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 and engine cooling
40 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2009
EMAIL TO TOYOTA I HAVE BEEN GENERALLY VERY HAPPY WITH MY 2006 RAV4 (6 CYL, 62K MILES) BUT THIS PAST THURSDAY I HAD A REAL SCARE. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A MEETING ABOUT 15 MILES AWAY VIA INTERSTATE. WHEN I STARTED MY CAR LEAVING THE MEETING, MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BLINKED ON THEN WENT OFF. ALTHOUGH IT WAS UNUSUAL, I DID NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT THINKING I WOULD CHECK MY OIL WHEN I GOT HOME. MIDWAY HOME, I BEGAN TO HEAR SOME STRANGE NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SINCE IT WAS FAIRLY HOT, I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE FAN AND SHUT DOWN THE AC AND TURNED OFF THE RADIO TO LISTEN. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO MAKE STRANGE NOISES. AFTER STOPPING AT THE END OF THE EXIT RAMP NEAR HOME I ACCELERATED ONTO THE SIDE STREET AND THE NOISE BECAME VERY LOUD. I DROVE SLOWLY THE LAST 1/2 MILE HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME, I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND OIL ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS NO OIL READING ON THE DIPSTICK. NOTE THAT THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. I ADDED THE ONLY QUART OF OIL THAT I HAD AT HOME AND DROVE SLOWLY TO MY MECHANIC ABOUT A MILE AWAY. WHEN THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING, THEY SAID THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. A RUBBER HOSE THAT RAN FROM THE VALVE COVER TO THE OIL PUMP RESERVOIR HAD SPLIT AND PUMPED OUT ALL THE OIL. THEY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE HOSE HAD SOME METAL SHIELDING, THE HEAT HAD DETERIORATED THE RUBBER CAUSING THE SPLIT. THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLACE THE PART AND CLEAN MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR $600. I JUST DROVE IT ABOUT 300 MILES TODAY AND AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING, THE ENGINE RETURNED TO ITS NORMAL SOUND SO I AM HOPING THAT THERE WAS NO LONG TERM DAMAGE. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A 2000 MILE TRIP TO CANADA AND IF THAT HAD HAPPENED DURING AN EXTENDED ROAD TRIP, MY ENGINE WOULD BE TOAST. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT HE WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH HE HAS THE SAME ENGINE IN HIS 2008 TOYOTA. THERE IS NOTHING I COULD FIND IN MY OWNER'S MANUAL TELLING ME THAT I HAD TO HAVE THIS HOSE CHECKED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VAPOR CANNISTER, WHICH WAS A PART OF THE EMISSION SYSTEM, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,300. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PATCH OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. HE CHECKED THE OIL AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY LOW. HE PLACED FIVE QUARTS OF OIL IN THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN 30 MINUTES, ALL FIVE QUARTS HAD LEAKED OUT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP, BUT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD JUST REPAIRED THIS ISSUE ON ANOTHER TOYOTA RAV4 AND THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A TSB FOR THE TOYOTA AVALON (SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 06405, NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10018855, COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, SUMMARY: ENGINE OIL DRIP: BANK 1 VVTI OIL LINE). BOTH THE AVALON AND THE RAV4 HAVE THE SAME ENGINE. THE TSB STATED THAT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SMALL/SLOW OIL DRIP FROM THE BANK 1 VVTI OIL SUPPLY LINE ON THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCE REPAIRING VEHICLES AND STATED THAT THE OIL SUPPLY LINE ON THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE APPEARED TO BURST, WHICH CAUSED OIL TO SPLATTER ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE OIL WAS LOW IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HEARD VALVE CHATTER COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 61,000. UPDATED 8/24/09 *CN A RUBBER HOSE IN THE OIL DELIVERY SYSTEM FAILED WHICH CAUSED DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE. UPDATED 08/26/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2009
FAILURE OF OIL LINE ON 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 V6 CAUSES ENGNE TO LOOSE OIL AT RAPID RATE POTENTIALLY CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE OR FIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2009
HUGE OIL LEAK! STARTED SMALL, NOTICED A LITTLE ON THE TURN AROUND IN MY DRIVEWAY - DIDN'T EVEN THINK IT WAS MY CAR SINCE THERE WAS NO OIL WHEN I PARKED. ABOUT ONE WEEK LATER CAME HOME AFTER A SHORT TRIP AND NOTICED THE CAR SMELLED HOT. I CHECKED UNDER THE CAR AND THE OIL WAS JUST RUNNING OUT - THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WAS COVERED WITH SPLATTERED OIL AND IN ABOUT 15MINUTES - NO OIL LEFT! I HAVEN'T TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER YET - I'M AFRAID OF THE $$ AND WITH ALL OF THE DEALERSHIPS CLOSING, THE TOWING FEE ALONE WILL PROBABLY BE ONE I CAN'T AFFORD. I HAVE CHECK THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF COMMENTS ON THIS SAME PROBLEM. WHERE IS THE RECALL???
