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, 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, Power train, Aug 14, 2012
THERE WAS A RUMBLE IN THE REAR @ 40 MPH. I HAD MAPLEWOOD TOYOTA CHECK IT 2-3 TIMES, THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HEAR IT, CAR WAS FINE; THEY CHECKED THE TRANS OIL ONCE AND SAID IT WAS FINE. IT'S A CLOSED SYSTEM-YOU NEVER NEED TO CHANGE ITS OIL. (I HAD ASKED THIS QUESTION SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT I NEVER NEEDED TO CHANGE THE TRANS OIL & THE MANUAL DOES NOT LIST IT EITHER). THEY TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE AND CHECKED IT GOOD-SAID THAT 1ST GEAR WAS GOING, BUT IT WAS FINE TO DRIVE-COME BACK WHEN I COULDN'T STAND THE NOISE AND THEY'D PUT IN A NEW TRANS FOR $4,500. I WAS GOING OUT OF TOWN, THEY SAID OK, CAR WILL BE FINE. SINCE THE RUMBLE WAS SO LOUD, 3 DAYS LATER I GOT A SECOND OPINION AT A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST'S SHOP RECOMMENDED TO ME BY SEVERAL FRIENDS. THEY PUT IT UP ON A RACK AND TESTED IT WITH A STETHOSCOPE TYPE DEVICE. THEY SAID THAT THE BEARING WAS VERY BAD AND THAT I SHOULD NOT TAKE THE CAR OUT OF TOWN OR DRIVE IT AS IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD STOP AT ANY TIME. THEY REPLACED M,W/S, U240/24E 00-UP (CORK); FILTER; BUSHING, A40 SERIES PUMP; TC, RAV4, MED STALL, INK 14; CENTER GEAR BEARING, ETC. WHEN THE TOYOTA TECHNICIAN CHECKED THE TRANS OIL, I REALIZED THAT IT WAS NOT "A CLOSED SYSTEM"! ALSO, THE OIL WAS BLACK AND I NOW KNOW THAT IT SHOULD BE RED. I THINK I SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGING THE TRANS OIL ALL ALONG AND MY TRANSMISSION PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. I THINK THEY SHOULD ORDER A RECALL ON ALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS - AND PAY FOR THE WORK THAT I HAD TO HAVE DONE BEFORE MY CAR FAILED ON A FREEWAY SOMEWHERE. A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST FOREVER, ESPECIALLY SINCE HALF OF THE MILES HAVE BEEN FREEWAY MILES AND I DRIVE MY CAR VERY GENTLY. I JUST PUT IN NEW BRAKE PADS FOR THE FIRST TIME RECENTLY AND THERE WAS STILL 20-30% LEFT ON THEM. PREVIOUSLY I HAD TO PAY TOYOTA $400 TO REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN-ANOTHER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Engine, Aug 12, 2012
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON SUDDENLY WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY. EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL TO THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE EXTENT, IT COULDN'T PICK UP A SPEED ABOVE 20-25 MPH. THIS COULD HAVE TURNED INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED BY OTHER CARS. I DROVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP OF THE MANUFACTURER FOR SERVICING BUT THEY COULDN'T PROVIDE ANY SERVICE FACILITY AS THEY HAD A BUSY SCHEDULE AND GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR MONDAY (8/13/2012). THEN I CALLED AAA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY TOWED IT TO THEIR NEAREST CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTER, WHO DETECTED THAT THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH IS AN ELECTRONIC PART FOR THIS TYPE OF CAR. REQUEST YOUR HELP TO GET MY CAR THOROUGHLY INSPECTED AND GET IT REPAIRED / REPLACED / MONEY REFUND BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Steering, Aug 9, 2012
STEERING HAS CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AT SLOW SPEED AND CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FORUMS ARE FULL OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE WHICH POINT TO "INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT". ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN NO FATALITIES CONNECTED TO THIS-IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ON THE LARGE SCALE IT SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA. WHAT HAPPENED TO TOYOTAS CULTURE OF HONOR? *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2012
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT PROBLEM. WHEN ON SLOW SPEED. THE STEERING MAKES CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING BOTH DIRECTION. SOMETIME IT MAKES YOU FEEL IT IS SO LOOSE THAT THE WHEEL NOT TURNING AT ALL. WHAT HAPPEN IF I AM DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND THE WHEEL WON'T BE ABLE TO TURN. MANY MANY HAVE COMPLAINT WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND NOT A SINGLE SOLUTION. IT MUST BE THE PROBLEM OF THE DESIGN OR DEFECTIVE MATERIALS!! *TR
Steering, Jul 19, 2012
WE JUST HAD OUR 2006 RAV4 STATE INSPECTION TODAY AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US WE NEEDED TO HAVE THE FRONT INNER TIE ROD REPLACED SINCE IT HAS BECOME UNSTABLE. THEY SAID THIS CANNOT BE REPLACED BY ITSELF SINCE IT IS ATTACHED TO THE STEERING RACK, SO WE WILL NEED ENTIRE RACK REPLACED, RESULTING IN $2400 IN REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO SAID THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS FOR SAFETY REASONS, SINCE IT CAN GO OUT OF ALIGNMENT AT ANY TIME. WE'VE ALSO HEARD KNOCKING WHEN WE TURN THE CAR FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND HAVE ASKED ABOUT IT, BUT NEVER BEEN GIVEN AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. THE DEALERSHIP NOW SAYS THIS COULD BE THE CAUSE. IF THIS IS A PROBLEM OF INTEGRITY WITH THE PART AND NOT A WEAR & TEAR ISSUE THEN I THINK THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL SINCE IT IS A FAULT OF THE DEALERSHIP. *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, Jul 15, 2012
HEARD ABNORMAL MECHANICAL RATTLE FROM THE FRONT END GOING OVER ROUGH STREETS IN SAN FRANCISCO. TOOK VEHICLE IN SUSPECTING SUSPENSION ISSUE TO CAPITOL TOYOTA OF SAN JOSE. DIAGNOSIS WAS STEERING RACK HAS A KNOWN PART ISSUE, INTERNAL TO ITS DESIGN, NOTHING THE DEALER COULD DO, AS FACTORY DID NOT ALLOW THEM TO OPEN THE PART UP, ONLY REPLACE IT. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE CAR WAS SAFE OR NOT TO DRIVE. SAID ONLY THING THEY COULD SO WAS REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK AT $2000 +, WHICH IS OUTRAGEOUS. THEY SAID IF I HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY WOULD SWAP IT OUT, AND THIS IS DONE ALL THE TIME FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR! THIS CAR IS SERVICED REGULARLY AND NOT DRIVEN OFF-ROAD. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT COULD POSE A THREAT IF THE STEERING WERE TO LOCK UP/FAIL WHILE DRIVING, YET TOYOTA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE AND SAYS ITS WEAR AND TEAR. AT 70K MILES? THIS PART SHOULD LAST 200K. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS ONLINE OF ISSUES WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM. ONE SUCH REPORT: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/TSB/2006/TOYOTA/RAV4/STEERING TSB NUMBER: 00506NHTSA NUMBER: 10020124TSB DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2007DATE ADDED TO FILE: JULY 24, 2006 FAILING COMPONENT: STEERING SUMMARY: ELECTRIC POWER STEERING: MIL ON DTC U0105 & U0121. *TR
Air bags, Jul 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Engine, Jul 13, 2012
MY CAR HAS BEEN MAKING MORE NOISE THAN USUAL. THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ALWAYS REVVING UP, EVEN IN A PARKED POSITION. I TOOK IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT AND THEY OPENED UP THE ENGINE AND SAID THAT THERE WAS METAL ON METAL AND METAL IN THE PAN (I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS). OVERALL, IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE!!!!! HOW CAN A 6 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 94,000 MILES NEED A NEW ENGINE! IT IS WORTH NOTHING IT I DON'T PUT A NEW ENGINE IN IT! SEEMS LIKE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, BUT NOT SURE HOW TO GET HELP. *TR
Visibility, Jun 25, 2012
PASSENGER SUNVISOR WILL NOT STAY IN UP LOCKED POSITION. FALLS DOWN AND MY WIFE HAS HIT HER HEAD GETTING IN RAV. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BY TOYOTA AS MANY ARE HAVING THIS DEFECTIVE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jun 19, 2012
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FAULTY AFTER FIRST COUPLE YEARS OF OWNING VEHICLE. CLUNKING NOISE AND CLICKING FEEL WHEN TURNING VEHICLE. TOYOTA DID NOT WANT TO COVER REPAIR. OWNERS HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED WHICH WASN'T CHEAP. NOW, AFTER 6 YRS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, I FEEL IT STARTING AGAIN. THEY SAID THIS WAS DANGEROUS IF LEFT UNFIXED. IT COULD LEAD TO STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA SINCE IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR FOR THE VEHICLE OWNERS TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS WHEN ALL WE WANTED WAS A SAFE AND RELIABLE VEHICLE. *JS
Steering, Jun 4, 2012
MY RAV4 BEGAN MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED AS A STEERING COLUMN ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TSB ABOUT IT, BUT DOES NOT COVER THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH IT'S A DESIGN FLAW (AND SAFETY ISSUE) ON THEIR PART. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD RESULT IN A RECALL. SEE TOYOTA TSB ST001-08. *TR
Steering, May 15, 2012
THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE STEERING SHAFT THAT RESULTS IN AN AUDIBLE THUMP THAT IS FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING 90 DEGREE CORNERS AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT RATHER PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES, TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS, ETC. MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER LUBED THE STEERING SHAFT AT 87,169 MI, AND THE PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN IN 11K MILES. I KNOW THAT TOYOTA HAS RECALLED SEVERAL VEHICLES IN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO FOR STEERING-RELATED PROBLEMS, AND I FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2006 RAV4 SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF RECALLS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR UPDATED 06/25/2012 *JS
Wheels, May 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR WHEELS CORRODED AND THE CORROSION SPREAD TO THE VALVES. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSING THE TIRES TO LOSE AIR RAPIDLY. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,680 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000. UPDATED 06/06/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN HE POINTED OUT THE RUST TO A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AIR WAS NOT LEAKING FROM THE TIRE. HE WAS ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE VALVE LEADING TO A BLOWOUT OF THE TIRE. UPDATED 06/07/12 *JS
Steering, May 8, 2012
I HAVE 2006 RAV4 WITH STEERING CLUNKING NOISE. I SPOKE WITH MY LOCAL DEALER IN ATLANTIC CITY NJ AND HE TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT THERE IS NOT RECALL. I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR SOMETHING WHAT IS FACTORY PROBLEM. I THINK TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD ALSO INITIATE A RECALL FOR THE STEERING PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, Apr 24, 2012
PURCHASED A 2006 RAV4 SPORT 4WD V6 BACK IN THE SUMMER OF 2006 AND THE CAR WAS DOING GREAT UP UNTIL LAST YEAR (2011) WHEN I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING MAKING THIS STRANGE CLICKING NOISE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2011 AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION MAKING THE NOISE AND THAT OVER TIME I COULD POSSIBLY LOSE STEERING. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST OVER $2,000 TO FIX. I ASKED IF I COULD JUST DRIVE IT UNTIL THE PROBLEM WORSENED AND THEY SEEMED TO SAY THAT WAS PROBABLY OK THAT IT WOULD COST THE SAME TO FIX SO I LET IT GO. FAST FORWARD ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS (APRIL 2012) AND NOW MY CAR IS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN I TURN RIGHT (AS DESCRIBED BY ALMOST EVERYONE ELSE ON THE WEB WITH THIS PROBLEM). I BROUGHT IT BACK IN AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN PUT OUT FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD STILL COST THE SAME PRICE TO FIX AND I THOUGHT THAT WAS INSANE HOW TOYOTA KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH SO MANY OTHERS AND REFUSE TO FIX IT. IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A FAULTY PART ON ALL RAV4'S AROUND 2006-2007 (MAYBE MORE?). MOST COMPANIES WILL REALIZE THEY USED A FAULTY PART TO MAKE A PRODUCT AND REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE TO KEEP THE CUSTOMER HAPPY. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE. I CALLED TOYOTA'S NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE LINE AND SPOKE TO A NASTY PERSON WHO SPOKE VERY CONDESCENDINGLY TO ME. HE KEPT TRYING TO AVOID THE ISSUE AT HAND AND EVENTUALLY JUST SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO BECAUSE MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HE FILED THE COMPLAINT WITH THE REST OF EVERYONE ELSE AND WENT ON HIS WAY. I AM PRETTY SADDENED BY THIS SINCE THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY JUST WENT THROUGH A PAINFUL TIME HOW CAN THEY TURN AROUND AND ACT LIKE THIS TO LOYAL CUSTOMERS? *TR
Wheels, Apr 23, 2012
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 W/40,000MI. AND ALL 4 ALLOY WHEELS ARE CORRODED. THEY HAVE BEEN CORRODING FOR 1 1/2 TO 2 YEARS. THE CORROSION NOW HAS GONE TO THE TPMS AND ALL 4 VALVES NEED TO BE REPLACED. I REPLACED THE TIRES AT 36,000 MI. AND BROUGHT THE CAR BACK 9 MONTHS LATER BECAUSE THE TIRES KEPT LOSING AIR. THEY TOLD ME ALL THE VALVES WERE ROTTING AT THE STEM AND BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE TPMS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THESE ARE VERY COSTLY REPAIRS ON A CAR THAT HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED AND IT JUST SEEMS INFERIOR PRODUCTS WERE USED AND I FEEL LIKE MY SAFETY IS IN JEOPARDY IF I TAKE THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. COULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS FOR CORROSIVE ALLOY WHEELS AND TPMS PROBLEMS. *TR
Visibility, Apr 17, 2012
VISOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE FALLS DOWN AND BLOCKS VIEW OF THE ROAD. WILL NOT RETRACT TO IT'S STOWED AWAY POSITION. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 23, 2012
MUFFLER & TAILPIPE AND HOUSING ON MY RAV4 ARE RUSTING EXTENSIVELY. HAD DEALER CHECK IT OUT. RECOMMENDS I REPLACE MY EXHAUST SYSTEM. THERE WERE HOLES IN MY EXHAUST SYSTEMS DUE TO RUST. CALLED AND COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY ONLY OFFER A 3 YR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. CASE REF #1203230216. MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YRS OLD!!! MY EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN FALL OFF MY RAV4 ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WHO IS TO BLAME IN SUCH A SENARIO? TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY FOR MAKING INFERIOR EXHAUST SYSTEMS? THERE IS RUST ON GARAGE FLOOR WHERE I PARK MY RAV4!!! *TR
Steering, Mar 22, 2012
IN 2010, I COMPLAINED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER ABOUT KNOCKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER TWO YEARS THE NOISE BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE AND THE TOYOTA MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE LOWER INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT HAS EXCESSIVE PLAY DUE TO WORN-OUT SPLINES. CORRECTION: REPLACE LOWER STEERING SHAFT ($359.--). I DECLINED REPAIR SINCE I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2006 AND 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 MODEL AND A RECALL WOULD WARRANTED. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF STEERING. THE MECHANIC DID NOT THINK SO. *TR
Steering, Mar 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 04/27/12*LJ
Steering, Mar 13, 2012
INTERMEDIATE STEERING LINKAGE MAKES A POPPING NOISE. CONDITION HAS BEEN ADDRESSED UNDER TSB ST 001-08: HOWEVER THIS CONDITION HAS GROWN STEADILY WORSE AND WE FEAR MAY LEAD TO STEERING FAILURE. TOYOTA DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR UNDER 36,000 MILE WARRANTY AS 36 MONTHS HAVE ELAPSED SINCE OUR PURCHASE OF THIS NEW CAR. PLEASE ADD OUR COMPLAINT TO YOUR DATA BASE WITH THE HOPE THAT TOYOTA CAN BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS FACTORY STEERING DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Mar 4, 2012
CLUNKING SOUND ( AND FEEL) COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT, PARTICULARLY AT SLOWER SPEEDS. CLUNKING IS WORSE IN COLDER WEATHER, BUT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE OFTEN AS TIME PASSES. NO LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY - YET. WHY IS THIS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA? A SIMPLY INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES IT IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE AND YET TOYOTA WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT INTERESTED IN SPEAKING TO ME ABOUT THIS AS THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, OTHER THAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT MY COST. MUST WE EXPERIENCE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO GET TOYOTA'S ATTENTION? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 19, 2012
WE WERE ON THE ROAD (ON A FAMILY VACATION). THE DAY THAT WE WERE COMING BACK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE VSC LIGHT AND THE SLIP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS WE WERE PULLING OUT OF THE HOTEL PARKING LOT. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER, I ALSO FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS MISFIRING. THE DEALER FOUND "MULTIPLE CODES P0304, P0305, P0306, P0356, P1578, C1201. #6 COIL MALFUNCTIONING. RECOMMEND REPLACE #6 COIL PACK AND RECHECK. POSSIBLE THAT OTHER COIL MAY FAIL FROM THE RESULT OF #6 COIL FAILING." #6 COIL PACK WAS REPLACED AND THE RAV4 HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE SINCE. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT "TYPICALLY AFTER ONE COIL GOES THE OTHERS FOLLOW SHORTLY AFTER", SO I WILL KEEP AN EYE OPEN FOR THAT. IT IS STRANGE SINCE IGNITION COILS HAVE A LONG LIFE EXPECTANCY. I CHECKED ON-LINE AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A HIGH FAILURE RATE WITH COIL PACK PART # 90919-02251, WHICH IS THE ORIGINAL PART THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. I MADE SURE THE PART WAS REPLACED WITH THE LATEST REVISION (90919-A2007) OF THE NEW PART NUMBERS (90919-A2002, 90919-A2004 OR 90919-A2007) THAT TOYOTA CHANGED TO. IT IS ALSO INTERESTING THAT MOST OF THE FAILURES HAPPEN WITH #6, #4 AND #5 COILS (IN THAT ORDER). THE FAILURES SEEM TO CONCENTRATE AROUND THE RIGHT FRONT CORNER, WHICH IS CLOSE TO THE RADIATOR (HOT FLUID) EXIT. MAYBE THAT IS WHY THE LATER REVISION PART # COIL PACKS HAVE A DOUBLE METALLIC SCREEN OUTSIDE THE PLASTIC HOUSING, TO PROTECT THE ASSEMBLY. *TR