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.
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2012
AFTER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER FOR SERVICE AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS FAULTY IGNITION COIL. THIS ALL STARTED WHEN I NEGLECTED CLOSE THE GAS CAP ALL THE WAY ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE. AT THAT TIME I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID TO TIGHTEN IT AND THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. IT DID FOR AWHILE BUT SOON STARTED A SERIES OF EVENTS THAT ENDED UP WITH THE COIL "D" HAVING TO BE REPLACED. *TT
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, Jan 17, 2012
THERE'S A WEIRD CLICKING/GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM MY STEERING WHEN TURNING. I WAS MAKING A U-TURN (NOT EVEN 5MPH) WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT AND HAS HEARD IT ALMOST EVERYDAY SINCE. ITS TERRIFYING WHILE DRIVING TO THINK THAT MY STEERING CAN FAIL. MY MECHANIC WILL LET ME KNOW IF IT CAN BE FIXED AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST. I HAVE TO SAY... I'M CONSIDERING TRADING THAT SUCKER IN. *TR
Steering, Jan 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
Structure, Jan 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD WAS EXTREMELY SOAKED WITH WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE PLASTIC COWL COVER AND SEAL PLATE ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS AND THE FLOORBOARD BECAME MOLDED IN ADDITION TO CONDENSATION BUILDING ON THE WINDOWS FROM THE MOISTURE IN THE VEHICLE. THE WATER BEGAN TO FREEZE DUE TO THE COLD TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,825.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2011
I OWN 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH 48,000 MILES. MY CAR WAS DRIVING FINE UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR IN APRIL I RECEIVED RECALL LETTER SAYING I SHOULD REPLACE THE OIL RUBBER HOSE. 18 MONTHS LATER I NOTICE A LOT OF OIL UNDER MY CAR, THERE WAS NONE LEFT IN THE ENGINE. I HAD TO CALL TOWING COMPANY TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT THE HOSE IS BROKEN, THE ONE THAT SUPPOSED TO BE UPGRADED LASTED ONLY 18,000 MILES. THEY CHARGE US $700 BECAUSE OUR WARRANTY FINISHED IN JULY 2011 AND THE WARRANTY FOR THE RECALL IS ONLY FOR 1 YEAR. I TRIED TO NEGOTIATE WITH THEM BUT NOBODY EVEN LISTENED. WE LEFT THE DEALER WITH NOTHING, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR, HE PULLED TO THE PARKING LOT AND HEARD THIS BIG NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IT WAS 15 MINUTES AFTER WE LEFT THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. MY HUSBAND CALLED THE RIGHT AWAY AND THEY SAID THAT THEY TESTED THIS CAR AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT IF WE WANT WE CAN BRING THE CAR BACK. WE HAD TO CALL FOR TOWING COMPANY AGAIN. THE CAR CAME BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THEY ADMITTED THERE IS A NOISE BUT FOR THEM TO EVEN LOOK AT THE ENGINE THEY HAVE TO CHARGE US $1200. I HAVE ALREADY CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SENDING ME BACK TO THE DEALER TO TALK TO THEIR CUSTOMER RELATION MANAGER. THE MANAGER SAID HE DID SOME INVESTIGATION AND MY PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE IS NOT CONNECTED WITH THE REPAIR THEY DID. I TALK TO MANY DIFFERENT MECHANICS OUTSIDE OF TOYOTA AND THE SAID IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ENGINE TO JUST DIE. BESIDES EVERY MECHANIC SAYS THE HOSE SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN 18 MONTHS AND THEY BELIEVE THAT IT WAS NOT INSTALLED THE RIGHT WAY. TOYOTA MAIN OFFICE SAYS THE SUPPORT THE DEALER DECISION AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THEY DON'T FEEL ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS SITUATION. YOU HAVE MORE EXPERIENCE WITH THAT, MAYBE YOU CAN GIVE ME SOME ADVICE. THANK YOU. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2011
I OWN A 2006 RAV4 V6. AT ROUGHLY 60,000 MILES THE ENGINE, VSC AND 4WD LIGHT WOULD START GOING ON AND THEN OFF AFTER SHUTTING DOWN. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS PROBABLY THE GAS CAP AFTER FILLING UP NOT BEING TIGHT. AT 64,000 MILES THE LIGHTS WENT ON AND STAYED ON. BECAUSE MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IS WORTHLESS, I WENT TO A TRUSTED MECHANIC. THE CODES SHOWED A BAD COIL IN THE #2 CYLINDER SO I REPLACED IT. THEY SUGGESTED THAT THESE COILS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BE BAD AND THAT I SHOULD REPLACE ALL OF THEM. I DIDN'T WANT TO DROP $1300 AT THE TIME AND NOW AT 70,000 THE LIGHTS ARE ON AGAIN AND THE CODES ARE SHOWING ALL 6 COILS ARE BAD AGAIN. HOW IS IT THAT A CAR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO GO 100,000 MILES BEFORE YOU EVEN NEED TO CHANGE THE PLUGS HAS ALL THE COILS GO BAD AT THE SAME TIME. THERE ARE WEB SITES FOR RAV4 OWNERS ALL OVER THE INTERNET COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THING AND TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING. *TR
Steering, Nov 27, 2011
STEERING MAKES A "BUMPING" SOUND WHEN IT IS TURNED IN ANY DIRECTION. MY SON COMMENTED THAT HE NOTICED IT IN 2010. LAST WEEK MY MECHANIC MENTIONED IT AND SAID THAT IT SHOULD BE FIXED. ANOTHER MECHANIC AT THE SAME SHOP ALSO MENTIONED IT TO ME AFTER HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Oct 24, 2011
WHILE MAKING A TURN OF A HIGHWAY EXIT, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, ON THE 4TH DAY OF OWNING MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE. NOT ONLY WAS I TALKED DOWN TO AND TREATED RUDELY BY TOYOTA STAFF, I WAS DISMISSED, AS IF THIS WAS NOT A SERIOUS CONCERN. TOYOTA DID FIX THE VEHICLE, AND ASSURED ME THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. ONLY A FEW MONTHS LATER, MY CAR WAS BACK AT TOYOTA, WILL ROTTEN STRUTS, ON A 6 MONTH OLD VEHICLE. AGAIN THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THERE WAS NO HELP FROM TOYOTA WILL ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY FAULTY AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. 2 YEARS TO THE MONTH OF PURCHASE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME AGAIN WHILE DRIVING, THIS TIME TOYOTA REPLACED THE COMPUTER, BEING SURE TO STATE A DIFFERENT REASON FOR THE SAME ISSUE, TO INSURE THAT MY VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE LEMON LAW. NOW, LESS THAT 2 YEARS AFTER THE 2ND INSTANCE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED FOR A 3RD TIME WHILE DRIVING. I AM VERY LUCKY TO BE ALIVE, AND THAT IN ALL 3 INSTANCES THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ME, AND I WAS ON AN OPEN ROAD, WHERE I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP BEFORE SERIOUSLY INJURING MYSELF OR OTHERS. AFTER THIS MANY REPEAT SERIOUS ISSUES, I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW NO ONE AT TOYOTA CARES TO FURTHER LOOK INTO THE RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE OR REPLACEMENT OF. IF I HAD ACTUALLY CRASHED OR GOD FOR BID BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, I'M SURE THAT MY CLAIMS WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN SERIOUSLY. WHY DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE, BEFORE TOYOTA CAN TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A DEFAULTED VEHICLE? *TR
Steering, Oct 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN FAILED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN, BUT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Structure, Oct 11, 2011
LETTER ON BEHALF OF RE TOYOTA CHARGING HER FOR A REPAIR ON HER 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 THAT SHE FEELS SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT WHEN THE TECHNICAL SERVICE REPORT CAME OUT IN 2006 RE A COWL PANEL WATER LEAK *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM, WATER BEGAN LEAKING ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED TOYOTA CORP. SHE WAS INFORMED HER VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.
Steering, Oct 2, 2011
CLINKING AND GRINDING COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US IT WAS THE STEERING SHAFT IS WORN AND WOULD COST BETWEEN $800- $1000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS NOT COVERED SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE DEALERSHIP REPORTED IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. *TR
Steering, Sep 30, 2011
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A CLUNK NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT SLOW OR NO SPEED. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE VERY HIGH I WAS TOLD BY THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IT WAS THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT WOULD COST CLOSE TO $800 TO REPAIR. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS. I WORK FOR VW AND KNOW THAT WHEN THERE IS AN ISSUE THAT AFFECTS THIS MANY VEHICLES AND A STEERING CONCERN THAT THERE IS ALWAYS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE ALREADY. IS IT REALLY GOING TO TAKE ANOTHER " GAS PEDAL " INCIDENT TO MAKE THEM TAKE CARE OF IT? *TR
Steering, Sep 15, 2011
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 SPORT HAS CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. LOW SPEED TURNING PRODUCES A CLUNKING SOUND AND UNSTABLE SENSATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *KB
Steering, Sep 14, 2011
HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL. ARRANGED SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER. DEALER SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE COMPLETE STEERING RACK AND STEERING SHAFT WITH "AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT". $2.563.64. I WAS NOT ADVISED WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF NOT REPLACED. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD IT WAS TOO BAD THAT MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I UNDERSTAND OTHERS WITH 2006 & 2007 RAV4S HAVE HAD SAME ISSUE. SAFETY ISSUE? NO RECALL! *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 13, 2011
DRIVING BACK FROM GAS STATION ALL THREE LIGHTS CAME ON IN DASH -- VSC, CHECK ENGINE & 4WD. RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT GAS CAP NOT SEALING COLD CAUSE PROBLEM, REMOVED / RETIGHTENED GAS CAP NUMEROUS TIMES. LIGHTS WON'T GO OFF. I HAD CAR TESTED WITH OBD READER ATTACHED AND CODES (PO300, PO303, PO305 & PO356 SAYS IT'S IGNITION COIL F--PRIMARY/SECONDARY CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. CAR ONLY HAS 43000 MILES AND CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF TOYOTA IGNITION FAILURES BETWEEN 40000 & 55000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 7, 2011
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES IGNITION COIL AND PLUG FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, VARIOUS DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIMMIED AND THE ENGINE MISFIRED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DISABLED. AN INSPECTION BY THE DEALER REVEALED A MISFIRE CODE AND THAT A NUMBER TWO COIL AND PLUG HAD TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH AND A HALF LATER, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ANOTHER IGNITION COIL HAD FAILED AND THE SUV WAS OPERATING IN FOUR CYLINDER MODE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS MODEL VEHICLE HAD A DESIGN/ENGINEERING PROBLEM WHICH WAS IDENTIFIED AND DOES NOT OCCUR ON SUBSEQUENT YEAR RAV 4 MODELS. *JB
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
Steering, Jul 31, 2011
THERE IS A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. NOISE IS GETTING LOUDER AND FEELS LIKE STEERING IS BEING AFFECTED. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 14, 2011
A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING AN AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. I CALLED TOYOTA SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE CAR REQUIRED A REPAIR, AND THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT FUNCTION AT ALL UNTIL THIS REPAIR WAS DONE. TODAY THE TOYOTA TECH TOLD US A "SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY HAD GONE BAD." HE SAID IT WILL COST $514.00 TO MAKE THIS REPAIR, AND AGAIN, THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK UNLESS IT IS DONE. I ASKED IF THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE WITH TOYOTA AND THE SERVICE MANAGER REPLIED, "I HAVE NO IDEA." I ASKED IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND HE REPLIED, "WE SEE IT ALL THE TIME IN RAV3'S AND TUNDRA'S." I INDICATED THE CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WITH JUST OVER 60K MILES, AND THAT I HAVE NEVER (EVER) HAD AN AIRBAG FAILURE IN ANY VEHICLE UNTIL NOW. HE AGAIN SAID, "WELL, WE SEE IT ALL THE TIME WITH THIS MODEL." THIS SURELY APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS VERY COSTLY TO AN AVERAGE CONSUMER. CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH THIS? PLEASE HELP! (THANKS MUCH-)
