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.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING THE VEHICLE FROM PARK TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE AND LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER REGARDING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010
TOYOTA RAV4 LE 2006 GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK DOWN 4 TIMES SINCE WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE 3 YEARS AGO. TOYOTA MOTOR CO IS SAYING I GOT OVER 30,000 MILES SO WARRANTY IS UP.. PL I NEED HELP IN THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Feb 23, 2010
MY NEW 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 WAS IN FOR REPAIRS IN FEBRUARY OF 2008. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 39,817 MILES, JUST AFTER THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. EVERY TIME THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED THE STEERING MADE A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND. IT GOT WORSE IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS WORN. I ASKED WHY AFTER ONLY 39,817 MILES AND THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN. NOW I HAVE 81,000 MILES AND THE SOUND IS BACK AND THE SHAFT HAS TO BE REPLACE FOR ANOTHER $4-5 HUNDRED DOLLARS. I HAVE HAD CARS WITH 250,000 MILES ON THEM AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A STEERING SHAFT. NOW I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 IN LESS THEN 80,000 MILES. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS COVERING UP. *TR
Air bags, Feb 22, 2010
AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 SRS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DEPT EVENTUALLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE "SPIRAL CABLE "IN THE STEERING COLUMN. "DIAGNOSIS "AND REPAIR COST OVER $700.00. *TR
Steering, Feb 21, 2010
AT THE END OF 2008 I TOOK MY 06" RAV4 IN FOR IT'S PRE-PAID MAINTENANCE AND TOLD THE SERVICE ATTENDANT THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS MAKING A STRANGE NOISE WHEN I WAS TURNING. I SAID MAYBE IT JUST NEEDS STEERING FLUID. HE GOT IN AND TURNED THE WHEEL A COUPLE OF TIMES AND SAID HE FELT IT WOULD BE FINE. I MENTIONED THE NOISE AT EACH OF THE FOLLOWING APPTS. AND WAS TOLD BASICALLY THE SAME THING. WELL NOW MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY NOW KNOW THAT IT IS THE PROBLEM REFERRED TO AS SERVICE BULLETIN DATED 10-20-2008. THEY ESTIMATED THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,001.00 AT MY EXPENSE. I FEEL THEY PUT OF THE DIAGNOSIS UNTIL AFTER MY WARRANTY RAN OUT INTENTIONALLY SO TOYOTA WOULD NOT HAVE TO FIX IT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ASAP BEFORE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE KILLED. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
2006 TOYOTA REV 4 WITH 27,000 MILES WITH A STEERING SHAFT WEARING OFF. THIS COULD CREATE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT BREAKS DOWN ON THE ROAD. A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
THIS IS AN UPDATE OF COMPLAINT 10243141. IN AUGUST 2006, I PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA RAV 4/L4 AT 4X2. IN AUGUST 2007 (MILEAGE: 9,540), I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE CAR DEALER BECAUSE OF A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD TO BE ORDERED (PART # 45260-42090) AND INSTALLED. IN NOVEMBER 2007 (MILEAGE: 11,989), I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE SAME NOISE. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. IN DECEMBER 2007 I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AGAIN (MILEAGE: 12,717) WITH STILL THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOISE. DEALER PERSONNEL DETERMINED A DAMAGED STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY WHICH WAS ORDERED (PART # 45260-42090) AND INSTALLED FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON OCTOBER 13, 2008, (MILEAGE: 21,152) THE CAR WAS AGAIN MAKING THE SAME NOISE AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE STEERING SHAFT WAS AGAIN REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT A DIFFERENT PART HAD TO BE REPLACED (PART # 45221-42070). ON JULY 2, 2009, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE. I AGAIN REPORTED THE SAME NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE TECHNICIAN DROVE THE VEHICLE AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ON NOVEMBER 6, 2009, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT AUTO SHOP. THE MECHANIC DISASSEMBLED THE STEERING WHEEL AND IDENTIFIED THE NOISE. HE PERSONALLY TOOK THE CAR TO A DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE TO A TECHNICIAN. AT THAT DEALERSHIP, HE WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE IS A 'NORMAL CONDITION' AND THAT TOYOTA PERSONNEL ARE AWARE OF THE NOISE BUT THE COMPANY HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OR HOW TO FIX IT. ALSO, HE WAS TOLD OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM. WE ARE NOW IN FEBRUARY 2010. MY RAV 4 (MILEAGE: 35,983) HAS MAINTAINED THE NOISE AND HAS A FUNNY FEELING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT FEELS LIKE IF THE WHEEL WILL COME OUT. SINCE THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, ACCEPTED BY THE TOYOTA DEALER AND CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, I FEEL I SHOULD UPDATE THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSB. I WOULD APPRECIATE RECEIVING SOME FEEDBACK FROM NHTSB IN THIS REGARD. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 18, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 HAS TWICE EXPERIENCED LONG TERM ACCELERATION . BOTH TIMES IT EXPERIENCED HIGH SPEED ACCELERATION WHICH CONTINUED AFTER COMING OFF THE ACCELERATOR. NO DAMAGE OR INJURIES OCCURRED. IN BOTH CASES, THE RAV 4 WAS RETURNED TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR SERVICE. AFTER THE SECOND OCCURRENCE , THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR FOR 4 DAYS FOR DRIVING AND ANALYSIS. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPEATED WHILE IN THEIR SERVICE FACILITY. THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW AND MALFUNCTIONS. THE DEALER SUSPECTED A "FLOOR MAT" PROBLEM AND INSTALLED 2 RETAINING CLIPS. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
TOYOTA TSB ST001-08 - - OWNERS MAY HEAR A CLUNK, POP, OR KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. THE TSB REPLACES 2 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS WITH "REDESIGNED" SHAFTS. THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE SHAFTS WILL ONLY BE COVERED BY STANDARD 36 MONTH/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 HAS THIS NOISE, AND THERE IS ALSO A PULSE IN THE WHEEL WHEN IT OCCURS (SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK). WILL THIS EVER BECOME A POSSIBLE RECALL? IS THERE A HISTORY OF COMPLAINTS? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 16, 2010
STARTED HAVING INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS APPROX 8 MTHS AGO. 3 X OCCURRED. 2 X WHEN PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY TO PARK, DRIVEWAY SLIGHTLY GRADED UP SLANT, BRAKED BUT MINOR INCREASE ACCELERATION OCCURRED. BRAKED HARDER & STOPPED. INCREASE ACCELERATION CONTINUED FOR APPROX 15-20 SEC LONGER THEN RETURNED IDLE. TOOK SERVICE & TUNE-UP. TOLD THEM, SERVICED AND SAID FINE. ALSO CHECKED ELECTRICAL AS LIGHTING SWITCHED FROM FRONT TO BACK SEAT FOR NO REASON. TOLD JUST REPROGRAM NEEDED & OK. AFTER THAT SERVICE HAD ONE MORE INCIDENT WHEN OVER MCDONALD'S MILL VALLEY - DRIVE THRU - VEHICLE AHEAD MOVED & I TRIED TO JUST MOVE SLOWLY TOO. ACCELERATED MUCH HIGHER THAN FOOT PRESSURE ON PEDAL. HIT BRAKES HARD & JUST MISSED CAR AHEAD OF ME. CAR WAS STOPPED, BUT ACCELERATION REMAINED HIGHER FOR 30-45 SEC. LINE HELD UP UNTIL ACCELERATION SEEMED OK. THEN MOVED AHEAD W NO ISSUES. NOW NO INCIDENTS X APPROX. 2 MONTHS. NOTE PEDAL ACTION HAS ALWAYS APPEARED OK. NOT HUMAN ERROR. FOUND NO KNOWN CAUSE. DO USE STANDARD RUBBER RAV4 FLOOR MATS - OK & CLEARANCE TO DEPRESSED PEDAL 3 1/2-4 INCHES. I WAS UNAWARE OF PROBLEMS TOYOTA WHEN THESE OCCURRED, THEN NEWS, & "RED LIGHT" & THOUGHT OF MY INCIDENTS. WILL THEY RETURN AGAIN? MY VIN# SAYS I AM OK? I DO KNOW INCIDENTS HAPPENED. HAD SPOKEN WITH MY SON WHO IS AUTO ENGINEER TOO. MINOR OR MAJOR INCIDENTS STILL DO CARRY RISK EXPOSURE FOR ME. AND COST EFFECT RISK EXPOSURE TOO. NOTE I DO NOT KNOW EXACT DATES OF 4 INCIDENTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2010
DRIVING ON I-495 ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL AT 70 MPH, ON CRUISE CONTROL, 2006 RAV4 STARTED MAKING NOISE, LOW OIL SORT OF NOISE, AND I STARTED TO PULL OVER. NO OIL LIGHT, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BEFORE I COULD EVEN PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE ENGINE BLEW. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY REPLACED ENTIRE ENGINE BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE. COST OF NEW ENGINE AND LABOR WAS AROUND $9,000. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT WATER PUMP FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND BLOW PISTON 3 THROUGH THE SIDE WALL, BUT AS A AMATEUR MECHANIC, I AM 100% POSITIVE THIS IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAR. THE VVT-I OIL LINE RUPTURED ON THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOSE ALL OIL AND BLOW, BUT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO AGREE AND FORCED US TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET, RATHER THAN COVERING IT BECAUSE TOYOTA KNEW THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE PART, AS IT HAD BEEN THE CAUSE FOR MANY TSB'S, AS WELL AS MANY MANY DOLLARS SPENT BY CONSUMERS TRYING TO REPLACE ALL OF THESE DEFECTED PARTS. *TR
Steering, Feb 15, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV-4 CLICKING IN STEERING COLUMN SINCE EARLY 2009...AFTER RESEARCH FOUND THAT IT'S ACTUALLY A DEFECT THAT TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT AND PUT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10024291 SERVICE BULLETIN #: ST001-08 ) , BUT REFUSED TO FIX IF PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED (PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED)....NEXT PROBLEM: WATER LEAK WHEN RAINING ON FLOOR FRONT PASSENGER, LEAKED TO BACK OF VEHICLE CAUSING MOLD DAMAGE (AGAIN TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIX EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE AWARE OF ISSUE...MY HUSBAND RESEARCHED AND FIXED IT HIMSELF). THIRD PROBLEM, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT, AND 4WD LIGHT RANDOMLY COME ONE (QUITE OFTEN)...HAVE BROUGHT TO MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSTIC TEST COMES BACK WITH AN ERROR CODE. MECHANICS HAVE SAID IT'S MOST LIKELY A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION (WHICH I HAVEN'T INVESTIGATED MYSELF, BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX OR WORSE REPLACE). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 15, 2010, crash
VEHICLE: 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 PROBLEM: STUCK ACCELERATOR DATE OF INCIDENT: DECEMBER 24, 2009 MY WIFE WAS LEAVING WORK ON THE 24TH OF DECEMBER. OUR CAR WAS PARKED FACING UPHILL. AS SHE WAS LEAVING HER PARKING SPACE, SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR SLIGHTLY AND THE CAR "TOOK OFF" ON ITS OWN. SHE ENDED UP HITTING A CAR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEN GOING OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE, OVER A SIDEWALK, SNOW BANK AND THEN HITTING A BUILDING. I HAVE REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO TOYOTA WHO WENT TO MY LOCAL DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT. THEY CLAIM THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING AND SENT A LETTER TO MY HOUSE STATING THAT FACT. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT DAY WERE SLOPPY SNOW. AS MENTIONED, THE CAR WAS FACING UPHILL SO THE SLIPPERY CONDITIONS ACTUALLY ACTED IN HER FAVOR. I WROTE UP A FULL REPORT WITH PHOTOS THAT I SENT TO BOTH TOYOTA AND STATE FARM. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO E-MAIL THIS REPORT TO YOU AS WELL. OUR RAV 4 HAD A LITTLE OVER 51,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. IT IS A 4 CYLINDER, AUTOMATIC. *TR
Steering, Feb 14, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 THAT TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPAIR THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE PROBLEM THAT PLAGUES THIS VEHICLE. (T-SB-0318-08 OCTOBER 20, 2008). IF THE VEHICLE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, TOYOTA WOULD MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES AT NO COST. OUR CAR STARTED TO SHOW THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS PROBLEM AFTER 3 YEAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY PROGRESS TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING AND RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE. THIS CONCERN IS NOT ONLY FOR MY CAR'S OCCUPANTS, BUT ALSO FOR OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD WHO I MAY RUN INTO DUE TO THIS STEERING PROBLEM. IN LIFT OF THE RECENT TOYOTA RECALLS, I WOULD HOPE THE NHTSA WOULD RECALL THE EFFECTED VEHICLES AND FORCE TOYOTA TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Feb 9, 2010
THERE WAS AN INCREASING LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATION THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE FAR RIGHT OR LEFT. I INVESTIGATED TOYOTA TSBS AND FOUND MY 2006 RAV4 HAS 2 DETAILED PROBLEMS, ONE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF THE CONNECTING SHAFTS AND THE OTHER THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK. ON INSPECTION BY THE DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED I HAD THE FIRST PROBLEM, BUT BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THIS IS A RECALL SAFETY PROBLEM, WHICH TOYOTA WAS IN DENIAL ABOUT. I ESCALATED AND PUSHED AND MANAGED TO GET THEM TO COVER THE LABOR, BUT I STILL HAD TO PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR PARTS FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE INSTIGATED A RECALL. IF I HAD THE 2ND PROBLEM, IT WAS 3 TIMES AS EXPENSIVE. MANY CONSUMERS HAVE REPORTED THESE ISSUES, BUT TOYOTA IGNORES THEM. JUST LOOK AT EDMUNDS AND OTHER TOYOTA FORUMS. YOU TRUST THE STEERING DESIGN OF CAR WITH YOUR LIFE. TOYOTA DID NOT SEEM TO CARE, ONLY ENOUGH TO LET THE DEALERS KNOW THERE WAS AN ISSUE, NOT THE CONSUMER DIRECTLY, NOR STEP UP REPAIR IT. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2010
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAD THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAIL AROUND 33K MILES. TOYOTA REPLACED IT UNDER A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN WHILE IN WARRANTY. IT IS NOW AT 67K MILES AND THE SHAFT IS BAD AGAIN. TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 12 MONTHS SINCE THEY REPLACED IT THE FIRST TIME AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE SERVICE TECH COULD NOT TELL ME THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION WITHOUT THE CHANCE OF LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 THAT I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT. TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPAIR THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE PROBLEM THAT PLAGUES THIS VEHICLE. (PLEASE SEE T-SB-0318-08 OCTOBER 20, 2008). IF THE VEHICLE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, TOYOTA WOULD MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES AT NO COST. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND HER CAR STARTED TO DEVELOP THIS PROBLEM AFTER 3 YEAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY PROGRESS TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING AND RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE. THIS CONCERN IS NOT ONLY FOR MY WIFE, BUT ALSO FOR ALL AMERICAN'S WHO HAVE THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. IN LIFT OF THE RECENT TOYOTA RECALLS, I WOULD HOPE THE NHTSA WOULD RECALL THE EFFECTED VEHICLES AND FORCE TOYOTA TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2010
"2006 TOYOTA RAV-4" REFERENCE---T-SB-0318-08---CLUNK/ POP/KNOCK WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. "TOYOTA" RECOMMENDED SOLUTION---REPLACE STEERING WHEEL "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT LINKAGE" WITH IMPROVED PARTS. ---"WARNING"--- DEFECTIVE "MECHANICAL LINKAGE" BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL MECHANISM IS A "SERIOUS DANGER" AND COULD, OR HAS BEEN THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATHS! SHOULD THIS PROBLEM BE INCLUDED AS ANOTHER "TOYOTA RECALL"? *TR
Visibility, Feb 5, 2010
REAR WINDOW JUST SHATTERS. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN A PERIOD OF LESS THAN ONE YEAR. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED ON BOTH OCCASIONS. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE OTHER THAN A REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDOW. TOYOTA SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG BUT I'VE SEEN SEVERAL FORUMS ON THE WEB WITH POSTS FROM PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2010
I WISH TO REPORT AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ON MY 2006 RAV. IT SEEMS SIMILAR TO THAT DESCRIBED FOR THE NEW PRIUS MODELS. WHEN BRAKING ON SLIPPERY OR BUMPY SURFACES, USUALLY AT FINAL BRAKING AT A STOP SIGN, THE SYSTEM SEEMS TO TAKE OVER AND I HAVE NO BRAKING CONTROL. (IT IS AS IF A PRE-SET BRAKING PROGRAM GOES INTO EFFECT.) IT HAPPENS MOST OFTEN AT LOW SPEEDS, JUST AS I BRAKE FOR THE STOP -- AND SHOULD HAVE STOPPED EASILY. I HAVE HAD MANY, MANY INCIDENTS WHERE THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO SLIDE THROUGH A STOP SIGN INTO AN INTERSECTION. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRENT PROBLEM THIS WINTER, AND IS A SERIOUS CONCERN FOR DRIVING IN MINNESOTA WINTERS. *TR
Seat belts, Feb 4, 2010
I HAVE 2006 RAV4 WITH 62,800 MILES ON IT. THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND SOME TIMES THEY DO NOT HOLD THE BODY TIGHT ENOUGH WHEN IN LOCKED POSITION. I CALLED UP THE DEALER (NORTHWAY TOYOTA DEALER, LATHAM, NY) AND HE SAYS THERE WOULD BE CHARGES TO LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AT THE RATE OF $94 AN HOUR. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT SAFETY RELATED ITEMS LIKE SEAT BELTS SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE BY THE MANUFACTURER FREE OF COST. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 3, 2010
TOYOTA RAV4 2006 LIMITED, 4CY, ON 2/2/2010, GAS STARTED DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS A HEAVY FLOW. TAKEN TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDS TO REPLACED. IT IS GOING TO BE REPLACED ON 2/4/2010 AT THE COST OF $715.00. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2010, crash
I HAVE A 2006 RAV4 TOYOTA SUV. MY GAS PEDAL HAS BEEN STICKING SINCE 2007. I HAVE HAD A ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT, WHERE I HAD OVER $7000.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE DONE TO REPAIR IT. AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I MENTION ABOUT THE PEDAL, BUT NO ONE BELIEVED ME, SO I JUST DROPPED IT. IT IS STILL HAPPENING SOMETIMES, WHERE I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF FOR A WHILE, THEN TURN IT BACK ON AND THEN DRIVE IT. I TELEPHONED TOYOTA ABOUT IT AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE# FOR IT. THEN AFTER 3 DAYS AFTER THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER, THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN THE RAV4, TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND SEE IF THEY CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN AGAIN. I COULD BE DIED THEN!!. WHEN I HAD THE ACCIDENT, NOT ONLY DID I HAVE DAMAGE TO MY CAR, BUT I DID DAMAGE TO A BUILDING BECAUSE MY CAR WHEN OUT OF CONTROL AND BACK IN TO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS DONE, BUT IT WAS NOT MENTION IN THE POLICE REPORT. THE DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING HAD TO BE MORE THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS AND COMPENSATION FOR THE PEOPLE INSIDE IT. IT HAPPEN AT A GAS STATION IN BUFORD, GEORGIA. IT SEEMS LIKE TOYOTA DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO KNOW THAT THEIR GAS PEDALS HAS BEEN STICKING FOR MORE YEARS THAN THEY OWN UP TO. I AM LEASING MY RV4 AND HAVE ONE MORE YEAR LEFT IN MY LEASE. PLEASE PRAY THAT I CAN CONTROL MY GAS PEDAL WHILE I AM TRYING TO COMPLETE THIS LEASE WITHOUT GETTING KILLED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2010
THIS IS IN REGARD TO THE TOYOTA GAS PEDAL RECALL. I HAVE A 2006 RAV4 AND DID IN FACT EXPERIENCE AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM ONCE BACK IN 2007 OR 2008. IT WAS VERY BRIEF AND THE CAR RECOVERED QUICKLY. I WAS ONLY GOING 35 OR 40. I PLAYED WITH THE GAS PEDAL AND IT STOPPED. IT DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, BUT NOW AM CONCERNED BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE VIN NUMBER AND YEAR OF MY CAR, IT ACTUALLY ISN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND MAYBE THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Jan 22, 2010, crash
WE HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. ON DEC.18, MY WIFE, PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND THE VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING FASTER THAN SHE WANTED TO GO. SHE PUSHED ON THE FOOT BRAKE BUT COULD NOT SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHE LET UP ON THE BRAKE, IT SPED UP MORE, AND EVEN APPLYING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS SHE COULD, IT DID NOT STOP. SHE BUMPED INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER SUV AND THEN A LITTLE FURTHER ON JUMPED THE CURB AND SMASHED INTO A CONCRETE FILLED STEEL POLE WHICH DID MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT. SHE THEN MANAGED TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AND GOT IT STOPPED USING THE HAND BRAKE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY OPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. AT MY REQUEST, THE BODY SHOP TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHO CHECKED IT OUT MECHANICALLY AND ELECTRICALLY AND, OF COURSE, DECLARED ALL SYSTEMS WITHIN "FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS" IN THINKING BACK, MY WIFE CAN RECALL OTHER TIMES WHEN THE RAV 4 SEEMED TO ACCELERATE MORE THAN SHE EXPECTED, BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO CONTROL IT. SHE HAS BEEN DRIVING OVER 50 YEARS AND IS A CAUTIOUS DRIVER. DURING THIS WILD RIDE SHE CONSCIENTIOUSLY CHECKED TO SEE THAT SHE WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOT THE ACCELERATOR. THE FLOOR MAT IS SECURED BY LITTLE HOOKS SO IT CANNOT SLIDE UP UNDER THE ACCELERATOR OR BRAKE PEDALS. (IN THE IDLE POSITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS ALMOST 2 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR). *TR