2005 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 141 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 24th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 22 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleOct 17, 2019
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Campaign 19V741000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. Owners were mailed an interim notice June 17, 2015. The recall began on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 15V284000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 3, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 06V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
141 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2013, fire
FIRST TIRE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. CHECKED PRESSURE IN ALL TIRES. TIRES WERE AT CORRECT AMOUNT. WENT TO RESET LIGHT WHICH DID NOT WORK. SUV WAS ON AN INCLINE (DRIVEWAY). LET CAR SIT FOR AN HOUR ON FLAT SURFACE. STARTED RAV4.THE TIRE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON PLUS ABS AND VSC TRAC LIGHTS. CONSULTED OWNERS MANUAL WHICH STATED TO TAKE TO TOYOTA. NO OTHER BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. WAS 1/2 MILE FROM DEALER WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO PASSENGER CABIN. SMOKE/FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND UNDER RAV4. SMOKE WAS A BLUISH GREY. PULLED OFF THE MAJOR ROAD INTO AN ABANDONED BUSINESS DRIVEWAY. TURNED RAV OFF AND RAN. PASSERBY CALLED 911. FIRE TRUCKS/POLICE ARRIVED. RAV WAS A TOTAL LOSS. CALLED TOYOTA USA TO REPORT FIRE. THEY ARE SAYING THAT IT WAS NOT MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL. BUT THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY SORT OF DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION WITH ANY OF THE ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS FOUND. RAV WENT TO DEALER FOR ALL REQUIRED SERVICE AND NEVER HAD AND MAJOR PROBLEMS. IF IT WAS NOT ELECTRICAL THEN WHAT CAUSED MY LIGHTS TO COME ON. THEE VSC TRAC LIGHT HAD NEVER COME ON SINCE I OWNED THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS SINCE 1973 AND NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN. THE RAV4 WAS MY 5TH TOYOTA.
Suspension, Feb 22, 2013, crash
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IN THE RECALL FROM TOYOTA BROKE AWAY, FROM WHAT WE FOUND AND WERE TOLD BY PEOPLE WHO INSPECTED THE CAR FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THEIR LAW SUIT AGAINST TOYOTA. THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE MADE A NOISE WHEN IT ROLLED BACK. WE IMPACTED THE CENTER DIVIDER AT 60-65 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO COMPENSATE AND STEER AWAY IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY. THE SAFETY BELTS HURT ON IMPACT AND OUR KNEES TOOK THE IMPACT. AT IMPACT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS TORN AWAY AND DESTROYED FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS WARPED AND THE CAR WRINKLED ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL. INSIDE THE BACK OF THE CAR PANELS FOR STORAGE ALL POPPED OUT.THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPERATE WHEN THE TROOPERS CAME. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. TOYOTA IGNORED OUR ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE OUR COMPLAINT WITHOUT LITIGATION SO WE ARE SUING TOYOTA FOR OUR LOSSES AND INJURIES. *TR
Tires, Dec 1, 2012
MY TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM KEEPS TURNING ON REGARDLESS OF WHETHER TIRE PRESSURE GAUGES OR MECHANICS SAY THE TIRE PRESSURE IS WITHIN RANGE. I KNOW THIS SYSTEM HAD A RECALL ON OTHER MODEL YEARS FOR TOYOTA, AND I THINK THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS ONE, TOO. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP--UNKNOWN IF IT WAS AN ISSUE BEFORE THEN. RESETTING THE SYSTEM (BY PRESSING THE RESET BUTTON TO THE LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL, AS INDICATED IN THE USER MANUAL) ONLY TURNS THE LIGHT OFF FOR A MINUTE OR TWO, THEN IT COMES RIGHT BACK ON. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 7, 2012
I HAVE A 2005 4 CYLINDER TOYOTA RAV4 WITH ABOUT 68,000 MILES. IT STARTING MAKING A GURGLING NOISE IN THE DASHBOARD AREA, AND EVENTUALLY LEFT 2 PUDDLES OF ANTI-FREEZE ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER FOR REPAIR. AFTER CHECKING THE RAV4 OUT, THE REPAIR MANAGER PHONED TO TELL ME THE ENGINE WAS INDEED LEAKING COOLANT AROUND THE ENGINE HEAD BECAUSE THE ENGINE BOLTS HAD STRIPPED. I ASKED HOW THE HEAD BOLTS GOT STRIPPED AND HE REPLIED, "WEAR AND TEAR AND THE REPAIR WOULD BE AROUND $3000.00 IF THE HEAD BOLT HOLES COULD BE REPAIRED; OTHERWISE, I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE." THE RAV4 HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, SO THIS IS NOT "WEAR AND TEAR", BUT RATHER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. AFTER TALKING WITH THE MECHANIC DOING THE REPAIRS, HE SAID THEY SEE MANY OF THESE 4 CYLINDER ENGINES WITH THIS PROBLEM -- MOSTLY ON THE CAMRY, SINCE IT IS BASICALLY A CAMRY ENGINE. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS IS BECOMING QUITE A COMMON PROBLEM. HERE A FEW WEBSITES WITH VERY UNHAPPY TOYOTA OWNERS: (HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.EE9E769/8444; HTTP://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/TOYOTA/HIGHLANDER/2003/CONSUMER-REVIEWS.HTML; HTTP://WWW.CAMRYFORUMS.COM/FORUM/GENERAL-TECH-8/2002-STRIPPED-HEAD-BOLTS-4585/; HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/TOYOTA/HIGHLANDER/2003/ENGINE/THREADS_FOR_ENGINE_BOLTS_STRIPPED.SHTML) APPARENTLY, TOYOTA HAS NOT DONE A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AND DOES NOT EVEN COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH THEY DO HAVE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE THE MECHANICS USE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY LOSING ANTI-FREEZE AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,650.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 22, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A METAL POST AND BUILDING. A PASSENGER WAS SLIGHTLY BRUISED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72.330 UPDATED 01/26/11*LJ UPDATED 03/28/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, VSC TRACK LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THERE WAS MINIMAL RESISTANCE. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ABS BRAKE AND TRACK WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND CONFIRMED THAT A FAULTY ABS ACTIVATOR CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THIS WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE WHICH PREVENTED THE BRAKES FROM COMMUNICATING WITH THE COMPUTER. THE REPAIR PART#44050-42161 IS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED HER WARRANTY WAS NO LONGER VALID. SHE WAS EXPECTING A CALL FROM A TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE. SHE FILED CLAIM#1006300590 WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 21,613.
Steering, Apr 16, 2010
STEERING APPEARS DEFECTIVE- DIFFICULT TO TURN-MAKES CLICKING SOUND. TOLD BY DEALER THAT 'BOTH STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS NEED REPLACEMENT'. DEALER CLAIMS THEY TOLD US THIS BEFORE. THEY HAVE NEVER TOLD US THIS BEFORE. CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM- AND HAS RECEIVED REGULAR MAINTENANCE- AT THIS DEALER. SOMEONE FROM DEALER CALLED US OUT OF THE BLUE PRIOR TO BRINGING CAR IN FOR REPAIR; OFFERING TO BUY THIS CAR. WE THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD AS WE HAD NEVER EXPRESSED INTEREST IN SELLING. *TR
Steering, Apr 5, 2010
INTERMITTENT "LOOSE" STEERING FEELING IN 2005 TOYOTA RAV-4. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM OR RECALL. MY CONCERNS WERE DISMISSED AND NOW I SEE THAT IT HAS HAPPENED IN OTHER MODELS RECENTLY. MY BOYFRIEND FELT IT HAPPEN 2X.WHEN HE WAS DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED PROBABLY 15-20 TIMES TOTAL. WHEN DRIVING IN A 45 OR 55 MPH ZONE IT IS TOO UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AT THOSE SPEEDS. SLOWING DOWN TO AROUND 20 OR 30 MPH WAS NECESSARY TO FEEL SAFE. MOST OF THE TIME THE WEATHER WAS EXTREMELY COLD BUT IT DID HAPPENED ON 2-3 OCCASIONS IN SUMMER WEATHER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 12, 2010
IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ACCELERATION FROM A STOP WHILE DRIVING MY RAV4 IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN TRUE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON IT. I REMOVED THE FLOOR MAT WITH NO CHANGE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TWO TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS (ONE HAD THE CAR FOR EVALUATION FOR A DAY AND CHARGED ME A DIAGNOSIS FEE AND FOR A RENTAL CAR) THAT THIS IS NORMAL. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND CLEARLY A SAFETY HAZARD. I HOLD A COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE AND HAVE HAD MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DRIVING A WIDE VARIETY OF VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE CAR HITS SOMETHING. TOYOTA MUST ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS REMEDIED THERE IS THE REAL RISK OF SOMETHING OR SOMEONE BEING DAMAGED OR HURT (OR WORSE). UPDATE: ON MARCH 3, 2010 I DELIVERED THE CAR TO DICK DYER IN COLUMBIA, SC AT TOYOTA'S REQUEST. THE REGIONAL TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE CAR THAT DAY. I HAVE SINCE BEEN CONTACTED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER AND INFORMED THAT TOYOTA IS FLYING A TEAM OF ENGINEERS FROM CALIFORNIA TO EVALUATE THE CAR NEXT MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 05/28/10.*JB THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ELECTRONIC SOFTWARE, INTERFACE DESIGN WAS FLAWED. THE THROTTLE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE DID NOT ACCURATELY TRACK EACH OTHER. THERE WAS A DELAY, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ABRUPT AND EXCESSIVE ENGINE RESPONSE. UPDATED 09/26/12
Vehicle speed control, Mar 5, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPOT AT APPROX 1-2 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. SHE HAD NOT NOTICED ANY PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION BEFORE THAT FAILURE. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 99,200. UPDATED 5/6/10 *CN UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 5, 2010, crash
TOYOTA 2005 RAV4 CAR ACCELERATED WHEN GETTING READY TO STOP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 24, 2010
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE SPEED WAS ALWAYS RELATIVELY LOW (30 MILES/HOUR OR LESS). I NEVER KNEW WHEN IT WOULD HAPPEN, SO I NEVER REPORTED IT BECAUSE IT WAS NON-REPEATABLE. IT HAPPENED EVERY FEW MONTHS. I CAN'T PUT INCIDENT DATES SINCE IT WAS RECURRING, BUT I NEED TO FILL THAT IN, SO I'LL FILL IT IN WITH THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 20, 2010
THE ABS BRAKES ON MY 2005 TOYOTA RAV4 DO NOT GRAB PROPERLY ON UNEVEN SURFACES. THEY SEEM TO TRY TO SLOW DOWN RATHER THAN STOP, ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE, OR BEING ON BUMPY ROAD. I ALMOST ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 9, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 RAV4 NOW WITH 35,000 MILEAGE AND I EXPERIENCED AN UNUSUAL MECHANICAL ISSUE THAT MAY HAVE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS! IN DECEMBER 2009 I WENT TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES ON MY VEHICLE AT A SEARS AUTO SHOP AND HAD REQUESTED THE RECOMMENDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE MECHANISMS ON THE VEHICLE THAT FACILITATES ALIGNMENT WAS INOPERATIVE AS IT WAS FOUND TO BE SEIZED UP, FOR BOTH FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENTS! SEARS INFORMED ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO MY TOYOTA DEALER FOR ALIGNMENT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER THAT DOES ALL MY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SINCE I BOUGHT THE NEW VEHICLE FOR THEM TO DO THE ALIGNMENT. THEY WERE ALSO UNABLE TO DO THE ALIGNMENT FOR THE SAME REASON SEARS WERE UNABLE TO DO IT. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE MECHANISMS AND THAT THEY HAVE TO REMOVE THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE TO GET TO THE ALIGNMENT MECHANISMS AND TO REPLACE THE MECHANISMS. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THEY HAD BEEN SERVICING THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO THEIR RECOMMENDED SERVICING SCHEDULE AND THEY SHOULD HAVE NOTICED THE CONDITION OF THE MECHANISM. THEY SAID THE CAR HAS TOO MANY PARTS AND THAT THEY COULD NOT CHECK ALL THE PARTS; AND MOREOVER, THE ALIGNMENT MECHANISMS, THEY SAID, ARE NOT VISIBLE FROM AN UNDERCARRIAGE INSPECTION. WAS THIS DEFECT A SAFETY MATTER? HAS THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT ALIGNMENT MECHANISMS FOR TOYOTA VEHICLES? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2010
I HAVE A TOYOTA 2005 RAV 4 - 6 CYL. I AM EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE TOYOTA RECALLS, ACCORDING TO TOYOTA. TWICE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE AND I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, AFTER THE VEHICLE IDLES DOWN FROM MOVING, THE ENGINE REVS UP AGAIN. THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT TOUCHED AND THE FLOOR MAT IS NOT IN THE WAY. THE ENGINE REVVING UP IS SCARY ENOUGH THAT SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF MY CAR THOUGHT I WAS SPINNING MY WHEELS IN THE SNOW AND ICE, AND I WAS NOT MOVING. I TOOK IT IN TO A DEALER AND THEY HOOKED IT UP TO THEIR COMPUTER AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. OF COURSE WHEN THEY DROVE IT, THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN THAT I IMMEDIATELY HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2010
I HAVE A 2005 RAV4, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING, IT IS AN AUTOMATIC AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T CHANGE GEARS WHEN IT SHOULD, SO IT WON'T ACCELERATE AND WHEN IT FINALLY DOES SWITCH TO THE NEXT GEAR THE WHO CAR JERKS AND TAKES OFF VERY QUICKLY. THIS BEGAN HAPPENING FOR NO REASON I HAVE NOT HAD ANY SORT OF ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY CAMPBELL MOTORS IN HERMISTON OR, THAT THE ONLY OPTION IS TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FOR A COST OF $3900. I HAVE READ THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE RAV4 AND FEEL THAT TOYOTA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC TO HAVE A CAR THAT JERKS AROUND AND ACCELERATES/WON'T ACCELERATE IN AN UNPREDICTABLE MANNER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 1-10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; PROCEEDING TO TURN MAKE A LEFT AT AN INTERSECTION THERE WAS AN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN OPPOSING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2010, crash
WE WERE APPROACHING OUR GARAGE WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN OUR 2005 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE GAS PETAL. WE DROVE THROUGH THE FRONT OF OUR GARAGE, CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO OUR GARAGE AND THE SUV. BOTH GARAGE DOORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE FRONT OF OUR GARAGE HAD TO BE REFRAMED AND DRY-WALLED INSIDE. MY HUSBANDS 1977 JEEP-CJ7 THAT HAS BEEN TOTALLY RESTORED WAS DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPAINTED. THE SUV SUFFERED DAMAGE REQUIRING A NEW PASSENGER DOOR, NEW PASSENGER SIDE TRIM, NEW SIDE MIRRORS, NEW HEADLIGHTS, AND REPAINTING OF THE FRONT HALF OF THE SUV. WE CONTACTED THE POLICE AND THEY SAID SINCE THE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO OUR PROPERTY NO REPORT NEEDED TO BE FILED. WE DID TAKE PICTURES FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY WHICH WE STILL HAVE, AND WE CAN OBTAIN A COPY OF THE REPORT FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND OR THE BODY SHOPS. WE ALSO CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND QUESTIONED WHETHER THERE WERE ANY RECALLS OR PROBLEMS WITH ANY OTHER RAV4S AND THEY SAID NO. WE HAVE NOTICED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME TIMES WHEN THE THROTTLE SEEMS TO ACCELERATE WHILE WE ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, BUT NOTHING AS SEVERE AS THE ACCIDENT. WITH THE RECENT RECALLS OF TOYOTAS WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURRING AND FOR THE SAFETY OF LIVES. *CN
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 12, 2010, crash
HEAD ON COLLISION, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK, MAJOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE RAV 4 TOYOTA 2005. *TR
Visibility, Nov 6, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE DRIVER-SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY SECURE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. AS A CONSEQUENCE THE VISOR WILL CONTINUOUSLY FALL DOWN WITHOUT PHYSICAL MANIPULATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $100.00 TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT. HE THEN ADDED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON FOR THIS MODEL TYPE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Power train, Oct 22, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4 IN JULY OF 2005, AND HAVE TAKEN SUPERB CARE OF IT OVER THE YEARS. HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION BLEW UP ON ME AFTER JUST 89,000 MILES. I WAS CROSSING A DOUBLE SET OF RAILROAD TRACKS WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AND IT SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH. IT'S COSTING ME $3,000 TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE GUY AT THE GARAGE COULDN'T EVEN GIVE ME A REASON FOR THIS HAPPENING. AFTER SOME INTERNET RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO NUMEROUS '01-'05 RAV4 CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE REACHED JUST OVER 80,000 MILES DUE TO A FAULTY ECM THAT TOYOTA HAS DECIDED NOT TO RECALL. NOW I NEED TO PAY ANOTHER $1,200 TO HAVE THE ECM REPLACED AT THE TOYOTA DEALER SO THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO ME AGAIN. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! HOW CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH SOMETHING LIKE THIS? *TR
Power train, Sep 5, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2005 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS BEGUN TO SLIP. I HAVE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE IN ACCORDANCE TO THE PRESCRIBED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND HAVE HAD MOST OF THE SERVICES PERFORMED AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS APPROXIMATELY ONCE A WEEK, ALWAYS AT SPEEDS BELOW 40. TODAY I WAS ENTERING A FREEWAY AND I HEARD THE TRANSMISSION SLIP. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST PROPULSION, SLOWING TO A DANGEROUS SPEED FOR AN ACCELERATION RAMP, AND I WAS AFRAID THAT I WAS GOING TO BE REAR-ENDED. I HAVE DONE INTERNET RESEARCH AND SEE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA'S CORPORATE OFFICE AND BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT I'VE HAD MOST OF MY SERVICES DONE; THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I HAVE THE COMPUTER ON THE TRANSMISSION RESET, AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $125. I'M AFRAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO FAIL COMPLETELY, OR THAT A SLIP/DISENGAGEMENT IS GOING TO CAUSE ME TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2009
RE: 2005 TOYOTA RAV4 UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ACCELERATION FROM A STOP WHILE DRIVING MY RAV4 IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN TRUE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE REMOVED THE FLOORMAT WITH NO CHANGE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY 2 TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS (ONE HAD THE CAR FOR EVALUATION FOR A DAY. I WAS CHARGED AN EVALUATION FEE AND FOR A RENTAL CAR) THAT THIS IS NORMAL. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND CLEARLY A SAFETY HAZARD. I HOLD A COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE AND HAVE HAD MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DRIVING A WIDE VARIETY OF VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE CAR HITS SOMETHING. TOYOTA MUST ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS REMEDIED THERE IS THE REAL RISK OF SOMETHING OR SOMEONE BEING DAMAGED OR HURT (OR WORSE). *TR