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2011
ENGINE COIL FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Jul 13, 2011
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 - STEERING - I HAVE PRESENTED MY VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION AT A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE COMPANY LAST WEEK ON TUESDAY, JULY 5TH, 2011 FOR A NOTICEABLE "CLUNKING" SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND FRONT END. THE SERVICE MANAGER SCHEDULED A 2ND VISIT FOR MY VEHICLE ON JULY 7TH, IN ORDER FOR A SERVICE MECHANIC TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR. HE FIRST TOLD ME THAT THE UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE "OPENED" AND RE-PACKED WITH GREASE TO MAKE THE NOISE GO AWAY (WITHOUT BATTING AN EYE). ON THE SECOND SERVICE VISIT JULY 7TH, THE MECHANIC SAID THE UNIT WOULD REQUIRE A REBUILDING WITH AT LEAST $ 400.00 OF PARTS. THIS IS THE CASE AFTER I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN WITH 43K ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. AFTER I HAD A THIRD PARTY LOOK AT THE SAME ISSUE, THEY SAID THAT IT DID NOT PRESENT A DANGER, HOWEVER, NEW TIRES AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WERE SUGGESTED TO SEE WHETHER ANY IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE NOTICEABLE.. AFTERWARDS, I STARTED MY INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER, WHEREBY, I NOW KNOW THAT HUNDREDS OF CASES HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED, AND, THE MANUFACTURER, TOYOTA, HAS "PASSED THE BUCK" ON THE BLAME AND REPAIR, CHARGING AS MUCH AS $ 1,200 FOR THE STEERING ON THE 2006 RAV 4 MODEL TO BE REPAIRED. SOUNDS LIKE A "SCAM" TO ME. JUST BECAUSE NO ONE HAS GOTTEN HURT YET, DOESN'T MEAN THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM HERE. CARS ARE CONTROLLED THROUGH THE ABILITY TO "STEER" THE VEHICLE. IN OCTOBER 1976, I SURVIVED AN ACCIDENT IN MY BRAND NEW FORD GRANADA, WHEN THE "SUSPENSION ARM" NUT WAS SHEERED OFF WHEN TAKING A CURVE ON A LOCAL ROAD WITH THE VEHICLE AT 20-25 MPH. THREE PEOPLE WALKED AWAY FROM AN ACCIDENT THAT TOOK OUT THE WHOLE FRONT BUMPER, BACK TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. AS THE CAR WAS REPAIRED, FORD MOTOR CORP. GATHERED ALL OF THE ACCIDENT PHOTOS FROM THE BODY SHOP, PREVENTING DISCLOSURE OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM (BACK BEFORE THE "LEMON LAWS" WERE PUT IN PLACE). DO NOT LET THIS PROBLEM SLIP AWAY. THE LIVES OF OWNER / OPERATORS + PASSENGERS ARE AT STAKE ! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING ALL OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN IGNITION COIL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,056. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 09/14/11
Steering, Jun 23, 2011
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 WITH STEERING SHAFT ISSUES. THE SHAFT MAKES GRINDING/KNOCKING NOISES WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME OF THIS ISSUE AND STATED THAT I SHOULD REPLACE THE SHAFT. I ARGUED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE COSTS, BUT THEY WOULD NOT CONCUR. I STARTED RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE AND DISCOVERED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. THEY HAVE EVEN ALREADY DEVELOPED A NEW INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. IT IS CLEAR THAT THEY RECOGNIZE THIS AS A DESIGN/ENGINEERING ISSUE. FURTHERMORE, THIS DEFECT COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING ABLE TO STEER, WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IN MY OPINION, MERITS A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VAPOR CANISTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VAPOR CANISTER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING HARMFUL FUMES FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE HARMFUL FUMES PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.