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
704 reports, newest first.
Steering, Oct 3, 2013
ON 5/30/13 I PURCHASED THE ABOVE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 FROM PIONEER VALLEY SALES PO BOX 254 S DEERFIELD, MA 01373 AND PICKED IT UP ON 6/3/13. THE VEHICLE HAD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. ON 6/10/13 I BROUGHT IT TO CHERRY RUM AUTOMOTIVE 451 BERNARDSTON RD. GREENFIELD, MA. 01301 FOR MY MECHANIC TO INSPECT. HE REMOVED THE STEERING SHAFT COVERS AND ASCERTAINED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. HE ALSO SAID THAT THERE WAS A TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM (TSB3462). HE RECOMMENDED REPLACING IT. I TRIED TO GET PIONEER VALLEY SALES TO REPAIR IT FOR OVER A MONTH AND THEY REFUSED TO. I CONSIDERED THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAD CHERRY RUM AUTOMOTIVE REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. I PAID THEM $571.70 FOR THIS. I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. I LOOK FORWARD TO TOYOTA REIMBURSING ME FOR THIS EXPENSE. *TR
Engine, Sep 24, 2013
SINCE THIS DATE THE CAR HAS BEEN BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL. BURNING ABOUT A QUART EVERY 800 MILES. I SEEN NUMEROUS POSTINGS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE. *JS
Steering, Sep 21, 2013
HEARD A CLUNK-TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. WAS TOLD THIS WAS A STEERING SHAFT NOISE (STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE T-SB-0318-08). CALLED DEALER TO SEE IF THIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND FOUND OUT IT WAS NOT. ASKED IF PROBLEM UNDER A RECALL AND ALSO FOUND OUT IT WASN'T. ASKED DEALER IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE CAR AS IS SINCE NOT UNDER A RECALL AND DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT MAKE A COMMENT ON SAFETY CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. ------I FEEL ANYTHING LINKED TO STEERING IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND TOYOTA SHOULD INITIATE A RECALL OVER THIS PROBLEM.
Air bags, Sep 17, 2013
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT BEGAN STAYING ON AFTER ENGINE START. AFTER TOYOTA INSPECTION THIS WAS DUE TO A FAILED CLOCK SPRING/SPIRAL WIRE IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CONTROLS THE AIRBAG AND OTHER STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL CONTROLS. FURTHER ONLINE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THIS TO BE A COMMON FAULT WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES ESPECIALLY RAV4'S OF 2006/7/8 VINTAGE WITH IN EXCESS OF 70,000 MILES - THIS WAS ALSO CONFIRMED BY MY TOYOTA DEALER. THERE IS A STRONG PROBABILITY THE DRIVER AIRBAG WOULD FAIL TO DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE WIRE SHORTING OUT. THE DIAGNOSIS AND FIX AT A TOYOTA DEALER WAS QUOTED AS $509 WHICH WILL I AM SURE PREVENT MANY PEOPLE FROM FIXING THIS. NO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS I ASKED WOULD WORK ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM - THEY ALL SAID IT HAD TO BE FIXED BY TOYOTA WHO THEN CAN CHARGE AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT FOR THE WORK. *TR
Steering, Sep 16, 2013
I HAVE HAD A CLUNKING NOISE IN MY FRONT END SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WHEN MAKING TURNS. THEY COULD NEVER HEAR IT TILL NOW AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT IS A PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY ISSUE AND WILL COST $748.74 TO FIX!!! NOISE IN THE STEERING SHAFT. IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL AND NO-CHARGE. *TR
Visibility, Sep 9, 2013
MY DRIVER SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP, AND DROPS DOWN IN FRONT OF MY FACE, BLOCKING MY FIELD OF VISION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I LIVE IN PORTLAND, OREGON AND WE HAVE MUCH MORE GRAY INSTEAD OF SUN, SO MY VISOR DOESN'T GET USED THAT MUCH THROUGH THE YEAR. I SEARCHED ON WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM FORUMS, AND SEE THAT IT IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH OTHER RAV4 OWNERS, SOME STARTING AT 15,000 MILES. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAS REDESIGNED THE PART AS A REPLACEMENT, BUT TOYOTA WANTS TO CHARGE $70 FOR THE REPLACEMENT VISOR + INSTALLATION. IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT, AND A SAFETY HAZARD THAT COULD EASILY CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL OF THE ORIGINAL PARTS. *TR
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 8, 2013
MY SUNVISOR WOULD NOT STAY UP. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE. WHILE I'M DRIVING IF I HIT A BUMP IT FALLS INTO MY VEIW.
Engine, Sep 5, 2013
WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING SHOWING ON THE DIP STICK. ALTHOUGH A LOW-OIL LIGHT NEVER APPEARED TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE OIL WAS LOW, THE OIL WAS VERY LOW. I STARTED CHECKING MY OIL LEVEL OFTEN AND NOTICED THAT I NEEDED TO ADD OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I CAN ALSO SMELL BURNING OIL WHEN I ACCELERATE EITHER TO GET ON A HIGHWAY RAMP OR TO GO UP A HILL. A DEALERSHIP SUBSEQUENTLY TOLD ME THAT THE RINGS ON THE ENGINE BLOCK WERE WORN AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE THAT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $8,500. NOW I DRIVE AROUND WITH A CASE OF OIL IN MY BACK SEAT. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED CASE. *JB
Steering, Sep 5, 2013
AFTER BUYING THE CAR IN 2006, A COUPLE YEARS LATER I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH A CLUCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. TOYOTA SAID IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PROBLEM. THEY REPLACES THE PART 3 TIMES AND THE NOISE CAME AGAIN AFTER SOME MONTHS. I CALLED TOYOTA THEY DID NOT HELP, THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND IN BETWEEN ONE THING AND THE OTHER ONE ALMOST A YEARS PASSED AND THEY DID NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND THE ARE THOUSAND OF PEOPLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVED THAT THIS MAY BE A HAZARDOUS DEFECT THAT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *JB
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
Engine, Aug 27, 2013
THIS IS MY STORY: MY WIFE, YORKIE, AND I WENT TO PICK UP MY SON AT PRESCHOOL EARLY THIS AFTERNOON IN WESTON, FL WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN WE HEAR A BRIEF WHINE NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ON THE PANEL; THE ENGINE SHUT ITSELF OFF. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I CRANKED THE ENGINE ON AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FOR ANOTHER 100 YARDS. THE SAME WHINE NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE SAME LIGHTS AND ENGINE SHUT OFF. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE WOULD TURN ON AND IT IMMEDIATELY WOULD SHUT OFF; NOT A CHANCE TO ENGAGE TO DRIVE AND MOVE AN INCH. I LOOKED AT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL; THE OIL LEVEL WAS FINE (THE CAR HAS NEVER HAD A LEAK AND HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED), NO FUNNY SMELLS, ETC. BY THIS TIME WE WERE SWEATING AND GETTING CONCERNED. I THOUGHT IT COULD BE THAT THE A/C COULD BE PART OF THE PROBLEM SINCE IT ADDS LOAD TO THE ENGINE SERPENTINE BELT; I TURNED OFF THE A/C BY DEPRESSING THE A/C BUTTON ON CAR'S DASH AND THE ENGINE STAYED ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND PICK UP MY SON THANKFULLY. I WAS READY TO SEND MY WIFE ON A CAB TO GET HIM. MY QUESTIONS TO YOU GUYS ARE THE FOLLOWING: WHY WOULD TOYOTA DESIGN THE ENGINE TO SHUT ITSELF OFF IN A SITUATION WHEN SOMETHING IN THE A/C FAILS? IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY SON AND HAD THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, SHE WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY FREAKED OUT AND GOD FORBID IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL I CAN THINK OF IS THAT TOYOTA IMPLEMENTED A MECHANISM TO KILL THE ENGINE IF THE LOAD IN THE SERPENTINE BELT IS EXCESSIVE. YES, GOOD TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE, BUT I VALUE MY FAMILY'S AND MY LIFE MORE. THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT SHUT OFF... THAT IS WHY YOU HAVE WARNING LIGHTS AND OTHER SAFETY MECHANISMS. *TR
Air bags, Aug 27, 2013
AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION, FAILED CLOCK SPRING (EXTREMELY TYPICAL WITH TOYOTA) - OUT OF WARRANTY OF COURSE! *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
Steering, Aug 9, 2013
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT POPPING; TECHS SAY THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS WORN OUT. THERE IS ONLY 56,333 MILES ON THIS TOYOTA RAV4 2006. THERE HAS BEEN OTHERS SINCE AT LEAST 2010 THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS NO REASON WHY A CAR OF THIS AGE AND LOW MILEAGE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SHAFT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AS THIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN SENT TO YOU BEFORE AND EVEN PEOPLE HAVE CALLED YOU ABOUT IT. THANK YOU, *TR
Engine, Jul 26, 2013
THE ENGINE FOR MY 2006 TOYOTA IS BURNING OIL RAPIDLY. I HAVE ABOUT 115,000 MILES AND WAS HOPING THAT THIS CAR WOULD AT LEAST LAST ME ANOTHER 5 YEARS. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT MY ENGINE NEEDS AN ENGINE OVERHAUL WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $3,000. I MAKE SURE TO TAKE CARE OF MY CAR AND BRING IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN IT'S DUE. *TR
Engine, Jul 16, 2013
THE VEHICLE LOSES 1-2 QUARTS OF OIL OVER 30-60 DAY PERIOD OR 1500-2000 MILES. NO SIGNS OF LEAKS, DRIPPING OR OTHER SOURCES OF LOSS ARE VISIBLE. IN CHECKING TOYOTA RAV4 OWNER FORUMS, IT SEEMS THIS CONDITION IS PREVALENT AMONG MANY AND SPANS SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. THE CONDITION HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, BUT WE THOUGHT IT WAS JUST US AND SEEMED TO BE A SLOWER LOSS. NOW THE LOSS IS MUCH FASTER. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF PEOPLE WAIT TO CHECK OIL UNTIL NEXT OIL CHANGE, THEY MAY DAMAGE THEIR ENGINES. *TR
Visibility, Jul 11, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUDDENLY FELL IN FRONT OF MY FACE AND HIT MY NOSE. I COULD NOT SEE AND ALMOST VEERED INTO A DITCH. MY NOSE WAS BRUISED AND SWOLLEN FOR 3 WEEKS. THE VISOR HAS CONTINUED TO BE A TROUBLESOME ISSUE AS IT CONTINUES TO FALL RANDOMLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE BLINDED BY IT OR STRUCK BY IT. I HAVE TRIED USING VELCRO TO HOLD THE VISOR IN IT'S PLACE BUT TO NO AVAIL AND HAVE TRIED CORRECTING THE MISTAKE BUT HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO "FIX" IT. THE VISOR HAS FALLEN WHILE DRIVING MANY TIMES CAUSING THE DRIVER TO SWERVE. TOYOTA WILL NOT RECALL BUT OFFERED TO CORRECT IF I WOULD PAY THEM $175.00! THERE HAVE BEEN MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS SEEN AT THIS SITE: HTTP://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/98-4-3-INTERIOR/104489-DRIVER-SIDE-SUN-VISOR-INSTALLATION.HTML. PLEASE HELP AS THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND I DO NOT HAVE THE CASH TO PAY TOYOTA TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Air bags, Jul 7, 2013
MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 IS ON DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT. TOYOTA RECALLED THE 2007 AND 2008 MODELS FOR THE SAME REASON. THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. I CONTACTED PREMIER TOYOTA IN AMHERST OHIO ABOUT THIS MATTER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER[XXX] TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $300 TO TEST IT AND $500 TO FIX IT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE APPRECIATED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Jul 2, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER CHECKING THE OWNERS MANUAL WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL DEALER. THEY EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE CLOCK IN THE AIR BAG MECHANISM AND NEEDED REPLACED OR THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND WELL MAINTAINED. I THINK A TOYOTA RECALL SHOULD BE IN ORDER SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND INVOLVES MANY TOYOTA RAV-4 VEHICLES. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WANTS 600 DOLLARS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I REALLY CAN'T AFFORD IT BUT MY WIFE DEPENDS ON THE VEHICLE, AND TO INSURE HER SAFETY, I'M GOING TO HAVE TO FIND THE MONEY TO GET THE WORK DONE. HELP !! HOW ABOUT A RECALL ??? *TR
Service brakes, Jun 30, 2013
CAR MAKING HISSING NOISE, BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, LITTLE BRAKING, HAD TO USE UNUSUAL FORCE TO STOP. DIAGNOSIS: BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 20, 2013
OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIT UP AT APPROXIMATELY 73,050 MILES. DIAGNOSIS IS THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS FASTER THAN NORMAL. SERVICER TOPPED OFF OIL AND RETURNED TO SERVICER AFTER DRIVING $1200 MILES. I WAS TOLD EVERYTHING IS FINE. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT APPROXIMATELY 81,950 MILES. SERVICER AGAIN TOPS OFF WITH OIL AND RETURNED AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER $1200 MILES. THIS TIME THE SERVICER STATED THAT THEY NEED TO TEAR THE CAR APART THE BEFORE PINPOINTING THE EXACT PROBLEM. APPROXIMATE COST TO DO THIS IS MAYBE $3,000. EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED AT $75,000 MILES. *TR
Air bags, Jun 19, 2013
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 AIRBAG DASH LIGHT BEGAN REMAINING ON CONSTANTLY AND WAS DIAGNOSED BY FINDLAY TOYOTA IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ ON 3/20/13 WITH: "RECOMMEND REPLACING SPIRAL CABLE DUE TO OPEN CIRCUIT IN SPIRAL CABLE... $583 TO REPLACE SENSOR." I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 1-800-331-4331 ON 6/19/13 AND SPOKE WITH [XXX], WHO CONFIRMED THAT NO RECALLS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THE RAV4S, DESPITE THIS ISSUE BEING THE EXACT SAME AS FOUND IN TOYOTA TACOMAS: MARCH 08, 2012 CUSTOMER FAQS FOR TOYOTA TACOMA STEERING WHEEL SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY RECALL 1. WHICH MODELS ARE INVOLVED IN THE RECALL? TOYOTA IS RECALLING 495,000 CERTAIN 2005 TO EARLY 2009 MODEL YEAR TOYOTA TACOMA VEHICLES SOLD IN THE U.S. NO OTHER VEHICLES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL. 2. WHAT IS THE CONDITION? DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL SPIRAL CABLE DESIGN AND CHARACTERISTICS UNIQUE TO THE TACOMA CHASSIS, FRICTION BETWEEN THE SPIRAL CABLE AND THE RETAINER IN THE STEERING WHEEL SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY MAY OCCUR IN SOME VEHICLES. FRICTION OVER TIME MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO CERTAIN CIRCUITS THAT PROVIDE CONNECTIVITY TO THE DRIVER?S AIR BAG MODULE. IF CONNECTIVITY IS LOST, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL REMAIN ILLUMINATED, AND THE DRIVER?S AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED, PREVENTING DEPLOYMENT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. 3. ARE THERE ANY WARNINGS THAT THIS CONDITION HAS OCCURRED? YES. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. IT GOES OFF AFTER ABOUT 6 SECONDS, INDICATING THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. IF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AFTER THIS PERIOD, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND APPROPRIATE REPAIR. THIS EXACT CONDITION EXISTS IN MY 2006 RAV4, HOWEVER, I CANNOT AFFORD THE $583 REQUIRED FOR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO REPAIR IT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *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
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