2006 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 704 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 26 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 10 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Campaign 16V596000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherFeb 19, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Campaign 16V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 28, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Campaign 13V383000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 2, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 12V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 11V113000 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
Equipment, other, labelsJun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
149 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 27, 2014
BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, THE OIL GETS ALL BURNED UP BY THE ENGINE EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO LEAK. AS CONSUMERS, WE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT IT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2014
AS OF 9/16/14 OUR 2006 RAV4 V6 CURRENTLY HAS 45,790 MILES AND WE JUST GOT A DIAGNOSTIC FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SERVICE THAT THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE A CHARCOAL CANISTER AND AN B1S2 O2 SENSOR NEEDS REPLACEMENT. ME AND MY WIFE LOVE THE SUV BUT WITH SUCH LOW MILES I WOULD NOT HAVE EXPECTED FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED. FROM MY QUICK RESEARCH, I UNDERSTAND THIS COULD CAUSE MORE ENGINE DAMAGE IF NOT REPAIRED, I SEE A DECREASE IN MILES PER GALLON AND A ROUGH IDLING. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PART WHICH IS A CHARCOAL CANISTER AND THE O2 SENSOR. TOYOTA WANTED $1,303.00 TOTAL REPAIR AND FOR THIS LOW MILAGE VEHICLE IS NOT WHAT I EXPECT FROM A QUALITY VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Sep 13, 2014
MY ENGINE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND I FOUND IT WAS 3 QUARTS LOW AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET I FOUND TOYOTA HAS A TSB ON EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING INTERNALLY WITH THE PISTONS AND RINGS BUT THEY FAIL TO MAKE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THEY STATED IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW ON THERE ENGINE DESIGN. *TR
Engine, Jul 1, 2014
MAY, 2014 I HAD MY VEHICLE OIL CHANGE DONE. I FOLLOW THE POLICY OF THREE MONTHS OR 3500 MILES WHICH EVER COMES FIRST. I HAVE BEEN USING THIS QUICK LUBE PLACE FOR FIFTEEN YEARS. WHEN THE OIL WAS DRAINED I WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. I ASSUMED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALERS SHOP FOR A RECALL AND THE OIL CHANGE WAS DONE THEIR THAT THEY FAILED TO PUT THE PROPER AMOUNT OF OIL INTO THE VEHICLE. WITH LESS THAN 3500 MILES AND THREE MONTHS THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I WENT IN TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND CHECKED FOR LEAKS. IT WAS SHORT APPROXIMATELY TWO QUARTS WITH NO SIGNS OF AN OIL LEAK. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WITH THIS SAME MODEL WHO EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO THE VEHICLE BURNING OIL, AND TOLD TO CONTACT TOYOTA. IT WAS ALSO SUGGESTED TO REGULARLY CHECK THE OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS. UPON RETURNING HOME I CHECKED ON LINE AND FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH VEHICLES WITH LOW MILEAGE. I HAVE BEEN THE ORIGINAL OWNER FROM DAY ONE AND HAVE MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Jun 30, 2014
AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES, I NOTICED THAT MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES (WHICH I HAVE DONE EVERY 3000-3500 MILES). THERE WAS NO LEAK, NO WARNINGS - BUT WHEN CHECKED THE OIL WELL IS BONE DRY. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO PLAYED DUMB, EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM TOYOTA HAD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) ABOUT THIS, AND THAT MY VIN NUMBER FALLS UNDER THE CARS LISTED. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON-LINE, AND THE DEALERSHIP JUST SAID THAT WAS IRRELEVANT. MEANWHILE, I'VE BEEN ADDING OIL AT EVERY 1000 MILES OR LESS. *TR
