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
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 9, 2010
WHEN FIRST DRIVING MY NEW 2006 TOYOTA RAV4, I NOTICED AT SLOW SPEEDS IT WOULD SOMETIMES ACCELERATE WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE. I ATTRIBUTED THIS TO BIG FEET AND A NEW CAR WHERE I DID NOT YET MASTER THE RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PEDALS. I STARTED DRIVING WITH TWO FEET, JUST AS I WAS TAUGHT AS A TEENAGER IN DRIVERS ED. OCCASIONALLY, THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN IN THE ENSUING 3 YEARS. UNTIL THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM CAME TO LIGHT IN 2010, I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST "OPERATOR ERROR." NOW, I AM BEGINNING TO THINK THERE IS SOME DEFECT - MAYBE IT'S HARDWARE LINKAGES, BUT I SUSPECT THERE IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER OF THE CAR. I ALSO HAD THE STEERING MID-SHAFT PROBLEM AFTER WARRANTY AND SCREAMED UNTIL THEY FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY FOR $50. THERE WAS ALSO A "RUNAWAY" FUEL PUMP SERVICE BULLETIN I MADE THEM COVER AS WELL. I HAVE WORKED WITH TOYOTA QUALITY ENGINEERS SINCE THE 1980S AND AM DISGUSTED BY THEIR RESPONSES REPORTED IN THIS ODI SITE. TOYOTA'S CLAIM TO FAME WAS THERE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER FOCUS. LOOKS LIKE THE CURRENT GENERATION OF TOYOTA PEOPLE HAVE LOST THIS, AND THAT POINTS DIRECTLY TO TOP MANAGEMENT THERE. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME. AS THEY SAY IN JAPANESE, THEY ARE "ON SHIRAZU" (DO NOT UNDERSTAND THEIR OBLIGATION TO THEIR CUSTOMERS). *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 15, 2009
2006 RAV4 UNSAFE TO DRIVE!!! LE BRUN TOYOTA, CANADAIGUA, NY, MADE ME PAY TO EXCHANGE LEMON WITH ONLY 150-200 MILES 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, THEY MADE ME PAY AN ADDITIONAL 7K TO TRADE FOR THE V-6 I HAVE NOW, BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION ACCELERATED DOWNHILL, ON BOTH 4CYL AND V-6, IT STILL DOES IT THOUGH NOT AS SEVERE, STILL SCARY AT TIMES. RECENTLY,MY STEERING WENT OUT ON THE EXIT RAMP LUCKILY AND LOCKED A FEW TIMES, IT NOW MAKES A THUMP AND CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT, NEXT TIME I WON'T BE SO LUCKY. REALLY LOUD NOISE FROM REAR ALSO. ANTIFREEZE SMELL INSIDE CAR TOO.H.E.L.P. *TR
Steering, Power train, Sep 25, 2009
THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WENT OUT SUDDENLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING THIS MONTH. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE MOTOR. WHEN THE CAR STARTED AGAIN THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAD REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM ON THIS CAR FROM TOYOTA. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT SUDDENLY. TOYOTA WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME THE COST OF FIXING THIS SAFETY DEFECT. IT COSTS ABOUT $1000. HAD I BEEN ON A HIGHWAY, I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2009
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 V-6 ENGINE. SUDDEN AND MASSIVE LOSS OF ALL ENGINE OIL. DEALER IS AWARE THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE OIL HOSE. NO RECALL ISSUED YET. DEALER STATES "WE'RE JUST FIXING THEM AS THEY COME IN". I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS CLOSE TO HOME. ENGINE WAS BONE DRY OF OIL IN LESS THAN 3 MILES. SHOULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED FURTHER AWAY; 1. ENGINE WOULD HAVE SEIZED. 2. POTENTIAL FIRE - THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE WAS COVERED IN OIL AND COULD HAVE EASILY IGNITED. TOYOTA NEEDED TO RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE PART. NOT "JUST REPAIR AS THEY COME IN." *TR
Power train, Jul 16, 2009
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 RUBBER OIL HOSE (PART NO. 15707-31010) RUPTURE SPEWED OIL ALL OVER ENGINE AND ROAD. VEHICLE HAS 61000 MILES. THE 2008 AND LATER MODEL RAV 4'S NOW USE A DIFFERENT METAL PART (PART NO. 15772-31030). LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN AFTER NOTICING ENGINE SMOKING FROM EXCESS OIL. THE DEALERSHIP WILL ONLY INSTALL ORIGINAL PART NUMBER FOR THE 2006 AND 2007 RAV 4 MODELS, EVEN THOUGH APPARENTLY THE 2008 METAL PART IS SUPERIOR. *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
