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.
Engine, May 20, 2013
THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT WOULD BLINK INTERMITTENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. UPON INSPECTION OF OIL DIPSTICK, THERE IS NO SIGN OF ANY OIL ON THE DIPSTICK. BROUGHT TO A MECHANIC AND HAD THE OIL CHANGED (WITH SYNTHETIC MOBIL 1 AS RECOMMENDED BY TOYOTA). MECHANIC NOTICED VERY LITTLE OIL DRAINED. AFTER REFILLING WITH NEW OIL, TEST DROVE THE CAR AND CONFIRMED THE DIPSTICK SHOWING OIL AT MAXIMUM LEVEL. AROUND 2000 MILES LATER, INSPECTION OF OIL DIPSTICK REVEALED ALMOST NO OIL AGAIN. THERE WERE NO LEAKS WHICH MECHANIC CONFIRMED AS THE UNDERSIDE WAS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE. MECHANIC BELIEVES PISTON PROBLEMS WHICH WILL BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. *TR
Engine, May 6, 2013
DRIVING CAR AND THE OIL LIGHT FAILED TO INDICATE OIL WAS VERY LOW. HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE SO I CHECKED THE OIL AND DISCOVERED THE OIL WAS LOW ALTHOUGH OIL HAD JUST BEEN ADDED A FEW DAYS EARLIER. I WAS NOT SURE IF THE VECHICLE WAS FIT TO DRIVE, SO FOR SAFETY REASONS I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND SAID THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE LACK OF OIL AND CONSTANT BURNING OF OIL DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE TOYOTA RAV 4 ENGINE/OIL SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES THE OIL TO COMBUSE AND BURN OFF PREVENTING THE OIL INDICATOR LIGHT TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO ADD OIL. THIS DEFECT CAUSES ENGINES TO SEIZE. AT THIS TIME I CALLED TOYOTA OF NORTH AMERICA (1800 331-4331) DIRECTLY TO REPORT THIS ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT AS OF TODAY NO RECALL OR REIMBURSEMENT IS BEING ISSUED BUT IF EVERYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM CALL TOYOTA OF NORTH AMERICA DIRECTLY TO REPORT THEIR PROBLEM THEN AN INVESTIGATION WILL BE ISSUED. SO PLEASE CALL TODAY SO WE MAY ALL BE REIMBURSED FROM TOYOTA FOR THIS ISSUE THAT THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF AND ARE CHOOSING TO DO NOTHING FOR THE CONSUMERS. THEY WILL THEN GIVE YOU A CASE # THAT THEY TELL YOU TO KEEP JUST IN CASE A RECALL IS ACTIVATED. *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
Steering, Apr 23, 2013
STARTED NOTICING "CLUNKING" SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. HAD MY MECHANIC CHECK AND HE WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY STEERING SHAFT ISSUE AND SAID IT COULD ALSO IINVOLVE RACK AND PINION BUT THAT COULD NOT BE VERIFIED WITHOUT FURTHER LABOR.
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
Air bags, Apr 17, 2013
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO DEALER SAYS CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THEY CAN DETERMINE IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Apr 17, 2013
DRIVE SHAFT BROKE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 12, 2013
I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN TOYOTA'S RELIABLE VEHICLES TILL I BOUGHT MY RAV4. LATELY I HAVE HAD THE UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE OF HAVING TO REPLACE ALL SIX COILS WITH NEW ONES, BECAUSE TOYOTA MAID A BAD DESIGN FOR THE 2006 RAV4. AND NOW I NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS BECAUSE THEY ARE BAD TOO. TOYOTA PLEASE HELP WITH COVERING THE COST OF PARTS AND LABOR. *TR
Air bags, Apr 6, 2013
I'M PRETTY SURE THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT OF MY 2006 RAV4 IS NOT A MATTER OF WEAR AN TEAR. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON 2006-2008 RAVS4 WITH IDENTICAL PROBLEM. YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR THIS, BUT IS HARDLY DIFFICULT TO FIND A WAY TO GET IN CONTACT WITH TOYOTA MOTORS, IT SEEMED THAT THEY DO NOT WANT TO HEAR FROM THE TOYOTA OWNER?S PROBLEMS. MOREOVER, I EXPLAINED THEM THE AIRBAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES SPORADICALLY AT APPROXIMATELY 72,000 MILES AT 45 MILES/HOUR AND NOW REMAINS ON WITH NO APPARENT REASON, I DROVE MY CAR TO THE DEALER TRYING TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED BY TOYOTA, BUT THEY DOESN'T ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY DUE THAT THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED AFTER 3 YEAR OR 60,000 MILES OF WARRANTY. I HAVE NOTICED THEY HAVE AN AIR BAGS RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR 2007 AND NEWER RAVS4, SO IT DOES SEEM SUSPICIOUS AT FIRST GLANCE BECAUSE 2006 IS NOT INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH MANY OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED AND FILED COMPLAINTS AGAINST TOYOTA DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM. REALISTICALLY THIS IS A SAFETY MATTER, SO 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR
Steering, Apr 2, 2013
I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND IN MY STEERING EACH TIME I TURN. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS JUST TOLD I NEEDED TO GET IT REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ONLINE AND NOTICED THAT SEVERAL OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVE NO INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY BUT FEEL THAT SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM TOYOTA NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL AND HAVE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED. WE SHOULD NOT WAIT UNTIL TRAGEDY HAPPENS BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Mar 10, 2013
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR DOES NOT STAY UP. IT OSBTRUCTS THE DRIVER'S VISION AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 4, 2013
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE (2006 TOYOTA RAV4) WAS STARTED ON 3/1/13, BEFORE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 77690 MILES. TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT (3/4/13). TOLD THAT AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. (NO EXPLANATION GIVEN ON WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CURRENT.) PART NEEDS TO BE SPECIAL ORDERED AT A $280.22 COST WITH $99 SERVICE CHARGE PLUS TAX. ADVISED AGAINST TAKING TO INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP AS IT MAY NOT STOP THE WARNING LIGHT FROM GOING ON. VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY CRASHES OR DRIVEN IN A TURBULENT WAY. *TR
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
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
Visibility, Feb 20, 2013
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE. THE VISOR FREQUENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ABRUPTLY DROPS TO A STRAIGHT-DOWN POSITION. IN THIS POSITION IT IMPAIRS FORWARD VISIBILITY, AND FOR TALL DRIVERS IT CAN BLOCK THE VIEW OF THE ROAD COMPLETELY, IF YOU HAVE TO BRAKE SUDDENLY IT CAN HIT YOU IN THE HEAD. *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
Steering, Feb 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD NOISE WHENEVER THE WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. ..UPDATED 03/18/13 *BF
Steering, Visibility/wiper, Feb 6, 2013
THE RAV4 HAS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR IN WHICH IT WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE. THE VISOR FREQUENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ABRUPTLY DROPS TO A STRAIGHT-DOWN POSITION. IN THIS POSITION IT IMPAIRS FORWARD VISIBILITY, AND FOR TALL DRIVERS IT CAN BLOCK THE VIEW OF THE ROAD COMPLETELY. THERE IS ALSO A WIDELY-REPORTED PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING (THERE ARE 166 REPORTS ON THIS SITE AT THE TIME OF MY FILING) WHICH IS NOTICED IN THE FORM OF A KNOCKING OR CLUNKING NOISE WHICH CAN ALSO BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. MANY OWNERS, INCLUDING ME, ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD BE A PRECURSOR TO A STEERING COMPONENT FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Feb 2, 2013
A NOISE CAME FROM STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR SOMETIME. TOYOTA REPLACED R&R STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. EVENTUALLY STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SEVERANCE OF THE SPIRAL CABLE. NO DOUBT THESE WERE RELATED. UNKNOWN TO ME AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON 2-8-08 COVERING THIS ISSUE. THEY REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR. THE DEFECTIVE PART STARTED TO FAIL FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR. BOTH OF THE ISSUES ARE SAFETY RELATED ITEMS. WAITING FOR THE STEERING TO FAIL WOULD BE ABSURD. A LOOK AT THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL YEAR OF THE RAV4. PLEASE ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE STEERING WHEEL PROBLEMS FOR THE 2006 RAV4. *TR
Air bags, Feb 2, 2013
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY AT FIRST, NOW STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. NOTICED IT WOULD COME ON AT FIRST WHILE CORNERING, BELIEVE IT TO BE RELATED TO THE WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN FOR THE AIR BAGS. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THIS MODEL. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY RELATED PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Feb 1, 2013
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK CAR TO MY DEALER (FOR REPAIR OF ANOTHER PROBLEM) ON 9/22/11. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE CONTROLLING THE DRIVER AIRBAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IT WOULD BE ABOUT $500 OR MORE TO REPAIR. I TOLD THEN THAT I FELT THAT IT SHOULD BE TOYOTA'S PROBLEM TO REPAIR SINCE IT WAS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD SHOULD I BECOME INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA'S, ESPECIALLY RAV 4'S. THIS SHOULD REALLY BE A RECALL PRIORITY. *TR
Steering, Jan 14, 2013
STEERING MECHANISM WAS NOT SMOOTH IN MOVEMENT AND MADE POPPING NOISE. IT APPEARS BY SEARCHING ONLINE THAT SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD SAME TROUBLE. FORTUNATELY, WE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. WE HAD REPAIR PERFORMED AT ADAMS TOYOTA LEE'S SUMMIT, MO. DEALERSHIP REPLACED DEFECTIVE LOWER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. REPAIR WAS CORRECTIVE AND COST $262.85 BEFORE TAXES. THANK YOU. *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.
Engine, Dec 22, 2012
THE CHECK ENGINE OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLICKERING UNDER HARD BRAKING. LIGHT NEVER WAS ON UNDER NORMAL IDLE OR TRAVEL. UPON CHECKING OIL ON DIPSTICK - NO OIL REGISTERED ON DIPSTICK. I IMMEDIATELY PROCEEDED TO THE CHANGE OIL AND THE OIL PAN ONLY CONTAINED APPROXIMATELY 1.2 QUARTS OR 75% LESS THAN THE 4.5 QUARTS SPECIFIED. UPON WEB RESEARCH IT APPEARS RAV4 HAS PROBLEMS WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. REGISTERED A COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA USA AS I KNOW HAVE CONCERNS DAMAGE WAS DONE TO ENGINE AS WARNING LIGHT SHOULD HAVE COME ON SOONER. *TR
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