2006 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 704 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 26 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 10 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Campaign 16V596000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherFeb 19, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Campaign 16V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 28, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Campaign 13V383000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 2, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 12V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 11V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
704 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VAPOR CANNISTER, WHICH WAS A PART OF THE EMISSION SYSTEM, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,300. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Power train, Jul 29, 2009
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 V-6 ENGINE. SUDDEN AND MASSIVE LOSS OF ALL ENGINE OIL. DEALER IS AWARE THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE OIL HOSE. NO RECALL ISSUED YET. DEALER STATES "WE'RE JUST FIXING THEM AS THEY COME IN". I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS CLOSE TO HOME. ENGINE WAS BONE DRY OF OIL IN LESS THAN 3 MILES. SHOULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED FURTHER AWAY; 1. ENGINE WOULD HAVE SEIZED. 2. POTENTIAL FIRE - THE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE WAS COVERED IN OIL AND COULD HAVE EASILY IGNITED. TOYOTA NEEDED TO RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE PART. NOT "JUST REPAIR AS THEY COME IN." *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2009
NOTICED A "CLUNKING" NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE AND ASKED THAT THEY LOOK INTO THIS NOISE. MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED. THERE IS ALSO THE DANGER THAT THE CAR WOULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER IF THE PROBLEM WERE TO GET ANY WORSE, A SAFETY DANGER. SINCE THE SERVICE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE VEHICLE WARRANTY, I TOOK IT TO MY PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. HE AGREED THAT THE TWO PARTS SHOULD BE CHANGED. THE REPAIR WAS MADE ON 7/24/09. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE SERVICE BULLETIN GROUP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PATCH OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. HE CHECKED THE OIL AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY LOW. HE PLACED FIVE QUARTS OF OIL IN THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN 30 MINUTES, ALL FIVE QUARTS HAD LEAKED OUT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP, BUT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD JUST REPAIRED THIS ISSUE ON ANOTHER TOYOTA RAV4 AND THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A TSB FOR THE TOYOTA AVALON (SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 06405, NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10018855, COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, SUMMARY: ENGINE OIL DRIP: BANK 1 VVTI OIL LINE). BOTH THE AVALON AND THE RAV4 HAVE THE SAME ENGINE. THE TSB STATED THAT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SMALL/SLOW OIL DRIP FROM THE BANK 1 VVTI OIL SUPPLY LINE ON THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCE REPAIRING VEHICLES AND STATED THAT THE OIL SUPPLY LINE ON THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE APPEARED TO BURST, WHICH CAUSED OIL TO SPLATTER ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE OIL WAS LOW IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HEARD VALVE CHATTER COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 61,000. UPDATED 8/24/09 *CN A RUBBER HOSE IN THE OIL DELIVERY SYSTEM FAILED WHICH CAUSED DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE. UPDATED 08/26/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2009
FAILURE OF OIL LINE ON 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 V6 CAUSES ENGNE TO LOOSE OIL AT RAPID RATE POTENTIALLY CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE OR FIRE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 16, 2009
PURCHASED RAV4 IN MAY 2006. NOTICED SOON AFTER THAT CAR WOULD SURGE FORWARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU WANT TO SLOW DOWN AND LET YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO COAST. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY CAN FIND NOTHING. IT MAKES FOR A VERY ROUGH RIDE, BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY IF CONCERNS ME THAT I WILL CRASH INTO SOMETHING OR SOMEBODY. I EVEN TOOK IT TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND LEFT IT FOR A WEEK WHILE I WENT ON VACATION. NOTHING FOUND. *TR
Power train, Jul 16, 2009
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 RUBBER OIL HOSE (PART NO. 15707-31010) RUPTURE SPEWED OIL ALL OVER ENGINE AND ROAD. VEHICLE HAS 61000 MILES. THE 2008 AND LATER MODEL RAV 4'S NOW USE A DIFFERENT METAL PART (PART NO. 15772-31030). LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN AFTER NOTICING ENGINE SMOKING FROM EXCESS OIL. THE DEALERSHIP WILL ONLY INSTALL ORIGINAL PART NUMBER FOR THE 2006 AND 2007 RAV 4 MODELS, EVEN THOUGH APPARENTLY THE 2008 METAL PART IS SUPERIOR. *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2009
TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR LOOSE FEELING IN STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV. THE FRONT STEERING SHAFTS ARE BAD DUE TO POOR DESIGN. TOYOTA ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN. NO ONE CONTACTED ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I TOOK VEH TO SHOP. I HAVE TO PAY THE ENTIRE COST ($700) WHEN WILL THIS BECOME A RECALL, WHEN PEOPLE START DYING TO STEERING FAILURE. I THINK YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS A RECALL AND MAKE TOYOTA PAY FOR THEIR POOR DESIGN, NOT THE CONSUMER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 2, 2009
MY CAR WAS DISPLAYING ERROR WARNINGS AND REQUIRED ME TO GO TO TOYOTA TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM. AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC OF THE CAR, THEY STATED I NEED A NEW CHARCOAL CANNISTER. THIS OCCURRED JUST OUTSIDE MY 3 YEAR/36000 MILES WARRANTY. THE TECH EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND I WASN'T THE FIRST HE SEEN OF THIS. HE STATED THAT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED IF IT OCCURRED IN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THE ORIGINAL PIECE SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROTECTED BY A SHIELD WHICH 2007 AND LATER ARE. IT WAS ONLY A MATTER TIME BEFORE OTHER 2006 MODELS WOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM. COST OF REPAIR WAS $2,000. I FIND THIS OUTRAGES THAT TOYOTA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT BE PROACTIVE ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 31, 2009
SLUGGISH THROTTLE RESPONSE IN 2006 4 CYL RAV4. SINCE WE OWNED OUR NEW 2006 RAV4 WE HAVE NOTICE A VERY SLUGGISH THROTTLE RESPONSE WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE EITHER FROM A STOP OR WHEN WE TRY TO INCREASE SPEEDS. THE DELAY CAN BE UP TO A COUPLE SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE REVS UP AND ACCELERATES. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DANGEROUS ISSUE WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND MAY CAUSE US GETTING HIT BECAUSE THE CAR CANNOT GET OUT OF ITS OWN WAY. I HAD THOUGHT IT MAY HAVE BEEN A CARBURETOR THING OR CLOGGED FILTER ' BUT THERE ARE MANY MESSAGE BOARDS ONLINE WHERE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ARE BEING EXPRESSED. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE EITHER WITH THIS ENGINE AND/OR THIS MODEL. I HOPE YOUR AGENCY WOULD LOOK INTO IT. *TR
Steering, May 31, 2009
STEERING SHAFT GOES BAD ON 2006 TOYOTA RAV4'S AND SOME CAMRY'S AND TOYOTA WON'T RECALL IT. I FEEL A CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER I MAKE A TURN AND WAS TOLD THAT IT'S WORN OUT. AFTER 3 YRS OF PURCHASING A BRAND NEW CAR? AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WITH THE SAME MODELS. AND I WAS TOLD EVENTUALLY, IF IT GOES UNATTENDED THAT I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE! AND THAT TOO BAD I DIDN'T BRING IT IN WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY! WHO WOULD THINK THAT A BRAD NEW CAR WOULD DO THIS? AND NOW THEY WANT US TO PAY ARM AND LEG TO FIX?! *TR
Steering, May 22, 2009
AT AROUND THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED KNOCKING WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. I BROUGHT IT TO A DEALER AND THEY SEEMED TO BE ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BY TIGHTENING SOMETHING DOWN IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY, BUT LATER THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE MANY CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND THE ISSUE IS ADDRESSED IN TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN# ST001-08. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO ANOTHER DEALER TO BE LOOKED AT TODAY (5/22/09), AND THEY INFORMED ME OF THE PROBLEM, WHICH IS A DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS STANDARD WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT CHARGE, WHICH THEY SAID WAS AROUND $800 PARTS & LABOR. WHEN I ASKED IF IT WAS POSSIBLE IF THE SHAFT COULD FAIL COMPLETELY AT A LATER TIME, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW. AS THE NOISES SEEM TO BE GETTING LOUDER AS TIME GOES ON, IT INDICATES TO ME THAT THE SHAFT INTERLOCKS ARE WEARING OUT AND THERE IS A REAL POSSIBILITY OF FAILURE DOWN THE LINE. WITH THAT SAID, I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2009
HUGE OIL LEAK! STARTED SMALL, NOTICED A LITTLE ON THE TURN AROUND IN MY DRIVEWAY - DIDN'T EVEN THINK IT WAS MY CAR SINCE THERE WAS NO OIL WHEN I PARKED. ABOUT ONE WEEK LATER CAME HOME AFTER A SHORT TRIP AND NOTICED THE CAR SMELLED HOT. I CHECKED UNDER THE CAR AND THE OIL WAS JUST RUNNING OUT - THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WAS COVERED WITH SPLATTERED OIL AND IN ABOUT 15MINUTES - NO OIL LEFT! I HAVEN'T TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER YET - I'M AFRAID OF THE $$ AND WITH ALL OF THE DEALERSHIPS CLOSING, THE TOWING FEE ALONE WILL PROBABLY BE ONE I CAN'T AFFORD. I HAVE CHECK THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF COMMENTS ON THIS SAME PROBLEM. WHERE IS THE RECALL???
Steering, May 12, 2009
CLANKING WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEEDS. BEGAN TO OCCUR AT APPROX 45,000 MILES. STEERING COLUMN FEELS LOOSE WHEN SOUNDS APPEAR. IS THIS DANGEROUS?!?!? DEALER LOOKING FOR SERVICE BULLETIN. NEED RECALL. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, May 11, 2009
THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT I HAVE HAD ON MY 2006 RAV4 V6 2WD EMISSION SYSTEM CAUSING MY VEHICLE STABILITY, TRACTION CONTROL, AND SPEED CONTROL SYSTEMS TO FAIL. THE FIRST EVENT IS ODI NUMBER 10268422. THE SECOND EVENT WAS DUE TO A MILE OF DRIVING SLOWLY IN LIGHT SNOW CAUSING A FUEL EVAPORATION FILTER TO BREAK A TUBE FITTING OFF. WATER ENTERED THE BROKEN TUBE AND FAILED THE FUEL EVAP CHARCOAL CANISTER WHICH IN TURN FAILED THE VEHICLE STABILITY, TRACTION CONTROL, AND SPEED CONTROL SYSTEMS (ODI NUMBER 10268424). I SEE NO REASON TO TIE EMISSIONS INTO SAFETY SYSTEMS SUCH AS THESE UNLESS IT IS TO "ENCOURAGE" OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR EMISSIONS SERVICE. AFTER SOME WRANGLING, THE DEALER AGREED TO SUBMIT IT TO MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT WAS COVERED IN FULL. I WAS TOLD THE CHARCOAL CANNISTER WOULD HAVE COST ME $700. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, May 11, 2009
THIS IS THE THIRD COMPLAINT I HAVE HAD ON MY 2006 RAV4 V6 2WD EMISSION SYSTEM CAUSING MY VEHICLE STABILITY, TRACTION CONTROL, AND SPEED CONTROL SYSTEMS TO FAIL. THE FIRST EVENT IS ODI NUMBER 10268422. THE SECOND EVENT WAS SUBMITTED ALSO, BUT I DID NOT GET AN EMAIL- HOPEFULLY IS SUBMITTED. THIS THIRD EVENT WAS DUE TO A MILE OF DRIVING SLOWLY IN LIGHT SNOW CAUSING A FUEL EVAPORATION FILTER TO BREAK A TUBE FITTING OFF (SECOND EVENT). WATER ENTERED THE BROKEN TUBE AND FAILED THE FUEL EVAP CHARCOAL CANISTER WHICH IN TURN FAILED THE OTHER SYSTEMS LISTED IN THIS THIRD EVENT. AFTER SOME WRANGLING, THE DEALER AGREED TO SUBMIT IT TO MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT WAS COVERED IN FULL. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, May 11, 2009
2/25/08 INSTANCE #1: I HAVE HAD THREE INSTANCES OF EMISSIONS COMPONENTS ON MY 2006 2WD RAV4 V6 BEING DAMAGED IN THE 65000 MILES I HAVE DRIVEN IT. THE FIRST INSTANCE MANIFESTED ITSELF WHEN THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS SHUT-OFF AND LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CAME ON. A DAMAGED "CHARCOAL CANISTER" WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALER UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY ON 2/25/08. (THIS OCCURRED A SECOND TIME ON 3/19/09 AFTER AN EVAPORATION FILTER WAS DAMAGED ON 3/3/09 AFTER DRIVING A MILE IN LESS THAN AN INCH OF WET SNOW. EACH EVENT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THE ASSOCIATED SYSTEM LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CAME ON. THE DEALER FELT THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO MY OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND AT FIRST DENIED SUBMITTING IT TO MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. I INSISTED THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE TO FAIL IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THEY EVENTUALLY COVERED ALL REPAIRS.) *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2009
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO LOSE POWER, AND MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. AFTER ARRIVING HOME, I STARTED THE ENGINE AND HEARD THE SAME LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL, AND SAW THAT IT WAS NON-EXISTENT. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS THAT THE OIL LINE IS CONTINUING TO FAIL ON THE NEWER V-6 ENGINES. I WILL BE CALLING TOYOTA TOMORROW. THE CAR IS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT 4WD V-6. IT HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT. TOYOTA PERFORMS REGULAR OIL CHANGES. *TR
Steering, Mar 31, 2009
MY 2006 RAV4 WITH 21K MILES DEVELOPED STEERING CLUNKING SENSATION AT SLOW SPEEDS IN AUGUST 2008. BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER AND THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW IN MARCH 2009 WITH 25K MILES IT'S SLOWLY STARTING TO DEVELOPED SAME CONDITION. IT'S SCHEDULED FOR DEALER SERVICE SHORTLY BUT I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY AND A MORE PERMANENT SOLUTION MUST BE APPLIED BY TOYOTA, HOPEFULLY THE DEALER WILL DO THAT. *TR
Tires, Feb 21, 2009
PURCHASED SPECTOR ADVANTA SUV TIRES ON 06/05/08. 235/65/17. COMPLAINED TO DEALER, ASHLAND TIRE AND AUTO CARE, ASHLAND, KY. DEALER RE-BALANCED TIRES WITHOUT POSITIVE RESULTS. IN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS, AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS TIRES VIBRATED ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND VSC AS WELL. DEALER SAID BUY NEW TIRES. TIRES CURRENTLY HAVE 25,000 MILES. I REPLACED THE TIRES TODAY AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS RESOLVED. I SEE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE ENGINE TRIES TO DECELERATE WITH THIS COMBINATION OF DASHBOARD LIGHTS. I AM STORING THE TIRES PENDING RESULTS FROM THIS WEBSITE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Visibility, Tires, Feb 13, 2009, fire
ON FREEWAY, OTHER MOTORIST NOTIFIED ME MY CAR WAS "ON FIRE!" I SAW EXCESSIVE SMOKE IN REARVIEW MIRROR. I TOOK THE NEXT EXIT WHICH WAS DIXON, CA OFF INTERSTATE 80 WEST IN CALIFORNIA. THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY THERE IS GRASSY, DID NOT THINK IT WAS SAFE TO STOP...I STOPPED THE CAR AND SMOKE WAS EVERYWHERE, COMING UP THROUGH THE HOOD & UNDER THE CAR. THIS WAS TUES, 2/3/09. I HAS THE CAR SERVICED THE FRI BEFORE, 1/30/09 AT TOYOTA VALLEJO IN VALLEJO, CA. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AFTER CALLING AAA FOR A TOW. THE SERVICE ADVISOR, RYAN SAID "IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN FROM ANYTHING THEY HAD DONE. BUT THERE IS AN 'OIL HOSE' THAT HAD BEEN COMING OFF ALOT OF THE RAV4'S." I WAS ALREADY UPSET & THAT MADE ME LIVID!! IF IT WERE A KNOWN PROBLEM THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE CHECKED DURING THE SCHEDULED MAINT. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO LITHIA TOYOTA OF VACAVILLE #47 AT 500 ORANGE DRIVE, VACAVILLE, CA. WORK ORDER 394212. AS OF YESTERDAY, 2/12/09, THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER, MEGAN, TOLD ME THERE WAS NO TSB SHE WAS AWARE OF, YET THE PART THAT CAME OFF (VVTI OIL PIPE) WAS NOT FOUND AT ANY OTHER DEALERSHIP OR SUPPLIER IN THE UNITED STATES, AND WAS ON ORDER FROM TOYOTA IN JAPAN. I AM FURIOUS THAT IT APPEARS TOYOTA WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS FAILED TO INITIATE ANY STEPS TO PREVENT RISK TO ITS CONSUMERS. I AM ASKING FOR A FULL INVESTIGATION WHICH HOPEFULLY WILL LEAD TO A RECALL OF THE 2006 RAV4'S AND ANY OTHER YEAR THIS AFFECTS. MEGAN, THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER AT LITHIA TOYOTA CONFIRMED WITH MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER, JOSE LARA (GEICO 707-688-3318) THE COST IS COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY....WHAT ABOUT THE COST OF MY LIFE, AND THE LIVES OF THE OTHER MOTORIST SURROUNDING ME??? THE RISK OF FIRE IS NEVER TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER TO AVOID ANY COST OF LIFE. *TR
Steering, Feb 11, 2009
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A GRINDING/BINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER FEEL THAT THIS IS PERHAPS A DEFECT. *NJ THE DEALER DETERMINED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS WERE FAULTY. *JB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2009
TOYOTA, 2006 RAV4 ... LOOSE STEERING ARMS. CAUSING CLUNKING NOISES WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEED. DON'T KNOW IF THIS GETS BAD ENOUGH TO FALL APART WHILE DRIVING? TOYOTA HAS A TSB OUT ON THIS. MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS TOPIC ONLINE. TOYOTA WANTS $800. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL ON THESE CARS. ALSO VEHICLE HAS A 2 TO 3 SECOND HESITATION IF TRYING TO ACCELERATE DURING A LANE CHANGE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR DOES THIS ALSO .. AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINS WITH THIS ISSUE ON LINE. SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. TOYOTA WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS. *TR
Steering, Jan 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS, THE CONTACT HEARS A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 02-23-09 *BF UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB