What kills a hybrid battery
*Before buying 2021 Hybrid* - ask for battery drain issue update
#1Hey all - this seems to be a pretty prolific issue across 2020 and 2021 hybrids so wont go into all the details but basically theres a firmware malfunction that causes the 12V battery to drain while the car is off, causing the battery to die repeatedly even after jump start and replacement. Before buying my 2021 Hybrid in Nov 2020, I asked the dealer if the battery issue had been resolved for the 2021 model bc its all over the internet. They assured me it has been fixed and I took their word.WELL it wasnt. My 2021 car died less than two months after driving it off the lot saying Smart Key Malfunction when trying to start. And no I didnt leave it sitting for two weeks without turning it on - it was sitting for just shy of 48 hours. No acknowledgement of the consistent problem from Toyota brand engagement or dealership. Just a lot of acting dumb.Thanks to the internet I was able to find the specific TSB 0095-20 update that fixes this problem and asked my dealer to apply the update. This update was issued on September 2020 however, my 2021 model purchased in November 2020 was never updated. So please dont assume your new car has the update! If I could go back in time (before I spent hours waiting for roadside assistance and on the phone with Toyota and stalking the internet), I would have asked about the update before even taking it off the lot. The 2021 Rav4 is an awesome car - we do love it BUT this should have been an easy fix by Toyota and they made it really difficult. Buyer beware!!
See less See more #2Agreed. I bought the car, read about this issue, and brought it back the following week and asked them to apply the fix. My dealer did so w/ no qualms or arm twisting. It was actually quite refreshing !
#3I am in the process of getting a 21 from out of state since I cant find a white with JBL and panoramic close by. I am about to sign the paperwork likely tonight, and I called the dealer about this post. He said he asked the service department, and they told him since there is no bulletin from Toyota, they will have to charge me $250 if I want this done! Thats ridiculous if you ask me!How long did it take them to apply the fix to charge $250. Pissed that the dealer I am about to buy from wont just throw that in as a courtesy. Sheesh
#4Where are you looking?There are enough reports of issues that I'd take my money elsewhere if I ran into a dealer with an attitude like that.
#7Does the head unit tell you on the screen what firmware you have? I tried looking when i dropped off the car but wasn't sure if I was seeing the correct numbers or not. Picking up my RAV tonight and this was to be updated. Thanks
#8how will you know if the firmware is updated or not? is it something i can check before purchasing the car?
#9The dealer can check that all T-SBs have been applied. Supposed to do it.
#10I have a small lithium battery jump starter in both my cars. They are fantastic to have. They also charge my phone. One of my friends broke down at night with a bad alternator. He was using a cell phone for a flashlight and then his phone went dead. Then he couldn't charge his phone from the truck.
#13Hey all - this seems to be a pretty prolific issue across 2020 and 2021 hybrids so wont go into all the details but basically theres a firmware malfunction that causes the 12V battery to drain while the car is off, causing the battery to die repeatedly even after jump start and replacement.Before buying my 2021 Hybrid in Nov 2020, I asked the dealer if the battery issue had been resolved for the 2021 model bc its all over the internet. They assured me it has been fixed and I took their word.WELL it wasnt. My 2021 car died less than two months after driving it off the lot saying Smart Key Malfunction when trying to start. And no I didnt leave it sitting for two weeks without turning it on - it was sitting for just shy of 48 hours. No acknowledgement of the consistent problem from Toyota brand engagement or dealership. Just a lot of acting dumb.Thanks to the internet I was able to find the specific TSB 0095-20 update that fixes this problem and asked my dealer to apply the update. This update was issued on September 2020 however, my 2021 model purchased in November 2020 was never updated. So please dont assume your new car has the update! If I could go back in time (before I spent hours waiting for roadside assistance and on the phone with Toyota and stalking the internet), I would have asked about the update before even taking it off the lot.The 2021 Rav4 is an awesome car - we do love it BUT this should have been an easy fix by Toyota and they made it really difficult. Buyer beware!!
My 2021 RAV4 XLE Hybrid battery died for the second time yesterday and I called in to get it looked at. The dealer service guy said that there MAY be an update that my vehicle did not get (purchased it in October 2020) and scheduled an appointment for today. Sure enough, it was the TSB 0095-20 update that was needed. Thank you for sharing this. I feel better that it was not just me. Love my RAV4!
#14Mine was built on 12/23/20 I wonder if it would have the update done at the factory?When was your built, it is on the black sticker inside the drivers door pillar.
#18Hey all - this seems to be a pretty prolific issue across 2020 and 2021 hybrids so wont go into all the details but basically theres a firmware malfunction that causes the 12V battery to drain while the car is off, causing the battery to die repeatedly even after jump start and replacement.Before buying my 2021 Hybrid in Nov 2020, I asked the dealer if the battery issue had been resolved for the 2021 model bc its all over the internet. They assured me it has been fixed and I took their word.WELL it wasnt. My 2021 car died less than two months after driving it off the lot saying Smart Key Malfunction when trying to start. And no I didnt leave it sitting for two weeks without turning it on - it was sitting for just shy of 48 hours. No acknowledgement of the consistent problem from Toyota brand engagement or dealership. Just a lot of acting dumb.Thanks to the internet I was able to find the specific TSB 0095-20 update that fixes this problem and asked my dealer to apply the update. This update was issued on September 2020 however, my 2021 model purchased in November 2020 was never updated. So please dont assume your new car has the update! If I could go back in time (before I spent hours waiting for roadside assistance and on the phone with Toyota and stalking the internet), I would have asked about the update before even taking it off the lot.The 2021 Rav4 is an awesome car - we do love it BUT this should have been an easy fix by Toyota and they made it really difficult. Buyer beware!!
I have a 21 Limited built in Kentucky. Can you please share where yours came from?
Also you may want to watch the video from the Car Care Nut that I posted several days ago, It goes into great detail of WHY this is an issue.
#19This update was issued on September 2020 however, my 2021 model purchased in November 2020 was never updated. Purchased in November and might have been built in Sept? What's your build date?
#21Hey all - this seems to be a pretty prolific issue across 2020 and 2021 hybrids so wont go into all the details but basically theres a firmware malfunction that causes the 12V battery to drain while the car is off, causing the battery to die repeatedly even after jump start and replacement.Before buying my 2021 Hybrid in Nov 2020, I asked the dealer if the battery issue had been resolved for the 2021 model bc its all over the internet. They assured me it has been fixed and I took their word.WELL it wasnt. My 2021 car died less than two months after driving it off the lot saying Smart Key Malfunction when trying to start. And no I didnt leave it sitting for two weeks without turning it on - it was sitting for just shy of 48 hours. No acknowledgement of the consistent problem from Toyota brand engagement or dealership. Just a lot of acting dumb.Thanks to the internet I was able to find the specific TSB 0095-20 update that fixes this problem and asked my dealer to apply the update. This update was issued on September 2020 however, my 2021 model purchased in November 2020 was never updated. So please dont assume your new car has the update! If I could go back in time (before I spent hours waiting for roadside assistance and on the phone with Toyota and stalking the internet), I would have asked about the update before even taking it off the lot.The 2021 Rav4 is an awesome car - we do love it BUT this should have been an easy fix by Toyota and they made it really difficult. Buyer beware!!
OK, folks, I literally have been an owner of a 2020 Rav4Limited Hybrid (it was a demo with 7600 miles) for like 3 days. Parked it in the garage on Tuesday night and this Thursday AM it is deader than a doornail and had to drive my 2015 RAV4 gas to work. Got the 'SmartKey Malfunction' error, and it had all the signs of a dead battery-dim interior lights and literally nothing worked but things ding ding dinged at me. Awaiting Toyota Roadside to come retrieve and bring to my regular Toyota dealer. I bought it at another dealership 40 miles away because these cars are literally not available right now. I'm going to make sure that they check for TSB 0095-20. I can't have this happening. In ALL the 14 years I've owned a Toyota RAV4 I never had one not start up. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement on a car that cost me a small fortune! Thanks for the forum, it's very helpful to me as a hybrid newbie.
#22Hey all - this seems to be a pretty prolific issue across 2020 and 2021 hybrids so wont go into all the details but basically theres a firmware malfunction that causes the 12V battery to drain while the car is off, causing the battery to die repeatedly even after jump start and replacement.Before buying my 2021 Hybrid in Nov 2020, I asked the dealer if the battery issue had been resolved for the 2021 model bc its all over the internet. They assured me it has been fixed and I took their word.WELL it wasnt. My 2021 car died less than two months after driving it off the lot saying Smart Key Malfunction when trying to start. And no I didnt leave it sitting for two weeks without turning it on - it was sitting for just shy of 48 hours. No acknowledgement of the consistent problem from Toyota brand engagement or dealership. Just a lot of acting dumb.Thanks to the internet I was able to find the specific TSB 0095-20 update that fixes this problem and asked my dealer to apply the update. This update was issued on September 2020 however, my 2021 model purchased in November 2020 was never updated. So please dont assume your new car has the update! If I could go back in time (before I spent hours waiting for roadside assistance and on the phone with Toyota and stalking the internet), I would have asked about the update before even taking it off the lot.The 2021 Rav4 is an awesome car - we do love it BUT this should have been an easy fix by Toyota and they made it really difficult. Buyer beware!!
Thank you so much for bringing this issue in light.
#23 (Edited)I just want to let you know that a lawsuit is about to be brought against Toyota for the battery drain issue. I am affected by it (Toyota performed both DCM software updates and even replaced my battery under warranty but the car is still dead after 3-5 days of not touching it). I have been contacted this morning for details by a lawyer with the law firm in charge of the lawsuit. I am listing below the link to the lawsuit, I know I am not the only one affected by it. My suggestion to the Rav4 owners that think the DCM software updates (T-SB-0021-20 and T-SB-0095-20) solved the battery drain issues: leave you car parked for 4-5 days to confirm that the battery drain issues are gone. You might not be aware of the fact that you still have the issue because you drive the car every day:
UPDATE: COMPLAINT FILED for 2020 Toyota RAV4. View complaint here. Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is currently investigating Toyota for battery drain issues in the 2020 Toyota RAV4. Owners report the vehicles battery rapidly drains while the vehicle is off, in as little as 14 hours. Some RAV4 owners...
classlawdc.com
#25Hey all - this seems to be a pretty prolific issue across 2020 and 2021 hybrids so wont go into all the details but basically theres a firmware malfunction that causes the 12V battery to drain while the car is off, causing the battery to die repeatedly even after jump start and replacement.Before buying my 2021 Hybrid in Nov 2020, I asked the dealer if the battery issue had been resolved for the 2021 model bc its all over the internet. They assured me it has been fixed and I took their word.WELL it wasnt. My 2021 car died less than two months after driving it off the lot saying Smart Key Malfunction when trying to start. And no I didnt leave it sitting for two weeks without turning it on - it was sitting for just shy of 48 hours. No acknowledgement of the consistent problem from Toyota brand engagement or dealership. Just a lot of acting dumb.Thanks to the internet I was able to find the specific TSB 0095-20 update that fixes this problem and asked my dealer to apply the update. This update was issued on September 2020 however, my 2021 model purchased in November 2020 was never updated. So please dont assume your new car has the update! If I could go back in time (before I spent hours waiting for roadside assistance and on the phone with Toyota and stalking the internet), I would have asked about the update before even taking it off the lot.The 2021 Rav4 is an awesome car - we do love it BUT this should have been an easy fix by Toyota and they made it really difficult. Buyer beware!!
Hey all - this seems to be a pretty prolific issue across 2020 and 2021 hybrids so wont go into all the details but basically theres a firmware malfunction that causes the 12V battery to drain while the car is off, causing the battery to die repeatedly even after jump start and replacement.Before buying my 2021 Hybrid in Nov 2020, I asked the dealer if the battery issue had been resolved for the 2021 model bc its all over the internet. They assured me it has been fixed and I took their word.WELL it wasnt. My 2021 car died less than two months after driving it off the lot saying Smart Key Malfunction when trying to start. And no I didnt leave it sitting for two weeks without turning it on - it was sitting for just shy of 48 hours. No acknowledgement of the consistent problem from Toyota brand engagement or dealership. Just a lot of acting dumb.Thanks to the internet I was able to find the specific TSB 0095-20 update that fixes this problem and asked my dealer to apply the update. This update was issued on September 2020 however, my 2021 model purchased in November 2020 was never updated. So please dont assume your new car has the update! If I could go back in time (before I spent hours waiting for roadside assistance and on the phone with Toyota and stalking the internet), I would have asked about the update before even taking it off the lot.The 2021 Rav4 is an awesome car - we do love it BUT this should have been an easy fix by Toyota and they made it really difficult. Buyer beware!!
Thank you for the info on the update needed. My 2020 just incurred battery failure this weekend for the first time at 22,000+ miles. Had it towed to the dealership and hope theyll listen when I suggest the update if they dont suggest it themselves.
#26Hi, Thanks for all the info guys!My battery died during a 4 day cold snap and had to be towed to the dealer. Dealer said the 12v battery had a short and was replaced under warranty and they had to order a new computer. Then dealer later called back and said computer was not covered and wants #1,300.00! Since then the dealer has been very difficult and is no longer responding to text, VMs, and Auto-line. Seems like they are holding my car hostageI did mention the battery drain lawsuit and now I think they are stalling. Do dealers treat people this way? I even said Id pay and worry about the warrenty issues later. Now its all about getting my car fixed. Thoughts?Angle of (^)
#27Hi, Thanks for all the info guys!My battery died during a 4 day cold snap and had to be towed to the dealer. Dealer said the 12v battery had a short and was replaced under warranty and they had to order a new computer. Then dealer later called back and said computer was not covered and wants #1,300.00! Since then the dealer has been very difficult and is no longer responding to text, VMs, and Auto-line. Seems like they are holding my car hostageI did mention the battery drain lawsuit and now I think they are stalling. Do dealers treat people this way? I even said Id pay and worry about the warrenty issues later. Now its all about getting my car fixed. Thoughts?Angle of (^)
Yes, dealers treat people like this all the time.
I don't understand why a dead battery would result in you needing a new computer module. Sounds like the dealer is trying to get $1,300 from you for no reason. Demand your car back, walk away from the dealership forever, and buy a 12V battery compatible with a RAV4 Hybrid.
#28Anyone know if this issue was resolved with the 2022 or 2023 Rav4 Hybrids? It happened to me again today for the first time in 2 months. They just replaced the 12v in October and said the TSBs weren't indicated. I just drove it less than 48 hours ago and it's been in the garage. Totally dead tonight. Wouldn't respond with the heavy duty battery charger, so don't know how they'll get it out of the garage and on to a flatbed. I am done. Would like another R4 hybrid, but not if they haven't fixed that problem yet.
#29They weren't using the same firmware that was involved in the DCM battery draining issue by at least September 2021 when the TSB was issued.If "that" is 'that problem".
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