23TB13/23TA13 – Unsecured Battery May Cause Short Circuit – 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4

November 1, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V734000

Unsecured Battery May Cause Short Circuit

A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734

Manufacturer ToyotaeBay logo Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,853,568

 

Summary

ToyotaeBay logo Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (ToyotaeBay logo) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.

 

Remedy

Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 17, 2023. Owners may contact ToyotaeBay logo’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. ToyotaeBay logo’s numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check if your Vehicle has a Recall

 


SAFETY RECALL 23TA13 (Interim Notice 23TB13)
Certain 2013 – 2018 Model Year RAV4
Potential Vehicle Fire

Model / YearsProduction PeriodApproximate Total VehiclesApproximate Stop Sale Dealer Inventory
2013-2018 RAV4Late November 2012 –Mid-November 20181,854,0000

 

On November 1, 2023, ToyotaeBay logo filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informing the agency of our intent to conduct a voluntary Safety Recall on 2013- 2018 model year RAV4 vehicles.

 

Condition

Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns. The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

 

Remedy

ToyotaeBay logo is currently preparing the remedy. When the remedy is available, ToyotaeBay logo dealers will replace the battery hold down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones FREE OF CHARGE. At this time, ToyotaeBay logo estimates the remedy will be available in the middle of 2024 but this is subject to change. Until the remedy is available, owners who have not had the free inspection performed under Consumer Advisory 21TG01 should be encouraged to do so.

 

Covered Vehicles

There are approximately 1,854,000 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Approximately 19,900 vehicles involved in this Safety Recall were distributed to Puerto Rico.

 

Owner Letter Mailing Date

ToyotaeBay logo will notify customers by late December 2023

 


Certain 2013 – 2018 Model Year RAV4
Potential Vehicle Fire

Frequently Asked Questions
Original Publication Date: November 1, 2023

Q1: What is the condition?

A1: Some replacement 12-volt batteries of the size specified for the subject vehicles have smaller top dimensions than others. If a small-top battery is used for replacement and the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, the battery could move when the vehicle is driven with forceful turns. The movement could cause the positive battery terminal to contact the hold-down clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

 

Q2: What is ToyotaeBay logo going to do?

A2: ToyotaeBay logo is currently preparing the remedy. When the remedy is available, ToyotaeBay logo dealers will replace the battery hold down clamp, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones FREE OF CHARGE.

 

Q3: When will the remedy become available?

A3: ToyotaeBay logo is currently preparing the parts and repair instructions for the remedy. At this time, ToyotaeBay logo estimates that the remedy can be available the middle of 2024 but this timing is subject to change. Until the remedy is available, if you have not had the free inspection performed under Consumer Advisory 21TG01, please contact your authorized ToyotaeBay logo dealer. See Q5, below.

 

Q4: Which and how many vehicles are covered by this Safety Recall?

A4: There are approximately 1,854,000 vehicles covered by this Safety Recall. Approximately 19,900 vehicles involved in this Safety Recall were distributed to Puerto Rico.

Model NameModel YearProduction Period
RAV42013-2018Late November 2012 –Mid-November 2018

 

Q5: ToyotaeBay logo previously announced Consumer Advisory 21TG01 for the same subject vehicles. What is 21TG01 and how does it relate to this recall?

A5: ToyotaeBay logo announced Consumer Advisory 21TG01 on November 18, 2021. Prior to issuing the Advisory, ToyotaeBay logo discovered that aftermarket battery suppliers were recommending batteries of a size contrary to ToyotaeBay logo-published information for the subject vehicles (the specified battery is SAE Group size 35). It was also found that replacement batteries were not being secured to the torque specifications provided by ToyotaeBay logo and, in some cases, parts of the battery hold down hardware were not being used or were missing. This prompted the Advisory to owners about proper replacement battery selection and installation. ToyotaeBay logo announced the Advisory to provide a free inspection of the battery at authorized ToyotaeBay logo dealers. Owners with additional questions regarding the Consumer Advisory should contact their ToyotaeBay logo dealer or the ToyotaeBay logo Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time.

 

Q5a: Why is ToyotaeBay logo now deciding to initiate a recall for the same subject vehicles?

A5a: After issuing the Consumer Advisory, ToyotaeBay logo learned that some Group size 35 replacement batteries have smaller top dimensions than others. Additional evaluations of these batteries led to the decision to conduct a recall of the subject vehicles.

 

Q5b: I have not had the free inspection from Consumer Advisory 21TG01 performed yet. Should I have this inspection performed or wait until the recall remedy is available?

A5b: ToyotaeBay logo is encouraging owners who have not had the free inspection under Consumer Advisory 21TG01 completed to visit an authorized ToyotaeBay logo dealer for the free inspection.

 

Q5c: I already had Consumer Advisory 21TG01 completed on my vehicle. Is there anything I can do now?

A5c: Owners who have further concerns about their vehicle after Consumer Advisory 21TG01 has been completed may visit a ToyotaeBay logo dealer for vehicle diagnosis.

 

Q6: What if I previously paid for repairs related to this Safety Recall?

A6: Reimbursement consideration instructions will be provided in the owner letter.

 

Q7: How does ToyotaeBay logo obtain my mailing information?

A7: ToyotaeBay logo uses an industry provider who works with each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to receive registration or title information, based upon the DMV records. Please make sure your registration or title information is correct.

 

Q8: What if I have additional questions or concerns?

A8: If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the ToyotaeBay logo Brand Engagement Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time.

 


Percentage of Vehicles Estimated to Actually Contain the Defect:

Unknown. ToyotaeBay logo is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles to actually contain the defect. Whether movement of the battery occurs that will lead to contact between the positive terminal and the hold down bracket depends, in each case, on the variation in force produced on the battery while driving, the installation torque of the battery hold down assembly, the location of installation within the battery tray of the battery, and the top case dimensions of the replacement battery. However, as the NHTSA manufacturer portal requires an integer value be entered, ToyotaeBay logo has entered the value “1” in response to this question in the portal. For the purpose of this report, “1” means “unknown”.

 

Description of Problem:

SAE Group 35 is the specified 12-volt battery size for the subject vehicles. The battery is installed, in accordance with a process containing torque specifications for certain components, on a tray in the engine compartment, and is held in place by a hold down assembly. During driving that produces high levels of lateral G-force and where the battery has not been secured with the correct torque specified in the installation process, the battery hold down assembly may not sufficiently hold in place certain aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries. These aftermarket batteries have a smaller top case dimension compared to the overall dimension of the battery. An oversized tray, together with reduced clamping force (resulting from using incorrect torque), can allow battery movement that is greater than the distance between the battery positive terminal and the bracket of the hold down assembly. This movement is possible for these batteries even if all parts of the battery hold down assembly are present. In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat. If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire.

 

Chronology of Principal Events:

February 2021 – July 2021
PE 21-005 was opened by NHTSA on February 25, 2021 to investigate allegations of non-crash thermal events originating in the engine compartment. ToyotaeBay logo investigated these allegations and found that aftermarket suppliers were recommending batteries of a size contrary to ToyotaeBay logo-published information for the subject vehicles. ToyotaeBay logo also conducted a review of field data, confirmed the design concept and manufacturing processes, and performed a comprehensive evaluation and performance analysis of the battery and hold down bracket hardware in the subject vehicles. Through these evaluations it was also found that replacement batteries were not being secured to meet the torque specifications provided by ToyotaeBay logo. In some cases, parts of the battery hold down hardware were not being used or were missing. No defect was found in the vehicles. ToyotaeBay logo issued Consumer Advisory 21TG01 on July 15, 2021 to address the issues of incorrect battery size and incorrect installation.

August 2023 – September 2023
ToyotaeBay logo discussed the status of the investigation and met with NHTSA to discuss static evaluations that NHTSA conducted in relation to various aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries, the size specified by ToyotaeBay logo for the subject vehicles. Some of these batteries had smaller top case dimensions than other Group 35 batteries ToyotaeBay logo had previously evaluated. In light of this additional information, ToyotaeBay logo began further evaluations.

October 2023
ToyotaeBay logo conducted dynamic testing with varying G-forces using Group 35 batteries with smaller top case dimensions that had not been previously evaluated. The dynamic testing accounted for installation of the battery hold down hardware with a torque specification less than the ToyotaeBay logo recommended value. The same dynamic evaluation was also conducted using the proper battery installation process. ToyotaeBay logo confirmed that movement of the battery was only possible during aggressive driving if the battery hold down hardware had not been installed to the specified torque.

However, during driving that produces high levels of lateral G-force and where the battery has not been secured with the correct torque specified in the installation process, the battery hold down assembly may not sufficiently hold in place certain aftermarket SAE Group 35 batteries that have a smaller top case dimension compared to the overall dimension of the battery because an oversized tray assembly and the reduced clamping force (resulting from using incorrect torque) can allow battery movement that is greater than the distance between the battery positive terminal and the bracket of the hold down assembly. This movement is possible for these batteries even if all parts of the battery hold down assembly are present. In this condition, a short circuit could occur, generating heat. If sufficient heat is generated, components within and around the battery can sustain thermal damage, increasing the risk of a fire.

Based on the results of this investigation, ToyotaeBay logo decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign for the vehicles identified above on October 26, 2023.

As of October 11, 2023, based on a diligent review of records, ToyotaeBay logo’s best engineering judgment is that there are twenty-two ToyotaeBay logo Field Technical Reports and zero warranty claims that have been received from U.S. sources that relate or may relate to this condition and which were considered in the decision to submit this report.

 

Description of Corrective Repair Action:

All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified to return their vehicles to a ToyotaeBay logo dealer. For all involved vehicles, ToyotaeBay logo dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover with improved ones at no cost to owners.

 


6 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKEMODELYEAR
TOYOTAeBay logoRAV42013-2018

 


4 Associated Documents

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-23V734-5615.PDF 215.235KB

 


ToyotaeBay logo – Defect Information Report (Chronology) – November 2023

RMISC-23V734-6685.pdf 32.196KB

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-23V734-4526.pdf 756.404KB

 


ToyotaeBay logo – 23TB13 Dealer Packet – November 2023

RCMN-23V734-9460.pdf 276.628KB

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=23V734&docType=RCL

 


1 Associated Investigation

Fire Originating from 12V Battery Area
NHTSA ID: PE21005
Dated opened: February 25, 2021

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eleven complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data alleging a non-crash thermal event originating in the left side of the engine compartment of the fourth generation (XA40 platform, Model Year 2013-2018) ToyotaeBay logo RAV4 vehicles.

A majority of thermal events occurred during driving conditions, with four taking place with the ignition off. Drivers experienced stalling prior to the thermal event in half of the instances where the vehicle was in motion. The twelve-volt battery was identified as the area of origin in a majority of the incidents reviewed.

Improper battery installation or prior front end collision repair was a factor in the EWR Field Reports. Despite these external influences on the battery retaining method, the overall number of vehicle fire allegations with the battery as the area of origin is larger than its peer population.

This Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to better understand the contributing factors and frequency of vehicle fires originating from the battery region of the subject vehicles relative to peer vehicles.

The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11394683, 11378273, 11362502, 11348663, 11327143, 11317639, 11316999, 11315799, 11311546, 11271217, 11034782.

