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, Jul 16, 2013
THE VEHICLE LOSES 1-2 QUARTS OF OIL OVER 30-60 DAY PERIOD OR 1500-2000 MILES. NO SIGNS OF LEAKS, DRIPPING OR OTHER SOURCES OF LOSS ARE VISIBLE. IN CHECKING TOYOTA RAV4 OWNER FORUMS, IT SEEMS THIS CONDITION IS PREVALENT AMONG MANY AND SPANS SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. THE CONDITION HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, BUT WE THOUGHT IT WAS JUST US AND SEEMED TO BE A SLOWER LOSS. NOW THE LOSS IS MUCH FASTER. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF PEOPLE WAIT TO CHECK OIL UNTIL NEXT OIL CHANGE, THEY MAY DAMAGE THEIR ENGINES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 20, 2013
OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIT UP AT APPROXIMATELY 73,050 MILES. DIAGNOSIS IS THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS FASTER THAN NORMAL. SERVICER TOPPED OFF OIL AND RETURNED TO SERVICER AFTER DRIVING $1200 MILES. I WAS TOLD EVERYTHING IS FINE. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT APPROXIMATELY 81,950 MILES. SERVICER AGAIN TOPS OFF WITH OIL AND RETURNED AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER $1200 MILES. THIS TIME THE SERVICER STATED THAT THEY NEED TO TEAR THE CAR APART THE BEFORE PINPOINTING THE EXACT PROBLEM. APPROXIMATE COST TO DO THIS IS MAYBE $3,000. EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED AT $75,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 28, 2013
MY TRUCK HAS HAD 4 INCIDENTS OF DANGEROUSLY LOW OIL LEVELS. TOYOTA HAS SERVICE BULLETINS OUT REGARDING OIL CONSUMPTION AND MY MODEL OF THE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 REGARDING FAULTY PISTONS AND RINGS. I HAVE BROUGHT MY TRUCK TO TOYOTA 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNDER MY WARRANTY STATING THAT I AM OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH MY FIRST COMPLAINT WAS 10/13/13 AND MY WARRANTY EXPIRED JAN 2013 T-SB-0094-11 IS THE TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN. *TR
Engine, May 20, 2013
THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT WOULD BLINK INTERMITTENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. UPON INSPECTION OF OIL DIPSTICK, THERE IS NO SIGN OF ANY OIL ON THE DIPSTICK. BROUGHT TO A MECHANIC AND HAD THE OIL CHANGED (WITH SYNTHETIC MOBIL 1 AS RECOMMENDED BY TOYOTA). MECHANIC NOTICED VERY LITTLE OIL DRAINED. AFTER REFILLING WITH NEW OIL, TEST DROVE THE CAR AND CONFIRMED THE DIPSTICK SHOWING OIL AT MAXIMUM LEVEL. AROUND 2000 MILES LATER, INSPECTION OF OIL DIPSTICK REVEALED ALMOST NO OIL AGAIN. THERE WERE NO LEAKS WHICH MECHANIC CONFIRMED AS THE UNDERSIDE WAS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE. MECHANIC BELIEVES PISTON PROBLEMS WHICH WILL BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. *TR
Engine, May 6, 2013
DRIVING CAR AND THE OIL LIGHT FAILED TO INDICATE OIL WAS VERY LOW. HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE SO I CHECKED THE OIL AND DISCOVERED THE OIL WAS LOW ALTHOUGH OIL HAD JUST BEEN ADDED A FEW DAYS EARLIER. I WAS NOT SURE IF THE VECHICLE WAS FIT TO DRIVE, SO FOR SAFETY REASONS I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND SAID THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE LACK OF OIL AND CONSTANT BURNING OF OIL DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE TOYOTA RAV 4 ENGINE/OIL SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES THE OIL TO COMBUSE AND BURN OFF PREVENTING THE OIL INDICATOR LIGHT TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO ADD OIL. THIS DEFECT CAUSES ENGINES TO SEIZE. AT THIS TIME I CALLED TOYOTA OF NORTH AMERICA (1800 331-4331) DIRECTLY TO REPORT THIS ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT AS OF TODAY NO RECALL OR REIMBURSEMENT IS BEING ISSUED BUT IF EVERYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM CALL TOYOTA OF NORTH AMERICA DIRECTLY TO REPORT THEIR PROBLEM THEN AN INVESTIGATION WILL BE ISSUED. SO PLEASE CALL TODAY SO WE MAY ALL BE REIMBURSED FROM TOYOTA FOR THIS ISSUE THAT THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF AND ARE CHOOSING TO DO NOTHING FOR THE CONSUMERS. THEY WILL THEN GIVE YOU A CASE # THAT THEY TELL YOU TO KEEP JUST IN CASE A RECALL IS ACTIVATED. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Mar 2, 2013