Engine, Jun 30, 2014
VERY ABNORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION , CARBONATION ON PISTON RINGS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 16, 2014
THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES AND TO MY WIFE ONCE. AS WE BEGIN TO ACCELERATE, EITHER FROM A STOP OR AS WE ARE ACCELERATING, WE HAVE A PAUSE IN ACCELERATION. IF FEELS LIKE WE ARE NOT PUSHING ON THE GAS BUT THAT IS NOT IT. ONCE THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED AND WE RE-ACCELERATE, THE CAR MOVES FORWARD NORMALLY. IT HAS BEEN VERY SCARY WHEN SOMEONE IS APPROACHING AND THE GAS DOES NOT MOVE US FORWARD. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED IN REVERSE. *TR
Engine, Jun 2, 2014
THE ENGINE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL DUE TO A DEFECTIVE OIL RING. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THE ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *TR
Engine, May 3, 2014
ENGINE WOULD TRY TO DIE WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOOKED IT UP IN THE MANUAL AND SAW IT WAS THE ENGINE OIL SYMBOL. I TOOK IT IN WHERE I HAD THE OIL CHANGED LAST AND THEY SAID IT WAS 2.5 QTS LOW. THEY TOPPED IT OFF AND TOLD ME TO COME BACK AFTER 200 MILES AND WHEN I DID, THEY SAID IT HAD USED MORE THAN IT SHOULD HAVE. TOOK IT INTO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY STARTED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. YESTERDAY WAS THE FINAL FOR THAT AND LOW AND BEHOLD, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS USING OIL. THEY SAID THE RINGS, PISTONS , VALVES AND ETC. SHOULD BE REPLACED FOR A TOTAL OF $4,300+. THEY OFFERED ME NO ASSISTANCE BUT DID TELL ME THAT THEY WERE OFFERING 0 PERCENT ON NEW VEHICLES. I WOULD NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA. I KNOW SOMEONE WITH THE SAME CAR AS MINE WHO SPENT SEVERAL HUNDREDS TRYING TO GET HER CAR FIXED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND JUST FINALLY TRADED IT FOR SOMETHING ELSE. FROM READING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ONLINE, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, PLEASE, PLEASE STEP IN AND MAKE TOYOTA ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. THANKS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 10, 2014
WHILE DRIVING HOME AFTER GROCERY SHOPPING, ABOUT A 4-MILE DRIVE, THE VVT-I OIL HOSE "EXPLODED" (THE WORD USED BY THE TOYOTA SUNNYVALE, CA), CAUSING SMOKES TO COME OUT OF THE CAR'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IMMEDIATELY, THE KIDS WERE PULLED OUT THE VEHICLE AND PLACED IN A SAFE LOCATION. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4'S OIL LINE. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE FAMILY WAS TRAVELING FARTHER AWAY FROM HOME?! THERE IS A "LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN" IN 2010 THAT ONLY COVERS CERTAIN VIN OF 2006-2009 TOYOTA RAV4. ALTHOUGH, MY VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE LSC, MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME DESIGN DEFECT. MARCH 01, 2010 TOYOTA ANNOUNCED PHASE THREE OF A LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LSC) ON CERTAIN 2007 -? 2009 MODEL YEAR AVALON AND RAV4 VEHICLES WITH A 2GR-FE (V6) ENGINE ... FOR PHASE THREE, THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY... 89,000 RAV4 V6 (2007-2009 MODEL YEAR) VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE UNITED STATES. LAST YEAR, TOYOTA ALSO ANNOUNCED PHASES ONE AND TWO OF THIS LSC ON... RAV4 V6 (2006 MODEL YEAR)... TOYOTA NEEDS TO TAKE BETTER RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT AND RECALL ALL RAV4 V6 WITH SIMILAR DESIGN DEFECT. *TR
Engine, Feb 3, 2014
I HAVE BEEN CHANGING MY OIL EVERY 3000 MILES / 3 MONTHS OR LESS THIS RAV4 IS NOT LEAKING OIL AND NOT PUTTING SOOT OUT OR BLOWING BLUE SMOKE OUT THE TAIL PIPE SHOWING THAT IT IS BURNING OIL. NO ENGINE LIGHTS OR OIL LIGHTS CAME ON UNTIL THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. BY THIS TIME IT WAS TOO LATE. I TOOK MY RAV4 TO GOODYEAR AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD TO PUT 4.5 QUARTS OF OIL IN WHICH IS HOW MUCH THE RAV4 TAKES. THEY ALSO STATED THEY DID NOT SEE ANY OIL LEAKS ANYWHERE. THIS IS THE BASE MODEL FOUR CYLINDER MODEL. OIL SHOULD NOT BE GONE IN LESS THAN 3000 MILES ESPECIAL WITH AN ENGINE THAT HAS LESS THAT 150000 MILES TODAY. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA AND THAT EVERYONE THAT ENCOUNTERS THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE COMPISATED FOR THE KBB FAIR VALUE AT THE TIME IT HAPPENS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WE THE PEOPLE BUY CARS THAT SHOULD LAST AND NOT BE STUCK IN A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR A FACTORY DEFECT THAT DOES NOT EVEN WARN US OF LOW OIL. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 25, 2014
WHEN BACKING THE CAR OUT AND TURNING THE STEERING, THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE THAT OCCURS. IT MOSTLY OCCURS FROM A COLD START. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT FOR THIS, BUT THE DEALER WON'T COVER IT. THE CAR STARTED MAKING A POPPING SOUND. IT WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THAT CAR AND MADE THE EXHAUST SOUND REALLY LOUD. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE CENTERPIPE THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MATERIAL OF THE CENTERPIPE AND CATALYTIC WAS RUSTED AND THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED IT ON ME AND THAT I DROVE THE CAR OFF ROADING. I TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR HAS NEVER GONE OFF ROADING, GARAGED, AND WELL MAINTAINED. OTHER 2006 RAV4 OWNERS HAVE CITED THE SAME ISSUE STATING THAT THE MATERIAL AND CRAFTSMANSHIP OF THE CENTERPIPE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE OF POOR QUALITY. THE SEAMS OF THE CENTERPIPE JUST COMPLETELY CAME UNDONE. WHEN SPEAKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP, THEY REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER THE EMISSIONS WARRANTY. WHEN TALKING TO THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AGENCY FOR EMISSIONS, THEY SAID THAT TOYOTA SHOULD COVER IT. THIS CENTERPIPE ISSUE BECAME A LARGER ISSUE WHEN THE VEHICLE MISFIRED AND THE VSC, CHECK ENGINE, AND 4WD LIGHTS ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DISCUSS WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE. OTHER OWNERS STATED THAT THE IGNITION COILS WERE OF POOR QUALITY AND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED REPLACEMENTS. TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. SHORTLY AFTER, THE CAR SEEMS TO BE DRIVING VERY CLUNKY AND DOES NOT DRIVE AS WELL AS USUAL. THE CAR VIBRATES AND DRIVES VERY SLOWLY. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT DROPPED A CYLINDER. THE ENGINE SOUNDS VERY CLUNKY. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC, AND 4WD LIGHTS TURN ON SOLID EACH OF THESE INSTANCES. SINCE THEN THE TIRE PRESSURE HAS TURNED ON AND GONE BAD. HAD TO GET THAT REPLACED. NOW ALL 3 LIGHTS ARE BACK ON AND WILL NEED TO FIND OUT WHY. *TR
Steering, Engine, Jan 24, 2014
WHEN BACKING THE CAR OUT AND TURNING THE STEERING, THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE THAT OCCURS. IT MOSTLY OCCURS FROM A COLD START. THE CAR STARTED MAKING A POPPING SOUND. IT WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THAT CAR AND MADE THE EXHAUST SOUND REALLY LOUD. SHORTLY AFTER, THE CAR SEEMS TO BE DRIVING VERY CLUNKY AND DOES NOT DRIVE AS WELL AS USUAL. THE CAR VIBRATES AND DRIVES VERY SLOWLY. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT DROPPED A CYLINDER. THE ENGINE SOUNDS VERY CLUNKY. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. *TR
Engine, Jan 20, 2014
HAVE TO KEEP ADDING A QUART OF OIL EVERY OTHER WEEK OR SO.IM CHECKING IT ALL THE TIME! BOUGHT IT NEW FROM DEALER! MY MECHANIC SAID EITHER VALVES OR PISTONS. COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. I'M VERY UPSET. CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3 THOUSAND MILES. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR. WENT ON LINE AND OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. ITS COSTLY TO FIX AND TOYOTA SHOULD HONOR ANDFIX THIS DEFECT! MY FIRST TOYOTA AND PROBABLY MY LAST. I'LL KEPT ADDING OIL AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. *TR
Steering, Engine, Jan 1, 2014
12/22/2010 @ 44,169 MILES THE STEERING KNOCKED WHEN TAKING TIGHT TURNS. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. 9/16/2011 @ 50,131 MILES THE ALTERNATOR BEARINGS GAVE WAY AND THE WATER PUMP WAS SEEPING FLUID. THE ALTERNATOR AND WATER PUMP WERE REPLACED. 12/16/13 @ 63,336 MILES THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VEHICLE STABILITY LIGHT AND 4WD LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED, THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND THE SUV NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. *TR
