Recall 15V011 affects 1,140 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4 vehicles for trailer lights that shut off while towing. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 1,140 2013-2015 RAV4 SUVs equipped with an accessory trailer light module because the module software can wrongly shut off electrical current to the trailer lights. If that happens while towing at night, the dark trailer raises crash risk, and Toyota dealers will update the module software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The accessory trailer light module on the 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4 controls power to the lights on a connected trailer. When it works normally, it lets the trailer lights follow the RAV4's lighting signals, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. That gives drivers behind the trailer the same basic cues they see from the vehicle itself.
On affected RAV4 vehicles, the module software can incorrectly treat a normal electrical condition as a short circuit. The fault happens when the headlights are on, the vehicle is braking, and the turn signal is switched quickly from one direction to the other. Instead of keeping power flowing, the module shuts off electrical current to the trailer lights. The lights work again after the vehicle is restarted.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is unlikely to know the trailer lights have turned off unless someone outside the vehicle sees it or checks the trailer lights after the condition occurs.
Who's affected?
The scope is split between trailer hitches and exterior lighting, with both components appearing in each listed model year.
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | Trailer hitches |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | Exterior lighting |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | Trailer hitches |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | Exterior lighting |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 1,140 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If trailer lights shut off while you are towing at night, other drivers lose the signals and visibility they need around the trailer, increasing crash risk. Avoid night towing until the module is replaced if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free trailer-light-module replacement with corrected software that fixes the trailer lights shutting off while towing.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one, and reference recall number 15V011 when you call.
- Avoid towing at night until the dealer replaces the module and confirms the trailer lights work correctly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the accessory trailer light module with a new unit that has corrected software. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. The software issue can shut off trailer lights after it incorrectly detects an electrical short, so the repair focuses on replacing the module rather than reprogramming the old one. Toyota does not expect reimbursement claims, but it will provide appropriate reimbursement if a claim arises. Bring any prior repair paperwork to the service desk so Toyota can review it under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 16, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 2, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| February 6, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 23, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 17, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V011?
Recall 15V011 covers 1,140 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer light module. Software in that module can falsely detect an electrical short and shut off trailer lights while towing at night, increasing crash risk. Toyota dealers replace the module with corrected software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific RAV4 is included in recall 15V011. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule replacement of the trailer light module. Reference recall number 15V011 and SET-15A when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Toyota dealers will replace the accessory trailer light module with a corrected unit for free. Parts and labor are covered under recall 15V011.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of trailer lights while towing at night. If the module falsely detects an electrical short, it can turn off electrical current to the trailer lights, making the trailer harder for other drivers to see and increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Toyota RAV4 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner's purchase history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific RAV4 is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall number 15V011.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V011000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-866-405-4226 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V011 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V011000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →