Model year report

2014 Toyota Rav4: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2014 Toyota Rav4

On the 2014 Toyota Rav4, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, and the reports cluster around 65,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other engine problem, reported by a median of 50,000 miles. Overall it scores 68 out of 100, high risk for a 2014.

High risk for a 2014 — 197th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. 281 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

The failures owners actually file about

Owners have reported 52 named failure modes on the 2014 Toyota Rav4, and the three most-reported carry 29% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.

Other electrical problem leads with 42 reports, about 0.1 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 48k to 95,000 miles.

Other engine problem follows with 22 reports, usually reported between 12k to 80,000 miles. 10 of those reports mention a fire.

Other body or interior problem follows with 18 reports, median 40,000 miles.

By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (55), engine (32) and body (29).

When these failures get reported

150 of the reports on the 2014 Toyota Rav4 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 43,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 58% by 50,000 miles, 85% by 100,000 miles and 94% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 2 filed above the top of the chart.

The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 22% of the dated reports.

46% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.

Median

Other electrical problem

67k
Other engine problem

50k
Other body or interior problem

39k
Torque converter failure

157k
Other brake problem

6k
Other steering problem

21k
Infotainment screen failure

57k
Other powertrain problem

42k
No-start or intermittent start failure

25k
Audio or connectivity failure

65k
Backup camera failure

45k
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash

17k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 52. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 43k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 2 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

What happens when these parts fail

Across the named modes, 30 mention a crash, 39 a fire and 21 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.44, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000 and torque converter failure at $1,100–$3,200. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

21% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other electrical problem	electrical	42	20	48k	67k	93k	0.1	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Other engine problem	engine	22	12	12k	50k	80k	0.1	$300–$4,000	High
Other body or interior problem	body	18	6	—	39k	—	0.1	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Torque converter failure	transmission	13	5	—	157k	—	0.0	$1,100–$3,200	High
Other brake problem	brakes	10	7	—	6k	—	0.0	$300–$1,800	High
Other steering problem	steering	10	7	—	21k	—	0.0	$350–$2,400	High
Infotainment screen failure	infotainment	9	6	—	57k	—	0.0	$400–$2,600	Low
Other powertrain problem	transmission	9	6	—	42k	—	0.0	$400–$4,500	High
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	7	6	—	25k	—	0.0	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Audio or connectivity failure	infotainment	7	2	—	65k	—	0.0	$150–$900	Low
Backup camera failure	infotainment	6	6	—	45k	—	0.0	$250–$1,200	Moderate
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	6	6	—	17k	—	0.0	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Loss of power steering	steering	6	1	—	109k	—	0.0	$600–$2,800	Critical
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	6	3	—	34k	—	0.0	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Other visibility problem	glass	6	3	—	36k	—	0.0	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	5	1	—	258k	—	0.0	$400–$3,500	High
Sunroof failure or glass breakage	body	5	5	—	18k	—	0.0	$700–$4,500	High
Other speed control problem	adas	5	4	—	6k	—	0.0	$250–$2,000	Critical
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	4	3	—	20k	—	0.0	$200–$900	High
Other fuel system problem	fuel	4	2	—	10k	—	0.0	$300–$2,200	High
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	4	4	—	142	—	0.0	$200–$1,500	High
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	3	1	—	47k	—	0.0	$250–$1,500	High
Airbag inflator rupture	airbag	3	2	—	46k	—	0.0	$0–$0	Critical
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	3	2	—	14k	—	0.0	$600–$2,500	Critical
Paint peeling or clear coat failure	body	3	0	—	—	—	0.0	$600–$6,000	Low
Electrical fire or melted wiring	electrical	2	2	—	29k	—	0.0	$1,500–$9,000	Critical
Oil leak	engine	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$250–$2,200	Moderate
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure	fuel	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$300–$1,200	Moderate
Alternator or charging system failure	electrical	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$450–$1,600	High
Parking brake failure	brakes	2	2	—	75k	—	0.0	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Rust or structural corrosion	body	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$500–$6,000	High
Blower motor or climate control failure	hvac	2	2	—	126k	—	0.0	$250–$1,200	Moderate
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	2	2	—	30k	—	0.0	$100–$900	Moderate
Other suspension problem	suspension	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$350–$2,000	Moderate
Excessive oil consumption	engine	1	1	—	99k	—	0.0	$900–$6,500	High
Radiator or coolant leak	cooling	1	1	—	188k	—	0.0	$350–$1,900	High
Complete transmission failure	transmission	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$2,800–$8,000	Critical
CVT failure	transmission	1	1	—	70k	—	0.0	$3,000–$8,500	Critical
CV axle or driveshaft failure	drivetrain	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	High
Fuel pump failure	fuel	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$600–$2,600	High
Fuel injector failure	fuel	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$450–$2,800	Moderate
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	1	1	—	36k	—	0.0	$700–$3,000	High
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	1	1	—	18k	—	0.0	$350–$1,400	Moderate
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	1	1	—	186k	—	0.0	$500–$2,400	High
Master cylinder or brake booster failure	brakes	1	1	—	50k	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	Critical
Lane keep or steering assist fault	adas	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$1,600	High
Cruise control failure	adas	1	1	—	5k	—	0.0	$200–$1,400	High
Tire blowout or tread separation	wheels	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$1,500	Critical
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure	body	1	1	—	30k	—	0.0	$250–$1,500	Moderate
Air conditioning failure	hvac	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$400–$2,800	Moderate
Other lighting problem	lighting	1	1	—	57k	—	0.0	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Other driver assistance problem	adas	1	1	—	57k	—	0.0	$250–$1,800	High
Unclassified problem	other	29	11	32k	48k	60k	0.1	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2014 Toyota Rav4 draws about 0.9 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 74th percentile of complaint rates among 2014 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 308,928 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2014 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Recalls on the 2014 model year

NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2014 Toyota Rav4, affecting an estimated 337,111 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery, steering:electric power assist system, exterior lighting and equipment. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

23V734000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

1,853,568 vehicles 2023-11-01

Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.

15V144000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

110,085 vehicles 2015-03-13

Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

15V011000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1,140 vehicles 2015-01-16

Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

14V828000

EQUIPMENT

3,958 vehicles 2014-12-30

Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2014 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2014 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

How 2014 compares with the other years

High risk for a 2014 — 197th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.

Across the 30 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2001 comes out best at 63 and 2019 worst at 83, with 2014 itself at 68.

If the model year is negotiable, 2001, 2004, 2003, 1999, 2000, 2005 and 1998 score lower than 2014 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2013–2018 generation specifically, 2014 is the strongest year at 68 and 2018 the weakest at 72.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2013-2018 generation, 2014 Toyota Rav4 scores best at 68 and 2018 Toyota Rav4 worst at 72.

What the numbers say to check

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other engine problem from about 12k and other electrical problem from about 48k.

On a 2014 Toyota Rav4 with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other engine problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

The limits of complaint data

281 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 281 reports, 150 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 53% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota Rav4?

The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (42 reports, median 65,000 miles), other engine problem (22 reports, median 50,000 miles) and other body or interior problem (18 reports, median 40,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2014 Toyota Rav4 problems start?

Other engine problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 50,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 10,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 43,000 miles.

Is the 2014 Toyota Rav4 reliable?

It scores 68 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 197th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2014 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Toyota Rav4 is best?

Within the 2013–2018 generation, 2014 scores best at 68 out of 100 and 2018 worst at 72. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 30 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed