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: vehicle speed control
74 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2020
HAD MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL SERVICES. I ALSO HAD RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE TUNEUP AND BRAKE FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL. WHEN I LEFT THE PARKING LOT OF THE DEALERSHIP, I CROSSED 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC, BRAKED, WAITED FOR ALTERNATE TRAFFIC TO PASS BEFORE TURNING ONTO THE CITY STREET WITH MY FOOT STILL ON BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED, LURCHED THEN ACCELERATED AGAIN WITHOUT ME PRESSING ON THE GAS AND CONTINUING TO BRAKE WHEN IT ACCELERATED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK THE NEXT MORNING AND THEY TOWED IT BACK IN. AFTER THEY PERFORMED SEVERAL TESTS AND TEST DRIVE IT THEY COULD NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE THE SAME THING. THERE WERE TWO PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES THAT I DID NOT REPORT TO THIS ENTITY SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR USED. THEY HAPPENED CLOSE TOGETHER AND NOT AGAIN UNTIL THE MOST RECENT EVENT. I BELIEVE THE PROHIBITIVE COST OF THROTTLE BODY AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL MODULE ($1,519.40) WHICH ARE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO ACTUALLY FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOT THE FLOOR MATS, IS WHY THE PREVIOUS OWNER SOLD THE CAR TO ME. NO WARNING FORTHCOMING, EVEN THOUGH I DID ASK.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 2, 2018
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ENGINE ATTEMPTS TO MAINTAIN SPEED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. AFTER CAR HAS STOPPED, STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN MAY ONLY ALLOW CAR TO MOVE FORWARD VERY SLOWLY. THIS STARTED HAPPENING WITHIN THE LAST MONTH AND HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES SO FAR. IT HAPPENS WITH THE CAR IN MOTION AND EITHER TURNING OR GOING STRAIGHT. SO FAR ALL INCIDENTS WERE WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. ALL SAFETY RECALLS ARE UP TO DATE. DEALER SAYS APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE DISENGAGES THE ACCELERATOR, BUT THIS IS NOT HAPPENING. THE GAS PEDAL MOVES FREELY AND THERE IS NO INTERFERENCE FROM THE FLOOR MAT. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALER NOW.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (PRESTIGE TOYOTA LOCATED AT 1096 NJ 17 RAMSEY, NJ 07446 844-838-7075) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1707072335. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2015, crash
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAS PEDAL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, BECAUSE THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK AND DID NOT RELEASE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE CONSUMER HIT A TREE. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2015
1/30/14 RECALL PART - REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM REPAIRED BY HANDY. SHORTLY AFTER (1-3 MONTHS) I NOTICED SWERVE/SWAY DURING HARD RIGHT TURNS. I SUSPECTED BAD OR UNDERINFLATED TIRE ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR. CHECKED ALL TIRE INFLATION AND LUG NUT TIGHTNESS BUT THE SWERVE/SWAY CONTINUED. ON 10/16/14 I HAD (4) NEW SNOW TIRES INSTALLED AT SUMNER TIRE IN NEWPORT/DERBY, VT. I THOUGHT IT WOULD ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM BUT THE SWERVE/SWAY CONTINUED. ON 10/21/14 I HAD LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORM A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT MAKE THE ADJUST BUT CONFIRMED DRIVERS SIDE REAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. ON 1/16/15 I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT HANDY TO RESOLVE THIS AND OTHER ISSUES. HANDY OFFERED FREE LABOR IF I PAID $309.43 FOR PARTS TO REPLACE THE FAILED RECALL. WITHIN A FEW DAYS I CONTACTED NATIONAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SPOKE TO [XXX]. REF #CAN'T BE ENTERED AS IT FLAGS AS A SS NUMBER. [XXX] CALLED BACK TO STATE THAT HANDY SHOULD BE CONTACTING ME BY END OF THE WEEK CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. RECEIVED A ON-LINE SURVEY ONLY IN WHICH I MADE CLEAR THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A FAILED RECALL ITEM THAT WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY. I CALLED NATIONAL C.S. AGAIN TWO WEEKS LATER TO REPORT THAT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY CONTACT FROM HANDY. AFTER THAT CALL, STILL NO CONTACT WAS RECEIVED. I CALLED HANDY (3) TIMES ASKING TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, [XXX] , WHO WAS ALWAYS BUSY. I FINALLY RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM A SERVICE TECHNICIAN, [XXX], WITH A LOWER OFFER FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS TO FIX THE RECALL OF $226.03. I CALLED HANDY BACK STATING THAT I FELT THEIR OFFER WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND THAT I WOULD BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB FOR ASSISTANCE. MY POINT IN ALL OF THIS IS THAT TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PART AND THE RECALL FAILED AND SHOULD NOT BE REPAIRED AT THE CONSUMER'S COST. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE AS WELL AND LIMITS THE USE OF MY VEHICLE FOR LONG TRIPS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 4, 2015
