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 5, 2007
THE LAG AND/OR SUDDEN SURGING OF THE CAR UPON LIGHT ACCELERATION IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MODERATELY ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE PAUSED, THEN DOWNSHIFT ACCELERATING MUCH FASTER THAN CONDITIONS PERMITTED. I NEARLY STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS UNPREPARED FOR THE CAR TO NOT FUNCTION IN A CONTROLLED MANNER. *NM
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2007
I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES FROM ABOUT 25 MPH TO STOP FOR TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE THE ENGINE ACCELERATED AND I HAD TO STAND HARD ON THE BRAKE TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE ENGINE SPEED CAME BACK TO NORMAL. AT THAT TIME I DOUBLE CHECKED MY FOOT POSITION ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND AM CONFIDENT THAT I WAS IN NO WAY CONTACTING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 25, 2007
MY NEARLY NEW (3000 MI.) 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE WITH ALL FOUR WHEELS LOCKING UP SOLIDLY. AN EXPERT FROM CALIFORNIA HAD TO BE CALLED IN TO ANALYZE THE PROBLEM, SINCE THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAD NEVER SEEN APROBLEM LIKE THIS. THE PROBATIBLE CAUSE OF THIS FAILURE WAS MENTIONED TO ME MY MAKING A PANIC ACTIVATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH DEMAGED A BRAKE SWITCH LOCATED ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE SWITCH,ITS SUPPORT BRACKET, ALL BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND WERE SHIPPED TO THE HOME OFFICE.THE REPAIR TOOK THREE WEEKS. MY SUV WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE CAUSED THE COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE IN THE SAME LOCATION AS IT WAS BEFORE. I INFORMED TOYOTA THAT I CONSIDERED THE SWITCH LOCATION AS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT IS IN THE SAME LOCATION IN ALL 2006 AND 2007 RAV4'S.THE COMPLETE REPORT AND CORROSPONDENCE, INCLUDING PICTURES , IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.AS FOR MY CREDENTIALS; I AM A GRADUATE MECHANICAL ENGINEER,HAVING SERVED ON AN ACCIDENT/INCEDENT REVIEW BOARD AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE APOLLO, CHALLANGER AND COLUMBIA INVESTIGATING TEAMS. *NM
Structure, Seats, Jan 24, 2007
INCIDENT NO INJURIES SO FAR I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 PURCHASED IN MEXICO SERIAL# TMZD31V865021536 THERE ARE TWO INCIDENTS REPORTED WITH DEALER IN MEXICO BUT NO RESPONSE AT ALL: 1. THE PASSANGER SEAT EXCESIVELY VIBRATES AND WOBBLES WHEN NOBODY IS SEATED, I DO NOT KNOW IF THAT POSES A RISK; I HAVE HAD THREE PREVIUOSLY NEW VEHICLES AND NEVER I HAVE SEEN A SEEN VIBRATE AND MAKE NOISE AND RATTLES BY ITSELF WHEN YOU ARE ON THE ROAD AND NOONE IS SEATED. 2. WATER LEAK FROM THE HEBA OR AIRCONDITION UNIT, I HAVE AT LEAST 4 INSTANCES IN WHICH WATER LEAKS FOM THE IP OR DASH, THE WATER POSSES A RISK OF ELECTRICA SHORT OR MAJOR MAILFUNCTION, IS COMMING FROM INSIDE THE DASHBOARD IN THE PASSANGER SIDE ! PLEASE HELP, DEALER DO NOTHING, I DON'T KNOW IF THIS POSSES A RISK MY GUESS IS YES. I'M REPORTING HERE BECAUSE IN MEXICO THERE IS NOT AN ENTITY AS THIS ONE AND THIS VEHICLE IS ALSO SOLD OVER THE USA. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED OVER JAPAN AND IS THE VERY SAME THAT TOYOTA SELLS IN AMERICA. *NM
Seats, Jan 22, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 RAV4. THE 2ND SEAT DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THIS SEAT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER ON 4/2006. SINCE 12/09/06 THE FAILURE HAS REOCCURRED AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRACK WAS GRINDING AWAY AND THE HINGE BROKEN AGAIN. THE DEALER CALLED WEEKLY TO INFORM HER THAT THE PART WASN'T AVAILABLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2007, crash
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THE HE OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE AT 5 MPH AND HE WAS TRIED TO COME TO A STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES BEFORE HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DID RUN A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND NO ERRORS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR A WHILE AND ON 12/29/06 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE TRIED TO MAKE A TURN AND TO STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AGAIN. HE STATED THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES THAT DAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME TO A STOP AND RAN INTO STAIRS WHICH DAMAGED THE GUARD THAT PROTECTS THE BUMPER. THE CONTACT CALLED TOYOTA'S REGIONAL OFFICE IN CHICAGO. THE CONTACT MET AN INVESTIGATOR AT A DEALERSHIP TO RUN MORE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INVESTIGATOR FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT IS WAITING FOR THE OFFICIAL TEST RESULTS. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE THIRD TIME THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, HE RAN INTO A DECK AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 03/07/07*JB
Steering, Jan 12, 2007
IN JUNE 2006, I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 SPORT. GREAT VEHICLE. I DRIVE 100 MILES A DAY ROUND TRIP TO WORK. AS OF 1/12/07, THERE ARE 15,725 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. AROUND 12,500 MILES, I NOTICED A STRANGE GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEN MAKING A HARD RIGHT OR LEFT TURN (TURNING INTO A PARKING PLACE OR MY DRIVEWAY). I TALKED WITH THE TOYOTA DEALER AND THE FIRST ATTEMPT WAS TO HEAVILY LUBRICATE THE STEERING AS I WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS DRY. THE CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED FOR AN OIL AND LUBE EVERY 4,000 MILES. THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW RACK AND PINION STEERING UNIT. THE DEALER FORGOT TO ORDER THE PART. AFTER A WEEK AND A HALF, I CALLED TO FIND OUT THAT THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AS THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S STEERING. WHEN I ASKED IF I WAS SAFE DRIVING 100 MILES A DAY, AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE, I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT A SAFE SPEED OF 40 MPH. (I INFORMED THE DEALER THAT I WOULD BE KILLED ON THE FLORIDA ROADS IF I DROVE THAT SLOW. - THEY AGREED.) AGAIN, I ASKED IF I WAS SAFE. THEN I WAS TOLD THAT ALTHOUGH THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER, THAT THEY WOULD SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO. I WAS CALLED WITHIN AN HOUR AND TOLD THAT THE PART WOULD BE IN WITHIN A WEEK. THE NEW RACK AND PINION UNIT AND GEARS WERE INSTALLED YESTERDAY. ADDITIONALLY, A RECOMMENDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS DONE, AND IT FEELS AS IF THE FRONT BRAKES WERE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE FEELS GOOD, BUT THE CRUNCHING NOISE IS STILL THERE. DOES TOYOTA HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING ON THESE VEHICLES? IF SO, I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED. I TRADED MY CHRYSLER FOR THE TOYOTA SO THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ALL OF THE TIME. THE REAL QUESTION IS: AM I SAFE????? *NM
Seat belts, Jan 4, 2007
THE BOLT HOLDING THE LOWER PART OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TO THE VEHICLE (BOTTOM PART OF "B" PILLAR) BECAME DETACHED, LEAVING SEAT BELT ATTACHED ONLY AT UPPER MOUNTING POINT. SEAT BELT WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE. IT APPEARS THAT THE BOLT WAS NOT TIGHTENED DURING THE ASSEMBLY OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 28, 2006
ENGINE HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION FROM STANDING START, CREATING AN UNSAFE SITUATION. *JB
Exterior lighting, Electrical system, Dec 19, 2006
MY 2006 RAV4 HAS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) ALONG WITH THE OPTITRON DASH (LCD DASH THAT IS LIT WHENEVER THE CAR IS RUNNING - AS OPPOSED TO THE DASHBOARD BEING LIT ONLY WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON). ON THE RAV4 TOYOTA ONLY PROVIDES A SMALL ICON TO LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. WITH THE OPTITRON DASH AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS I AM ABLE TO GET INTO MY CAR AT NIGHT, SEE THE LIGHTED DASH AND LIGHT COMING FROM THE HEADLIGHTS AND ERRONEOUSLY BELIEVE THAT MY FULL NIGHTTIME HEADLIGHTS ARE ON (INSTEAD OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS). THE PROBLEM WITH THIS SETUP IS MY TAIL LIGHTS ARE NOT ON. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS RUNNING W/O TAIL LIGHTS AT NIGHT COULD CAUSE REAR-END COLLISIONS. RATHER THAN PROVIDE RAV4 OWNERS WITH A SMALL DASHBOARD INDICATOR SHOWING WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE LIT, TOYOTA SHOULD INCLUDE; EITHER AN INDICATOR THAT SHOWS WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT ON, OR INCLUDE AUTO-ON HEADLIGHTS FOR VEHICLES WITH DRL AND OPTITRON DASHBOARDS. *NM
Power train, Dec 12, 2006, crash
I HAVE THE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 BASE MODEL WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY SLUGGISH TO RESPOND TO BRAKING, SUCH THAT THE ENGINE SOMETIMES CONTINUES TO REV FORWARD FOR A SECOND OR TWO EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS LEADS TO EXCESSIVE BRAKING DISTANCES. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS THE CAUSE OF AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT THAT WE SUFFERED ON 8/5/06. IN DENSE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, I WAS ABOUT 20 FEET BEHIND AN OLDER TOYOTA PATHFINDER AND HAD JUST ACCELERATED FROM ABOUT 15 MPH TO ABOUT 25 MPH, AS THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE VEHICLES WAS GROWING. THEN THE PATHFINDER IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY SLAMMED ON HIS/HER BRAKES BECAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE SWERVED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF IT. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES TOO, BUT THE RAV4 DID NOT IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO SLOW. INSTEAD, I COULD FEEL THE ENGINE STILL PUSHING THE CAR FORWARD. THE RAV4 FINALLY DID BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN RIGHT ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE PATHFINDER CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AS A RESULT, WE HIT THE NOW-STATIONARY PATHFINDER IN FRONT OF US AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 5 MPH. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THE FRONT END OF THE RAV4 WAS MASHED IN. I HAVE DRIVEN DOZENS OF DIFFERENT VEHICLES OVER NEARLY 20 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE, AND I THINK EVERY OTHER ONE WOULD HAVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WELL BEFORE THE POINT OF IMPACT (AS DID THE PATHFINDER IN FRONT OF ME, DESPITE A VEHICLE CUTTING DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF IT). THIS LEADS ME TO SUSPECT THERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE RAV4 TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE FROM DRIVE WHENEVER THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED, BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE A DANGEROUS TIME LAG. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED, THEY ROAD-TESTED AND EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THEY CLAIMED WHAT I EXPERIENCED WAS THE VEHICLE DOWN-SHIFTING, WHICH RESULTS IN HIGHER RPMS BUT LESS FORWARD MOTION. I DON'T BUY IT. I HAVE TRIED JAMMING ON THE BRAKES TO CAUSE SUCH DOWNSHIFTING AND IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. *JB
Tires, Dec 4, 2006
TOYOTA TPMS SYSTEM ON RAV4 NOT USABLE WITH SECOND SET OF (SNOW) TIRES. WHEN I PURCHASED AN ADDITIONAL SET OF TOYOTA RAV4 OEM RIMS FOR SNOW TIRES, I WANTED TO PUT TPMS RECEIVES ON THOSE RIMS. WHEN I CALLED MY TOYOTA DEALER, THEY SUGGESTED THAT I NOT PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL SET OF TPMS VALUES AS MY RAV4 COULD ONLY HOLD ONE SET OF TPMS DATA. THEY INSTEAD SUGGESTED THAT I IGNORE THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT, OR COVER IT UP WITH A PIECE OF BLACK ELECTRICAL TAPE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 30, 2006, crash, fire
2006 RAV 4 CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PASSENGERS WERE STILL INSIDE. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE TWO OCCUPANT WERE KILLED. *NM
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2006
BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR. WHENEVER IT RAINS, WATER COMES DOWN THE CENTER CONSOLE AND MAKES A PUDDLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FOOT WELL. *JB
Structure, Nov 25, 2006
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING DISPLAY ON RAV-4 LIMITED MODELS WITH ELECTRONIC HVAC CONTROL IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DURING DAYTIME/SUNLIGHT CONDITIONS, MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO TRY TO READ THE DISPLAY AND DRIVE. *NM
Equipment, Nov 6, 2006
2006 TOYOTA RAV4, TOYOTA HAS DETERMINED AND ISSUED A REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR THE FRESH AIR VENTILATION INLET AREA AS THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK HOWEVER HAS NOT FULLY DISCLOSED OR ADDRESSED THE POTENTIAL FOR MOLD OR MILDEW GROWTH THAT MAY BE PRESENT AS RESULT OF THE FAILURE. I AM FORWARDING THIS COMPLAINT TO YOUR ATTENTION AS A CONCERN FOR ALL 2006 RAV4 OWNERS THAT AS A RESULT OF THIS LEAK COULD HARM OCCUPANTS THAT HAVE RESPIRATORY DISEASES.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2006
WE PURCHASED A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 4X4 LIMITED IN MARCH 2006. SINCE THE DAY WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, WE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE ACCELERATION EITHER NOT RESPONDING OR LURCHING FORWARD. WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP, IT OCCASIONALLY TAKES THE CAR SEVERAL SECONDS TO ENGAGE AND ACCELERATE. OTHER TIMES, WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO STOP AT A LIGHT OR SIGN, THE CAR CONTINUES TO REV THE RPM''S AND LURCHES FORWARD. IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR FROM LURCHING FORWARD, WE HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND SLAM ON THE BREAKS. THIS IS VERY SCARY IF YOU ARE COMING UP TO AN ACTIVE INTERSECTION. FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS, TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE! *NM
