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Model year record

2013 Toyota RAV4 recalls & problems

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 has 2 safety recalls and 257 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (75 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints257filed by owners
Crashes · fires22 · 29reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2013 Toyota RAV4 in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Electrical systemNov 1, 2023

12v/24v/48v battery

Recall 23V7340001,853,568 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Trailer hitchesJan 16, 2015

Trailer hitches

Recall 15V0110001,140 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
Risk
If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.

Components: Trailer hitches; Exterior lighting

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2013 Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD Later Release

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.9%

2013 Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD Later Release

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk17.4%

2013 Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD Early Release

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.9%

2013 Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD Early Release

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk17.4%
2013 Toyota RAV4 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2013 Toyota RAV4 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

RAV4 2WD

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

RAV4 AWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

RAV4 Limited AWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel; 12v/24v/48v battery7501417,745 mi
Unknown or other40110132,360 mi
Engine2919020,225 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission › Torque converter2910143,000 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door2812026,872 mi
Service brakes2150124,000 mi
Vehicle speed control174004,012 mi
EquipmentElectrical › Navigational system(global positioning system); Electrical1300087 mi
Air bags131101125,309 mi
SteeringColumn1100037,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system80007,900 mi
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly; Power window devices and controls700032,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations