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.
Power train, Sep 14, 2006
MY RAV4 "LAGS" OR "HESITATES" WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE IN ORDER TO GET UP TO SPEED-ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM TRYING TO MERGE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TECHNICIANS THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS NO "FIX" FOR THIS PROBLEM. *NM
Air bags, Sep 12, 2006
!. FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT ACTIVATED WHEN AN ADULT (MY WIFE) WEIGHING 90 POUNDS IS SEATED IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. 2. NO INSIDE RELEASE FOR REAR HATCH. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Sep 9, 2006
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT - INCONSISTENT THROTTLE, ACCELERATION DELAY. FROM A COASTING POSITION THERE IS A DELAY IN RESPONSE WHEN ENGAGING THE ACCELERATOR, USUALLY FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN HIGH SPEED ACCELERATION. AT LOW SPEEDS THE ACCELERATOR IS HYPERSENSITIVE. IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT SUDDEN HIGH SPEED RESPONSES DESPITE MY BEST EFFORTS TO MODERATE AND CONTROL PEDAL PRESSURE. *NM
Seats, Aug 31, 2006
THE HEAD RESTS IN CAR PUSH HEAD TOO FAR FORWARD, AND ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE. I HAD TO TURN THE HEAD REST AROUND BACKWARDS, WHICH IS UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. I TOLD TOYOTA ABOUT THIS, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 31, 2006
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4, WITH V6 ENGINE, AND DBW (DRIVE BY WIRE) ACCELERATOR. ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS, THE CAR HAS A SIGNIFICANT LAG WHEN YOU PUNCH THE GAS. THIS IS DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET OUT OF ANOTHER CAR'S WAY. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Aug 31, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 IN APRIL AND THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE NO ONE WANTS TO ADDRESS, WE ON THE FORUMS CALL IT ERRATIC ACCELERATION. THE CAR USES SOME TYPE OF ELECTRONIC SENSORS TO DETERMINE THE CHANGE IN GEARS WHEN ACCELERATING AND IT IS VERY ERRATIC. ONE TIME IT GOES SMOOTHLY AND ANOTHER IT TAKES OFF, VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSTABLE. TOYOTA WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THIS ISSUE BUT 90% OF THE OWNERS WILL TESTIFY TO IT. TOYOTA NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A FIX BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE. * NM
Power train, Aug 30, 2006
NEW 2006 RAV 4 WAS PURCHASED AT GRAPPONE TOYOTA, CONCORD NH, ON 7-28-06. DURING HE FIRST 600 MILES OF OPERATION PER THE MANUFACTURER. BREAK IN RECOMMENDATIONS IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION REGARDING NORMAL ACCELERATION AND THROTTLE USE. THIS CONDITION LEADS IN AN INTERMITTENT FASHION TO FAILURE TO ACCELERATE WHEN MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY, FAILURE TO RESUME STEADY THROTTLE SETTING AFTER ROUNDING A CORNER, SUDDEN AND SERIOUS HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY AND SUDDEN AND SERIOUS LOSSES OF POWER ON THE ROAD. THESE SYMPTOM ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A FULL TIME THROTTLE LAG, WHICH PREVENTS NORMAL USE OF THE THROTTLE AND OFTEN, AFTER A VARIED PERIOD OF DELAY, IS FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT AND RUSH OF POWER AND ACCELERATION. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ON 8-22-06 AND WAS DEFERRED UNTIL 8-25-06 AT WHICH TIME THE DEALER CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPUTER AND TOLD ME THAT THE DEGREE OF MALFUNCTIONING IS "NORMAL" AND COULD NOT BE ADDRESSED. I TOLD THEM THAT WAS UNACCEPTABLE AND THAT SINCE THIS UNCERTAIN AND ERRATIC PERFORMANCE COMPROMISED THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE AND MYSELF WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL USE OF THE CAR UNTIL THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER CHOSE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. AFTER 43 YEARS OF SAFE DRIVING, I'M NOT ABOUT TO DRIVE AN UNCONTROLLABLE CAR IN TRAFFIC ON PUBLIC ROADS WHEN IT MAY SUDDENLY FAIL TO ACCELERATE OR FAIL TO RESUME NORMAL SPEED AFTER BRAKING. ANY SUDDEN ERRATIC MOVES CAN BE DANGEROUS TO OURSELVES AND TO SURROUNDING TRAFFIC AND I FIND IT DEEPLY DISTURBING THAT NEITHER TOYOTA NOR GRAPPONE TOYOTA WILL BOTHER TO RETURN MY CALLS NOR ADDRESS THIS MATTER. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED MY CALLS, FACILITATED A REPAIR OR EVEN BOTHERED TO TRY TO FIX THE CAR. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION WHICH I NOW BELIEVE IS COMMON TO ABOUT 10% OF RAV 4S BEFORE IT COSTS SOMEONE THEIR LIFE. THANK YOU. *NM
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 25, 2006
MY 2006 TOYTOA RAV4 HAS DISPLAYED NON RESPONSIVE THROTTLE ON MANY OCCASIONS WHERE YOU GIVE IT GAS AND IT DOES NOTHING, THEN IT TAKES OFF LIKE A ROCKET. I HAVE NEARLY BEEN IN ACCIDENTS BECAUSE I PULL OUT FROM A STOP AND THE THROTTLE IS UNRESPONSIVE WHILE TRAFFIC IS BEARING DOWN ON ME. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 22, 2006
THERE IS A PROBLEM IN ACCELERATION DELAY/THROTTLE LAG IN THE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. AFTER TAKING DELIVERY JAN 06 AND WHILE DRIVING 12K MILES, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED ERRATIC ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. FROM COMPLETE STOPS OR ROLLING STARTS, WHEN TURNING CORNERS IN EITHER DIRECTION, ON UPHILL GRADES, OR ATTEMPTED PASSING, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DELAY IN DELIVERING FORWARD SPEED REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH PRESSURE IS PUT ON THE FOOT FEED. AFTER THE DELAY, FORWARD SPEED IS DELIVERED SUDDENLY, CAUSING THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD AND THE ENGINE TO RACE. THE FORWARD SPEED LAGS CONTINUOUSLY UP HILLS, DEPENDING ON THE GRADE. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, EVERYDAY DRIVING IS HAZARDOUS AND I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS. THE TOYOTA DEALER DISMISSED OUR INITIAL COMPLAINTS, STATING THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS 'NORMAL', AND WE PUT UP WITH THIS FOR TOO LONG BEFORE INSISTING THE VEHICLE BE CHECKED OUT. THE DEALER SAID NO ERROR CODES WERE GENERATED AND NO TSB'S HAD BEEN ISSUED AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO FIX IT, AS THOUGH WE'RE THE ONLY PEOPLE WITH THIS COMPLAINT. AFTER SOME PERSISTENCE ON OUR PART, THEY GAVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY'RE WELL AWARE OF A PROBLEM, BUT SEEM TO BE STONE WALLING WHILE LAYING THE BLAME ON TOYOTA TO ISSUE A FIX. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS FAULT IN THE NEW RAV4. MY ONLINE RESEARCH HAS NOW REVEALED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ON CONSUMER WEBSITES SUCH AS TOYOTA NATION AND EDMUNDS. FOR TOYOTA DEALERS TO PRETEND THIS IS AN ISOLATED, INSIGNIFICANT PROBLEM IS, AT THE VERY LEAST, DECEPTIVE AND MAY PROVE TO BE CRIMINAL, AS THIS ACCELERATION PROBLEM COULD WELL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA MUST FIX THIS PROBLEM ASAP. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35MPH ON A CITY STREET, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION BY TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY PARK BRAKE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THERE WAS MODERATE DAMAGE TO EACH OF THE VEHICLES. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP TO AWAIT INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2006
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 4WD, BLACK GAS FUME HOSE DISLODGED FROM UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND THEN FELL OUT IN DRIVEWAY AS RESULT OF DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLE ON HIGHWAY DURING HEAVY RAINS COMING HOME FROM WORK. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR SERVICE THE FOLLOWING DAY, SERVICE TECH SAID THAT FUME CANISTER BREATHER ASSEMBLY ATTACHED TO FUME HOSE WAS MISSING AND PROBABLY FELL OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLE. SERVICE TECH REPLACED PARTS A COUPLE DAYS LATER AFTER ORDERING IT. SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT PART WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS DUE TO DAMAGE AND NOT DEFECT - COST TO OWNER $132 PARTS $50 LABOR. WENT OUT OF TOWN FOR 5 DAYS & DID NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. ON 8/9/06 AFTER HAVING DRIVEN ABOUT 30 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INCLUDING THE VSC AND 4WD INDICATOR LIGHTS, NO PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION NOTICED. ON 8/12/06 BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO DEALER AGAIN TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SERVICE TECH STATES THAT CHARCOAL CANISTER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO VALVE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. HE ADDED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE, BUT WOULD BE POLLUTING THE ENVIRONMENT. PART IS ON ORDER AND WILL ARRIVE NEXT WEEK. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2006
2006 RAV4 SPORTS V6 269 HP PLASTIC FUME CANISTER LOCATED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE ON DRIVERS SIDE IS EASILY DAMAGED. THE PLASTIC CANISTER IS EXPOSED TO ROAD DEBRIS INCLUDING RAIN PUDDLES THAT WILL DISPLACE AND KNOCK THE CANISTER OFF THE VEHICLE. THE RESULTING DAMAGE INCLUDES UNPLUGGED AND EXPOSED GAS FUME HOSES AND EMISSION CONTROL HOSES THAT CREATE A FIRE AND EXPLOSIVE HAZARD. THE PART IS NOT READILY AVAILABLE FROM TOYOTA AND DRIVERS MAY BE TEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH OUT THE PROPER REPAIRS. CONTINUED OPERATIONS WITHOUT THE CANISTER MAY ALSO RESULT IN FURTHER ENGINE DAMAGE AND RELEASE OF POLLUTANTS INTO THE AIR. *JB
Power train, Aug 2, 2006
SERIOUS HESITATION PROBLEM IN MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. I'VE REPORTED TO TOYOTA, BUT THEY INDICATE IT'S NORMAL. PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SERIOUSLY 3-4 TIMES. WHEN SLOWING TO A NEAR STOP OR FROM A STOP, ACCELERATING, I GET NOTHING WHEN I PUSH ON ACCELERATOR. THIS IS BEYOND HESITATION. THE FIRST 2 TIMES I PANICKED SINCE I WAS MERGING IN TRAFFIC, FLOORED THE PEDAL AND AFTER PERHAPS 1/2 TO 1 SECOND (MIGHT NOT SOUND LONG, BUT IMAGINE NO RESPONSE TO PUSHING YOU PEDAL WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC DOING 60-70)....IT KICKED IN/DOWNSHIFTED OR WHATEVER. REALLY SCARY. AGAIN, I NOTED THIS TO TOYOTA. I NOTED A POST ON EDMUNDS SITE TODAY WITH A 2005 ARTICLE ON PAST HESITATION PROBLEMS WITH TOYOTA/LEXUS. AND OTHER COMPLAINTS AS WELL ON THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I'VE POSTED A DATE OF JUNE 30 FOR INCIDENT, BUT ACTUALLY 3-4 SEPARATE TIMES IN PAST 4 MONTHS. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Jul 31, 2006
ACCELERATION STUMBLES & BOGS DOWN WHEN GAS PEDAL IS APPLIED. THIS SCENARIO OCCURS ALL THE TIME WHEN AFTER A NORMAL ACCELERATION IS PERFORMED AND A NEED ARISES TO ACCELERATE OCCURS. IF YOU DEPRESS ACCELERATOR IMMEDIATELY UPON TAKING OFF THIS DOES NOT OCCUR BUT, IT CAUSES YOU TO OVER CORRECT STUMBLING BY SPEEDING QUICKLY. IF YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE, THE ENGINE WILL NOT RESPOND TO A NORMAL DEPRESSION OF GAS PEDAL. YOU NEED TO DEPRESS IT QUICKLY TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO GO INTO PASSING GEAR ETC. MY "AUTO WISE" SON HAS SUGGESTED THAT THE GAS PEDAL DRIVE BY WIRE SENSORS COULD BE FAILING OR BE BAD ETC. *NM
Visibility, Jul 19, 2006
AN ACCOUNT OF INCIDENT INVOLVING EXPLOSION OF SUNROOF ON 2006 RAV4/TOYOTA RENTAL VEHICLE RENTED FROM BEAVER TOYOTA, 1500 ST. MICHAEL DR. SANTA FE, NM 87505 IS GIVEN BELOW. VEHICLE INF. IS AS FOLLOWINGS: VEHICLE LINE: 2006 RAV4/SPORT, [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. INCIDENT: VEHICLE WAS RENTED FOR 1 WEEK STARTING 11JUL06 WITH EXPECTED RETURN DATE ON 18JUL06. A VACATION TRIP WAS PLANNED FOR 2 NIGHTS IN KEYSTONE, CO, AND 2 NIGHTS IN TAOS, NM. ON ROUTE TO TAOS, NM FROM KEYSTONE, CO ON THE MORNING OF THE 14TH OF JULY 2006, WE WERE DRIVING DOWN US HIGHWAY 285 SOUTH OF FAIRPLAY, CO TRAVELING APPROX. 65 MILES/HR. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE OF US. THE SUNROOF WAS OPENED BRIEFLY, PERHAPS FOR 2-3 MINUTES, BUT THEN CLOSED. SHORTLY AFTER CLOSING THE SUNROOF, WITH THE SUN BLIND OPEN, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED SENDING MOST OF THE SHATTERED GLASS EXTERIORLY. THE HOLE IN THE SUNROOF WAS CENTRALLY LOCATED AND MEASURED APPROXIMATELY 12 IN. (TRANSVERSE LENGTH) X 6 IN. (LONGITUDINAL LENGTH). WE WERE UNAWARE OF AN IMPACT OF ANY OBJECTS HITTING THIS VEHICLE. ON 17JUL06, WE SPOKE TO MR. GUERRERO AT BEAVER TOYOTA REGARDING WARRANTY, POSSIBLE DEFECT OF THE SUNROOF, AND WERE INFORMED THAT HE CONTACTED TOYOTA. WE WERE TOLD US THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH DEFECTIVE SUNROOFS. I INFORMED MR. GUERRERO THAT I INTENDED ON REPORTING THIS INCIDENT TO BOTH TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY, AND TO THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, BECAUSE IT WAS MOST LIKELY, CONSIDERING THE CIRCUMSTANCE THAT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2006
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: THE RAV4 HAS SOME SPEED CONTROL PROBLEMS. SOMETIMES, IT DOES NOT DOWN-SHIFT PROPERLY. THEN, SUDDENLY IT DOWN SHIFTS AND ACCELERATES EXTREMELY. THERE IS NO CERTAIN WAY OF CONTROLLING THE SHIFT. IT MAY CREATE HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS ESPECIALLY MERGING TO THE TRAFFIC. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2006
ANOTHER DRIVER WAS DOING ABOUT 60 WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN THE POURING RAIN AND HIT A LOW SPOT ON THE FREEWAY THAT HAD ABOUT 3" OF WATER IN IT. HE DIDN'T SEE IT SOON ENOUGH TO AVOID IT SO HE JUST HUNG ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND PRAYED. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN QUITE A BIT BUT KEPT GOING STRAIGHT SPRAYING WATER EVERYWHERE. THE NOISE FROM THE WATER HITTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR WAS DEAFENING. THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT AND 4X4 LIGHT, CAME ON. HE STOPPED BY THE DEALER ON HIS WAY HOME TO HAVE IT CHECKED. HE WAS IN THE WAITING ROOM A FEW MINUTES WHEN THE SERVICE MGR. CAME AND GOT HIM SAYING HE WANTED TO SHOW HIM SOMETHING. THEY WENT OUT SIDE AND HE POINTED TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE TWO HOSES HANGING FROM THE CAR BELOW THE DRIVERS SEAT. IT SEEMS THERE WAS A PLASTIC CANISTER BEHIND THE CHARCOAL FILTER THAT RECIRCS TANK FUMES BACK TO THE ENGINE. IT GOT RIPPED OFF WHEN HE HIT THAT PUDDLE. HE EXPLAINED TO HIM WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND HE TOLD HIM THAT WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER THE DAMAGE (~$150.00). HE TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD NEVER LOST CAR PARTS BY DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE IN ALL HIS YEARS OF DRIVING. HE WAS UNSYMPATHETIC TO SAY THE LEAST. THE WORST PART ABOUT THIS IS THE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER FROM TOYOTA AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY'LL HAVE THEM. UNTIL THEN, THE LIGHTS WERE ON ON THE DASH. *NM
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2006
WHEN USING THE DRYER IN A CAR WASH THE HARD SPARE TIRE COVER WAS BLOWN OFF THE SPARE TIRE AND BASHED AGAINST THE VEHICLE AND THEN THE GROUND SEVERELY SCRATCHING IT AND CRACKING IT. HAD IT NO COMPLETELY COME OFF AT THAT POINT IT IS PROBABLE THAT IT WOULD HAVE FLOWN OFF INTO THE FROM OF ANY FOLLOWING VEHICLE HAD I BEEN TRAVELING DOWN A BUSY ROAD POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THESE ITEMS SHOULD "NEVER" COME OF UNDER NORMAL USE CONDITIONS. THIS IS A SERIOUS POTENTIAL ACCIDENT SOURCE AS WELL AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF A LAW SUIT AGAINST THE OWNER OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION IT IS HARD AND CAN CAUSE WINDSHIELD DAMAGE TO ANY FOLLOWING VEHICLES AND SHOULD NEVER COME OFF WHEN PROPERLY ATTACHED. *NM
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 12, 2006
HESITATION PROBLEM - '06 RAV4 I4 SPORT MODEL WHEN TRYING TO OVERTAKE, WHEN PRESSING THE PEDAL HARDER, ENGINE DIDN'T RESPOND RIGHT AWAY. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2006
2006 TOYOTA RAV4, SPORT, 4X4. SOMETIMES WHILE PUSHING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WILL HESITATE FOR ABOUT 1 OR 2 SECONDS BEFORE SPEEDING FORWARD. THIS IS USUALLY WHEN AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, LESS THAN 15 MILES/HR. IT HAS BEEN MOST NOTICEABLE MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT HAND TURNS NOT FROM A FULL STOP. THE FORWARD ACCELERATION AFTER THE HESITATION IS VERY EXTREME, EVEN WHEN I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL HEAVILY. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR ALL THE TIME AND I HAVE NOT NOTICED A TREND OF WHEN IT DOES OR DOES NOT HAPPEN (E.G., WEATHER, TEMPERATURE OF CAR OR AIR). *NM
Visibility, Jul 6, 2006
SAT, JULY 1, 2006 THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 SIMPLY BLEWOUT SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC, PRECIPITATION OR WIND AND TEMP HOVERED 75-80 DEGREES. MOST OF GLASS REMAINED LOOSELY INTACT BUT WAS ALL SHATTERED WITH A MEDIUM SIZE HOLE IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE REAR WINDOW, WITH SMALL FRAGMENTS FOUND OUTSIDE OF WINDOW. SMALL PIECES OF GLASS CONTINUED TO FALL OUT. THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING COLD (NOT RUNNING) SINCE THE EVENING PRIOR (6:30PM) AND WAS IN PARTLY SHADED AREA. BOTH REAR DRIVER/ PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS LOWERED ABOUT 2 INCHES TO CIRCULATE AIR. NOTHING WAS IN CAR TO CONTRIBUTE TO INTERNAL PRESSURE AND NOTHING HIT THE CAR AS I WAS WITNESS TO THIS EVENT AS IT OCCURRED. DRIVEWAY IS ON A HILL; CAR FACED FORWARD AND ANGLED DOWN THE HILL TOWARD GARAGE (CAR REAR END HIGHEST). LARGE GLASS PIECES FOUND MOSTLY OUTSIDE OF CAR JUST BELOW WINDOW WITH SOME LARGER PIECES LAYING ON OUTSIDE OF REAR DOOR WITH SMALLER FRAGMENTS ON THE GROUND BELOW. SMALL GLASS FRAGMENTS FOUND INSIDE CAR BELOW WINDOW. PICTURES TAKEN. TOYOTA CONTACTED AND QUESTIONED AS TO NEXT STEP. TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE OFFERED NOTHING AS THIS WAS HOLIDAY WEEKEND AND NOTHING WAS AVAILABLE,ACCORDING TO TOYOTA. AUTO GLASS REPAIR COMPANIES CALLED AND NO ONE AVAILABLE DUE TO HOLIDAY. INSURANCE COMPANY CALLED, GIVEN SAME STORY AGAIN! TOYOTA CALLED AGAIN. CAN'T LEAVE CAR SIT WITH BROKEN REAR WINDOW AND WE EXPECT RAIN. ASKED ABOUT KNOCKING REST OF GLASS OUT AS THE GLASS NEEDED TO BE CLEANED UP AND OPENING NEEDED TO BE SECURED. I EXPLAINED I COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR, IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE & TOWING WAS NOT AN OPTION AS NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER DIDN'T HAVE TOWING CAPACITY...AND CLOSED IN AN HOUR. KNOCKED REST OF GLASS OUT AND TAPED UP REAR WINDOW OPENING. DROVE TO DEALER MON MORNING TO LEAVE RAV FOR REPAIR AND SECURED RENTAL CAR. TOLD MY CAR WOULD NOT BE LOOKED AT UNTIL WED. THUR MY CAR LOOKED AT AND NEW WINDOW ORDERED AND HOPED TO BE HERE IN A WEEK OR SO. BROKEN GLASS DISPOSED OF. *NM
Power train, Jul 3, 2006
A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 V6 LIMITED 4X2. PROBLEM: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DEFECT? SOMETIMES WHEN I STEP ON ACCELERATOR THERE'S LAG TIME BEFORE CAR SHIFTS AND GETS GOING. ALSO THERE'S AN ONGOING (MONTH OR SO) DRONING NOISE. I TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER 6/15/06. SERVICE WRITER AND 2 TECHS HEARD DRONING NOISE WHILE I WAS THERE. WITH THE CAR. I ASKED TO BRING THE CAR IN THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY AS I WORK DURING THE WEEK, BUT THEY SAID SATURDAYS NOT GOOD SO I MADE APPOINTMENT FOR 6/26/06. THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR. I TOOK CAR IN 6/26/06 & RODE WITH MASTER TECH WHO WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE DRONING NOISE. HE DROVE CAR, ALSO SAT IN PARKING LOT WITH ENGINE RUNNING AND SHIFTED INTO PARK AND INTO REVERSE ETC. WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND NOISE CHANGED IN INTENSITY IN DIFFERENT GEARS. HE TOOK CAR BACK TO SERVICE CENTER AND CHECKED IT OUT. THE SERVICE WRITER SAID THE TECH NOT ABLE TO PINPOINT PROBLEM, BUT TECH WOULD CALL TOYOTA ENGINEERING THE NEXT MORNING BECAUSE HE DIDN'T WANT TO TRY A FIX WHEN HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY GAVE ME MY CAR BACK, SAID THEY'D CALL ME AFTER TALKING TO TOYOTA ENGINEERING. THEY CALLED ME 6/27/06, SAID MASTER TECH HAD TALKED TO TOYOTA ENGINEERING AND THEY'VE HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS RE SAME DRONING NOISE, ARE WORKING TO FIND CAUSE SO THEY CAN CREATE A TSB AND EITHER REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THE NOISE. SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME T THERE IS NO TIMELINE FOR A FIX AND TO JUST "SIT TIGHT" AND WAIT UNTIL THEY CALL. THEY AGREE THE NOISE SHOULD NOT BE THERE. I'M WORRIED THAT ONGOING NOISE INDICATES THAT SOME PART IS OVERWORKING AND MAY WEAR OUT AND SINCE THE NOISE CHANGES IN INTENSITY SOMETIMES DEPENDING WHAT GEAR THE CAR IS IN I WORRY THAT IT IS THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT A FAILURE MAY RESULT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN TELL ME THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN THEY CLAIM THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. IT IS VERY UNSETTLING TO HAVE TO JUST WAIT FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG FOR THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Jun 27, 2006
ERRATIC ACCELERATION WHICH CREATES HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS. SOMETIMES VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, CAUSING UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR WHICH LEADS TO DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. SOMETIMES VEHICLE ACCELERATES VERY RAPIDLY WITH VERY LITTLE PRESSURE ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WHICH IS HARD TO CONTROL IN A STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I ALMOST HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME SEVERAL TIMES. SOMETIMES PRESSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS NO REACTION FOR 1 TO 3 SECONDS, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO PREDICT VEHICLE BEHAVIOR WHEN MERGING TO FASTER TRAFFIC. *JB
Visibility, Jun 23, 2006
WINDSHIELD FOR THE TOYOTA RAV 4 ARE CRACKING VERY EASY. MINE HAS LESS THAN 3000 AND I HAVE ALREADY REPAIRED IT ONCE AND TODAY IT CRACKED AGAIN. THE DOT RATING IS NOT RIGHT DOT 20 . MY PONTIAC IS 147 AND HAS TAKEN MUCH BIGGER HITS AN NO DAMAGE. *NM
Power train, Jun 20, 2006
I HAVE A NEW 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND, IN THE FIRST 2000 MILES, IT HAS FAILED TO SHIFT CORRECTLY ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THIS HAS CREATED DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN MERGING IN TRAFFIC. SPECIFICALLY, WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE RPMS SHOOT ABOVE 4-5K BUT THERE IS NO ACCOMPANIED INCREASE IN SPEED. GIVEN THE REPEATED POSTINGS ON EDMUNDS.COM ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS, IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AN ISOLATED CASE WITH MY VEHICLE. *JB