2007 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,003 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 53 involved a crash and 37 involved a fire. 41 people were injured.
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
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 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
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 12V491000 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
Air bagsApr 21, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.
INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V245000 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: electrical system
76 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE AIR BAG, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE TACHOMETER DID NOT INDICATE THE RPM. THE SPEEDOMETER AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WERE INOPERABLE. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO INDICATE WHAT GEAR WAS IN SHIFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,526.
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2014
ALL DASH LIGHTS TURNED ON AND STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. DROVE HOME. RESTART THE VEHICLE, NO ISSUES, LEFT IT RUNNING, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND SMELLED A BURNING SMELL. HAD IT TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED BATTERY. YESTERDAY 11-18-14, SAME ISSUE GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. HAD IT TOWED TO SAME DEALERSHIP. ALTERNATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TOYOTA ALSO INFORMED THAT WATER PUMP IS FAILING. THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, THESE ARE EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY TOYOTA AND PEOPLE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR SUCH AN EXTENSIVE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME WHEN THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,925.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2014
ON 08/09/14 WE WERE DRIVING IN PARKING LOT WITH 5 PEOPLE IN CAR. STARTED DRIVING AND ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. CAR GLIDED TO A STOP WITH GEARS AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. CALLED AAA FOR A TOW 20+ MILES AWAY TO CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEN GOT TRANSPORT FOR OURSELVES TO HOTEL FOR THE NIGHT. NEXT MORNING GOT RENTAL CAR TO DRIVE TO TOYOTA DEALER WHERE CAR HAD BEEN TOWED TO. REPAIR WAS SIMPLY A BLOWN FUSE FOR VEHICLE REMOTE STARTER WHICH WAS ODDLY LOCATED UNDER STEERING WHEEL. SIMILAR INCIDENT HAPPENED (03/12/08) WHILE DIVING IN CANADA AND REPAIRED THEN AT A TOYOTA DEALER AT 12,101 KM. THE REMOTE STARTER WAS PART OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON THE NEW CAR. NOW, WE FEAR DRIVING RAV4 ON HIGHWAY AT ANY SPEED FOR FEAR CAR WILL SUDDENLY STOP AND STEERING WILL LOCK UP. REMOTE STARTER NEEDS TO BE REMOVED OR FIXED AT IT IS NOT SAFE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Apr 16, 2014
WELL-MAINTAINED 2007 RAV4 (67K MILES, NO ISSUES IN THE PAST) STALLED COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. NEARLY GOT REAR ENDED AS HAZARD FLASHER LIGHTS DID NOT WORK AT ALL. ALL POWER CUTS OFF TO INSIDE OF CAR. ONCE FAN IN ENGINE TURNS OFF (ABOUT 6 MINUTES) CAR CAN START AGAIN. DEALERSHIP SAID "DIRTY THROTTLE BODY PART" SO THEY CLEANED IT. HAPPENED 2ND TIME THE NEXT WEEK! THEN DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. HAPPENED 3RD TIME THE FOLLOWING WEEK! IT'S AT DEALERSHIP AGAIN NOW. EACH TIME IT HAPPENS, CAR IS DRIVING AND ONCE ABOUT 6 MINUTES PASSES, I CAN DRIVE AGAIN. BARELY HAVE TIME TO GET NEAR THE SHOULDER OF ROAD. *TT
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 10, 2014
ON MARCH 21ST THE ABS, VSC, TRACTION AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH IN DRY WEATHER CONDITION. WHEN THE LIGHTS WERE ON, THE ABS SYSTEM WAS TRIGGERED MAKING DIFFICULT TO BRAKE TO STOP. SINCE THEN THE WARNING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON AND OFF AND SO I'VE BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTIES WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT A HIGHER SPEED RATE 60 MPH, SLOW SPEED 20 MPH, AND EVEN STOPPING. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8 I BROUGHT THE RAV4 TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THAT THE BREAKS WERE OK. DEALER SAID: IT IS JUST THE A REAR SENSOR THAT NEEDS TO BE RESET. SO DEALER TECHNICIAN RESET THE SENSOR THE SAME DAY. ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 AROUND 6:00 PM WHEN TURNING LEFT AT A CORNER I HEARD A TICKING NOISE THEN FOUR WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED AGAIN AND THE BREAKS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AGAIN. I'LL BRING THE RAV4 TO THE DEALER ON APRIL 12, 2014 AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. THE CODES THE DEALER HAVE INITIALLY WERE C0210 AND C1223. MY SPOUSE AND I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE THE RAV4 WITHOUT KNOWING THAT THE SENSOR THAT THE DEALER TALKS ABOUT IS EITHER FIXED OR REPLACED. I DON'T WANT TO BE EXPOSED NOR EXPOSE MY FAMILY TO ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SENSOR/BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 20, 2014
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS AS SEVERAL LIGHTS WERE ON. WAS CALLED BY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THE D SQUIB CIRCUIT/SPIRAL CABLE IS FAULTY AND THEREFORE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATIONAL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS I WAS UNAWARE OF MY AIRBAGS NOT FUNCTIONING. THANK GOD, WE DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT! THE TOYOTA DEALER WHOM WE PURCHASED OUR 2007 RAV 4 FROM BRAND NEW OF COURSE WANTS TO REPAIR IT FOR APPROX. $500.00. THAT IS INSANE AS THIS ISSUE SHOULD NEVER OCCUR. AFTER READING MANY POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET, OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND CLEARLY THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 5, 2014
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WATER PUMP FAILURE. *SMD THE #6 IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED, AS IT WAS SHORTING OUT AND THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE, WHEN IT WAS TURNED.*JB
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 31, 2013
A R E CALL NOW ON THE CLOCK SPRING STOP ACTING STUPID'S. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 20, 2013
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THIS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SAFETY SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS THE AIRBAG TO INFLATE DURING A FRONTAL OR SIDE IMPACT CRASH. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION IN THE SPIRAL CLOCK CABLE WHICH RESIDES UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AND IS AN INTRICATE PART OF THE SAFETY, DRIVER SIDE AND OTHER AIRBAGS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. IF THIS PART WAS NOT REPLACED THEN I COULD BE FATALLY HURT OR KILLED IF THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT TOYOTA HAD DONE A RECALL ON THIS EXACT PART BUT ONLY ON THE TOYOTA TACOMA, THIS EFFECTED OVER 700,000 VEHICLES RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS DONE TO MY VEHICLE. I RECEIVED A MESSAGE BACK FROM THEM STATING THAT THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PART PLUS THE TAX BUT NOT FOR THE LABOR CHARGES, THEY CLAIM THAT THE LABOR CHARGES WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED DUE TO THE NUMBER OF MILES ON MY VEHICLE, BUT IF THEY HAD INCLUDED THE RAV4S IN THE RECALL THE LABOR CHARGES WOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. I HAVE HAD MORE THAN 4 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE DONE IN JUST THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. ALTHOUGH I AM GRATEFUL THAT I AM RECEIVING THE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PART AND TAX I THINK THAT THE LABOR SHOULD BE INCLUDED, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PART WAS A MAJOR RECALL ON OTHER MODELS. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 17, 2013
MY 8 MONTH OLD BABY WAS AUTO- LOCKED IN THE CAR ON AN 80 DEGREE SUNNY DAY! I DOUBLE CLICKED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY CAR'S KEY FOB ON APPROACH, OPENED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND PUT MY CHILD IN THE CAR SEAT AND PUT MY PURSE (KEYS ON TOP) IN THE FLOOR WITH THE DIAPER BAG. ENTIRE CAR STILL UNLOCKED, I CLOSED THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND WALKED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO GET IN. THE CAR BEEPED ALOUD BEFORE I COULD GRAB THE DOOR HANDLE TO GET IN, LOCKING ALL DOORS OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY THERE WAS A MECHANIC ON THE SAME STREET I WAS ON, BUT IT STILL TOOK 15 MINUTES START TO FINISH TO FINALLY GET MY CHILD OUT. UPON READING THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT STATED THAT THERE IS A 30 SECOND TIMER FOR THE AUTOLOCK FEATURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IF A DOOR IS NOT OPENED IN THAT TIME AFTER BEING UNLOCKED. I HAD, HOWEVER, OPENED THE REAR DOOR TO PLACE THE CHILD IN HIS SEAT. THERE IS NO WAY THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AN ERROR ON MY PART AS I WAS NOT ONLY OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN IT LOCKED ITSELF, BUT THERE ARE NO LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTONS IN THE CAR EXCEPT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHICH I HAD YET TO ENTER. SO I COULD NOT HAVE EVEN HIT ONE BY ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 29, 2013
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY WIFE AND SHE NOTICED INDICATOR LIGHTS SUDDENLY COMING ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE SPUTTERING AND STARTING TO STALL. PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING, SHE NOTICED THE POWER STEERING INOPERABLE AND SHE WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY STEERING TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER LANE AND TO A STOP. SHE CALLED ME AND I CALLED FOR EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. AT THIS TIME, AS THE ENGINE RAN, THE POWER STEERING WAS STILL INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVABLE. IT WAS THEN TOWED HOME. MY MECHANIC CHECKED AND FOUND THE BATTERY TO BE UNDERCHARGED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR NOT PROPERLY CHARGING THE BATTERY. THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE POWER STEERING AND ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS RESUMED BACK TO NORMAL. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT SHOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING AS LONG AS THE ENGINE WAS IN OPERATION. IF THE BRAKING SYSTEM CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AS THE ENGINE RAN, THE POWER STEERING UNIT SHOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO OPERATE SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN STAY IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IF MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED AND ON A BUSY INTERSTATE FREEWAY, THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. PLEASE LOOK INTO GETTING TOYOTA TO RECALL AND CORRECTING THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON MINE AND OTHER 2007 RAV4S. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. A REPLY WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 24, 2013
MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION, I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE FOR AIRBAG LIGHT THAT HAD SHORTED OUT. THE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF $442.01. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AN EARLIER RECALL FOR AN AIRBAG SENSOR AND I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE AS WELL AND NOT THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CAR OWNER. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 16, 2012
WITH NO WARNING, THE THREE LIGHTS CAME ON: 4WD, VSC, ENGINE. NOW THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT COIL #5 FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR A STAGGERING $350 PARTS AND LABOR. AMAZING, BECAUSE THE PART COSTS ONLY $40, WHAT IS THERE WORTH LABOR FOR $310? I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE TOYOTA RAV4 CARS. I FIXED IT AND TWO WEEKS LATER, COIL #4 FAILED, THIS ONE FOR ANOTHER $350! WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS CAR. IT IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH COILS FAILING.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Oct 4, 2012
I WAS DRIVING DOWN FOREST AVE IN BROCKTON, MA, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR STATED SMOKING, I QUICKLY TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, GOT ME AND MY SON OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND SUGGESTED THAT I GOT IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. SO I DID, TO COPLAND TOYOYTA WHERE IT WAS TROUBLESHOOT TO A MASTER SWITCH ASS. IT WAS REPAIRED AND I HAD TO PAY $580.70 BECAUSE THEY SAID ITS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2012
TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT. WENT TO APPLY BRAKES PRIOR TO APPROACHING TURN LANE AND COULD NOT STOP. BRAKES WERE THERE (PEDAL WAS FIRM AND DID NOT GO TO FLOOR) BUT ACCELERATOR SEEM TO OVERRIDE THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROCEEDED TO STAND ON BRAKES TO ATTEMPT TO STOP AS THERE WERE THREE LANES OF STOPPED TRAFFIC AND NO WHERE ELSE TO GO. SHIFTED CAR INTO PARK TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP TO AVOID HITTING 8+ CARS AND PUSHING THEM INTO A VERY LARGE INTERSECTION. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 46000 MILES ON IT AND HAD NEW BRAKES INSTALLED 8 MONTHS PRIOR. CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED 1 MONTH PRIOR FOR GENERAL SERVICE POINT CHECKS. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP SAME DAY OF THIS INCIDENT - THEY COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. OFFERED TO SERVICE BASED ON A PREVIOUS RECALL TO REMOVE THE CURRENT FLOORMAT AND ADJUST ACCELERATOR. ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE RADIO STOPPED WORKING FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY SOMETIMES DISPLAYING GARBLED TEXT ON THE RADIO DISPLAY. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2012, fire
MY WIFE LEFT HOME TO DRIVE TO THE STORE - A 3-MILE TRIP, ALL IN-TOWN DRIVING. AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT 1/2 MILE, SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE CAR FROM BEHIND THE PANEL ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. SHE STOPPED THE CAR. THE VOLUME OF SMOKE ACCUMULATING IN THE CAR INCREASED. A PASSER-BY STOPPED, CALLED 911, REPORTED THE FIRE, AND ASSISTED MY WIFE, WHO CLIMBED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND EXITED THE CAR OUT THE FRONT, RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. BY THE TIME THE FIREMEN AND POLICE ARRIVED, APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES LATER, SMOKE WAS DENSE AND FLAMES WERE SURROUNDING THE EDGES OF THE DOOR PANEL. FIREMEN SPRAYED WATER ON THE PANEL, PULLED THE PANEL OFF THE DOOR, AND CONTINUED TO APPLY WATER UNTIL THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THANKFULLY, MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO STOP AND EXIT THE CAR QUICKLY. HAD SHE BEEN IN HEAVY, FAST-MOVING TRAFFIC, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. ALSO, THE NON-AVAILABILITY OF FIREMEN WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN MUCH MORE FIRE- DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND POSSIBLY AN EXPLOSION. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2012
I WAS DRIVING THE RAV4 IN APRIL 2011 AND AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 WHEN THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED.THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE BATTERY LIGHT DID NOT COME ON, FIRST THE RADIO QUIT PLAYING AND THEN THE CAR WENT DEAD AS I WAS MOVING IN TRAFFIC. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS VERY STRESSFUL BEING STRUCK IN TRAFFIC. THANKS TO SOME KIND LADIES, THE CAR WAS PUSHED OUT OF THE WAY. WE SUSPECTED IT WAS A BATTERY MALFUNCTION, ALTHOUGH THE BATTERY WAS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. WE TOOK THE BATTERY TO PLACE OF PURCHASE AND THEY TRIED TO CHARGE IT, IT WOULD NOT CHARGE SO THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY FOR FREE BECAUSE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THIS TIME THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN THE RADIO WENT OUT AND THE CAR DIED. THIS WAS EXTREMELY STRESSFUL AS TRAFFIC WAS SPEEDING BEHIND ME AND I WAS AFRAID I WOULD GET REAR ENDED. ONCE AGAIN THERE WERE TWO FEMALES THAT HELPED ME PUSH THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC. ONCE AGAIN THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER THIS TIME THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATING, I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM THE RAV 4 'S ELECTRICAL STEERING AND THE FACT THAT IT PULLS TO MUCH POWER. THERE IS NOT REASON WHY THE CAR SHOULD JUST QUIT WHILE YOUR DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. IT IS HARD TO TRUST THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY STOPS IN TRAFFIC AND WILL NOT START AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2012, fire
