NHTSA Investigating Engine Fire Issue With Toyota RAV4

March 2, 2021
The NHTSA received 11 fire complaints involving the 2013 through 2018 model years.

March 2, 2021—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating complaints of engine compartment fires in nearly 1.9 million Toyota RAV4 small SUVs, the Detroit Free Press reported. 

The vehicles are not being recalled but an investigation could lead to one. The NHTSA received 11 fire complaints involving the 2013 through 2018 model years. The RAV4 is the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck. 

In documents posted Monday, the agency says fires start on the left side of the engine compartment. A terminal on the 12-volt battery may short to the frame, causing loss of electrical power, engine stalling or a fire.

Most of the fires happened while the vehicles were being driven, but four owners complained that fire broke out with the engine off.