Engine, Dec 30, 2013
JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2006 TOYOTA RAV4...BECAUSE I'VE OWNED TWO PREVIOUS TO THIS ONE AND SIMPLY APPRECIATE THEM... HOWEVER....I'VE ONLY OWNED THIS ONE SINCE MAY OF 2013 FROM A REPUTABLE DEALERSHIP AND TO MUCH SURPRISE I AM ALREADY EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. AT ABOUT 1.5K MILES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, MY OIL LIGHT COMES ON...CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS LOW TO THE POINT WHERE I HAD TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL QUART ON THE 1ST OCCASION AND 2 QUARTS ON THE 2ND OCCASION...MAY I ADD THAT THERE IS NO LEAK. WHO IS GOING TO HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE? I NEED HELP AND ANSWERS. *TR
Engine, Dec 26, 2013
I HAVE ALWAYS BROUGHT IN MY TOYOTA FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE TO THE DEALER EVERY 5,000 MILES. IN JULY OF THIS YEAR, THE OIL WARNING LIGHT BEGAN TO LIGHT EVERY TIME I HIT THE BRAKES. MY DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL CONSUMPTION CHECK. BY NOVEMBER I WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE ENGINE RECONSTRUCTED AND REPAIR THE RINGS AND PISTONS, BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING EXCESSIVE OIL. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES. THE REPAIRS COST OVER $3500 AND TOOK OVER A WEEK TO COMPLETE. I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT THIS MODEL TOYOTA HAS A RECORD OF STUCK OIL RINGS CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WHICH LEADS TO ENGINE FAILURE. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO LOSS OF OIL CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS FULLY AWARE OF. *TR
Engine, Dec 14, 2013
I OWN A 2006 RAV4. BOUGHT IT NEW AND HAVE HAD EVERY OIL CHANGE AND RECOMMENDED ENGINE SERVICE DONE SINCE THAT TIME DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. A FEW MONTHS AGO, I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE MY FLUIDS CHECKED BEFORE A ROAD TRIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DIPSTICK SHOWED THAT I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO OIL! IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE AS I HAD JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE ABOUT 3 WEEKS PRIOR. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADDED SOME OIL AND SAID THEY WOULD "MONITOR THE OIL CONSUMPTION." I THOUGHT MAYBE A CARELESS MECHANIC FAILED TO PROPERLY FILL THE RESERVOIR. HOWEVER, SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD TO GO BACK EVERY 1000 MILES SO THEY COULD CHECK THE DIPSTICK AND ADD OIL, BUT EACH TIME WAS TOLD THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE THE MONITORING. HOWEVER, ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THEY HAD SOME INFORMATION FOR ME. I WAS TOLD THAT TO FIX THE PROBLEM I REALLY NEED A NEW ENGINE, AS THE OIL IS BEING USED INTERNALLY BY THE ENGINE DUE TO A PISTON ASSEMBLY DESIGN PROBLEM PER THE TSB. I ASKED IF TOYOTA WAS GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR ME AT IT'S COST, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL BECAUSE IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE ANSWER AS THIS IS NOT A "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" ISSUE, IT'S A DESIGN DEFECT ISSUE. AS SUCH, TOYOTA SHOULD STEP UP AND FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE OBVIOUSLY BEING EXPERIENCED BY ( JUDGING FROM THE VARIOUS BLOGS I'VE BEEN VIEWING) LOTS OF TOYOTA OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ONLY OPTION THE DEALER GAVE ME WAS THAT I CAN HAVE THE PISTON REPAIR WORK DONE AND HAVE THE SMALL BLOCK REPLACED FOR $3172.00. LIKE I SAID, I FELT TOYOTA SHOULD PAY FOR THIS, NOT ME, AS TOYOTA, NOT I, CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Nov 19, 2013
ENGINE OIL LIGHT COMES ON WHEN GOING AROUND TURN, BUT GOES OFF. I CHECKED THE OIL AND THE DIPSTICK WAS COMPLETELY DRY. I HAD TO ADD 3 QUARTS OF OIL. THE SAME THING HAPPENED THE ON 11/16/2013 AND I HAD TO ADD 3 QUARTS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. *TR
Engine, Nov 9, 2013
