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.
Air bags, Feb 14, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER STRUCK A CONCRETE POST AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE WEATHER WAS RAINY, WINDY, AND VERY COLD. THE DRIVER SUFFERED CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE AND DIED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS MAJOR FAILURES AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 41,000.
Structure, Jan 7, 2008
FRONT CUP HOLDERS FOR THE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 ARE INADEQUATE FOR HOLDING MOST CUP SIZES WITHOUT FEAR OF THE CUP TIPPING OVER. THE LOCKING MECHANISM TO SECURE A CUP DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE LARGE OR MEDIUM DIAMETER SIZED CUPS (ONLY SMALL DIAMETER CUPS CAN BE SECURED IN THE HOLDER). I ALMOST SCALDED MYSELF ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO THE CUP TIPPING OVER UPON MAKING A TURN. TOYOTA IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE IT ISSUED A RETROFIT FOR THE 2006 AND 2007 VEHICLES. *TR
Steering, Dec 26, 2007
I HAVE A 2006 RAV4 6 CYLINDER. WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS I HAVE BEGUN TO NOTICE THE KNOCKING/CREAKING NOISE WHEN MAKING TURNS AT SLOW SPEEDS. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER TO LOOK AT IT WHEN IT WAS IN FOR SERVICE BUT OF COURSE THEY COULD NOT HEAR THE PROBLEM. HAVE FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS DREADED "KNOCKING" NOISE WHEN TURNING AND ACCORDING TO THOSE PEOPLE, THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS REPLACED. *TR
Structure, Dec 13, 2007
TOYOTA RAV4 2006 LEAKS INTO PASSENGER SIDE COMPARTMENT LEAVING FLOOR AND FRONT INSULATION SOAKED WITH RAIN WATER. THIS RESULTS IN SEVERE MILDEW AND MOLD WITH HORRIBLE SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. REPAIRS SUPPOSEDLY MADE AND INSULATION REPLACED BUT CAR STILL SMELLS BADLY. *TR
Air bags, Nov 2, 2007
TOYOTA RAV4, 2006 FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THAT POSITION. SHE WEIGHS ABOUT 85 POUNDS. IN TESTING OTHER VEHICLE MAKES, WE FOUND IN ABOUT TEN OF 12 OTHER MAKES, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM TURNS ON. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DEALER HAS BEEN VARIED AND WITHOUT DETAIL. NO DISCLAIMER IS PROVIDED TO THE BUYER ABOUT THIS SITUATION,SIMILAR TO THAT ABOUT CHILD SEATS. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE CONSUMER IS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE SITUATION SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE PASSENGER WOULD ENJOY THE ADDED PROTECTION OF ALL THE INCLUDED AIR BAGS. IS IT UP TO THE CONSUMER TO GO TO THE TROUBLE OF SEARCHING OUT (AS WE DID) THE VEHICLE WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE PROTECTION ADVERTISED? WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS WITH THIS SYSTEM? *TR
Tires, Equipment, Oct 26, 2007
AFTER MARKET METAL TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR VALVE CAP (UNKNOWN MFG) FROZE ON ALL FOUR TOYOTA 2006 RAV4 TPMS VALVE STEMS DUE TO DISSIMILAR METAL CORROSION. UNABLE TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE OR REMOVE WITHOUT DAMAGING TOYOTA TPMS RESULTING IN $125 PER TIRE PLUS LABOR TO REPAIR FOR A TOTAL OF $680. *TR
Power train, Oct 21, 2007
PURCHASED RAV IN 1/2006 AND HAVE HAD MANY ACCELERATION ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. FROM A SLOW/START OR STOP/START, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE CAR HESITATE ON ACCELERATION. THIS OCCURRENCE IS ALL THE TIME, CREATING A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A SAFETY MECHANISM TO PREVENT "HARD" SHIFTING IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS SITUATION STILL OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES DAILY. *TR INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 16, 2007
MY RAV4 STARTED GIVING ME BRAKE PROBLEMS WITHIN 5 MONTHS, ABOUT 5,500 MILES. I TOOK IT OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE RAV4. THEY SAID THE ROTORS HAD TO BE CUT, SO THEY CUT THEM AND PUT NEW BRAKES ON THEM. THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN IN LESS THAN A MONTH. I DRIVE A LOT IN THE HIGHWAY, SO I PUT SOME MILES IN THE RAV4. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AGAIN, AGAIN AND AGAIN BECAUSE THEY KEPT ON MAKING NOISE AND I WAS AFRAID THE RAV4 WOULDN'T STOP WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKES. AFTER THE 3RD TRY BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STILL MAKING NOISE AND THEY WEREN'T STOPPING CORRECTLY AND THE PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT ME LIKE I WAS CRAZY. THEY SAID THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I CHANGED TO ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. AT THIS DEALERSHIP, FIRST THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG, BUT THEY TOOK A RIDE WITH ME IN THE RAV4 AND REALIZED WHAT I SAID. THEY PUT NEW FRONT ROTORS AND NEW FRONT BRAKES. WHEN I WENT TO GET THE RAV4, I TOLD THEM THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. THEY SAID TO TRY IT OUT FOR AT LEAST 500 MILES BEFORE THEY PUT THE REAR ROTORS. THAT WAS AT 18,000 MILES. AT 19,000 MILES I TOOK IT BACK BECAUSE THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. THEY PUT THE REAR ROTORS AND BRAKES. NOW, AFTER FIVE MONTHS AND 8,000 MILES IT STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE LIGHTS ARE TURNING ON FOR BRAKES, 4WD, ABS, VSC ARE TURNING ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE FRONT BRAKES ARE COMPLETED GONE AND THE ROTORS NEED TO BE CUT. I COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT WAS ONLY 8,000 MORE AND THEY WERE USED IN THE TURNPIKE. THEY SAID THE LIGHTS WENT ON BECAUSE THE BRAKE FLUID WENT VERY LOW. I STILL HAD TO PAY TO PUT ON MY BRAKES AND CUT THE ROTORS. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE LIGHTS OF BRAKES, 4WD, ABS, VSC TURNED ON AGAIN. I AM AFRAID OF DRIVING THE RAV4 AND IT WON'T STOP IN TIME AND THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 16, 2007
DETAILS: THE VEHICLE HAS FREQUENT PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION WHEN COLD. CAR HAS NO POWER WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC. I WILL STEP ON THE GAS, BEGIN MOVING, THEN THE ENGINE WILL BOG DOWN AND I WILL HAVE NO ACCELERATION AT ALL. I HAVE TAKEN THIS UP TO MY DEALER, AND THEIR EXPLANATION IS THAT NOTHING IS WRONG. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM CAN OCCUR WHEN EVER IT IS COLD. *JB
Steering, Sep 25, 2007
I HAVE A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF MY RAV4 WHEN I MAKE LOW-TURN SPEEDS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AMONG RAV4 CAR OWNERS THIS PROBLEM IS VERY WELL IDENTIFIED, AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THIS URL: HTTP://RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/VIEWTOPIC.PHP?T=5820&POSTDAYS=0&POSTORDER=ASC&START=0 THAT DISCUSSION THREAD ALONE HAS ALMOST 150 MESSAGES ON THIS TOPIC, BUT MOST TOYOTA DEALERS CAN'T FIND OR FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS SEEMS LIKE A REAL PROBLEM, AND TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE A TSB OUT ON THIS, BUT IF THEY DO, I CAN'T FIND ONE. BECAUSE IT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE IT SEEMS DANGEROUS, BUT THE DEALER I'VE TAKEN IT TO HAS SAID "DON'T WORRY, IT WON'T GET YOU IN AN ACCIDENT OR LEAVE YOU STRANDED." IF THEY CAN'T IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN MAKE THAT STATEMENT. THANK YOU. *JB
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2007
OUR 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS HAD ISSUES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS OF EITHER HESITATING WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED OR LUNGING FORWARD WHEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN FOR TRAFFIC OR A STOP LIGHT. WE HAVE MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO OUR DEALER, BUT THEY KEEP SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG. WE FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE/ RELIABLE AT THIS POINT. *JB
Structure, Aug 23, 2007
WATER LEAKING ON PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR...CARPET IS SOAKED. APPEARS TO HAPPEN AFTER HEAVY RAIN. WE ARE BRINGING IT IN TO DEALER AGAIN TOMORROW - THIS IS THE THIRD TIME. THEY SAID THEY WILL CHECK TO SEE IF THE A/C IS LEAKING. THE WATER GUY WON'T BE IN UNTIL LATE NEXT WEEK AND I'M CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY SUSTAINED SOME DAMAGE AND MAY INCUR MORE IF IT CONTINUES TO RAIN BEFORE THIS IS FIXED. *TR
Steering, Aug 16, 2007
CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT SLOW SPEEDS MOSTLY. SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING LEFT. CLUNKS 2 OR 3 TIMES ON THE TURN ,WHILE MAKING THE RIGHT TURN MOSTLY..IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME NOW .I TOOK MY CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND HAD A MECHANIC RIDE WITH ME .. I COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM MORE THEN A COUPLE OF TIMES, BUT THE MECHANIC COULDN'T HEAR IT. HE SAID TO BRING IT BACK IF IT CONTINUES. TOYOTA HAS NO BULLETINS ON THIS PROBLEM FOR THE RAV4, HOWEVER THEY HAVE SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE PRIUS AND THE HIGHLANDER MODELS ON THIS SAME PROBLEM.. I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER, HE SAID THEY WEREN'T RELATED?? THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST. *JB
Power train, Aug 15, 2007
THROTTLE LAG WHEN REQUESTING IMMEDIATE ACCELERATION FROM EITHER A STOP OR A T LOW SPEEDS.
Seats, Aug 13, 2007
WHEN IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND THE LEVER TO ADJUST THE ANGLE OF THE SEAT BACK IS LIFTED, THE SEAT BACK MOVES AWAY FROM THE DRIVER'S BACK AND DOES NOT RETURN. IF NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT SOMETIMES THE SEAT BACK WHEN PUSHED BACK WILL RETURN FORWARD BUT SLOWLY AND WEAKLY. DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST THE SEAT REQUIRES THE VEHICLE BE STEERED, THE SEAT LEVER KEPT LIFTED AND REACHING BACK TO PULL THE SEAT FORWARD. THIS UNNERVING AND UNSAFE. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 9, 2007
WHEN I USE THE AUTOMATIC LOCK OPENER AND UNLOCK THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OR CLICK TWICE TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS IN THE VEHICLE, WITHIN A MINUTE, AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS ALL DOORS AGAIN. KNOWING THAT I COULD EASILY GET LOCKED OUT, I CALLED A TOYOTA SALESPERSON TO ASK WHY IT WAS HAPPENING OR WHAT I COULD DO TO FIX IT. HE DIDN'T KNOW AND SUGGESTED BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. OUT OF TOWN THIS PAST SATURDAY EVENING, I WAS LOADING THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE AND SET MY KEYS DOWN INSIDE. WHEN I HEARD THE CLICKING NOISE OF ALL THE LOCKS LOCKING, I REMINDED MYSELF TO GET THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. A MOMENT LATER, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL, AND DISTRACTED, SHUT THE BACK DOOR. EVEN THOUGH I HAD UNLOCKED ALL DOORS MOMENTS AGO, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY RE-LOCKED ALL DOORS EVEN WITH THE BACK DOOR OPEN. I CALLED TOYOTA'S ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. TO MY SURPRISE, I WAS TOLD THAT LOCKOUTS ARE NOT A COVERED SERVICE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AUGUST 7TH. AT FIRST, THE SERVICE ADVISOR AGREED THAT THE LOCKS SHOULD NOT BE WORKING THE WAY THEY ARE AND SAID THAT HE WOULD GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. AFTER WAITING TWO HOURS, HE SAID THAT THE LOCKS ARE WORKING CORRECTLY, AND THE WAY THEY WERE DESIGNED TO WORK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN I WAS LOCKED OUT, I WAS CLOSE TO HAVING PUT A TWO YEAR OLD IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE TEMPERATURE NEAR 100 DEGREES. THE ONLY TIME I WANT THE LOCKS TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY IS AFTER I'VE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND AM DRIVING. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY FEATURE INCLUDED WITH THE RAV 4. I WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DEALER RESPONSE, AND I WOULD LIKE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED. IF THE LOCKS TRULY ARE DESIGNED TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WITHIN 30 SECONDS TO ONE MINUTE, WHETHER A DOOR IS OPEN OR NOT, I WOULD LIKE TOYOTA TO PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION OF THE BENEFIT OF THIS DESIGN. (I DON?T KNOW WHY ANYONE WOULD WANT THIS FEATURE.) THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 11,500 MILES BECAUSE THE ROTORS WERE FAILING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SQUEALING AND GRINDING VERY BADLY 4,400 MILES LATER. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, THEY STATED THAT THE NOISE ORIGINATED FROM THE REAR BRAKES, IN BETWEEN THE VACUUM AND THE ROTORS. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE SYSTEM WAS POORLY DESIGNED. THE POSSIBLE MILEAGE IS 16,700 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,500. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED REPAIR INVOICES. UPDATED 08/27/07 *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 18, 2007
THE ENGINE ON TOYOTA RAV 4 STARTED TO RACE AT MAXIMUM RPMS WHILE I WAS PARKING THE CAR. FORTUNATELY IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. I PUMPED THE ACCELERATOR BUT THAT DID NO GOOD. I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR. THE PROBLEM REPEATED. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ENGINE STARTED TO IDLE NORMALLY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER,BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I' WAS CONCERNE DTHE PROBLEM WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN WHILE DRIVING.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2007
HESITATES TO ACCELERATE. IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 MPH FOR OVER 2 MILES. I LIVE RIGHT OFF A MAJOR HIGHWAY, AND WHEN I TRY TO PULL ON HIGHWAY, CAR DOES NOT WANT TO GO. I HAD IT TO THE DEALER ABOUT 4 TIMES, BUT THEY COULD NOT GET IT TO GO. ONCE THEY CLAIMED IT WAS THE FLOOR MAT JAMMING UNDER THE GAS PEDAL. THEY KEPT IT FOR A WEEK AND FOUND NOTHING. ALSO, THEY LOOKED ON A WEBSITE AND FOUND NO OTHER COMPLAINTS. I AM VERY UNHAPPY. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO.*AK
Vehicle speed control, May 20, 2007
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 4CYL, 4WD. I CURRENTLY HAVE JUST UNDER 15K MILES AND I'VE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR HESITATING (OR THE THROTTLE LAGGING). AT TIMES, USUALLY ONE A WEEK OR SO, IF I PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL WHEN I NEED TO SPEED UP, IT'S AS IF NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE TO LET THE PEDAL GO AND PUSH IT AGAIN TO SPEED UP. IT USUALLY HAPPENS IF I'M TRYING TO MERGE INTO FASTER TRAFFIC, OR AT TIMES WHEN I'M TAKING A SLOW TURN AND THEN GO TO SPEED UP AFTERWARDS. *TR
Structure, Apr 18, 2007
WATER LEAKING IN THROUGH THE DASHBOARD ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN IT RAINS. TAKING IT IN TO TOYOTA TODAY. 4-18-07.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Exterior lighting, Apr 10, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE CVS, ABS, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE AND FOR AS LONG AS 1 WEEK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT THAT THEY WOULD RESEARCH IT. AS OF THIS DATE THE DEALER HAD NOT INFORMED THE CONTACT OF THEIR FINDINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 27, 2007
FIRST DAY I HAD CAR, I GOT GAS, WENT TO THE MALL, CAME OUT AND 3 LIGHTS WERE ON, MY VCD, 4WD, AND CHECK ENGINE. BROUGHT CAR IN WAS TOLD FAULTY GAS CAP. ORDERED ME A NEW GAS CAP, A DAY LATER SAME THING, BROUGHT IT BACK TOLD THEY NEEDED CAR FOR DAY TO ANALYZE, TOLD I NEEDED CHARCOAL CYLINDER, HAD REPLACED A DAY LATER SAME THING AGAIN. BROUGHT BACK TOLD NEEDED FOR A DAY AGAIN, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE GAS TANK, DAY LATER LIGHTS ON AGAIN, THIS TIME TIGHTENED UP GASKETS, DAY LATER, LIGHTS ON AGAIN. THIS CAR IS A LEMON. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2007
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED. THE DIGITAL RADIO CONTROLS OCCAISIONALLY BECOME INACTIVE AND THE DISPLAY GOES BLANK OR BECOMES ILLEGIBLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE ONLY CONTOL THAT WORKS IS THE MODE AND VOLUME BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PROBLEM CORRECTS ITSELF WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. *JB
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Feb 15, 2007, crash
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED WHILE HIS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. ON 12/27/06 THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. WHILE HIS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND HE WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE BEFORE THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 94000. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT END DAMAGE WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE THEY CAN DIAGNOSE ERRORS IN THE COMPUTER. THE CONTACT HAS A POLICE REPORT AND A REPAIR INVOICE FROM THE FIRST INCIDENT. *NM WHEN MAKING TURNS LEFT OR RIGHT THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT HARD. THE DEALER ORDERED A POWER STEERING COMPUTER. *NM UPDATED 02/16/07.*JB