Recall 15V143 covers 2,497 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV vehicles for software linked to propulsion shifting to neutral. Toyota's dealer software update is free.
Toyota is recalling 2,497 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles under recall 15V143 because software in the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly can shift the electric propulsion motor to neutral. That loss of drive power raises the risk of a crash, and the Toyota dealer repair will be free once Toyota makes it available.
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What's wrong?
In NHTSA campaign 15V143, the 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV uses an electric vehicle traction motor assembly to move the SUV. The drive inverter and DI ECU, the control computer for the electric drive system, track the motor's rotational position so the motor delivers power to the wheels.
On affected RAV4 EVs, hardware variation in the traction motor assembly is outside the software tolerance in the DI ECU. When that happens, the drive inverter loses the motor position signal it needs. The system sets a speed sensor error and shifts the electric motor to neutral, which results in a complete loss of drive power.
Before the loss of drive power, the instrument panel shows a "Check EV System" warning message and the malfunction indicator lamp turns on. That warning means the electric drive system has detected the motor position problem and the vehicle is at risk of shifting to neutral.
Who's affected?
Spans 3 model years, all tied to the hybrid propulsion system.
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV | Hybrid propulsion system |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 EV | Hybrid propulsion system |
| Units affected | 2,497 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of drive power raises crash risk because the electric motor can shift to neutral while driving. A Check EV System message, malfunction indicator lamp, or speed sensor error code is the warning sign. If that warning appears, pull over where safe and call a Toyota dealer before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV is included in this recall.
- Watch for Toyota's owner notice before scheduling recall work.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask when the free traction-motor software update is available; reference recall number 15V143.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over if the RAV4 EV loses drive power or shifts to neutral.
- Bring the recall notice to the dealer when Toyota opens the repair.
What happens at the repair
Toyota's remedy is a software update for the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly. Once the dealer repair is available, a Toyota technician updates that software so the traction motor assembly receives the recall repair. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid to have this condition repaired before the campaign, Toyota's standard reimbursement plan covers qualifying documented costs. Bring the repair paperwork to the Toyota service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 11, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 11, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| September 10, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V143?
Recall 15V143 covers 2,497 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV vehicles with software in the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly that can shift the propulsion motor to neutral, causing loss of drive power. Toyota dealers update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific RAV4 EV is included in recall 15V143. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly software update. Reference recall number 15V143 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Toyota's recall remedy says dealers will update the Electric Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly software free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost at a franchised Toyota dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Toyota RAV4 EV before the repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction in the provided filing. The defect can shift the electric propulsion motor to neutral, and loss of drive power increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free software update with a Toyota dealer.
What if I bought my Toyota RAV4 EV used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012-2014 RAV4 EV is included, then reference recall 15V143 when you call a franchised Toyota dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V143000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V143 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V143000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →