Recall 23V734 affects 1,853,568 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles for replacement batteries that can move and short circuit. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 1,853,568 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles under recall 23V734 because certain replacement 12-volt batteries can move in the battery tray and contact the hold-down bracket. A resulting short circuit increases the risk of a fire, and Toyota dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 12-volt battery in a 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 powers starting and basic electrical functions. A battery tray is the molded base that keeps the battery seated in the engine compartment. The hold-down bracket clamps over the battery so it stays in place while the SUV moves, turns, and stops.
On affected RAV4 SUVs, the tray and hold-down setup does not secure certain replacement 12-volt batteries correctly. If the replacement battery is the wrong size for that tray, it can shift inside the tray. As it moves, the battery can contact the hold-down bracket and create a short circuit in the electrical system.
Toyota does not list a warning sign before the short circuit. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Covers six Toyota RAV4 model years from 2013-2018, all tied to the same battery tray and battery component.
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | battery |
|---|---|
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | battery |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | battery |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | battery |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | battery |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | battery |
| Units affected | 1,853,568 |
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?
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and avoid delaying because the problem involves the battery area, not a comfort feature. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free battery clamp, tray, and positive terminal cover replacement that keeps the 12-volt battery secured.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V734 when you call.
- Avoid replacing the 12-volt battery or disturbing the hold-down bracket before the dealer repair; a loose battery can short and increase fire risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved parts. The recall covers the parts and labor, so the dealer repair is free. If you've already paid out of pocket to fix this battery fit or short-circuit condition before the recall work, Toyota's General Reimbursement Plan gives you a path to claim documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the Toyota service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 1, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| November 1, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 17, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 23, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 27, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V734?
Recall 23V734 covers 1,853,568 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles with certain replacement 12-volt batteries that can move in the tray and contact the hold-down bracket. That contact can cause a short circuit, increasing fire risk under NHTSA campaign 23V734.
What should I do if my 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific RAV4 is included in recall 23V734. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover replacement. Reference recall 23V734 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Toyota dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover free of charge for included 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from a battery short circuit. In NHTSA campaign 23V734, Toyota says certain replacement 12-volt batteries do not fit properly in the tray, letting the battery move and contact the hold-down bracket.
What if I bought my Toyota RAV4 used?
The recall still follows the VIN. A used 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 is eligible for the free repair if its VIN is included, regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN, then call a Toyota dealer with recall number 23V734.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V734000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V734 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V734000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →