Just a heads up to everyone. I have a 2020 Rav4 Hybrid LE. The high voltage wires were replaced under warranty after 40,000kms and while they didn't say anything at the time it was due to the wires rusting out. It just happened again, two years later and I'm a FEW kms over the warranty and Toyota won't step up and fix the issue. $7,000 bill. There is clearly a design flaw with the wires under the car that get exposed to salt. The parts have been upgraded 5 times over 3 years so no idea if the problem will be solved but I wish I had known this as I would have bought the plain gas Rav. Just know, if you drive on roads that get salted you WILL have this issue and pray you are within warranty!!!!!!!
Rav 2020
Rav 2020 made your day!
Keep after Toyota. Warranty is supposedly extended to 8 years 160000 km for this cable. They obviously replaced it with like for like and failed after two years, same as first one.
No, but you didn't hear it from me.
Probably eastern Canada where mild winters and liberal use of road salt creates ideal conditions for eating exposed metal.
Me neither.
This problem affects a very small number of vehicles post # 128 where high road salt usage combined with high humidity tends to eat vehicles. The vast number of vehicles post #140 are not affected and will NOT EVER have any issues with this connector. For those worried about it and cannot get underneath to inspect and coat connector then the next oil change have someone inspect and spray if necessary. No more difficult than spraying door or hood hinges. I have a 2020 rav4 H and currently looking to add a 2024. I do live in the rust belt!!
Do they salt the roads, experience lots of freeze thaw cycles (high humidity), snow , salt laden slush flicking up (extra high humidity) around every nook and cranny for months at a time, in Florida. I've been to Orlando in the winter, didn't see a single salt truck, probably because it wasn't snowing either!âť„
An expert on Rust Belt vehicle corrosion from Florida! Gimme me a break!
If it is an older version orange clam shell, it needs to be separated to be properly cleaned up and sprayed. A small flat screwdriver can be used to release the tabs for disassembly. A tooth brush and a spray bottle of warm water can be used to clean up any area and wash out any salt build up. Dry area and spray entire connector, braid and wire from top of connection to where wire disappears into loom with an rust prevention spray suitable for electrical connections. Two small holes can be drilled in bottom of clamshell before reassembling. These holes will drain any water buildup and you can also flood clamshell with rust preventable spray after reassembly. Performed this procedure to my 2020 three years ago and inspected annually, no further applications required.
Just got same one.
Ours is a 2020 model with the old style enclosed clamshell. Not familiar with the products used here but most anti corrosion sprays are quite thick and cover very well. You will get some initial dripping but stops shortly after application. I used Rust Check on mine three winters ago due to past experience with it. No issues.
Our 2020 Canadian model has large black plastic cover under rear motor/ differential and drive shafts. It does nothing to protect HV cable connector from salt spray as there is a direct line of sight from left tire contact patch and connector so any puddle water will splash connector at relatively high velocity . Not to mention the salt spray kicked up by all wheels that permeates into every nook and cranny of vehicles operated in winter conditions. Cover seems to be there to improve aerodynamics rather than protect from water spray.
Dealer will not do this. According to Toyota, undercoating of any kind is not recommended for these vehicles. Clamshell was modified in 2021 or 22 to prevent corrosion on connector so 2024 should not be affected. This corrosion problem affected vehicles operated in areas where heavy applications of road deicing salt are used such as north eastern US and eastern Canada commonly known as the Rust Belt.
Several other members including myself drilled drain holes and applied anticorrosion spray to HV connector back in 21 I think. Only applies to early models with closed clamshells.
This is an example of the closed clamshell version of the HV motor connector after one winter in the rust belt. Notice the white colored grease like substance in upper part of pic. This is actually a slime like mixture of salt, water and who knows what eating at the metal parts. Doubt if it would last second winter without remediation. The general consensus (among others) at the time was to clean up wiring and connector, drill holes in bottom of connector. and flood interior of clamshell including top part to prevent water ingress and reassemble. Keeping in mind there were several reported failures that were not warranty and cost the owners several thousand dollars out of pocket. Fast forward to 2024 with the improved connector and the extended warranty from Toyota this should not be an issue in the future.
Our 2020 just finished fifth winter in eastern Canada rust belt. Dissembled after winter one and there was obvious signs of water ingress and corrosion at that time and failure was inevitable if left as is. Cleaned up, sprayed connector and reassembled. Just changed over winter tires and took the opportunity to inspect connector internals and found anti corrosion still doing it's job after four years with no sigh of corrosion, sealant washing off or any other degradation. Resprayed and reassembled connector. See no need to dissemble again due to condition of connector after four winters.
Only servicing other than routine maintenance for this vehicle has been recently with rear brakes wearing unevenly due to seized caliper pins. Serviced brakes and new pads all around. Usually have to replace rear rotors and pads after two winters around here. Pleasantly surprised!
Only servicing other than routine maintenance for this vehicle has been recently with rear brakes wearing unevenly due to seized caliper pins. Serviced brakes and new pads all around. Usually have to replace rear rotors and pads after two winters around here. Pleasantly surprised!
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