | 15% |
| 2022 RAV4 | 26 | 19% |
| 2021 RAV4 | 38 | 10% |
| 2020 RAV4 | 179 | 29% |
| 2019 RAV4 | 203 | 23% |
| 2018 RAV4 | 32 | 10% |
| 2017 RAV4 | 31 | 10% |
| 2016 RAV4 | 25 | 11% |
| 2015 RAV4 | 37 | 12% |
| 2014 RAV4 | 31 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Toyota RAV4
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.