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, Jan 22, 2010
MY TOYOTA RAV4 (2006 MODEL) SEEMED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. A HARD SLAM ON THE BRAKES SLOWED IT DOWN, BUT WE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR. WE WERE DRIVING IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO. IT WAS A ONE TIME EVENT IN JAN/2010 . *TR
Steering, Dec 20, 2009
I HAVE A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM MY STEERING COLUMN. MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS. THEY HAVE A BULLETIN ON THIS, BUT SAYS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I DISCOVERED OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON MY CAR, PROBLEMS LIKE THIS SHOULDN'T BE SHOWING UP THIS SOON. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN COULD FAIL AND I WOULD LOOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR. WHY WOULD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS NOT BE COVERED BY SOME KIND OF SAFETY RECALL. SINCE THERE IS A BULLETIN OUT ON THIS PROBLEM, THEN TOYOTA IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 14, 2009
I AM ORIGINAL OWNER OF 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT. THERE IS A LOUD THUMP IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, OR TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY. THE PROBLEM STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO AND IS GETTING WORSE. THE CAR HAS 38K AND IS SEVERAL MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Dec 11, 2009
CLUNKING NOISE FROM STEERING SHAFT IN LOW SPEED TURNING AND BACKING. I WAS UNDER THE 36000 MILES (32,000) BUT THE 3 YEARS ON WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED.9 MONTHS AGO. TOYOTA AUTHORIZED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE "INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT" AND ALL LABOR. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE SERVICE AND I HOPE THIS PERMANENTLY SOLVES THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 9, 2009
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN SITTING STILL OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS ITEM, BUT TOYOTA WILL ONLY REPLACE IT IF THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. TOYOTA HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM BY REDESIGNING THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND IS AWARE THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT IS ATTEMPTING TO NOT PAY BY DELAYING UNTIL OWNERS ARE OUTSIDE OF THEIR WARRANTY AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE FOR THE PART. *TR
Steering, Nov 25, 2009
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE. TOYOTA TSB REPORT NUMBER T-SB-0318-08. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL YOU FEEL LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND YOU HEAR AND FEEL A BANGING NOISE. FROM WHAT I READ MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE ON THERE RAV4 MODEL YEARS 2006-7. COULD THIS BE A SAFETY PROBLEM IF LEFT UNFIXED? *TR
Steering, Structure, Equipment, Nov 24, 2009
CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN, CHIPPED PAINT ON THE HOOD, AND A JUMBLED RADIO SCREEN. RADIO FIXED, STEERING COLUMN ONGOING, PAINT STILL CHIPPING. *TR
Steering, Nov 20, 2009
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 V6. I HAVE UNDER 21,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND MY MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY EXPIRED IN AUGUST. FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOW I'VE BEEN HEARING A LOUD, CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER I MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TODAY AND WAS TOLD I HAD A STEERING SHAFT PROBLEM, WHICH WOULD COST OVER $400 TO FIX. I HAPPEN TO CHECK THIS OUT ON THE WEB AND REALIZED THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHAT'S GOING ON? DID TOYOTA ISSUE A RECALL? *TR
Visibility, Nov 19, 2009
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT STAY UP AND IS A TRUE HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. IT BLOCKS MY VISION SUDDENLY BECAUSE IT DROOPS DOWN INTO MY EYE LINE. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WANTS $285 TO REPLACE? *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 15, 2009