THE CAR FILLED WITH THE SMELL ,AND SMOKE OF BURNING WIRE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 5, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH BURNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE DOOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT RIGHT BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE IT ENGULF INTO FLAMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2012, fire
WAS DRIVING NORMAL - ONLY A FEW MINUTES AFTER IGNITION - STRANGE SCENT OF PLASTIC BURNING. LOOKED DOWN TO FIND A THICK WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM WINDOW SWITCHES, FLAME SEEN THROUGH CRACKS. HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY @ GAS/SERVICE STATION TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAME - I HAD NO LIQUID TO EXTINGUISH AT TIME OF INCIDENT. WENT DIRECTLY TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DROPPED OFF VEHICLE. THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL - SO THEY WOULD NOT PURCHASE ME A RENTAL HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF. I FOUND THESE LINKS RIGHT AWAY ONCE I GOT IN FRONT OF A COMPUTER: HTTP://WWW.KTVU.COM/NEWS/NEWS/TOYOTA-RECALLING-778000-RAV4-SUVS/NP8CR/ THIS IS THE LATEST ISSUE FOR THE POPULAR RAV4, WHICH IS CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN A GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION OF DOOR FIRES THAT HAVE BEEN LINKED TO POWER WINDOW SWITCHES. HTTP://WOT.MOTORTREND.COM/BURNING-TOYOTA-CAMRYRAV4-WINDOW-SWITCHES-PROMPT-NHTSA-INVESTIGATION-168895.HTML END OF REPORT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO A TIRE SHOP AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE CONTROL PANEL BECAUSE ALL OF THE WIRES WERE MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO SENT OUT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE FAILURE, ADVISING THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD RESPOND WITHIN THIRTY DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,120.   ..UPDATED 09/12/12 *BF UPDATED 09/12/2012 *JS
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 21, 2012, fire
I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE DRIVER'S-SIDE DOOR. WHEN I STOP TO CHECK I SAW FIRE INSIDE THE DOOR. I IMMEDIATE ASK FOR ASSISTANCE. WHEN HE UNCOVER THE SWITCH IT HAS A NICKEL SIDE HOLE. THERE IS NO MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE SWITCH NOT WORKING OR MY WINDOWS. I REALLY THINK I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NEAR MY BROTHERS HOME WHEN THIS HAPPEN. IF I WAS SOMEWHERE (LIKE THE FREEWAY) I REALLY TAUGHT MY WHOLE CAR WOULD OF CAUGHT ON FIRE AND LUCKY MY CHILD WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 20, 2012
MY 2007 RAV4 DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW WONT GO UP AND DOWN. THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL SWITCH FOR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT MOVE. THE SWITCH FOR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW ON THE BACK DOOR DOES NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. WHEN IT DOES WORK JUST ONE TAP AND THE REAR WINDOW (DRIVER SIDE) GOES DOWN ALL THE WAY BY ITS SELF. THE OTHER THREE SWITCHES FOR THE WINDOWS AND THE OTHER THREE WINDOWS SEEM TO WORK AND RESPOND HOW THEY SHOULD. ONLY PROBLEM IS WITH THE REAR WINDOW AND THE SWITCH ON BOTH THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE REAR WINDOW DOOR (DRIVER SIDE). ALSO WHILE DRIVING TO WORK DRIVING APROX 10 MPH MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BENT IN TOWARD THE WHEEL WELL. THE TIE ROD WAS BROKE AND THE TIE ROD WAS VERY RUSTED . THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A FREAK OCCURRENCE AND FIXED IT WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. PROBLEM IS THAT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION (DRIVER SIDE) IS ALSO RUSTED BUT THEY DID NOT FIX IT AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAPPENED JUNE 14TH AT ABOUT 6:10 AM I WAS NOT TOLD OF THE RECALL OF THIS TIE ROD ISSUE AT THE TIME OF IT GETTING FIXED . THEY PLAYED IT OFF AS IT WERE A FREAK OCCURRENCE.. TOYOTA/SCION DEALER OF BERLIN CITY TOYOTA. *TR