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2012 Toyota RAV4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Toyota RAV4
Pictured: 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium in Silver Sky with Midnight Black roof, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV Base 2WD, 4dr SUV Base 4WD, 4dr SUV Base V-6 4WD, 4dr SUV Sport 4WD/Limited 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
179–269 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
EV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
EV range
103 mi · 6 h on 240 V
Length
179.1 in
Curb weight
3,360–3,686 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • Strong performanceUp to 269 hp, versus about 185 hp for similar 2012 models.
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 179 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,360 lb (4dr SUV Base 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 15% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,000 a year in fuel.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 103 miles and takes about 6 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.

What changed for 2012

  • New all-electric version

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 RAV4 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine179 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Engine269 hp3.5L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

StandardHigh

Built in: Woodstock, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 RAV4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Base 2WD179.1 in71.7 in68.9 in104.7 in61.4 / 61 in3,360 lb57/43
4dr SUV Base 4WD179.1 in71.7 in68.9 in104.7 in61.4 / 61 in3,481 lb57/43
4dr SUV Base V-6 4WD179.1 in71.7 in68.9 in104.7 in61.4 / 61 in3,655 lb57/43
4dr SUV Sport 4WD/Limited 4WD179.1 in73.2 in68.9 in104.7 in61.4 / 61 in3,556 lb57/43
4dr SUV Sport V6 4WD/Limited V6 4WD179.1 in73.2 in68.9 in104.7 in61.4 / 61 in3,686 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RAV4 EV EV115 kW AC InductionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive103 mi · 44 kWh/100mi–$1,000–
RAV4 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+15%$2,800370
RAV4 4WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+21%$2,900386
RAV4 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22+5%$3,050404
RAV4 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22+16%$3,050404
Save $7,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Toyota RAV4.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Toyota RAV4 (this car)24 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated3
2012 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated3
2012 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated2
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan24 MPGNot rated3
2012 Kia Sportage25 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (6)

Seat Belts › Rear/Other · Feb 19, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V096000 · 1,123,752 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
Risk
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Visibility/Wiper · Sep 18, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V577000 · 423,456 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
Risk
Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Mar 13, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V143000 · 2,497 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Rav4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. Due to a software issue within a component of the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly, the electric propulsion motor may shift to "neutral" resulting in a possible loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly software, free of charge. The recall began on September 10, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Feb 12, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V054000 · 261,114 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 9, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 7,525 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Fix
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Toyota RAV4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

185Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
13Injuries reported
52,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Visibility/Wiper50
Seat Belts29
Unknown Or Other26
Vehicle Speed Control23
Electrical System22
Service Brakes16
Engine15
Air Bags14
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/08: 121/09: 121/10: 121/12: 322/03: 122/06: 123/02: 123/03: 223/05: 123/06: 123/07: 123/09: 123/10: 124/05: 124/08: 124/10: 125/03: 225/05: 225/07: 125/09: 125/11: 126/02: 126/05: 126/06: 121/0821/1223/0223/0623/1024/1025/0726/02max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Toyota RAV4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Visibility/Wiper — 50 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Seat Belts — 29 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Vehicle Speed Control — 23 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 103 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota RAV4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other RAV4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 RAV443181.1 inNot rated242
2025 RAV439180.7 in★★★★★4106
2024 RAV439180.7 in★★★★★4177
2023 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★3171
2022 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★2154
2021 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★1411
2020 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★6650
2019 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★8905
2018 RAV432181.1 in★★★★★3348
2017 RAV432181.1 inNot rated3321
2016 RAV432181.1 inNot rated3257
2015 RAV426179.5 inNot rated4304

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →