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: suspension
73 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Mar 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HAD SURPASSED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE LUBRICATION AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Feb 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V373000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THERE WAS A SECOND RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY YET AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Feb 26, 2014
I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL AND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN OCTOBER 2013. THE DEALER DETERMINED MY CAR NEEDED THE RECALL PART FIXED. I WAS NOTIFIED THAT DUE TO AVAILABILITY OF PARTS THE RECALL COULD NOT BE DONE UNTIL MID-FEBRUARY 2014. I CALLED THE DEALER AND TOYOTA ON 2/10/14 WHO BOTH TELL ME IT WOULD BE "MID-FEBRUARY." IT WAS MID-FEBRUARY BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE RECEIVED. I CALLED TODAY, 2/26/14, AND NOW BEING TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE BETWEEN "MID-FEBRUARY AND MID-MARCH" BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THE DEALER WOULD RECEIVE THE PARTS TO FIX IT. IN THE MEANTIME, THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE THE GRINDING SOUND. TOYOTA CONTINUES TO GIVE THE RUN AROUND ON THIS REPAIR. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN OCTOBER! *TR
Suspension, Feb 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 03/31/14*LJ
Steering, Suspension, Jan 17, 2014
FRONT LEFT CLUNKING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, TOLD BY DEALER ISSUE IS IN THE ELECTRONIC STEERING. DEALER DID NOT SOUND CONFIDENT WHEN STATING IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. HAVE READ ABOUT MULTIPLE 2006 RAV4 OWNERS HAVING DEFECTIVE STEERING. *TR
Suspension, Nov 4, 2013
DRIVER SIDE READ TIE ROD END RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED CAUSING LOUD NOISES AND HANDING ISSUES. *TR
Suspension, Oct 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION AND WHEN MAKING TURNS, THE CONTACT WOULD HEAR AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
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
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jun 17, 2013
I WAS DRIVING BY 88 ST AND 94 AVE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA WENT THROUGH THE TRAIN TRACKS, AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, LIKE AN EXPLOSION, AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND MOVE TO THE LEFT LANE, THANK GOD THERE WAS NO CARS COMING, SO I FINALLY CONTROL THE VEHICLE, I LOOK FOR A REASON OF THE EXPLOSION, AND THEN DRAG...LITERALLY TO A SHOPPING PLAZA, WHERE I NOTICED THE TIRE BEHIND ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS ALMOST SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. I CALLED MY SON, AND HE SEND A TOW TRUCK, LATER A MECHANIC WOULD TELL ME THAT THE INNER TIE ROD BROKE. I NOTICED MONTHS BEFORE THAT THE CAR MADE FUNNY NOISES FROM THE SUSPENSION. I CALLED THE DEALER SENT AN E-MAIL TO TOYOTA USA WARNING THEM, THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO THE DEALER. THEY DIDN'T CARE WHAT I SAID TO THEM, I WENT THREE TIMES TO THEM, TOYOTA USA INSISTED TO GO TO THE DEALER. THREE YEARS LATER TOYOTA USA SENT ME A WARNING BROCHURE ABOUT THE INNER-TIE ROD PROBLEM AND HOW TO DO THE ALIGNMENT ON THE RAV 4 BUT WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT DOING THIS PROCEDURE. I DID THE ALIGNMENT FOR THE RAV 4 IN A PLACE THAT HAS ALL THE CERTIFICATIONS, IN MY OPINION THE RAV-4 HAS A DEFECT INVOLVING THE SUSPENSION ( AFTER SHOCKS) AND THE INNER-TIE RODS, I HOPE THIS HELPS FIND THE REASON OF THIS PROBLEM. AND HOW TO GET REIMBURSED FOR ALL THE EXPENSES THAT I WENT THROUGH THIS.. *TR
Suspension, Jun 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HER VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS PROTRUDING OUT OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,180. *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
Suspension, Apr 17, 2013
RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION ROD BROKE. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC, HAD IT WELDED TILL NEW PART ARRIVED. HAD IT REPLACED. TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL AND HAD WORK DONE ON FEBRUARY 13, 2013. ON MARCH 18 THE DRIVER SIDE ARM BROKE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 28, 2013
OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST 2 MONTHS I HAVE HEARD A QUIET POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK RIGHT TIRE AREA WHEN I MAKE TURNS. I ACTUALLY VISITED A TOYOTA DEALER 1/8/2013 BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOWER SUSPENSION ARM RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. THEY "INSPECTED" AND PUT A STICKER ON, AND A WORTHLESS CLAMP (MIGHT AS WELL BEEN A PAPERCLIP) ON THE THE TIE ROD. ON 2/27/13, I TOOK A FEW CO-WORKERS TO LUNCH AND THEY NOTICED A LOUD POP EVERY TIME I TURNED A CORNER OR HIT ANY UNEVEN SPOT IN THE ROAD. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY PARKING SPOT AT WORK I GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT THE REAR RIGHT TIRE AND IT WAS SLANTED ONLY SLIGHTLY. LATER IN THE DAY, I BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT AND HEARD A VERY SEVERE POP AND THE TIRE MADE A WHOOSHING NOISE AS IT WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE TIRE WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF SERVICE AT THIS POINT. I GOT MY VEHICLE TOED TO A NEARBY SHOP, AND THEY FOUND THAT THE TIE ROD ON THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS BENT SEVERELY. THE MECHANIC THAT WAS INSPECTING MY VEHICLE WAS NOT A DEALER, AND AGREED THAT THE "FIX" TOYOTA DEVELOPED FOR THIS RECALL ISSUE WAS WORTHLESS, AND AGREED THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IF THIS HAD FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE BENT TIE ROD, AND VISITED THE SHOP TO SEE FOR MYSELF THIS AFTERNOON. I TRULY THINK THAT TOYOTA'S FIX SHOULD HAVE BEEN TO REPLACE EVERYONE'S TIE RODS. PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE STILL AT RISK! I PLAN TO SUBMIT MY CHARGES TO TOYOTA FOR REIMBURSEMENT. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 14, 2013, crash
ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30TH, AROUND 6 P.M. EST, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, GOING APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH, WHEN SUDDENLY I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE (2006 RAV4, STANDARD NOT SPORT). FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SHOULDER AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS OF SWERVING AND INABILITY TO CONTROL THE CAR. THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO MY PERSON, CAR OR ANYONE ELSE, BUT AS YOU CAN PROBABLY IMAGINE, I WAS ? AND CONTINUE TO BE- VERY SHAKEN UP OVER WHAT HAPPENED, AND HOW MUCH WORSE IT COULD HAVE BEEN HAD I BEEN ON A MORE CONGESTED HIGHWAY, GOING AT A FASTER SPEED. A WOMAN, WHO WAS DRIVING BEHIND ME, STOPPED AND HELPED ME OUT AND WITNESSED HOW OUT OF CONTROL MY CAR WAS. SHE THOUGHT I HAD HIT A DEER (IT WAS VERY DARK, FOGGY AND RAINY, AS WELL). IRONICALLY, I HAD JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA NOT EVEN A FEW DAYS EARLIER. I WAS AWAY THE PREVIOUS WEEK AND IT ARRIVED WHILE I WAS OUT OF TOWN. I HAD THE RECALL IN MY PHYSICAL POSSESSION FOR A TOTAL OF 4 DAYS, ONE OF WHICH WAS NOT A BUSINESS DAY. I HAD MY TIRES CHANGED AND ALIGNED OVER A YEAR AGO (I?D HAVE TO GET BACK TO YOU ON THE EXACT DATE, BUT I?M FAIRLY CERTAIN IT WAS DEC. 2011 OR JANUARY 2012). AT THIS TIME, ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA RECALL NOTICE, AN ADDITIONAL STEP NEEDED TO BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO PREVENT BACKLASH AT THE THREADED PORTION OF THE ARM, FOLLOWED BY RUST. IF THIS OCCURRED, THREAD WOULD WEAR, CAUSING THE ARM TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAME NIGHT OF THE INCIDENT, I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND THE NEXT MORNING, JANUARY 31ST, THEY CONFIRMED THAT WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO MY CAR WAS INDEED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. THIS MEANS THAT I HAD BEEN DRIVING MY CAR AROUND TO MY OWN DETRIMENT FOR OVER A YEAR, WITHOUT ANY IDEA THAT THERE WAS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF OR MY SIX YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. *TR
Suspension, Jan 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AROUND A BEND, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE TIE ROD END WAS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY WELDING THE TIE ROD INTO PLACE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Dec 21, 2012
THIS IS AN INQUIRY NOT A COMPLAINT I HAD MY CAR CHECKED FOR THE SUSPENSION ARM RECALL NOTHING WAS DONE TO MY CAR I GIVEN A REPAIR ESTIMATE FOR TIRES AND A ALIGNMENT MY CONCERN IS IF THERE WAS NOTHING DONE NOW WHAT HAPPENS IF THIS SUSPENSION ARM CAUSES A PROBLEM NEXT WEEK OR NEXT YEAR CAN I BE CERTAIN THAT A QUICK CHECK IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO ENSURE SAFETY NO CLIPS OR CAUTION LABELS WERE MENTIONED AM I DRIVING A SAFE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Oct 1, 2012
MY RAV 4 IS MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. MY LOCAL SHOP REPLACED THE REAR SHOCKS AND THE REAR SWAY BAR END LINKS, WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE CLUNKING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO TOYOTA OF WESTPORT IN WESTPORT,CT ON OCTOBER 1, 2012 WHERE THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THEY ARE UNSURE HOW TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM UNTIL TOYOTA PRODUCES A FORMAL RECALL AND FIX, BUT THEY DO KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. IF THE PROBLEMS ARE STATED ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND TOYOTA KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM...HOW CAN IT NOT BE FIXED? I AM WORRIED AS MY WIFE TRAVELS DISTANCES BY HIGHWAY AND I DO NOT WANT THIS TO CAUSE A CRASH IF IT CAN BE SOLVED. WHAT IS ONE TO DO WHEN THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THEIR PRODUCT? I AM AT A LOSS, BUT WILL KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED AND HOPE THAT MY CAR HOLDS UP UNTIL TOYOTA FIGURES THIS OUT. *TR
Suspension, Sep 10, 2012
PERFORMING A THREE-POINT TURN ON AN UNEVEN, ROCKY SURFACE. HEARD A LOUD CLANG/POP FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. THOUGHT A ROCK WAS KICKED UP OR IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN SUSPENSION RELATED. WAS INFORMED BY DEALER AT PREVIOUS OIL CHANGE THAT I WAS IN NEED OF REPLACING PASSENGER REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS IT WAS LEAKING BADLY. I HAD FIGURED THAT THE FAILED SHOCK ABSORBER HAD FINALLY GIVEN IN AND HAD CREATED THE NOISE. I WENT AHEAD AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE THAT SAME WEEK AND HAD AN OIL CHANGE DONE AND HAD BOTH REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS REPLACED. PEEKED UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHEN I GOT HOME TO SEE NEW THE NEW SHINY (NOT OILY) SHOCKS AND NOTICED THAT THE BOLT CONNECTING THE ANTI SWAY OR STABILIZER BAR TO THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM HAD SHEARED OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE BOLT, THE BUSHING, WASHER AND NUT WERE MISSING. THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS COMPLETE AND INTACT. THE FAILURE OF THIS CRITICAL PIECE OF SUSPENSION HAD OBVIOUSLY CREATED THE NOISE I HEARD. *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, Suspension, Jul 16, 2012
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES ISSUES WITH FRONT STEERING, SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEMS STARTED WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND CONTINUED WITH OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING, FRONT SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN. VARIOUS FRONT END COMPONENTS HAD BEEN REPLACED 10 TIMES. AFTER THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN AUGUST OF 2011, THE VEHICLE IS NOW PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Dec 26, 2010
MY 2006 RAV 4 HAS HAD A SERIES OF FRONT END PROBLEMS DATING FROM JAN 2007 TO APRIL 2009. IT HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP 9 TIMES (WARRANTY WORK) WITH NUMEROUS PARTS BEING REPLACED BEFORE TOYOTA HAD THEIR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REP COME AND LOOK AT IT. THEY ENDED UP REPLACING JUST ABOUT ALL OF THE FRONT END COMPONENT PARTS EXCEPT THE STEERING. THAT WAS THE 10TH TIME THE CAR WAS IN. NOW AFTER 21 MONTHS THE SOUND IS BACK AND I CAN EVEN FEEL VIBRATION KNOCK IN THE STEERING. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2006. MILEAGE AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE WAS 4847. MILEAGE IN APRIL 2009 WAS 26737. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 41800. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR WITH THE FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK WHILE I'M MAKING A SHARP TURN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jan 1, 2009
SINCE DAY ONE THERE WAS A KNOCKING/POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AT PARK AND LOW SPEEDS. I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND FINALLY, AND IRONICALLY, THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE. PREVIOUS TRIPS YIELDED THE EVER PRESENT "COULD NOT DUPLICATE". HOWEVER STEERING ADJUSTMENTS VIA AN ALIGNMENT WAS ATTEMPTED. COULD NOT DUPLICATE BUT TRIED SOMETHING ANYWAY? THE IRONIC PART ABOUT WHEN THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE IS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 4000 MILES PAST WARRANTY. FUNNY HOW SUCH AN OBVIOUS THING CAN GO UNNOTICED UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES. *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