CAR AT ABOUT 37,000 MILES. ONLY DRIVE TO STORE AND DROP KIDS OFF TO SCHOOL. CAR PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES WHILE AT STORE SHOPPING. CAME BACK, STARTED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE LIGHT, VSC AND 4WD LIGHTS ALL LIGHTED UP. WHEN TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, DEALER SAID CAN'T SERVICE IT AT THIS TIME NEED TO MAKE APPOINTMENT. DEALER STATED BASED ON THE LIGHTS, THIS MIGHT BE THE IGNITION COIL.. IT'S KNOWN TO HAVE PROBLEM. ESTIMATED COST TO FIX ABOUT $1500. BUT WE NEED TO COMPUTERIZED THE CODES.. *TR
Engine, Dec 22, 2012
THE CHECK ENGINE OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLICKERING UNDER HARD BRAKING. LIGHT NEVER WAS ON UNDER NORMAL IDLE OR TRAVEL. UPON CHECKING OIL ON DIPSTICK - NO OIL REGISTERED ON DIPSTICK. I IMMEDIATELY PROCEEDED TO THE CHANGE OIL AND THE OIL PAN ONLY CONTAINED APPROXIMATELY 1.2 QUARTS OR 75% LESS THAN THE 4.5 QUARTS SPECIFIED. UPON WEB RESEARCH IT APPEARS RAV4 HAS PROBLEMS WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. REGISTERED A COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA USA AS I KNOW HAVE CONCERNS DAMAGE WAS DONE TO ENGINE AS WARNING LIGHT SHOULD HAVE COME ON SOONER. *TR
Steering, Engine, Oct 24, 2012
2006 TOYOTA RAV4, CONSUMER STATED WITHIN 3 1/2 MONTHS AFTER OIL, TOTAL OIL LEAKAGE OCCURRED. THE PISTONS, RINGS AND GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED. ON FEB 2, 2012 THE CONSUMER HAD AN OIL CHANGED. ON JUNE 1, 2012 THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE DIPSTICK WAS COMPLETELY DRY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE OIL LEAK WAS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND NOT JUST SUDDENLY WITHIN 3 1/2 MONTHS. THE TECHNICIANS WHO PERFORMED THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 3-4 MONTHS SHOULD HAVE NOTICED THE SHORTAGE OF OIL, ESPECIALLY ON FEB 2, 2012. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. *JB
Engine, Sep 19, 2012
THE ENGINE COIL MALFUNCTIONED, SETTING OF 3 WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH (CHECK ENGINE, VSC, AND 4X4). THE ENGINE NOW MISFIRES. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IN THREE YEARS. *TR
Engine, Aug 12, 2012
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON SUDDENLY WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY. EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL TO THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE EXTENT, IT COULDN'T PICK UP A SPEED ABOVE 20-25 MPH. THIS COULD HAVE TURNED INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED BY OTHER CARS. I DROVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP OF THE MANUFACTURER FOR SERVICING BUT THEY COULDN'T PROVIDE ANY SERVICE FACILITY AS THEY HAD A BUSY SCHEDULE AND GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR MONDAY (8/13/2012). THEN I CALLED AAA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY TOWED IT TO THEIR NEAREST CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTER, WHO DETECTED THAT THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH IS AN ELECTRONIC PART FOR THIS TYPE OF CAR. REQUEST YOUR HELP TO GET MY CAR THOROUGHLY INSPECTED AND GET IT REPAIRED / REPLACED / MONEY REFUND BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Engine, Jul 13, 2012