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
ACDelco Gold 48AGM (88864541) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 48 Battery
  • High density negative paste, improves performance and increases battery life
  • Enhanced life alloy or Silver Calcium stamped alloy increases cycle life and improves performance
  • Calcium lead positive grid, maximizes conductivity and allows for low resistance
  • Robust envelope separator with puncture resistant back, allows for increased acid circulation and prevents shorts. Improved acid circulation, helps the battery to remain cool, and extend battery life
  • Vent cap design that resists acid leakage
SaleBestseller No. 2
Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 49-12v 95ah H8 Size 49 Automotive Battery, 160RC, 900CCA, 36 Months Warranty, Dimensions 13.9" L x 6.89" W x 7.48" H
  • ✅Batter dimensions: 13.9" L x 6.89" W x 7.48" H, Terminal: Tapered terminal (Left negative (-), Right positive (+)). ✅Please ensure to verify the dimensions and terminal position before making a purchase to guarantee compatibility with your vehicle to avoid any fitment issues.
  • 160RC rating: Provides reliable performance and long service life, Up to 2 times the cycle life of conventional batteries. Nominal Voltage: 12V, Capacity: 95 Ah, CCA: 900A, Self Discharge: <8% after 90 days storage, Operating Temperature Range: -22°F~158°F, Acceptable Charging Current: 0~ 28A, Charging Voltage: 14.4~15.0 V,
  • 95AH capacity: Delivers consistent power over time, Cycles more, and recharges faster than conventional batteries.
  • 900CCA: Ensures quick and reliable starting power.Delivers superior starting power in cold weather, and resists internal corrosion from heat.
  • Advanced technology: Specially designed for vehicles with start-stop technology and accessories that demand greater power, Whether you drive a car, truck, or SUV, this 160RC 95AH 900CCA automotive start-stop battery is the perfect choice for reliability.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Autocessking H5 Group Size 47 Start and Stop AGM Automotive Battery, 12V 60Ah, 680 CCA, 100 RC Rechargeable Car Battery
  • Perfect Fit & Compatibility – BCI Group Size 47 (H5), 12V 60Ah, 680CCA, 100RC. Dimensions: 9.57 x 6.89 x 7.48 inches, weight: 38.76 lbs. Terminals: Left (-), Right (+). Please compare size, terminal position, and CCA with your original battery to ensure proper fit for your vehicle.
  • Strong Starting Power in All Weather – Delivers 680 Cold Cranking Amps for reliable engine starts, even in freezing winter temperatures. Performs continuously from -18°C to 60°C and withstands short-term extremes from -40°C to 75°C.
  • Enhanced AGM Technology – Start & Stop AGM battery with high-density negative paste for improved conductivity, longer life, and 4X more cycle life than standard conventional batteries. Maintenance-free—no need to add liquid or water.
  • Durable & Safe Design – 18X more vibration resistant for longer service life. Leak-proof vent cap prevents acid leakage. No free acid inside ensures maximum safety and stable performance.
  • NOTE: Our car batteries are starting batteries and should not be used in any deep cycle applications, such as solar projects.
Bestseller No. 4
ACDelco Gold 94RAGM (88864542) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 94R Battery
  • High density negative paste, improves performance and increases battery life
  • Enhanced life alloy or Silver Calcium stamped alloy increases cycle life and improves performance, High density plate oxide provides for maximum power-per-pound and dependable high cycling service
  • Calcium Lead positive grid, maximizes conductivity and allows for low resistance
  • Robust Envelope Separator with puncture-resistant back, allows for increased acid circulation and prevents shorts. Improved acid circulation, helps the battery to remain cool, and extend battery life
  • Vent cap design that resists acid leakage
Bestseller No. 5
Mighty Max Battery MM-H5 Start and Stop Car BCI Group Size 47 12V 60 AH, 100RC, 680 CCA Rechargeable AGM Car Battery
  • Fast Starting Power: This 12V 60Ah 680 CCA delivers strong, steady starts is ready for any weather in any season.
  • Made to Last: With its 100-minute Reserve Capacity supports longer run times and a longer overall battery lifespan.
  • All Power, No Mess AGM Design: Sealed and spill-proof, the MM-H5 is built with high discharge output and deep discharge recovery to keep power steady when it counts.
  • Strength That Starts on the Inside: The rugged construction resists shock, vibration, and harsh conditions, delivering reliable performance across a wide range of temperatures and tough environments.
  • Tested Tough & Certified Safe: Mighty Max batteries are built in an ISO-certified facility and meet CE standards for quality, safety, and reliability

Last update on 2026-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

 


This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Leave a Comment

Share to...