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2009
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO LOSE POWER, AND MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. AFTER ARRIVING HOME, I STARTED THE ENGINE AND HEARD THE SAME LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL, AND SAW THAT IT WAS NON-EXISTENT. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS THAT THE OIL LINE IS CONTINUING TO FAIL ON THE NEWER V-6 ENGINES. I WILL BE CALLING TOYOTA TOMORROW. THE CAR IS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT 4WD V-6. IT HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT. TOYOTA PERFORMS REGULAR OIL CHANGES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Visibility, Tires, Feb 13, 2009, fire
ON FREEWAY, OTHER MOTORIST NOTIFIED ME MY CAR WAS "ON FIRE!" I SAW EXCESSIVE SMOKE IN REARVIEW MIRROR. I TOOK THE NEXT EXIT WHICH WAS DIXON, CA OFF INTERSTATE 80 WEST IN CALIFORNIA. THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY THERE IS GRASSY, DID NOT THINK IT WAS SAFE TO STOP...I STOPPED THE CAR AND SMOKE WAS EVERYWHERE, COMING UP THROUGH THE HOOD & UNDER THE CAR. THIS WAS TUES, 2/3/09. I HAS THE CAR SERVICED THE FRI BEFORE, 1/30/09 AT TOYOTA VALLEJO IN VALLEJO, CA. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AFTER CALLING AAA FOR A TOW. THE SERVICE ADVISOR, RYAN SAID "IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN FROM ANYTHING THEY HAD DONE. BUT THERE IS AN 'OIL HOSE' THAT HAD BEEN COMING OFF ALOT OF THE RAV4'S." I WAS ALREADY UPSET & THAT MADE ME LIVID!! IF IT WERE A KNOWN PROBLEM THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE CHECKED DURING THE SCHEDULED MAINT. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO LITHIA TOYOTA OF VACAVILLE #47 AT 500 ORANGE DRIVE, VACAVILLE, CA. WORK ORDER 394212. AS OF YESTERDAY, 2/12/09, THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER, MEGAN, TOLD ME THERE WAS NO TSB SHE WAS AWARE OF, YET THE PART THAT CAME OFF (VVTI OIL PIPE) WAS NOT FOUND AT ANY OTHER DEALERSHIP OR SUPPLIER IN THE UNITED STATES, AND WAS ON ORDER FROM TOYOTA IN JAPAN. I AM FURIOUS THAT IT APPEARS TOYOTA WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS FAILED TO INITIATE ANY STEPS TO PREVENT RISK TO ITS CONSUMERS. I AM ASKING FOR A FULL INVESTIGATION WHICH HOPEFULLY WILL LEAD TO A RECALL OF THE 2006 RAV4'S AND ANY OTHER YEAR THIS AFFECTS. MEGAN, THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER AT LITHIA TOYOTA CONFIRMED WITH MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER, JOSE LARA (GEICO 707-688-3318) THE COST IS COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY....WHAT ABOUT THE COST OF MY LIFE, AND THE LIVES OF THE OTHER MOTORIST SURROUNDING ME??? THE RISK OF FIRE IS NEVER TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER TO AVOID ANY COST OF LIFE. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2009
TOYOTA, 2006 RAV4 ... LOOSE STEERING ARMS. CAUSING CLUNKING NOISES WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEED. DON'T KNOW IF THIS GETS BAD ENOUGH TO FALL APART WHILE DRIVING? TOYOTA HAS A TSB OUT ON THIS. MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS TOPIC ONLINE. TOYOTA WANTS $800. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL ON THESE CARS. ALSO VEHICLE HAS A 2 TO 3 SECOND HESITATION IF TRYING TO ACCELERATE DURING A LANE CHANGE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR DOES THIS ALSO .. AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINS WITH THIS ISSUE ON LINE. SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. TOYOTA WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 16, 2007
DETAILS: THE VEHICLE HAS FREQUENT PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION WHEN COLD. CAR HAS NO POWER WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC. I WILL STEP ON THE GAS, BEGIN MOVING, THEN THE ENGINE WILL BOG DOWN AND I WILL HAVE NO ACCELERATION AT ALL. I HAVE TAKEN THIS UP TO MY DEALER, AND THEIR EXPLANATION IS THAT NOTHING IS WRONG. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM CAN OCCUR WHEN EVER IT IS COLD. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 28, 2006
ENGINE HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION FROM STANDING START, CREATING AN UNSAFE SITUATION. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2006
THE VEHICLE HAS FREQUENT PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION - ESPECIALLY FROM STANDING STILL. I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC FROM MY DRIVEWAY, OR FROM OTHER PLACES. I WILL STEP ON THE GAS, BEGIN MOVING, THEN THE ENGINE WILL BOG DOWN AND I WILL HAVE NO ACCELERATION AT ALL. HAVING CHILDREN, I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BASED IN LARGE PART TO ITS SAFETY FEATURES. THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER, PRACTICALLY NEGATES ALL OF THAT. IF I STEP ON THE GAS I SHOULD EXPECT RELIABLE ACCELERATION SO I CAN SAFELY MERGE WITH TRAFFIC. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP TO MY DEALER, AND THEIR EXPLANATION HAS BEEN THAT THIS IS AN INTENTIONAL THING, TO BE SURE THE LUBRICANT IN THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE TRAIN IS OF SUFFICIENT TEMPERATURE BEFORE ALLOWING HARD ACCELERATION, THUS REDUCING WEAR ON COMPONENTS. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME, EVEN AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE - I DO NOT ACCEPT THIS REASON, NOR DO I FEEL THAT THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE WAY TO DEAL WITH COMPONENT WEAR. I SHOULD HAVE ACCELERATION AT ALL TIMES. IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO DRIVE INTELLIGENTLY AND NOT GUN THE ENGINE WHEN IT IS COLD, POSSIBLY DAMAGING THE ENGINE. BUT IT IS TOYOTA'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE ME WITH A VEHICLE THAT WILL RESPOND TO MY DEMANDS AT ANY TIME. MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILY'S DEPENDS ON THIS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2006
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 4WD, BLACK GAS FUME HOSE DISLODGED FROM UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND THEN FELL OUT IN DRIVEWAY AS RESULT OF DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLE ON HIGHWAY DURING HEAVY RAINS COMING HOME FROM WORK. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR SERVICE THE FOLLOWING DAY, SERVICE TECH SAID THAT FUME CANISTER BREATHER ASSEMBLY ATTACHED TO FUME HOSE WAS MISSING AND PROBABLY FELL OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLE. SERVICE TECH REPLACED PARTS A COUPLE DAYS LATER AFTER ORDERING IT. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT PART WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS DUE TO DAMAGE AND NOT DEFECT - COST TO OWNER $132 PARTS $50 LABOR. WENT OUT OF TOWN FOR 5 DAYS & DID NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. ON 8/9/06 AFTER HAVING DRIVEN ABOUT 30 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INCLUDING THE VSC AND 4WD INDICATOR LIGHTS, NO PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION NOTICED. ON 8/12/06 BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO DEALER AGAIN TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SERVICE TECH STATES THAT CHARCOAL CANISTER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO VALVE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. HE ADDED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE, BUT WOULD BE POLLUTING THE ENVIRONMENT. PART IS ON ORDER AND WILL ARRIVE NEXT WEEK. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2006
2006 RAV4 SPORTS V6 269 HP PLASTIC FUME CANISTER LOCATED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE ON DRIVERS SIDE IS EASILY DAMAGED. THE PLASTIC CANISTER IS EXPOSED TO ROAD DEBRIS INCLUDING RAIN PUDDLES THAT WILL DISPLACE AND KNOCK THE CANISTER OFF THE VEHICLE. THE RESULTING DAMAGE INCLUDES UNPLUGGED AND EXPOSED GAS FUME HOSES AND EMISSION CONTROL HOSES THAT CREATE A FIRE AND EXPLOSIVE HAZARD. THE PART IS NOT READILY AVAILABLE FROM TOYOTA AND DRIVERS MAY BE TEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH OUT THE PROPER REPAIRS. CONTINUED OPERATIONS WITHOUT THE CANISTER MAY ALSO RESULT IN FURTHER ENGINE DAMAGE AND RELEASE OF POLLUTANTS INTO THE AIR. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2006
ANOTHER DRIVER WAS DOING ABOUT 60 WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN THE POURING RAIN AND HIT A LOW SPOT ON THE FREEWAY THAT HAD ABOUT 3" OF WATER IN IT. HE DIDN'T SEE IT SOON ENOUGH TO AVOID IT SO HE JUST HUNG ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND PRAYED. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN QUITE A BIT BUT KEPT GOING STRAIGHT SPRAYING WATER EVERYWHERE. THE NOISE FROM THE WATER HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR WAS DEAFENING. THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT AND 4X4 LIGHT, CAME ON. HE STOPPED BY THE DEALER ON HIS WAY HOME TO HAVE IT CHECKED. HE WAS IN THE WAITING ROOM A FEW MINUTES WHEN THE SERVICE MGR. CAME AND GOT HIM SAYING HE WANTED TO SHOW HIM SOMETHING. THEY WENT OUT SIDE AND HE POINTED TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE TWO HOSES HANGING FROM THE CAR BELOW THE DRIVERS SEAT. IT SEEMS THERE WAS A PLASTIC CANISTER BEHIND THE CHARCOAL FILTER THAT RECIRCS TANK FUMES BACK TO THE ENGINE. IT GOT RIPPED OFF WHEN HE HIT THAT PUDDLE. HE EXPLAINED TO HIM WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND HE TOLD HIM THAT WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER THE DAMAGE (~$150.00). HE TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD NEVER LOST CAR PARTS BY DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE IN ALL HIS YEARS OF DRIVING. HE WAS UNSYMPATHETIC TO SAY THE LEAST. THE WORST PART ABOUT THIS IS THE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER FROM TOYOTA AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY'LL HAVE THEM. UNTIL THEN, THE LIGHTS WERE ON ON THE DASH. *NM