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 7, 2008
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM REFERENCED RECENTLY. I HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE OF THE CAR JUST NOT STARTING. I DISCOVERED THAT IT IS RELATED TO THE STICK SHIFT. IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS ENGAGED. IF YOU GIVE IT THE TINIEST JIGGLE IT ENGAGES AND THE CAR WILL START. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE DEAL IS, BUT PLANNED TO BRING IT UP WHEN I TAKE CAR TO BE SERVICED NEXT. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 24, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. ON MARCH 17, 2008, WHILE COASTING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD UNDERGONE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE BEFORE THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE WEATHER WAS DRY ON THE DAY OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED BACK TO THE CONTACT; HOWEVER, IT HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK TO THE SHOP DUE TO RIDING ROUGHLY WHEN PLACED INTO OVERDRIVE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS LOCKING EVERYTIME THE TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED INTO OVERDRIVE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT CITED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 17,690 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,687. UPDATED 5/13/08 *CN THE DEALER DETERMINED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE OVERDIRVE. UPDATED
Power train, Feb 20, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE DRIVETRAIN IN THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A WHINING SOUND. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. A REGIONAL ENGINEER RECENTLY STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS TYPICAL OF A 2006 RAV4 AND THERE WAS NOTHING TO REPAIR. THE NOISE BEGAN WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH HOUR AND IS CURRENTLY ONGOING WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30 TO 55 MPH. THE ENGINEER ALSO STATED THAT THE SOUND OF THE TRANSMISSION IS INHERENT TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,070 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,100. UPDATED 04-08-08 *BF UPDATED 04/08/08 *TR
Suspension, Power train, Feb 17, 2008
TWO SEPARATE PROBLEMS: 1) LEFT REAR SUSPENSION, REPORTED TO TWO DEALERS STARTING 8/11/07 FOLLOWED BY THREE OTHER COMPLAINTS, DIAGNOSED AS WORN BUSHING. PARTS ON ORDER; PROBLEM GETTING WORSE. NOTIFIED DEALER THROUGH FACTORY REP; DEALER HAS NOT INDICATED THAT DRIVING VEHICLE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. 2) HESITATION DOWNSHIFTING WHEN DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL. FIRST REPORTED TO TWO DEALERS ON 9/8/07 FOLLOWED BY TWO OTHER COMPLAINTS. INFORMED IT WAS/IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM CORRECTED AT THE FACTORY, YET PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
Power train, Oct 21, 2007
PURCHASED RAV IN 1/2006 AND HAVE HAD MANY ACCELERATION ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. FROM A SLOW/START OR STOP/START, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE CAR HESITATE ON ACCELERATION. THIS OCCURRENCE IS ALL THE TIME, CREATING A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A SAFETY MECHANISM TO PREVENT "HARD" SHIFTING IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS SITUATION STILL OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES DAILY. *TR INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2007
OUR 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS HAD ISSUES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS OF EITHER HESITATING WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED OR LUNGING FORWARD WHEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN FOR TRAFFIC OR A STOP LIGHT. WE HAVE MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO OUR DEALER, BUT THEY KEEP SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG. WE FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE/ RELIABLE AT THIS POINT. *JB
Power train, Aug 15, 2007
THROTTLE LAG WHEN REQUESTING IMMEDIATE ACCELERATION FROM EITHER A STOP OR A T LOW SPEEDS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Exterior lighting, Apr 10, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE CVS, ABS, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE AND FOR AS LONG AS 1 WEEK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT THAT THEY WOULD RESEARCH IT. AS OF THIS DATE THE DEALER HAD NOT INFORMED THE CONTACT OF THEIR FINDINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000. *AK
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2007
I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES FROM ABOUT 25 MPH TO STOP FOR TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE THE ENGINE ACCELERATED AND I HAD TO STAND HARD ON THE BRAKE TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE ENGINE SPEED CAME BACK TO NORMAL. AT THAT TIME I DOUBLE CHECKED MY FOOT POSITION ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND AM CONFIDENT THAT I WAS IN NO WAY CONTACTING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *JB
Power train, Dec 12, 2006, crash
I HAVE THE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 BASE MODEL WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY SLUGGISH TO RESPOND TO BRAKING, SUCH THAT THE ENGINE SOMETIMES CONTINUES TO REV FORWARD FOR A SECOND OR TWO EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS LEADS TO EXCESSIVE BRAKING DISTANCES. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS THE CAUSE OF AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT THAT WE SUFFERED ON 8/5/06. IN DENSE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, I WAS ABOUT 20 FEET BEHIND AN OLDER TOYOTA PATHFINDER AND HAD JUST ACCELERATED FROM ABOUT 15 MPH TO ABOUT 25 MPH, AS THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE VEHICLES WAS GROWING. THEN THE PATHFINDER IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY SLAMMED ON HIS/HER BRAKES BECAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE SWERVED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF IT. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES TOO, BUT THE RAV4 DID NOT IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO SLOW. INSTEAD, I COULD FEEL THE ENGINE STILL PUSHING THE CAR FORWARD. THE RAV4 FINALLY DID BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN RIGHT ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE PATHFINDER CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AS A RESULT, WE HIT THE NOW-STATIONARY PATHFINDER IN FRONT OF US AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 5 MPH. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THE FRONT END OF THE RAV4 WAS MASHED IN. I HAVE DRIVEN DOZENS OF DIFFERENT VEHICLES OVER NEARLY 20 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE, AND I THINK EVERY OTHER ONE WOULD HAVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WELL BEFORE THE POINT OF IMPACT (AS DID THE PATHFINDER IN FRONT OF ME, DESPITE A VEHICLE CUTTING DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF IT). THIS LEADS ME TO SUSPECT THERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE RAV4 TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE FROM DRIVE WHENEVER THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED, BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE A DANGEROUS TIME LAG. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED, THEY ROAD-TESTED AND EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THEY CLAIMED WHAT I EXPERIENCED WAS THE VEHICLE DOWN-SHIFTING, WHICH RESULTS IN HIGHER RPMS BUT LESS FORWARD MOTION. I DON'T BUY IT. I HAVE TRIED JAMMING ON THE BRAKES TO CAUSE SUCH DOWNSHIFTING AND IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. *JB
Power train, Oct 13, 2006
DT*: THE VEHICLE HAD AN ACCELERATION LAG ISSUE CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO NOT SWITCH GEARS IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
Power train, Sep 23, 2006
I HAVE A SERIOUS DELAY IN THE ACCELERATION OF MY 06 TOYOTA RAV4. IT IS DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. I HAVE GOTTEN NO HELP FROM THE DEALER OR TOYOTA. IT HAPPENS ABOUT 5-10 TIMES PER WEEK. *NM
Power train, Sep 16, 2006
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THERE IS A SEVERE HESITATION WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. THIS IS MOST NOTABLE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR A NEAR STOP. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE A/C BEING ON OR IN MY HEAD, BUT I HAVE RULED OUT THE A/C, AND SOMETIMES IT WILL WORK WONDERFULLY ONE NIGHT AND THE NEXT MORNING, THE THROTTLE RESPONSE IS VERY SLUGGISH. SOMETIMES SEEMS TO BOG DOWN IF YOU GIVE IT MORE GAS AND THEN YOU HAVE TO EASE WAY BACK ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ONCE IT GETS GOING. *NM
Power train, Sep 14, 2006
MY RAV4 "LAGS" OR "HESITATES" WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE IN ORDER TO GET UP TO SPEED-ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM TRYING TO MERGE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TECHNICIANS THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS NO "FIX" FOR THIS PROBLEM. *NM
Power train, Aug 30, 2006
NEW 2006 RAV 4 WAS PURCHASED AT GRAPPONE TOYOTA, CONCORD NH, ON 7-28-06. DURING HE FIRST 600 MILES OF OPERATION PER THE MANUFACTURER. BREAK IN RECOMMENDATIONS IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION REGARDING NORMAL ACCELERATION AND THROTTLE USE. THIS CONDITION LEADS IN AN INTERMITTENT FASHION TO FAILURE TO ACCELERATE WHEN MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY, FAILURE TO RESUME STEADY THROTTLE SETTING AFTER ROUNDING A CORNER, SUDDEN AND SERIOUS HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY AND SUDDEN AND SERIOUS LOSSES OF POWER ON THE ROAD. THESE SYMPTOM ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A FULL TIME THROTTLE LAG, WHICH PREVENTS NORMAL USE OF THE THROTTLE AND OFTEN, AFTER A VARIED PERIOD OF DELAY, IS FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT AND RUSH OF POWER AND ACCELERATION. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ON 8-22-06 AND WAS DEFERRED UNTIL 8-25-06 AT WHICH TIME THE DEALER CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPUTER AND TOLD ME THAT THE DEGREE OF MALFUNCTIONING IS "NORMAL" AND COULD NOT BE ADDRESSED. I TOLD THEM THAT WAS UNACCEPTABLE AND THAT SINCE THIS UNCERTAIN AND ERRATIC PERFORMANCE COMPROMISED THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE AND MYSELF WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL USE OF THE CAR UNTIL THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER CHOSE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. AFTER 43 YEARS OF SAFE DRIVING, I'M NOT ABOUT TO DRIVE AN UNCONTROLLABLE CAR IN TRAFFIC ON PUBLIC ROADS WHEN IT MAY SUDDENLY FAIL TO ACCELERATE OR FAIL TO RESUME NORMAL SPEED AFTER BRAKING. ANY SUDDEN ERRATIC MOVES CAN BE DANGEROUS TO OURSELVES AND TO SURROUNDING TRAFFIC AND I FIND IT DEEPLY DISTURBING THAT NEITHER TOYOTA NOR GRAPPONE TOYOTA WILL BOTHER TO RETURN MY CALLS NOR ADDRESS THIS MATTER. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED MY CALLS, FACILITATED A REPAIR OR EVEN BOTHERED TO TRY TO FIX THE CAR. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION WHICH I NOW BELIEVE IS COMMON TO ABOUT 10% OF RAV 4S BEFORE IT COSTS SOMEONE THEIR LIFE. THANK YOU. *NM
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 25, 2006
MY 2006 TOYTOA RAV4 HAS DISPLAYED NON RESPONSIVE THROTTLE ON MANY OCCASIONS WHERE YOU GIVE IT GAS AND IT DOES NOTHING, THEN IT TAKES OFF LIKE A ROCKET. I HAVE NEARLY BEEN IN ACCIDENTS BECAUSE I PULL OUT FROM A STOP AND THE THROTTLE IS UNRESPONSIVE WHILE TRAFFIC IS BEARING DOWN ON ME. *JB
Power train, Aug 2, 2006
SERIOUS HESITATION PROBLEM IN MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. I'VE REPORTED TO TOYOTA, BUT THEY INDICATE IT'S NORMAL. PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SERIOUSLY 3-4 TIMES. WHEN SLOWING TO A NEAR STOP OR FROM A STOP, ACCELERATING, I GET NOTHING WHEN I PUSH ON ACCELERATOR. THIS IS BEYOND HESITATION. THE FIRST 2 TIMES I PANICKED SINCE I WAS MERGING IN TRAFFIC, FLOORED THE PEDAL AND AFTER PERHAPS 1/2 TO 1 SECOND (MIGHT NOT SOUND LONG, BUT IMAGINE NO RESPONSE TO PUSHING YOU PEDAL WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC DOING 60-70)....IT KICKED IN/DOWNSHIFTED OR WHATEVER. REALLY SCARY. AGAIN, I NOTED THIS TO TOYOTA. I NOTED A POST ON EDMUNDS SITE TODAY WITH A 2005 ARTICLE ON PAST HESITATION PROBLEMS WITH TOYOTA/LEXUS. AND OTHER COMPLAINTS AS WELL ON THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I'VE POSTED A DATE OF JUNE 30 FOR INCIDENT, BUT ACTUALLY 3-4 SEPARATE TIMES IN PAST 4 MONTHS. *JB
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 12, 2006
HESITATION PROBLEM - '06 RAV4 I4 SPORT MODEL WHEN TRYING TO OVERTAKE, WHEN PRESSING THE PEDAL HARDER, ENGINE DIDN'T RESPOND RIGHT AWAY. *JB