Vehicle speed control, Oct 27, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED 4 CYL IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY OF 2006. I NOTICED A PROBLEM IN ACCELERATION/HESITATION AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A WEEK. I HAVE EXPERIENCED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS ON A DAILY BASIS. STEADY PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR YIELDS NO RESPONSE, OR A STUTTER AS THOUGH THE CAR IS ABOUT TO STALL. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CAR MOVING IS TO PUSH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE RACES AND THE CAR SPEEDS UP. THIS HESITATION HAPPENS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED I WAS PULLING ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY FROM A SIDE STREET AND WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED BECAUSE THE CAR SIMPLY WOULD NOT GO (UNTIL I SLAMMED THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR). THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR EVERYDAY DRIVING. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHO STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS 'NORMAL' FOR TOYOTAS AND SOMETHING I NEEDED TO GET USED TO. THEY DID CHECKOUT THE CAR AND SAID NO ERROR CODES WERE GENERATED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Oct 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WARMED UP, THERE WAS LITTLE POWER WHEN ACCELERATING, THEN THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD EXTREMELY FAST. THE LAST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER TWICE FOR THE PROBLEM AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 12/1/2006 - *NM
Visibility, Oct 20, 2006
THIS COMPLAINT INVOLVES THE GLASS IN THE WINDSHIELD OF A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. BRIEFLY, THE GLASS SHATTERED IN A MANNER THAT IS UNCHARACTERISTIC OF SAFETY GLASS LEAVING SHARDS AND SLIVERS OF GLASS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE FROM THE IMPACT OF A ROCK FROM THE HIGHWAY. I BELIEVE THE TEMPERING PROCESS LEFT THIS WINDOW DEFECTIVE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURIES, PARTICULARLY TO THE EYES, OF DRIVERS OR PASSENGERS IS MORE THAN SHOULD BE ALLOWABLE. *NM
Power train, Oct 13, 2006
DT*: THE VEHICLE HAD AN ACCELERATION LAG ISSUE CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO NOT SWITCH GEARS IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2006
THE VEHICLE HAS FREQUENT PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION - ESPECIALLY FROM STANDING STILL. I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC FROM MY DRIVEWAY, OR FROM OTHER PLACES. I WILL STEP ON THE GAS, BEGIN MOVING, THEN THE ENGINE WILL BOG DOWN AND I WILL HAVE NO ACCELERATION AT ALL. HAVING CHILDREN, I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BASED IN LARGE PART TO ITS SAFETY FEATURES. THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER, PRACTICALLY NEGATES ALL OF THAT. IF I STEP ON THE GAS I SHOULD EXPECT RELIABLE ACCELERATION SO I CAN SAFELY MERGE WITH TRAFFIC. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP TO MY DEALER, AND THEIR EXPLANATION HAS BEEN THAT THIS IS AN INTENTIONAL THING, TO BE SURE THE LUBRICANT IN THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE TRAIN IS OF SUFFICIENT TEMPERATURE BEFORE ALLOWING HARD ACCELERATION, THUS REDUCING WEAR ON COMPONENTS. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME, EVEN AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE - I DO NOT ACCEPT THIS REASON, NOR DO I FEEL THAT THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE WAY TO DEAL WITH COMPONENT WEAR. I SHOULD HAVE ACCELERATION AT ALL TIMES. IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO DRIVE INTELLIGENTLY AND NOT GUN THE ENGINE WHEN IT IS COLD, POSSIBLY DAMAGING THE ENGINE. BUT IT IS TOYOTA'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE ME WITH A VEHICLE THAT WILL RESPOND TO MY DEMANDS AT ANY TIME. MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILY'S DEPENDS ON THIS. *NM
Air bags, Sep 23, 2006
FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION WHEN MY WIFE IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SHE WEIGHS ABOUT 90 POUNDS. TOYOTA 2006 RAV4 WITH SIDE AND CURTAIN BAGS. *NM
Power train, Sep 23, 2006
I HAVE A SERIOUS DELAY IN THE ACCELERATION OF MY 06 TOYOTA RAV4. IT IS DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. I HAVE GOTTEN NO HELP FROM THE DEALER OR TOYOTA. IT HAPPENS ABOUT 5-10 TIMES PER WEEK. *NM
Power train, Sep 16, 2006
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THERE IS A SEVERE HESITATION WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. THIS IS MOST NOTABLE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR A NEAR STOP. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE A/C BEING ON OR IN MY HEAD, BUT I HAVE RULED OUT THE A/C, AND SOMETIMES IT WILL WORK WONDERFULLY ONE NIGHT AND THE NEXT MORNING, THE THROTTLE RESPONSE IS VERY SLUGGISH. SOMETIMES SEEMS TO BOG DOWN IF YOU GIVE IT MORE GAS AND THEN YOU HAVE TO EASE WAY BACK ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ONCE IT GETS GOING. *NM