2006 RAV4 UNSAFE TO DRIVE!!! LE BRUN TOYOTA, CANADAIGUA, NY, MADE ME PAY TO EXCHANGE LEMON WITH ONLY 150-200 MILES 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, THEY MADE ME PAY AN ADDITIONAL 7K TO TRADE FOR THE V-6 I HAVE NOW, BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION ACCELERATED DOWNHILL, ON BOTH 4CYL AND V-6, IT STILL DOES IT THOUGH NOT AS SEVERE, STILL SCARY AT TIMES. RECENTLY,MY STEERING WENT OUT ON THE EXIT RAMP LUCKILY AND LOCKED A FEW TIMES, IT NOW MAKES A THUMP AND CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT, NEXT TIME I WON'T BE SO LUCKY. REALLY LOUD NOISE FROM REAR ALSO. ANTIFREEZE SMELL INSIDE CAR TOO.H.E.L.P. *TR
Steering, Nov 9, 2009
2006 RAV4 HAS A FAULTY INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT THAT TOYOTA HAS PUT OUT A TECH BULLETIN ON BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR FIX THE PROBLEM IF THE CAR IS PAST ITS 3YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. I THINK IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE OF TOYOTA TO BE AWARE OF A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT WANT TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION! *TR
Steering, Nov 7, 2009
WHEN I TURN, I CAN FEEL AND HEAR THE STEERING COLUMN "KNOCK." IT HAS BEEN GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ABOUT 1.5 YEARS AGO AND THE WALNUT CREEK, CA SERVICE CENTER HAD TO REPLACE SOME INTERMEDIATE LINK IN STEERING COLUMN. FOR THIS RECENT OCCURRENCE, THE SERVICE CENTER WAS GOING TO CHARGE $500 TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM THEY SHOULD HAVE FIXED ON A PERMANENT BASIS (AT LEAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS). I AM CONCERNED BASED ON OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT THIS MIGHT BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A SAFETY PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, MOMENTS LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE NO LONGER HAD POWER STEERING OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERNAL COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 46000.
Steering, Oct 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR RECREATE THE FAILURE ON FOUR OCCASIONS. HE WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Steering, Oct 16, 2009
SEPT. 2009 MY WIFE COMPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE THAT SHE COULD FEEL THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN SHE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT AT SLOW SPEEDS. IT GOT LOUDER AND MORE PRONOUNCED OVER THE LAST 30 DAYS. I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I THEN LOCATED TOYOTA'S TSB ST001-08 DATED 2/8/08 "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE" WHICH PERFECTLY DESCRIBES THE STEERING NOISE I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING. WHILE I HAVE ONLY 21K MILES ON THE RAV4, MY 36 MONTHS RAN OUT 3 MONTHS AGO. THE NEARBY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE QUITE AWARE OF THE SITUATION BUT BASICALLY, YET POLITELY SAID, "TOO BAD, OUT OF WARRANTY." CONSIDERING THIS COMPLAINT SEEMS TO BE A QUITE WIDESPREAD ISSUE, AND ONE THAT INVOLVES THE STEERING AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, I WOULD ARGUE THAT THIS RISES TO THE LEVEL OF A SERIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD MERIT A SAFETY RECALL. TOYOTA CAN NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS STEERING NOISE WILL NOT DETERIORATE INTO A "LOSS OF CONTROL" ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2009
THIS PAST WEEKEND WE HAD JUST DRIVEN OUR 2006 RAV4 WITH A V6 ENGINE OVER 150 INTERSTATE MILES AND PULLED OVER FOR A REST STOP. WE SMELLED OIL ON EXITING THE VEHICLE AND WHEN WE OPENED THE HOOD WE FOUND THAT THERE WAS OIL SPRAYING ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE OF THE ENGINE. ON CHECKING THE DIPSTICK WE FOUND THAT IT SHOWED NO OIL. NO WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE ENGINE HAD NOT MADE ANY UNUSUAL SOUNDS. SINCE WE WERE CLOSE TO OUR DESTINATION WE ADDED 3 QUARTS OF OIL AND MADE IT ANOTHER 30 MILES TO THE END OF OUR TRIP. UPON ARRIVAL I CHECKED THE DIPSTICK AND FOUND AGAIN THAT IT SHOWED NO OIL. I CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER AND MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE IT TOWED FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT AN OIL LINE SUPPLYING THE VALVE HEAD HAD BROKEN AND THAT HE HAD THE PART TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. WHEN I ASKED IF THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE, THE SERVICE MANAGER (THIS IS A SMALL DEALERSHIP) SAID THAT HE STOCKED PARTS IF HE HAD 3 OR MORE INCIDENTS IN 12 MONTHS THAT REQUIRED SUCH A PART. WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT WE DID NOT HAVE MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE OR HAVE A FIRE AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS VERY ACCOMMODATING. THE TOWING AND REPAIRS COST US $500. IN DOING AN INTERNET SEARCH, BOTH ON THIS SITE AND IN OTHER LOCATIONS, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM OCCURRING IN ANY OF THEIR LINES (AVALON, CAMRY , RAV 4, ETC).WITH THE V6 ENGINES AND THAT TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT IT AND THAT THEY HAVE MODIFIED THE OIL LINE FOR NEWER MODELS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 7, 2009
ON TUESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2009, I CAME HOME AND PARKED MY CAR IN THE > GARAGE. WHEN I GOT OUT, I NOTICED THE SMELL OF BURNING OIL. I INVESTIGATED > AND FOUND OIL RUNNING OUT FROM UNDER THE FRONT END OF MY WIFE'S RAV4. THE > OIL WAS CONTINUING TO FLOW AND HAD COVERED MOST OF THE GARAGE FLOOR (I HAVE > PICTURES). I OPENED THE HOOD OF THE RAV AND FOUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT > COVERED IN SMOKING OIL. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR WAS ALSO DRIPPING OIL FROM VARIOUS > LOCATIONS, WITH NO APPARENT DAMAGE BEING VISIBLE. I EXAMINED THE DIPSTICK, > BUT NO OIL WAS INDICATED. WHEN I OPENED THE OIL FILL CAP, SMOKE CAME OUT > WITH A STRONG SMELL OF BURNT OIL BEING PRESENT. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED > AMERICAN TOYOTA AND REQUESTED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THIS WAS SCHEDULED FOR > THE NEXT MORNING. NEXT I CALLED AAA AND ARRANGED TO HAVE A FLATBED TAKE THE > RAV TO AMERICAN. WHEN THE TOW SERVICE ARRIVED, WE PUSHED THE CAR OUT OF THE > GARAGE AND POSITIONED IT TO BE WINCHED ONTO THE FLATBED. OIL WAS DEPOSITED > ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. > > I DROVE MY CAR TO AMERICAN AND MET WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR FOR > AMERICAN. I EXPLAINED THAT THE RAV HAD DEVELOPED A SERIOUS LEAK AND THAT > THE CAR WAS BEING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE ADVISOR RELATED THAT THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE OIL SUPPLY LINE (TO THE HEAD) FOR THE RAV AND CAMRY > USING THE 3.5L V-6 ENGINE. HE EXPLAINED THE FAILURE MODE FOR THE LINE AND > STATED THAT THE PART SHOULD BE IN STOCK. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH TOYOTA REGARDING THIS SITUATION. MY ON-LINE RESEARCH AND DISCUSSION WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR SHOWS THAT THE RAV'S FAILURE MODE WAS WELL KNOWN TO TOYOTA. THE RAV'S MAINTENANCE HAS ALWAYS BEEN PERFORMED AT AMERICAN, BUT NO ONE WAS PROACTIVE AND REPLACED THE OIL LINE OR EVEN ADVISED US THAT IT MIGHT BE A SUBJECT FOR CONCERN. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING THE RAV OUT IN REMOTE PART OF NM OR IT HAD BURNED MY HOUSE DOWN? TOYOTA IS NOT COOPERATING BY PROVIDING FAILURE OR REPAIR INFORMATION. *TR
Steering, Oct 5, 2009
KLUNKING NOISE HEARD AND THUMP FELT IN STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING VEHICLE A SLOW SPEEDS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Sep 29, 2009, fire
THE CAR WAS LIFTED UP TO REPLACE TIRES AND SOMEHOW THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS PUSHED UP AND GOT STUCK WITH THE EXIT INSIDE THE BUMPER LEADING TO A FIRE AND MELTING THE BUMPER. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE CAR DEALER AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT THE TIRES PLACE DIDN'T NOTICED THAT THE EXHAUSTED SYSTEM WAS STUCK UP.THE BUMPER WAS REPLACED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Sep 25, 2009
THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WENT OUT SUDDENLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING THIS MONTH. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE MOTOR. WHEN THE CAR STARTED AGAIN THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAD REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM ON THIS CAR FROM TOYOTA. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT SUDDENLY. TOYOTA WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME THE COST OF FIXING THIS SAFETY DEFECT. IT COSTS ABOUT $1000. HAD I BEEN ON A HIGHWAY, I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Sep 21, 2009
ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY RAN OUT, I NOTICED A THUMP OR KNOCK WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL OF MY 2006 RAV4. IT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. I SEARCHED ON LINE AND HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS. *TR
Steering, Sep 17, 2009
I'VE HAD THE KNOCK/POP WHEN TURN ON LOW SPEED DEALER SAID NEEDS REPLACE STEERING SHAFT. *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2009
I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING MY 2006 RAV4 FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE INDICATES THAT THIS CAN BECOME A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD IT GET WORSE. HE FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT I RETURN THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA AS THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. TOYOTA TELLS ME THAT SINCE I PURCHASED THIS AS A "CERTIFIED USED" VEHICLE, DUE TO THE 50K MILES ON THE VEHICLE, IT IS NOT COVERED. I CONSIDER THIS DEPLORABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE VEHICLE. I SEE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE FOR THIS VEHICLE ON THIS SITE AND SINCE I ONLY KNOW OF THIS COMPLAINT FORUM AS I AM IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE UNKNOWN BY THE ODI. DUE TO THE SAFETY NATURE OF THIS ISSUE, I REQUEST THAT AN INVESTIGATION BE CONDUCTED AND A RECALL MANDATED. *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2009
THE STEERING COLUMN AND/OR STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNK, POP AND KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS OCCURS AT ANY SPEED AND SOMETIMES EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT MOVING. I AM FEARFUL THAT SOMETHING IN THE STEERING MECHANISM MIGHT BREAK WHILE DIVING LEAVING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE ON A COURSE NOT UNDER MY CONTROL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2009
EMAIL TO TOYOTA I HAVE BEEN GENERALLY VERY HAPPY WITH MY 2006 RAV4 (6 CYL, 62K MILES) BUT THIS PAST THURSDAY I HAD A REAL SCARE. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A MEETING ABOUT 15 MILES AWAY VIA INTERSTATE. WHEN I STARTED MY CAR LEAVING THE MEETING, MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BLINKED ON THEN WENT OFF. ALTHOUGH IT WAS UNUSUAL, I DID NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT THINKING I WOULD CHECK MY OIL WHEN I GOT HOME. MIDWAY HOME, I BEGAN TO HEAR SOME STRANGE NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SINCE IT WAS FAIRLY HOT, I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE FAN AND SHUT DOWN THE AC AND TURNED OFF THE RADIO TO LISTEN. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO MAKE STRANGE NOISES. AFTER STOPPING AT THE END OF THE EXIT RAMP NEAR HOME I ACCELERATED ONTO THE SIDE STREET AND THE NOISE BECAME VERY LOUD. I DROVE SLOWLY THE LAST 1/2 MILE HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME, I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND OIL ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS NO OIL READING ON THE DIPSTICK. NOTE THAT THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. I ADDED THE ONLY QUART OF OIL THAT I HAD AT HOME AND DROVE SLOWLY TO MY MECHANIC ABOUT A MILE AWAY. WHEN THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING, THEY SAID THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. A RUBBER HOSE THAT RAN FROM THE VALVE COVER TO THE OIL PUMP RESERVOIR HAD SPLIT AND PUMPED OUT ALL THE OIL. THEY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE HOSE HAD SOME METAL SHIELDING, THE HEAT HAD DETERIORATED THE RUBBER CAUSING THE SPLIT. THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLACE THE PART AND CLEAN MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR $600. I JUST DROVE IT ABOUT 300 MILES TODAY AND AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING, THE ENGINE RETURNED TO ITS NORMAL SOUND SO I AM HOPING THAT THERE WAS NO LONG TERM DAMAGE. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A 2000 MILE TRIP TO CANADA AND IF THAT HAD HAPPENED DURING AN EXTENDED ROAD TRIP, MY ENGINE WOULD BE TOAST. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT HE WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH HE HAS THE SAME ENGINE IN HIS 2008 TOYOTA. THERE IS NOTHING I COULD FIND IN MY OWNER'S MANUAL TELLING ME THAT I HAD TO HAVE THIS HOSE CHECKED. *TR