DRIVING DOWN ROAD AT 20-25 MPH. SUDDENLY THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP (BRAKE PEDAL WAS *NOT* BEING PRESSED) AND BEGAN THE ABS SHUDDER AS IF VEHICLE WAS BRAKING ON ICE. VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT; THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT FEW MINUTES. AFTER CAR WARMED UP IT DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN, BUT RECURRED THE NEXT MORNING AFTER STARTING OUT. SEARCHED INTERNET AND FOUND OTHER TOYOTA DRIVERS HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND 'RESOLVED' IT BY REMOVING FUSES FOR ABS BRAKING SYSTEM, RENDERING IT INOPERATIVE. CAR BRAKES NORMALLY NOW WITH NO ISSUES, BUT ABS, BRAKES, VSC AND OTHER DASH LIGHTS ARE ON BECAUSE ABS SYSTEM IS DISABLED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 16, 2014
THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES AND TO MY WIFE ONCE. AS WE BEGIN TO ACCELERATE, EITHER FROM A STOP OR AS WE ARE ACCELERATING, WE HAVE A PAUSE IN ACCELERATION. IF FEELS LIKE WE ARE NOT PUSHING ON THE GAS BUT THAT IS NOT IT. ONCE THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED AND WE RE-ACCELERATE, THE CAR MOVES FORWARD NORMALLY. IT HAS BEEN VERY SCARY WHEN SOMEONE IS APPROACHING AND THE GAS DOES NOT MOVE US FORWARD. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED IN REVERSE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 6, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO OBJECTS IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE POLICE WERE NOT CALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 25, 2014
WHEN BACKING THE CAR OUT AND TURNING THE STEERING, THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE THAT OCCURS. IT MOSTLY OCCURS FROM A COLD START. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT FOR THIS, BUT THE DEALER WON'T COVER IT. THE CAR STARTED MAKING A POPPING SOUND. IT WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THAT CAR AND MADE THE EXHAUST SOUND REALLY LOUD. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE CENTERPIPE THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MATERIAL OF THE CENTERPIPE AND CATALYTIC WAS RUSTED AND THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED IT ON ME AND THAT I DROVE THE CAR OFF ROADING. I TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR HAS NEVER GONE OFF ROADING, GARAGED, AND WELL MAINTAINED. OTHER 2006 RAV4 OWNERS HAVE CITED THE SAME ISSUE STATING THAT THE MATERIAL AND CRAFTSMANSHIP OF THE CENTERPIPE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE OF POOR QUALITY. THE SEAMS OF THE CENTERPIPE JUST COMPLETELY CAME UNDONE. WHEN SPEAKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP, THEY REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER THE EMISSIONS WARRANTY. WHEN TALKING TO THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AGENCY FOR EMISSIONS, THEY SAID THAT TOYOTA SHOULD COVER IT. THIS CENTERPIPE ISSUE BECAME A LARGER ISSUE WHEN THE VEHICLE MISFIRED AND THE VSC, CHECK ENGINE, AND 4WD LIGHTS ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DISCUSS WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE. OTHER OWNERS STATED THAT THE IGNITION COILS WERE OF POOR QUALITY AND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED REPLACEMENTS. TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. SHORTLY AFTER, THE CAR SEEMS TO BE DRIVING VERY CLUNKY AND DOES NOT DRIVE AS WELL AS USUAL. THE CAR VIBRATES AND DRIVES VERY SLOWLY. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT DROPPED A CYLINDER. THE ENGINE SOUNDS VERY CLUNKY. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC, AND 4WD LIGHTS TURN ON SOLID EACH OF THESE INSTANCES. SINCE THEN THE TIRE PRESSURE HAS TURNED ON AND GONE BAD. HAD TO GET THAT REPLACED. NOW ALL 3 LIGHTS ARE BACK ON AND WILL NEED TO FIND OUT WHY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Jan 2, 2014
I HAD ABS, VSC ALL THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON MY CAR AROUND 6 MONTHS AGO. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND GOT THE CAR FIXED THE CULPRIT WAS THE BAD ABS SENSOR. NOW ON NEW YEARS NIGHT WHILE DRIVING HOME ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND I LOST MY TRACTION ABS SUDDENLY. AFTER PARKING THE CAR FOR FEW HRS OR SO SEEMS TO CURE IT, BUT IT KICKED IN WHILE DRIVING AGAIN AND LOST ABS, TRACTION ETC. IT IS VERY UNSAFE AND I AM TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR SECOND TIME, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. NOW DO I HAVE TO DO THAT FOR ALL 4 SENSORS? WAIT TILL THEY DIE OUT ONE BY ONE AND GO ALL YEAR AROUND ? WHAT HAPPENS IF MY ABS AND TRACTION STOPS WORKING WHILE I AM ON HIGHWAY WHILE ITS HEAVY SNOWING? I AFTER QUICK RESEARCH ONLINE THERE SEEMS LIKE THE ABS SENSOR PROBLEM IS QUITE COMMON AMONG ALL THE RAV4 IN SIMILAR BODY STYLE. IF TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT IT WHY ARE THEY NOT DOING SOMETHING ? IF I LOOSE ABS AND MY TRACTION WHILE DRIVING I AM JEOPARDIZING MY LIFE. I AM CERTAIN THAT TOYOTA HAVE SAID OH ITS BAD ABS SENSOR AND MADE THE CUSTOMER FIX IT BUT HOW ABOUT THE REST OF THE SENSORS WHICH IS ABOUT TO GO BAD? I WOULD KINDLY SEEK IF SOMEONE COULD GET BACK TO ME. I WOULD ALSO VOLUNTEER MY TIME AND ALLOW THE CAR TO BE TESTED AT YOUR FACILITY IF NEEDED TO DO SO. *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
Vehicle speed control, Sep 1, 2013
FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS YEAR (I ALSO DOCUMENTED THE SAME PROBLEM 2/24/13), WE EXPERIENCED UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND THE CAR BUCKING. WE WERE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. MY HUSBAND BACKED UP AND REALIZED HE NEEDED TO STRAIGHTEN OUT ON THE CURVED DRIVEWAY SO PUT IT IN DRIVE FOR A FEW FEET AND THEN WHEN HE PUT IT IN REVERSE, THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP TO A MAXIMUM RPM'S. HE IS 200 POUNDS AND HAD TO HOLD HIS FOOT ON THE BREAK TO KEEP IT FROM MOVING. HE PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. MY 20 YEAR OLD SON WAS IN THE CAR WITH US AND GOT OUT AND COULD SMELL THE ENGINE FROM REVVING UP SO HIGH. MY BROTHER AND SISTER IN LAW CAME RUNNING OUT OF THE HOUSE BECAUSE THEY COULD HEAR THE ENGINE REVVING UP AND KNEW SOMETHING WAS VERY WRONG. LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED, WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE ISSUE. I AM NOT SAFE IN MY OWN CAR. TOYOTA HAS GOT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS AND FIX THE ISSUE! IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM. HAD I BEEN DRIVING, NO TELLING WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AS I WOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT TOTALLY OFF GUARD AND I'M NOT SURE I WOULD HAVE HAD RESPONDED APPROPRIATELY UNDER PRESSURE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR!!! *JS
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Mar 2, 2013
CAR AT ABOUT 37,000 MILES. ONLY DRIVE TO STORE AND DROP KIDS OFF TO SCHOOL. CAR PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES WHILE AT STORE SHOPPING. CAME BACK, STARTED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE LIGHT, VSC AND 4WD LIGHTS ALL LIGHTED UP. WHEN TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, DEALER SAID CAN'T SERVICE IT AT THIS TIME NEED TO MAKE APPOINTMENT. DEALER STATED BASED ON THE LIGHTS, THIS MIGHT BE THE IGNITION COIL.. IT'S KNOWN TO HAVE PROBLEM. ESTIMATED COST TO FIX ABOUT $1500. BUT WE NEED TO COMPUTERIZED THE CODES.. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE ONTO A DIRT ROAD. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED AS THE VEHICLE TURNED AROUND SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Aug 8, 2011
I TOOK MY 2006 RAV4 INTO THE LEITH TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN RALEIGH, NC FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL. SERVICE MANAGER CALLS ME AND SAID THAT THERE IS A BANGING VIBRATION AND NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. (THIS DID NOT EXIST BEFORE.) THE MANAGER SAID THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE MANUFACTURERS DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND THAT FAILURE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS REPAIR IS NEARLY $400 AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL NOR MY NOW EXPIRED WARRANTY. WHEN I NEXT DROVE THE RAV4 THE BANGING WAS SO STRONG THAT THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER COULD FEEL IT. I CALL TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM, WHO CONFIRMED THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BUT SAID THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT I SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE ABOUT THEM PAYING FOR THE REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE REPAIR IS NOT COVERED AND THAT TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE WOULD CONTACT ME AS TO WHAT FURTHER WOULD BE DONE. AFTER WAITING MORE THAN 60 DAYS FOR TOYOTA TO CALL ME, I CALLED CUSTOMER CARE AGAIN ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT NOTHING MORE WOULD BE DONE. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR, BUT NONE WAS AVAILABLE. I WAS TOLD THAT A SUPERVISOR WOULD CALL ME BACK WITHIN 24 HOURS. 30 HOURS LATER TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE LEFT A PHONE MESSAGE FOR ME TO CALL THEM BACK. I HAVE ALSO HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT HAVE CAUSED THIS RAV4 TO LOOSE POWER AND STOP WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE BATTERY GOES DEAD ABOUT EVERY TWO MONTHS. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 22, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT AND BEHAVED AS IF IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE REVED UPON APPLYING THE GAS. WE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND PUT ON HAZARD LIGHTS AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THEN PUT THE CAR BACK IN DRIVE AND THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED WHEN THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE THEN ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND SWERVED INTO TRAFFIC AS ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HANDS AND ARMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,132.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 18, 2011
