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: power train
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, May 13, 2019
WE PURCHASED A 2006 RAV4 LIMITED THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH 2019. A REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING GROWL NOISE WAS NOTICEABLE A MONTH AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING THE REAR END STARTED MAKING A GROWLING NOISE. IN EARLY JANUARY 2015 TOYOTA ISSUED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (ZF4) FOR YEARS 2006-2012 RAV4 TO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE BEARING REPLACED, BUT THEY PUT AN EXPIRATION DATE OF APRIL 30TH 2017 OR 9 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF FIRST USE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN PUT AN EXPIRATION DATE ON A DEFECTIVE PART. THESE BEARINGS COULD GO BAD AND SEIZE AT ANY TIME POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH. WE HAPPEN TO OWN TWO OF THESE VEHICLES, SAME YEARS, ONE MAKING NO NOISE AND NOT GOING BAD YET, BUT THE OTHER DECIDED IT WAS TIME. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING BEARING, NOT A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGED A DEFECT WITH THE BEARING BY INITIATING A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM, YOU CAN'T JUST SAY AFTER APRIL 30TH 2017 NO OTHER BEARINGS WILL FAIL AND IF THEY DO WE PASS THE BUCK ON THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR HEARING MY CONCERNS, I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING BACK FROM YOU. I WOULD LIKE TO DEBATE THE ISSUE WITH ONE OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES WITH YOU LISTENING, I'D RIP'EM APART. IT IS TIME THESE BILLION DOLLAR COMPANIES OWN UP TO THEIR MISTAKES AND NOT PASS THE BUCK TO THE LITTLE GUY. THANK YOU AGAIN, (XXXX). YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT (XXXX). PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, May 2, 2019
TAMARA RECALL ENGINE FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THE IT'S AN RECALL BUT, IT HAS NOW EXPIRED. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A SAFETY RECALL CAN EXPIRE. I NEED HELP FROM AN ATTORNEY ON THIS MATTER. BECAUSE THIS ISN'T RIGHT. CAN YOU RECOMMEND AN ATTORNEY? THEY SAID THEY COULD ONLY DO NEW RINGS AND NEW PISTONS BACK THEN BUT NOW TOYOTA WILL NOT EVEN DO THAT. SO NOW I JUST HAVE A 5,000 BILL FOR A NEW ENGINE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 2, 2019
LOSING OIL ENGINE MAKING NOISE NO POWER
Power train, Apr 2, 2018
REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER IS FAILING. EMITTING AN AWFUL NOISE AND GETTING WORSE. SPOKE TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE ENHANCED EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AT THE END OF LAST YEAR. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS, UNTIL THE PART HAS WORN OUT. (DEFECTIVE) IT IS A $1400. PART PLUS LABOR TO INSTALL. THEY CANNOT EXTEND THE ENHANCED EXTENDED WARRANTY ACCORDING TO THE RULES THAT NHTSA HAS SUGGESTED. DON'T YOU THINK IT IS TIME FOR NHTSA TO REQUIRE THAT TOYOTA RENEW THIS REPLACEMENT, OR CALL IT A RECALL FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESS?
Power train, Apr 28, 2017
I BOUGHT THE CAR BACK IN AUGUST 2006 AT TOYOTA DEALER. THERE WERE CLUNKY SOUNDS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN AFTER COUPLE MONTHS OF PURCHASE. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO DEALER TO REQUEST FOR A FIX BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THE CLUNKY SOUNDS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS NORMAL AS THE WAY THE IT CAME FROM TOYOTA FACTORY. THERE WAS NO FIX TO CORRECT THAT CLUNKY NOISES FROM STEERING WHEEL ON THAT DAY. I HAD TRUSTED TO TOYOTA'S ADVICE ON THAT DAY AND KEPT DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL OTHER MECHANICS AND FRIENDS TOLD ME THAT MY CAR NEEDED TO BE FIXED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SINCE THERE HAD BEEN CLUNKY NOISES WHEN THEY TESTED DRIVE ON MY CAR. THE SOUNDS ALWAYS CAME UP WHEN I MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL. I CALLED TOYOTA SERVICE AROUND 06/2014 ABOUT THE CLUNKY NOISE SINCE THE CONDITION GOT WORSE. I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO THERE IS NOTHING FROM TOYOTA TO HELP FIXING THE PROBLEM. TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT THERE WOULD BE RECALL IF THERE HAD BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD. I WAS ADVISED TO WAIT FOR A RECALL. FOR SAFETY CONCERN, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AFTER MY CONVERSATION WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 06/2014. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAD QUOTED WITH A FIX FOR $600 FOR THE PART NOT INCLUDING THE LABOR. THE CLUNKY NOISE WAS CAME FROM THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO FIX BECAUSE THE PRICE WAS TOO EXPENSIVE SO I HAD TO KEEP THE CAR CONDITION AS IT WAS. TOYOTA SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN. THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME THIS INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY ACCIDENT INVOLVED THIS ISSUE OR NOT BUT I AM VERY SURE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER SINCE THIS INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS RELATING TO THE CONTROLLING CAR'S FRONT WHEELS. FOR THE SAFETY CONCERN, PLEASE HELP TO LOOK INTO THIS COMPLAINT.
Power train, Apr 26, 2017
WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP A HILL, THE TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR AND THEN BACK INTO GEAR. WHEN IT POPS BACK INTO GEAR THE CAR LUNGES IN AN UNCONTROLLABLE MANNER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS CAUSE BY PREMATURE WEAR-OUT OF THE REVERSE CLUTCHES AND THE FIX IS A NEW $4000 TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD AT LEAST PROVIDE AN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO REPAIR. THE PROBLEM IS CONTINUOUS, IT WAS ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP A HILL.
Power train, Jan 27, 2016
TRANSFER CASE NOISE; QUELLING NOISE IS COMING FROM ENGINE ( I HEAR THIS NOISE AT LOW SPEED BETWEEN 20 MILES AND 40MILES). WHEN I PUSH GAS PEDAL VEHICLE DON,T PICK THE SPEED, ENGINE RUNS FAST AND IT JUMPS TO GET ITS SPEED.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2015
WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE GEAR CAR BOLTS OR JUMPS. LOUD NOISE. EITHER REVERSE GEAR OR TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY. HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE YEARS.
Power train, Jan 25, 2015
BOUGHT USED 2006 RAV 4 FROM WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A REPUTABLE TOYOTA DEALER IN LAKE CITY FLORIDA.WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF BUYING THIS CAR CHECKED OIL AND IT WAS 2 QUARTS LOW.NOW ABOUT EVERY 1000 MILES OR LESS THIS VEHICLE IS USING NEARLY 2 QUARTS OF OIL.PLEASE HELP IN THIS MATTER.THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY DAUGHTERS GOING OFF INTO THE WORLD VEHICLE BUT ITS TURNING OUT TO BE A PIECE OF CRAP.AND A WASTE OF MONEY.I KNOW TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND WILL DO NOTHING TO FIX IT.LAKE CITY TOYOTA ARE RUDE AND HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HELP IN THIS PROBLEM. AND IN HINDSIGHT BUYING THIS CAR THEY WERE VERY SKETCHY IN THE WAY THEY GOT US THERE TO BUY IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.NOW I KNOW WHY.I JUST WANT THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED.WE LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT.BUT ENGINE FAILURE AND OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER ISSUES DOWN THE ROAD IS SADDENING FOR A VEHICLE WE JUST PAID 7000 DOLLARS FOR.TOYOTA WE WILL NEVER BUY AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 21, 2014
AT APPROXIMATELY 81000 MILES, RAV-4 STARTED TO BURN OIL AT A RATE OF TWO QUARTS PER EVERY 3000 MILES. NOW AT 120,000 MILES, IT BURNS ONE QUART EVERY 1000 MILES. BY COMPARISON, MY 1987 TOYOTA CAMRY DOES NOT BURN A DROP. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 23, 2014
LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING PROBLEMS WITH HIS 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4; HE HOPING THAT TOYOTA CAN BE FORCED TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION AND REIMBURSE THE COST OF REPAIRING STEERING SHAFT (FULL DOCUMENT NOT IMAGED). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED PER TOYOTA TSB-0130-12, BECAUSE OF WHINING NOISE BUT HE WAS INFORMED THE TSB WAS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. IT WAS CONFIRMED, THAT AN INTERNAL NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. *JB
Power train, Mar 16, 2014
LOUD GRINDING SOUND AT APPROX 40MPH, EASILY REPLICATED AND SOUNDS AS IF SOMETHING IS STUCK UNDERNEATH CAR. DEALER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE FAULTY PARTS OR COVER ANY REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Feb 17, 2014
OUR 2006 RAV4 CREATES A GROWLING SOUND FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AREA WHEN DRIVING AT 35 TO 40 MPH. THE SOUND GOES AWAY WHEN ACCELERATING ABOVE 40 MPH. THE NOISE IS BECOMING MORE PRONOUNCED WITH TIME. TWICE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE. RESEARCH ONLINE LOCATED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB-0080-13 WHICH DISCUSSES SYMPTOMS VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT OUR RAV IS EXPERIENCING. A CALL TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP RESULTED IN BEING INFORMED THAT DETERIORATION OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING DUE TO CONTAMINATED BEARING COULD BE THE PROBLEM, AND THAT ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR COST IS $1,925. I ASKED IF FAILURE OF THE COUPLING COULD BE CATASTROPHIC, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THE ANSWER WAS NOT LIKELY UNLESS DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES. THIS VEHICLE IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED, AND HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS DISAPPOINTING THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT AN IMPENDING FAILURE OF THE DRIVETRAIN. IS THIS A FLAW IN THE ENGINEERING/DESIGN THAT WENT INTO THIS VEHICLE? WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE BEYOND INFORMING OTHERS IN THE INTEREST OF THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY? *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2013
I HAVE A 2006 RAV4, BUILT IN NOVEMBER, 2005. MY CHECK ENGINE, VSC AND 4WD LIGHTS LIT UP ON AUGUST 16, 2013. AFTER REFERRING TO THE MANUAL AND FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS YIELDED NO RESULT, I KEPT DRIVING AND WENT TO A TOYOTA DEALER THE NEXT DAY. I WAS ADVISED THE TRANSMISSION IN MY CAR HAD FAILED AND I NEEDED A NEW ONE. THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN FLUSHED ON 9/18/12 WITH 59,767 MILES ON MY CAR, THE DEALER MARKED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID "GOOD" ON 6/17/13 WITH 65,143 MILES AND THERE WERE ONLY 66,319 WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED IN AUGUST, 2013. BEING STRANDED OUT OF TOWN FOR THREE DAYS ALLOWED ME TO FIND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILING IN RAV4'S WITH LOW MILEAGE. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING THAT A HUGE PROBLEM AND EXPENSE WAS ABOUT TO OCCUR (WHICH IS STRANGE WHEN AN ALARM BLEATS, REQUESTING FASTENING OF THE SEATBELT, WHEN A GALLON OF MILK IS PUT ON THE PASSENGER SEAT.) AND THERE IS NOTHING IN THE MANUAL TO EVEN SUGGEST THE LIGHTS THAT LIT INDICATE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I HAVE FILED CASE #1310310749 WITH TOYOTA AND AWAIT THEIR FOLLOW UP ON PROMISES MADE. I WILL HAPPILY PROVIDE COPIES OF ANY PAPERWORK, SHOULD IT BE REQUESTED. I WOULD ASK FOR THE TRANSMISSION FAILURES TO BE LOOKED INTO AS WELL AS THE TOTAL LACK OF CLARITY AND/OR DIRECTION IN THE MANUAL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Oct 18, 2013
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2013 WHEN MY WIFE AND TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS (AGES 2 & 4) WERE COMING HOME FROM SHOPPING. OUR VEHICLE EXPERIENCE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, ENDANGERING THE LIVES MY WIFE AND MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN. SHE HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE LOST CONTROL. LUCKILY, SHE WAS NOT MOVING VERY FAST AND WAS ABLE TO STOP QUICKLY AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE ON-RAMP TO AN INTERSTATE 71 WITH A POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH AND THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. HAD THE FAILURE OCCURRED 20 SECONDS LATER, MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED IN A RAV 4 WITH ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL. WE CANNOT EVEN FATHOM THE POTENTIAL OUTCOME IF THAT FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH TRUCKS ETC. WE TOOK THE RAV INTO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY DEEMED THE ACCIDENT TO BE CAUSED BY THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM. THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM WAS RECALLED IN THE FALL/WINTER OF 2012, WHERE WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED IN NOV. 2012 WITH THE SO CALLED "CLIP". *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 17, 2013
WHILE DRIVING FROM MARYLAND TO MAINE FOR A VACATION, I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND GRINDING GEARS FREQUENTLY IN THE RANGE OF 20-35 MPH. I NOTICED IT HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY DURING SLOWDOWN FOR MAKING A TURN AND THEN ACCELERATION TO RESUME DRIVING. I DID NOT HAVE ANY ACCIDENTS, BUT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. I HAD PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THE PROBLEM, WHEN IT HAPPENED LESS FREQUENTLY, TO MY DEALERSHIP (DARCARS OF FREDERICK) AND THEY TOLD ME THAT 1)THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SOUND DURING THEIR TEST RUN AND 2) IF SUCH A THING HAD HAPPENED, MY ECU WOULD HAVE MADE A NOTE OF IT AND RECORDED IT. SINCE THERE WAS NO RECORD OF IT HAPPENING, IT WAS NOTHING. HOWEVER, UPON READING SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE RAV4 02-03 MODELS, REGARDING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, I FIND THAT THEIR ISSUES OF HANGING BEFORE SLIPPING INTO GEAR, GRINDING GEAR AND NOT FINDING THE GEAR AT ALL ARE THE SAME ONES I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING IN MY '06 RAV4. COULD IT BE THAT MY ECU IS BAD? YES, BUT MY DEALER WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THAT POSSIBILITY. THEY CHECK MY FLOOR MATS, BUT NOT THE ECU FOR FAULTY ISSUES. THIS IS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE AND I TRANSPORT MY DAUGHTER IN IT ALL OF THE TIME. I AM WORRIED ONE DAY I AM GOING TO BE DRIVING AND GET INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ALL OF MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS AND RECENTLY HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND FILLED COMPLETELY. I USED OEM FLUID AND AM ON SCHEDULE WITH ALL OF MY MAINTENANCE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Aug 25, 2013, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON A SUBURBAN NJ ROAD AT AROUND 30-40MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL OUT OF THE BLUE. THE CAR VEERED INTO THE LEFT LANE, I ATTEMPTED TO RIGHT THE CAR AND SIMULTANEOUSLY HIT THE BREAKS. THE ABS RESPONSE KICKED IN, AND THE CAR VEERED DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT, GOING OFF THE ROAD, ACROSS THE SIDEWALK, AND FINALLY COMING TO A STOP IN THE WOODS. THE REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED THAT THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT WAS A BROKEN TIE ROD OF THE BACK RIGHT WHEEL, THAT HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE BECAUSE THE SLEEVE ENCASING HAD RUSTED OVER. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR TOTALLED $10,000, AND THE SHOP WOULD HAVE TOTALED THE CAR IF THE MILAGE HADNT BEEN SO LOW. *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
Suspension, Power train, Apr 25, 2013
MY POWER STEERING P/S WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I NOTICED MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WASN'T WORKING. I DROVE HOME AND THEN TOOK IT BACK OUT OF MY GARAGE, IN WHICH THE LIGHT THEN TURNED OFF AND I HAD MY POWER STEERING BACK. IS THIS A KNOWN DEFECT OF MY CAR? I DID RECEIVE ONE ABOUT THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM #1 AND A FLOOR MAT RECALL, BUT THAT'S ALL. *TR
Power train, Apr 17, 2013
DRIVE SHAFT BROKE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Aug 22, 2012
STEERING WHEEL "CLUNKS" AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS - CLUNKING INCREASES OVER TIME. CONCERN IS IF STEERING FAILS AS A RESULT. TOYOTA'S FIX IS TO REPLACE INTERMEDIATE DRIVESHAFT AND AN ALIGNMENT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A PERVASIVE PROBLEM ON A NUMBER OF RAV4 MODEL YEARS (BASED ON HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS ON INTERNET DISCUSSION SITES, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH CLAIMS FAILED STEERING RESULTING IN MULTICAR CRASH). PER THESE ONLINE DISCUSSIONS, SOME TOYOTA DEALERS HAVE STATED IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, SOME HAVE NOT. GIVEN THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS (TOYOTA HAS TWO SERVICE MEMOS ISSUED ON THE PROBLEM AND EVEN DEVELOPED NEW REPLACEMENT PARTS), IF THE NHTSA HAS INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE AND DETERMINED THERE IS NO CONSUMER SAFETY ISSUES, IS THAT CONCLUSION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC? WOULD APPEAR THIS WOULD BE PROPER TO DISCLOSE, AS CONSUMERS GET VERY CONCERNED WITH A POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING AND ITS POTENTIAL CRASH RAMIFICATIONS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Aug 14, 2012