MY CAR HAS BEEN MAKING MORE NOISE THAN USUAL. THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ALWAYS REVVING UP, EVEN IN A PARKED POSITION. I TOOK IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT AND THEY OPENED UP THE ENGINE AND SAID THAT THERE WAS METAL ON METAL AND METAL IN THE PAN (I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS). OVERALL, IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE!!!!! HOW CAN A 6 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 94,000 MILES NEED A NEW ENGINE! IT IS WORTH NOTHING IT I DON'T PUT A NEW ENGINE IN IT! SEEMS LIKE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, BUT NOT SURE HOW TO GET HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 23, 2012
MUFFLER & TAILPIPE AND HOUSING ON MY RAV4 ARE RUSTING EXTENSIVELY. HAD DEALER CHECK IT OUT. RECOMMENDS I REPLACE MY EXHAUST SYSTEM. THERE WERE HOLES IN MY EXHAUST SYSTEMS DUE TO RUST. CALLED AND COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY ONLY OFFER A 3 YR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. CASE REF #1203230216. MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YRS OLD!!! MY EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN FALL OFF MY RAV4 ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WHO IS TO BLAME IN SUCH A SENARIO? TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY FOR MAKING INFERIOR EXHAUST SYSTEMS? THERE IS RUST ON GARAGE FLOOR WHERE I PARK MY RAV4!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 19, 2012
WE WERE ON THE ROAD (ON A FAMILY VACATION). THE DAY THAT WE WERE COMING BACK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE VSC LIGHT AND THE SLIP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS WE WERE PULLING OUT OF THE HOTEL PARKING LOT. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER, I ALSO FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS MISFIRING. THE DEALER FOUND "MULTIPLE CODES P0304, P0305, P0306, P0356, P1578, C1201. #6 COIL MALFUNCTIONING. RECOMMEND REPLACE #6 COIL PACK AND RECHECK. POSSIBLE THAT OTHER COIL MAY FAIL FROM THE RESULT OF #6 COIL FAILING." #6 COIL PACK WAS REPLACED AND THE RAV4 HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE SINCE. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT "TYPICALLY AFTER ONE COIL GOES THE OTHERS FOLLOW SHORTLY AFTER", SO I WILL KEEP AN EYE OPEN FOR THAT. IT IS STRANGE SINCE IGNITION COILS HAVE A LONG LIFE EXPECTANCY. I CHECKED ON-LINE AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A HIGH FAILURE RATE WITH COIL PACK PART # 90919-02251, WHICH IS THE ORIGINAL PART THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. I MADE SURE THE PART WAS REPLACED WITH THE LATEST REVISION (90919-A2007) OF THE NEW PART NUMBERS (90919-A2002, 90919-A2004 OR 90919-A2007) THAT TOYOTA CHANGED TO. IT IS ALSO INTERESTING THAT MOST OF THE FAILURES HAPPEN WITH #6, #4 AND #5 COILS (IN THAT ORDER). THE FAILURES SEEM TO CONCENTRATE AROUND THE RIGHT FRONT CORNER, WHICH IS CLOSE TO THE RADIATOR (HOT FLUID) EXIT. MAYBE THAT IS WHY THE LATER REVISION PART # COIL PACKS HAVE A DOUBLE METALLIC SCREEN OUTSIDE THE PLASTIC HOUSING, TO PROTECT THE ASSEMBLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2011
I OWN 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH 48,000 MILES. MY CAR WAS DRIVING FINE UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR IN APRIL I RECEIVED RECALL LETTER SAYING I SHOULD REPLACE THE OIL RUBBER HOSE. 18 MONTHS LATER I NOTICE A LOT OF OIL UNDER MY CAR, THERE WAS NONE LEFT IN THE ENGINE. I HAD TO CALL TOWING COMPANY TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT THE HOSE IS BROKEN, THE ONE THAT SUPPOSED TO BE UPGRADED LASTED ONLY 18,000 MILES. THEY CHARGE US $700 BECAUSE OUR WARRANTY FINISHED IN JULY 2011 AND THE WARRANTY FOR THE RECALL IS ONLY FOR 1 YEAR. I TRIED TO NEGOTIATE WITH THEM BUT NOBODY EVEN LISTENED. WE LEFT THE DEALER WITH NOTHING, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR, HE PULLED TO THE PARKING LOT AND HEARD THIS BIG NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IT WAS 15 MINUTES AFTER WE LEFT THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. MY HUSBAND CALLED THE RIGHT AWAY AND THEY SAID THAT THEY TESTED THIS CAR AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT IF WE WANT WE CAN BRING THE CAR BACK. WE HAD TO CALL FOR TOWING COMPANY AGAIN. THE CAR CAME BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THEY ADMITTED THERE IS A NOISE BUT FOR THEM TO EVEN LOOK AT THE ENGINE THEY HAVE TO CHARGE US $1200. I HAVE ALREADY CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SENDING ME BACK TO THE DEALER TO TALK TO THEIR CUSTOMER RELATION MANAGER. THE MANAGER SAID HE DID SOME INVESTIGATION AND MY PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE IS NOT CONNECTED WITH THE REPAIR THEY DID. I TALK TO MANY DIFFERENT MECHANICS OUTSIDE OF TOYOTA AND THE SAID IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ENGINE TO JUST DIE. BESIDES EVERY MECHANIC SAYS THE HOSE SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN 18 MONTHS AND THEY BELIEVE THAT IT WAS NOT INSTALLED THE RIGHT WAY. TOYOTA MAIN OFFICE SAYS THE SUPPORT THE DEALER DECISION AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THEY DON'T FEEL ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS SITUATION. YOU HAVE MORE EXPERIENCE WITH THAT, MAYBE YOU CAN GIVE ME SOME ADVICE. THANK YOU. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2011
I OWN A 2006 RAV4 V6. AT ROUGHLY 60,000 MILES THE ENGINE, VSC AND 4WD LIGHT WOULD START GOING ON AND THEN OFF AFTER SHUTTING DOWN. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS PROBABLY THE GAS CAP AFTER FILLING UP NOT BEING TIGHT. AT 64,000 MILES THE LIGHTS WENT ON AND STAYED ON. BECAUSE MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IS WORTHLESS, I WENT TO A TRUSTED MECHANIC. THE CODES SHOWED A BAD COIL IN THE #2 CYLINDER SO I REPLACED IT. THEY SUGGESTED THAT THESE COILS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BE BAD AND THAT I SHOULD REPLACE ALL OF THEM. I DIDN'T WANT TO DROP $1300 AT THE TIME AND NOW AT 70,000 THE LIGHTS ARE ON AGAIN AND THE CODES ARE SHOWING ALL 6 COILS ARE BAD AGAIN. HOW IS IT THAT A CAR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO GO 100,000 MILES BEFORE YOU EVEN NEED TO CHANGE THE PLUGS HAS ALL THE COILS GO BAD AT THE SAME TIME. THERE ARE WEB SITES FOR RAV4 OWNERS ALL OVER THE INTERNET COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THING AND TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 13, 2011
DRIVING BACK FROM GAS STATION ALL THREE LIGHTS CAME ON IN DASH -- VSC, CHECK ENGINE & 4WD. RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT GAS CAP NOT SEALING COLD CAUSE PROBLEM, REMOVED / RETIGHTENED GAS CAP NUMEROUS TIMES. LIGHTS WON'T GO OFF. I HAD CAR TESTED WITH OBD READER ATTACHED AND CODES (PO300, PO303, PO305 & PO356 SAYS IT'S IGNITION COIL F--PRIMARY/SECONDARY CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. CAR ONLY HAS 43000 MILES AND CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF TOYOTA IGNITION FAILURES BETWEEN 40000 & 55000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 7, 2011
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES IGNITION COIL AND PLUG FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, VARIOUS DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIMMIED AND THE ENGINE MISFIRED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DISABLED. AN INSPECTION BY THE DEALER REVEALED A MISFIRE CODE AND THAT A NUMBER TWO COIL AND PLUG HAD TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH AND A HALF LATER, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ANOTHER IGNITION COIL HAD FAILED AND THE SUV WAS OPERATING IN FOUR CYLINDER MODE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS MODEL VEHICLE HAD A DESIGN/ENGINEERING PROBLEM WHICH WAS IDENTIFIED AND DOES NOT OCCUR ON SUBSEQUENT YEAR RAV 4 MODELS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING ALL OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN IGNITION COIL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,056. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 09/14/11
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VAPOR CANISTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VAPOR CANISTER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING HARMFUL FUMES FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE HARMFUL FUMES PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2011
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR OIL CHANGE, VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AT 78,000 MILES AND THEY FOUND A ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT THE REAR OF ENGINE AND THEY CLAIM ENGINE MAY HAVE TO BE REPLACED. HAVE HAD NO INDICATIONS OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, NO OVERHEATING, NOTHING. ESTIMATED COST OF ENGINE THAT MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED IS $8,000 THAT DEALER CLAIMS TOYOTA WILL PAY HALF. I HAVE SERVICE RECORDS SHOWING THAT I COMPLAINED OF A SMELL OF COOLANT AT 4,000 MILES AND THE DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS UNDERCOATING BURNING OFF. SAYS THAT THE COMPLAINT AT 4,000 MILES IS NO WAY RELATED TO MY CURRENT PROBLEM AND WILL NOT HONOR MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT AS ANYTHING RELATED TO NEW ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN THE AREA OF MY VEHICLE WHERE THE COOLANT IS LEAKING AND IT IS AT THE VERY SAME SPOT THAT OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ARE HAVING ISSUE WITH THE BOLTS CORRODING DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND LEAKING COOLANT. TOOK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION AND HE SAYS VEHICLE IS IN MINT CONDITION AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AT ALL. WHY IS TOYOTA WILLING TO PAY 50% IF THERE IS NOT A LEGITIMATE PROBLEM? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 18, 2011
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC AND SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AT 71000 MILES. CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING, CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER EVERY FEW MINUTES, FEELING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. DEALER SAID IT WAS OK TO DRIVE UNLESS LIGHTS WERE BLINKING, WHICH THEY WERE NOT. TOOK IT TO ADVANCED AUTOCARE WHO TOLD ME 4 PISTONS WERE REGISTERING AS MISFIRING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO CHECKED IT OUT, STATING THAT THE ONLY THING WRONG WAS A COIL WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BARELY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT WHILE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING! TOYOTA IS SAYING IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND IS NORMAL FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THIS IS THE LATEST OF ISSUES WITH THIS CAR! DOOR SEALS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND HAD TO REPLACE THE BACK DOOR SEAL AFTER STANDING WATER WAS FOUND IN THE BACK AFTER IT RAINED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2011
LAST NIGHT WHILE DRIVING WITH MY YOUNG DAUGHTER ON A LONELY HIGHWAY WITH NO CELL SERVICE, MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 V6 LIMITED STARTED MAKING A NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED MY DASH AND NO LIGHTS WERE ON, PRESSURES OKAY. THE NOISE STOPPED AND I KEPT DRIVING. ABOUT TWELVE MILES FROM HOME THE NOISE STARTED AGAIN AND MY DAUGHTER NOTICED. I LOOKED DOWN AND MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT FLASHED ON AND RIGHT BACK OFF. WE BARELY MADE IT TO OUR HOUSE. WHEN I GOT OUT AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR, OIL WAS EVERYWHERE. IT HAD RAN ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF THE CAR. WHEN I PULLED THE DIP STICK THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE STICK. MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT TODAY AND FOUND A HOLE IN A RUBBER HOSE. I WENT ON-LINE AND HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR STORIES. SUPPOSEDLY, TOYOTA WAS TO SEND OUT A LETTER IN OCTOBER 2009 TO ALL 2006 RAV OWNERS. WELL, I NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER AND I'VE BEEN THE ONE AND ONLY OWNER AT THE SAME ADDRESS. SO, IT'S NOT LIKE I COULDN'T BE FOUND. NOW MY HUSBAND IS TRYING TO FIND THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE VVTI- OIL HOSE, THAT IS NOW CALLED A 'PIPE'. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THIS WASN'T CONSIDERED A RECALL ISSUE INSTEAD OF A LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN? THAT OIL HAD SPEWED ALL OVER AND UNDER THE HOT ENGINE ONTO THE MANIFOLD. THERE WAS NOTHING KEEPING IT FROM CATCHING FIRE WHICH COULD HAVE TAKEN BOTH OUR LIVES. IF I HAD RECEIVED THE LETTER (A YEAR AND A HALF AGO) THE HOSE COULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NOW, I'M LOOKING AT REPAIR COSTS THAT COULD INCLUDE A NEW ENGINE. AT THIS POINT, WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH DAMAGE WAS DONE. MY CAR IS PAID FOR AND I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO BUY A NEW CAR OR HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. I WANT TO KNOW WITH ALL OF THE OTHER TOYOTA ISSUES IN THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, WHY THIS WASN'T ADDRESSED? MY HUSBAND JUST CALLED A LOCAL DEALER TO GET THE REPLACEMENT PART. HE SAID THE WAREHOUSE HAS OVER 250 IN STOCK! WHICH TELLS THEM THAT THIS IS NO ISOLATED ISSUE. HE SAID THAT THE PART NUMBER HAS CHANGED ABOUT FOUR TIMES, WHICH MEANS TOYOTA KNOWS THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Oct 29, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV4. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM REGARDING TOYOTA PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HER MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE HAS A WIDELY KNOWN DEFECT IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE ECM COMPUTER IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS ALSO AN ASSOCIATED RATTLING SOUND. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS REGARDING THE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF CLOSE TO TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE MECHANIC STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STEERING COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME. ALSO, THE TIRES WERE LEAKING AIR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2010
MY 2006 RAV4 4WD (40,000 MILES) BEGAN LEAKING OIL AT A VERY FAST RATE, LEAVING A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL ON THE GARAGE FLOOR, WHICH WASN'T IMMEDIATELY NOTICED BY ME. THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT NEVER ILLUMINATED, THEREFORE I HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT THERE WAS ALMOST NO OIL IN THE CAR. I WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN THERE WAS A PROBLEM IF MY BOYFRIEND HAD NOT CALLED ME FROM THE HOUSE TO WARN ME THAT MOST OF THE OIL THAT SHOULD BE IN MY CAR WAS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. TOYOTA REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE OIL LINE AND SAYS THAT THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR SYSTEM IS WORKING CORRECTLY, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT THE NEXT TIME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY OIL DELIVERY SYSTEM, I WON'T HAVE ANY WARNINGS TO PREVENT ME FROM BURNING UP THE ENGINE. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 HAS DEVELOPED A VERY DISTINCT CLUNKING SOUND AND FEEL WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. I NEVER DRIVE THE CAR, AND NOTICED IT IMMEDIATELY WHEN I HAD TO DRIVE IT A WEEK AGO. I QUESTIONED MY HUSBAND, WHO SAID IT HAD FELT LIKE THAT "FOREVER"!! WHEN I SEARCHED ONLINE I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT IT ACTUALLY IS QUITE A PROBLEM! CAR NOW HAS 90-K MILES. LAST SUMMER (AT A HAIR OVER 60-K) THE WATER PUMP WENT - OUT OF WARRANTY. VERY POOR DESIGN, AS THE ENGINE MUST BE PULLED TO REPLACE THE PUMP TO THE TUNE OF $1,600!!!! MY HUSBAND IS NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO QUESTIONING THE DEALER ABOUT THE STEERING. *TR