2006 RAV4 : SPEED CONTROL: SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND SUDDEN DECREASE IN ACCELERATION ON HIGHWAY. STARTING IN NOVEMBER 2010 OUR TOYOTA RAV4 WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATION ON HIGHWAY,LUNGE FORWARD WHILE PARKING FOR NO REASON. IN DECEMBER 2010 ALL SENOR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD PANEL CAME ON AND THE CAR ACTUALLY DECELERATED WHILE I WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE LANES ON THE HIGHWAY. I QUICKLY TURNED ON MY FOUR WAYS AND MOVED TO THE FAR LEFT OF HIGHWAY FOR SAFETY . ALL THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS WENT OFF AND CAR RESUMED NORMAL DRIVING FUNCTIONS. ON FEBRUARY 16, 2011 I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES AND THE CAR DECELERATED AND APPEARED TO BE STALLING-OUT ALSO ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WHEN ON:CHECK ENGINE ,ABS,VSH,AND 4WD. I AGAIN PUT MY FOUR WAYS ON AND MOVED TO SHOULDER OF HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL DRIVING FUNCTIONS AND ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OFF. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND HE STATES IT APPEARS TO BE A MALFUCTION IN THE SENORY PANEL. HE CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALER AND IS AWAITING A RESPONSE. MY CAR IN UNDRIVABLE AT THE PRESENT TIME DUE TO THE FACT IT COULD STOP RUNNING AT ANY TIME FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *LN
Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2011
2 UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INSTANCES --- I HAVE HAD TWO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INSTANCES IN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. IN BOTH CASES I WAS WEARING BOOTS AND THE BOOT HITTING THE BRAKE OVERLAPPED AND HIT THE ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME. NEITHER CASE RESULTED IN A COLLISION. ONE OF THE PROBLEMS HERE IS THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED POSITION IS WELL BELOW THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SO OVERLAP CAN APPLY THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2011
TL* THE DRIVER OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE DRIVER CAME TO A STOP. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV VERY LOUDLY AND THE DRIVER HAD TO APPLY HEAVY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STOPPED. NUMEROUS LIGHTS BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS NOT THE DRIVER, SO THE SPECIFIC LIGHT NAMES WERE UNAVAILABLE. ONCE THE ENGINE STOPPED REVVING THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 20, 2011
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 'FULL THROTTLE STICK', WITHOUT RECALL - (SECOND OCCURRENCE). TOYOTA WILL NOT REPAIR/REPLACE THROTTLE UNLESS THEY CAN REPLICATE CONDITION, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ON RECALL LIST. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND BOLTED DOWN THE FLOOR MATS. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AND THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO PARK WHILE IN THE IDLE POSITION TO GET THE RPMS TO DECREASE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,785 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. UPDATED 1/19/2010 *CN UPDATED 03/31/11
Vehicle speed control, Oct 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION. THE PEDAL WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED WITH EXTREME FORCE AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ UPDATED 01/27/11. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Oct 2, 2010
WHEN TRYING ACCELERATE MY TOYOTA 2006 RAV 4, AT ANY SPEED CAR WILL HESITATE FOR SECOND AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATE TO MUCH FASTER SPEED THAT IS INTENDED. I HAVE CHECKED, IGNITION SYSTEM, FOUND NOTHING, MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. IN HEAVY RAIN FALL HAVE WATER INSIDE THE CAR AT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COMING FROM AIR BLOWER AREA. DEALER SAYS THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT BOTH ISSUES. THESE ISSUES ARE NOT A ONETIME ISSUE AND HAPPENS ALL TIME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV4. UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. *GR THE CONSUMER STATED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, HE EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ACCELERATION. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE HE WAS TRAVELING OUT OF TOWN AND HE DISCOVERED HE HAD DIFFICULTY STOPPING THE VEHICLE TWICE. FIRST AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, AND ANOTHER TIME AT A TOLL BOOTH. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE REVVED VERY LOUDLY. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED ONE YEAR LATER AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO QUICKLY PLACE THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED, AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE MAT AND IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REMOVED. THE LAST EPISODE WAS ON FEBURARY 13, 2010. UPON ARRIVING AT AN ESTABLISHMENT DRIVING 20- 30 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. THE CONSUMER WAS FINALLY ABLE TO STOP AFTER PUTTING THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL. *JB