THERE WAS A RUMBLE IN THE REAR @ 40 MPH. I HAD MAPLEWOOD TOYOTA CHECK IT 2-3 TIMES, THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HEAR IT, CAR WAS FINE; THEY CHECKED THE TRANS OIL ONCE AND SAID IT WAS FINE. IT'S A CLOSED SYSTEM-YOU NEVER NEED TO CHANGE ITS OIL. (I HAD ASKED THIS QUESTION SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT I NEVER NEEDED TO CHANGE THE TRANS OIL & THE MANUAL DOES NOT LIST IT EITHER). THEY TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE AND CHECKED IT GOOD-SAID THAT 1ST GEAR WAS GOING, BUT IT WAS FINE TO DRIVE-COME BACK WHEN I COULDN'T STAND THE NOISE AND THEY'D PUT IN A NEW TRANS FOR $4,500. I WAS GOING OUT OF TOWN, THEY SAID OK, CAR WILL BE FINE. SINCE THE RUMBLE WAS SO LOUD, 3 DAYS LATER I GOT A SECOND OPINION AT A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST'S SHOP RECOMMENDED TO ME BY SEVERAL FRIENDS. THEY PUT IT UP ON A RACK AND TESTED IT WITH A STETHOSCOPE TYPE DEVICE. THEY SAID THAT THE BEARING WAS VERY BAD AND THAT I SHOULD NOT TAKE THE CAR OUT OF TOWN OR DRIVE IT AS IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD STOP AT ANY TIME. THEY REPLACED M,W/S, U240/24E 00-UP (CORK); FILTER; BUSHING, A40 SERIES PUMP; TC, RAV4, MED STALL, INK 14; CENTER GEAR BEARING, ETC. WHEN THE TOYOTA TECHNICIAN CHECKED THE TRANS OIL, I REALIZED THAT IT WAS NOT "A CLOSED SYSTEM"! ALSO, THE OIL WAS BLACK AND I NOW KNOW THAT IT SHOULD BE RED. I THINK I SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGING THE TRANS OIL ALL ALONG AND MY TRANSMISSION PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. I THINK THEY SHOULD ORDER A RECALL ON ALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS - AND PAY FOR THE WORK THAT I HAD TO HAVE DONE BEFORE MY CAR FAILED ON A FREEWAY SOMEWHERE. A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST FOREVER, ESPECIALLY SINCE HALF OF THE MILES HAVE BEEN FREEWAY MILES AND I DRIVE MY CAR VERY GENTLY. I JUST PUT IN NEW BRAKE PADS FOR THE FIRST TIME RECENTLY AND THERE WAS STILL 20-30% LEFT ON THEM. PREVIOUSLY I HAD TO PAY TOYOTA $400 TO REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN-ANOTHER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Power train, May 18, 2011
WHEN STARTING UP FROM A STOP, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS PROPERLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEARS HOWEVER WHEN IT SHIFTS FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, IT APPEARS TO MOMENTARILY GO IN TO NEUTRAL WHERE THE ENGINE WINES OUT BEFORE QUICKLY BANGING INTO THIRD GEAR. VERY HARSH SHIFTING. THIS APPEARS TO OCCUR ONLY AFTER THE TRANSMISSION HEATS UP AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES OR LONGER. AFTER THIS OCCURS, IT WILL DO THIS EVERY TIME WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS TO THE DEALER FOR SOME TIME HOWEVER WAS ONLY RECENTLY ABLE TO PROVE IT TO THEM. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR ABOUT $4000.00. *TR
Power train, Sep 25, 2010
MY 2006 RAV4 SPORT THAT OCCASIONALLY HAS PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION, THIS USUALLY OCCURS RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND CAN LAST UP TO 15 MIN INTO THE DRIVE. OCCURS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND RECEIVE A VERY SLOW RESPONSE FROM THE VEHICLE; ALMOST AS IF TRYING TO DRIVE WITH THE E BRAKE ON. ONCE YOU HAVE REACHED 5-10MPH IT ENGAGES AND GOES, BUT UNTIL THEN IT IS VERY UNSAFE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, ALTHOUGH YOU WOULD NORMALLY HAVE ENOUGH ROOM AND TIME TO TURN AND BE OUT OF THE WAY FOR INCOMING TRAFFIC, IF YOU DON'T COMPENSATE FOR THAT ADDITIONAL LAG , YOU COULD GET T-BONED. *TR
Power train, Apr 6, 2010
AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES I NOTICED WHEN I BACKED UP I HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN WHAT SEEMED TO BE THE REAR. AT APPROXIMATELY 62,000 MILES I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A "TRANSAXLE" PROBLEM. *TR