THE VEHICLE IS CONSUMING OIL AT AN ALARMINGLY HIGH RATE. THE OIL LEVEL INDICATOR DOES NOT COME ON. IT FLASHES ON HARD BRAKING. HOWEVER BY THIS POINT THE OIL LEVEL IS DANGEROUSLY LOW. IN MY VEHICLE IT HAS BEEN LESS THAN 1 QT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2013
I'M A OWNER OF 06 TOYOTA RAV4 IT HAS 152,488 MILES I HAVE BEEN NOTICING OIL CONSUMPTION DRAMATICALLY, THE DEALER HAS TOLD ME THAT IS LOW BUT THERE ARE NO LEAKS, TOYOTA SAYS CHANGE YOUR OIL EVERY 5,000 MILES BUT MY ENGINE LIGHT STARTS TO FLICKER AT 3,000 I HAVE STOP TO CHECK MY OIL STICK AN IT SHOWS LESS THAN A QUART OF OIL, I HAVE SWITCHED TO SYNTHETIC OIL AND THE SAME THINGS IS HAPPENING. I'VE BEEN SPEAKING TO SEVERAL OWNERS OF RAV4 AND IT SEEMS THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A BIG ISSUE WITH THESE RAV4. *TR
Engine, Sep 24, 2013
SINCE THIS DATE THE CAR HAS BEEN BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL. BURNING ABOUT A QUART EVERY 800 MILES. I SEEN NUMEROUS POSTINGS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE. *JS
Engine, Sep 5, 2013
WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING SHOWING ON THE DIP STICK. ALTHOUGH A LOW-OIL LIGHT NEVER APPEARED TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE OIL WAS LOW, THE OIL WAS VERY LOW. I STARTED CHECKING MY OIL LEVEL OFTEN AND NOTICED THAT I NEEDED TO ADD OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I CAN ALSO SMELL BURNING OIL WHEN I ACCELERATE EITHER TO GET ON A HIGHWAY RAMP OR TO GO UP A HILL. A DEALERSHIP SUBSEQUENTLY TOLD ME THAT THE RINGS ON THE ENGINE BLOCK WERE WORN AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE THAT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $8,500. NOW I DRIVE AROUND WITH A CASE OF OIL IN MY BACK SEAT. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED CASE. *JB
Engine, Aug 27, 2013
THIS IS MY STORY: MY WIFE, YORKIE, AND I WENT TO PICK UP MY SON AT PRESCHOOL EARLY THIS AFTERNOON IN WESTON, FL WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN WE HEAR A BRIEF WHINE NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ON THE PANEL; THE ENGINE SHUT ITSELF OFF. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I CRANKED THE ENGINE ON AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FOR ANOTHER 100 YARDS. THE SAME WHINE NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE SAME LIGHTS AND ENGINE SHUT OFF. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE WOULD TURN ON AND IT IMMEDIATELY WOULD SHUT OFF; NOT A CHANCE TO ENGAGE TO DRIVE AND MOVE AN INCH. I LOOKED AT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL; THE OIL LEVEL WAS FINE (THE CAR HAS NEVER HAD A LEAK AND HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED), NO FUNNY SMELLS, ETC. BY THIS TIME WE WERE SWEATING AND GETTING CONCERNED. I THOUGHT IT COULD BE THAT THE A/C COULD BE PART OF THE PROBLEM SINCE IT ADDS LOAD TO THE ENGINE SERPENTINE BELT; I TURNED OFF THE A/C BY DEPRESSING THE A/C BUTTON ON CAR'S DASH AND THE ENGINE STAYED ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND PICK UP MY SON THANKFULLY. I WAS READY TO SEND MY WIFE ON A CAB TO GET HIM. MY QUESTIONS TO YOU GUYS ARE THE FOLLOWING: WHY WOULD TOYOTA DESIGN THE ENGINE TO SHUT ITSELF OFF IN A SITUATION WHEN SOMETHING IN THE A/C FAILS? IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY SON AND HAD THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, SHE WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY FREAKED OUT AND GOD FORBID IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL I CAN THINK OF IS THAT TOYOTA IMPLEMENTED A MECHANISM TO KILL THE ENGINE IF THE LOAD IN THE SERPENTINE BELT IS EXCESSIVE. YES, GOOD TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE, BUT I VALUE MY FAMILY'S AND MY LIFE MORE. THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT SHUT OFF... THAT IS WHY YOU HAVE WARNING LIGHTS AND OTHER SAFETY MECHANISMS. *TR
Engine, Jul 26, 2013
THE ENGINE FOR MY 2006 TOYOTA IS BURNING OIL RAPIDLY. I HAVE ABOUT 115,000 MILES AND WAS HOPING THAT THIS CAR WOULD AT LEAST LAST ME ANOTHER 5 YEARS. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT MY ENGINE NEEDS AN ENGINE OVERHAUL WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $3,000. I MAKE SURE TO TAKE CARE OF MY CAR AND BRING IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN IT'S DUE. *TR