Recall 15V577 covers 423,456 2009-2014 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 EV vehicles for wiper-linkage corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 423,456 RAV4 and RAV4 EV vehicles from 2009-2014 because water can drip onto the joint between the wiper linkage and wiper motor. Corrosion and wear at that joint can separate the linkage, leaving the wipers inoperative and raising crash risk; Toyota dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On the 2009-2014 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 EV, the windshield wiper linkage connects the wiper motor to the wiper arms. The motor supplies the turning force, and the linkage transfers that movement so the blades sweep the glass and clear rain, spray, and road grime.
In the affected vehicles, water does not drain away from the joint between the wiper linkage and the motor crank arm as designed. Stress from manufacturing can deform the water channel, so water drips onto that joint. Over time, the joint corrodes. If corrosion progresses, the wiper link separates from the motor crank arm and the wipers stop moving even while the motor is still turning.
There is no warning sign before failure. The wipers can work normally, then stop when the link separates, which leaves the driver without windshield wiping during rain or other wet conditions.
Who's affected?
RAV4 EV and RAV4 are listed separately under the same wiper-system component across the 2009-2014 scope.
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV | wiper system |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 EV | wiper system |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | wiper system |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | wiper system |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | wiper system |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | wiper system |
| Units affected | 423,456 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Water dripping onto the wiper linkage can corrode and wear the joint until the linkage separates. If that happens, the windshield wipers stop working, which reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV or RAV4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free water-diverter and wiper-linkage repair that protects the wiper linkage joint from water drip and separation.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one, or reference recall number 15V577 when you call.
- Drive cautiously in rain until the repair is complete. Pull over safely if the windshield wipers stop working.
- Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with questions about the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the water diverter channel and installs a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm. The linkage includes a protective cover over the joint to reduce water splash and a retainer ring to keep the wiper arm from separating from the motor. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid to repair this condition before the campaign, Toyota's General Reimbursement Plan provides a path to claim reimbursement. Keep your receipts and prior repair paperwork for the service desk or Toyota customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 17, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 18, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 16, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 7, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V577?
Recall 15V577 covers 423,456 2009-2014 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 EV vehicles with a windshield-wiper defect. Water can drip onto the joint between the wiper linkage and wiper motor. That can corrode and wear the joint until the linkage separates. Toyota dealers perform the recall repair for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2014 Toyota RAV4 or RAV4 EV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V577. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the wiper repair. Reference recall number 15V577 when you call, or contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Toyota to repair the defect at no cost. A franchised Toyota dealer will replace the water diverter channel and install the updated wiper linkage parts for free, including the wiper motor crank arm and protective hardware described in recall 15V577.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of windshield-wiper function. If the wiper linkage separates from the wiper motor, the wipers stop working, which reduces driver visibility and increases crash risk. The free dealer repair is designed to keep water away from the linkage joint and prevent separation.
What if I bought my Toyota RAV4 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your RAV4 or RAV4 EV is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall number 15V577.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V577000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V577 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V577000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →