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, Structure, Jul 29, 2012, fire
THIS JUST HAPPEND TO ME ON THE MORNING OF 07/26/2012. I WAS ON A BUSINESS TRIP AND LEAVING THE AIRPORT. AS I WAS ABOUT TO PAY MY PARKING FEE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR STARTED SMOKING AND I SAW A SMALL FIRE STARTING TO FLARE UP ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOOR BY THE WINDOW SWITCH. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES THE WHOLE DOOR WAS UP IN FLAMES. *JS
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 107,802.
Electrical system, Visibility, Jul 9, 2012, fire
THE DRIVER DOOR'S WINDOW/LOCK CONTROL PANEL SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. I WAS NOT USING THE CONTROLS AT THE TIME. I COULD HEAR THE SOUND OF BURNING AND FEEL HEAT BEHIND THE PANEL, HOWEVER NO ACTUAL FLAMES CAME OUTSIDE OF THE PANEL. COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF SMOKE BEGAN TO BILLOW FROM THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL. I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS THE SOUND OF BURNING CEASED. THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO BILLOW FROM THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO COME IN. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE ABOUT ONE MILE TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHILE I WAS DRIVING SMALL AMOUNTS OF SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT THROUGH THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY PLACED SOME KIND OF "LOCK" ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. I HAVE SINCE SEEN THE ACTUAL CONTROL MECHANISM. A PORTION OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IS CHARRED, AND WHERE THIS CHAR IS THERE IS A HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE PLASTIC ENCLOSURE. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 22, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE PARKED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE BEGAN IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER MASTER SWITCH. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION OPEN UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12002 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, May 26, 2012, fire
WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON A SMELL EMANATED AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE WINDOW SWITCH AREA OF THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. THE SMELL LINGERED BUT THE SMOKE STOPPED. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, May 9, 2012, fire
MASTER WINDOW SWITCH BURNED AND EMITTED SMOKE WITH HIGH CONCENTRATION OF IRRITATING FUMES THROUGHOUT THE SUV WHILE ENROUTE IN MARYLAND. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 17, 2012, fire
IT WAS A SUNNY DAY, AND I DROVE MY 2007 RAV4 AT THE SPEED OF 40 MILES PER HOUR. SUDDENLY, I HEARD A NOISE ZIIIII FROM THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH AT THE DRIVER SIDE. I SAW AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AT THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH AT THE DRIVER SIDE. THE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH. I PULLED OVER MY CAR, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND LEFT THE CAR. WHEN THE FLAME WENT OUT, I SAW A BURNED HOLE ABOUT QUARTER SIZE IN THE SWITCH. NOTE: THERE IS NO WATER LEAKED / COFFEE SPILLED INSIDE THE SWITCH. I WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT THE FUSE DID NOT BLOW OUT. DEALER DENIED TO REPLACING THE SWITCH WITHOUT CHARGING. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2012
NEUTRAL START SWITCH HIDDEN WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CAN FAIL TO WORK AND THUS NOT SEND A SIGNAL TO START THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE HEAD MECHANIC, THE DEFECT IS UNCERTAIN WHY IT HAPPENS OTHER THAN THE STANDARD RESPONSE THAT IT IS NORMAL ASPECT OF WEAR. I DON'T AGREE, SINCE THE COMPONENT IS UNDER NO STRESS LIKE FOR EXAMPLE A SPARK PLUG. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING IN THE MATTER. *TR *KB
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2012, fire
MY WIFE STARTED VEHICLE IN GARAGE TO WARM IT UP WHEN SHE SMELLED SMOKE. SHE THEN NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW/POWER LOCK SWITCH AREA. SHE POURED HER CUP OF COFFEE ON THE FLAMES TO EXTINGUISH THEM. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH WHICH HAD BURNT UP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2012
A CAR PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND I TOUCHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY ENGINE INCREASED ACCELERATION WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE SLOWED ACCELERATION AND I PUSHED MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND I PULLED CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TOWARDS ME AND THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN-MY CAR HAD BEEN SET TO CRUISE AT 52 MPH. AFTER THE INCIDENT I SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AS I WAS HEADING INTO TOWN. I THEN PULLED INTO BIG SCOOP(CANTON,IL BUSINESS) PARKING LOT GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH-A LADY WALKED IN FRONT OF MY CAR AND I TOUCHED THE BRAKE AND AGAIN I EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ACCELERATION AND AGAIN I WAS QUICK IN SHOVING CAR INTO NEUTRAL PREVENTING A SERIOUS INJURY. I WENT HOME AND CALLED FORT TOYOTA IN PEKIN, IL AND I TOOK CAR IN FEB, 17, 2012 AT NOON. THEY HAD THEIR TOP MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT-HE SAID HE COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THEY CALLED TOYOTA'S HEADQUARTERS AND THEY TOLD THEM IT WAS A FLOORMAT ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT AND I TOLD THEM IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FLOORMATS BUT RATHER AFTER TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL IS WHEN I RECEIVED UNWANTED ACCELERATION IN BOTH INCIDENTS. THEY ASKED ME SEVERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT AND THEY GAVE ME TOYOTA'S HEADQUARTERS NUMBER AND GAVE ME A RENTAL CAR TO USE. WHEN I CALLED THEIR HEADQUARTERS THEY SAID IT WAS A FLOORMAT ISSUE AND THAT WAS THEIR FINAL STATEMENT ON THE MATTER. I TOLD THEM IT WAS A BRAKE ISSUE BUT THEY STUCK TO FLOORMATS AS THE CAUSE AND THAT IS WHY I'M REPORTING THIS MATTER TO YOU AS I FEEL FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL DRIVERS; THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BY ANY AUTOMAKER WITH UNWANTED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. A FIRST STEP IS TO ADMIT THAT THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM THEN GOOD(SAFE) THINGS WILL RESULT. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME OUT. IT IS APPRECIATED VERY MUCH,[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Visibility, Feb 14, 2012, fire
I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 RAV4 FROM TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE IN 2007. 1. IN 2009 I COULD HEAR WIND IN THE DRIVER'S WINDOW; I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED, TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID I WAS HEARING THINGS. 2.THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAUGHT FIRE (I HAD THE KEYS WITH ME) I HAD TO SPEND $606.01 TO FIX IT, TOYOTA SAID THERE WAS WATER INTRUSION (I THOUGHT, IT PROBABLY WAS, BECAUSE OF THE AIR LEAK PREVIOUSLY REPORTED IN 2009) 3. THE STEERING WHEEL FELT STRANGE WHEN I DROVE, I TOOK IT BACK FOR SERVICE, THE DIAGNOSIS WAS STEERING SHAFT INTERNAL FAILURE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; I FOUGHT TO GET THAT FIXED OUT OF WARRANTY. 5. ON NOVEMBER 25, 2011 I WAS DRIVING, THE WINDOW FELL IN ON ME AND ON NOVEMBER 26, 2011, I HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR REPLACED FOR $338.30 7. NOW, OIL IS LEAKING INTO THE MUFFLER. (I PURCHASE OIL FREQUENTLY) THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 4.5 YEARS OLD AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY OF THESE MAJOR PROBLEMS, WHEN I PURCHASED THIS RAV4, IT WAS GOING TO BE MY LAST VEHICLE PURCHASE BECAUSE TOYOTA ADVERTISES LONGEVITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS. I ALSO KNOW PEOPLE WHO DRIVE 1990 AND 1995 TOYOTA PRODUCTS WHO HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. I WAS ALSO TREATED VERY POORLY DURING SOME OF MY REPAIR VISITS. AFTER THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, I HAD A MEETING WITH THE OWNER OF TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE, [XXX] BUT HIS RESOLUTION WAS GIVING ME $13,000.00 FOR MY VEHICLE (WHICH I OWN) AND ME PURCHASING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE, WHICH MEANT I WOULD HAVE A MONTHLY PAYMENT. I DID CONTACT TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN CALIFORNIA AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY RESOLUTION. SINCE THEN I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT STATING THEY CAN'T HELP ME. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE, SINCERELY, TOYOTA RAV4 OWNER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Electrical system, Feb 10, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT REMOVED ALL OF THE SWITCHS AND FUSES FROM THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2012, fire
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK LAST JANUARY 19 AT 5PM I SAW MY WINDOW THAT IT LOOKS LIKE SO HOT OUTSIDE AND WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN IT,I SAW A FLAME COMING OUT FROM THE LEFT POWER SWITCH. I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE IT WAS GETTING BIG SO I STOP MY CAR ,TURN OFF MY ENGINE,GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL 911. WHEN POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE FIRE OR FLAMES GONE. IT WAS SO STRANGE AND SCARY. GOOD THING I NEVER GOT HURT AND I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE RIGHT AWAY. I FILE THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I JUST WANT YOU TO BE AWARE SO THAT YOU GUYS CAN DO ANY SOLUTION FOR THIS MATTER AND I DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO EXPERIENCE WHAT HAPPEN TO ME. POLICE REPORT # 12-024482. *KB
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2011, fire
MASTER WINDOW POWER SWITCH CAUGHT A FIRE IN AUGUST 2011. IT HAD BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS SINCE JULY 2009. TOYOTA WOULD NOT FIX IT BECAUSE TO MANY MILES. HOW DOES A POWER WINDOW STOP WORKING ON A 2007 RAV4 WHEN IT ONLY TWO YEARS OLD. FAULTY MASTER POWER SWITCH. IT HAD A BURN HOLE THE SIZE OF A DIME. I'M GLAD I TOOK A PICTURE OF IT. THE FIRST TIME I SAW SMOKE WAS JUNE 2011. I WAS SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THE FIRE TRAP I TRADED IT IN FOR A NEW CAR. THE RAV4 WAS PAID OFF NOW I HAVE A CAR LOAN AT 19.9%. *KB
Electrical system, Visibility, Jul 7, 2011, fire
AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, I SAW A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVERS DOOR PANEL AND IT SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. AFTERWARDS, THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL. THE PASSENGER WINDOW WOULD ONLY LET DOWN (VERY SLOWLY) BUT WOULDN'T GO BACK UP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE MAIN POWER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAD A HOLE BURNED INTO IT THE SIZE OF A DIME. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. PRIOR TO THIS THE PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2010 AND NOVEMBER 2010. HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENTS STILL NEVER TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM OF THE PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. IN FACT, A COUPLE MONTHS AGO I WAS JUST AT THE DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING THAT I WAS STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW SWITCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. I NEVER GUESSED THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE! NOW I'M A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING MY VEHICLE! UPDATED 11/17/11 *BF UPDATED 06/06/12 *JS
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2011, fire
ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTING INSIDE MASTER WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH. I WAS CLEANING MY CAR WITH THE IGNITION ON BATTERY POWER (IN ORDER TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO). AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES I NOTICED A BURNT PLASTIC SMELL, CONSIDERABLE SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SMALL TONGUE OF FLAME FROM THE SAME PLACE. THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS (LATER FOUND TO BE) THE WHITE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW MASTER CONTROL, WHERE THE PHYSICAL WINDOW SWITCH MEETS THE CIRCUIT BOARD. I WAS NOT TOUCHING ANY WINDOW OR OTHER CONTROLS AT THE TIME OR WITHIN 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE. THE FIRE STOPPED RAPIDLY AFTER I TOOK THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION, DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLES, POPPED OFF THE MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH A SCREWDRIVER AND THEN SMOTHERED THE CONTROLS WITH A WET TOWEL. ALL THE VEHICLE'S WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE AFTER THAT. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY PERFORMED AN INSPECTION AND REPORTED THAT THEY WERE 'MYSTIFIED' AS TO THE CAUSE. THE SERVICE MANAGER'S WORDS WERE: 'I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN MY 25 YEARS WORKING ON CARS.' THE PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS CONFINED TO THE MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND COST $422 TO REPLACE. TOYOTA REFUSED TO PAY FOR THIS. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 31, 2010
LAST NIGHT, MY RAV4 BATTERY DIED DUE PRESUMABLY TO THE REAR DOOR LIGHT GETTING ACCIDENTALLY TURNED ON. UPON JUMP STARTING THE CAR, EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. I DROVE IT HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THEN, THIS MORNING, THE BATTERY WAS NOT QUITE UP HIGH ENOUGH TO START THE CAR, SO I JUMP STARTED IT AGAIN. IT STARTED, BUT A FEW HUNDRED FEET AWAY, I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKE ASSIST. IT REQUIRED EVERY OUNCE OF FORCE I COULD MUSTER TO TURN THE VEHICLE AROUND AND GET IT BACK TO MY HOUSE. THANKFULLY, THIS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS NEAR MY HOUSE AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY LAST NIGHT OR THE CHP WOULD HAVE BEEN SCRAPING ME OFF A BRIDGE POST. THE RAV4 CANNOT REALISTICALLY BE STEERED BY AN AVERAGE PERSON WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST BECAUSE OF THE GEARING RATIO, MAKING THIS A VERY SERIOUS DESIGN DEFECT. IF A VEHICLE CANNOT SAFELY OPERATE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT OPERATE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT, BECAUSE THE BATTERY PLAYS AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN POWER SMOOTHING, AND BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKE PUMPS ARE ELECTRICALLY OPERATED, A LOW BATTERY CAN RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE PUMPS WHILE THE ENGINE IS STILL FUNCTIONAL. THIS CAN EASILY RESULT IN AN UNCONTROLLABLE VEHICLE BARRELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 80 MPH. I BELIEVE THAT FIXING THIS PROBLEM REQUIRES A FUNDAMENTAL REDESIGN OF THE ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PUMPS TO ADD ADDITIONAL CAPACITORS SO THAT THE BATTERY IS NOT PLAYING SUCH A CRUCIAL ROLE IN SMOOTHING OUT THE PULSATING DC FROM THE ALTERNATOR ALONG WITH THE ADDITION OF SENSOR HARDWARE TO DETECT A LOW BATTERY CONDITION AND ACTIVATE AN INDICATOR LIGHT UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. IDEALLY, THE STEERING GEARBOX SHOULD ALSO BE REDESIGNED WITH A LOWER GEAR RATIO SO THAT IT DOES NOT BECOME UNDRIVEABLE. WITHOUT THESE FIXES, THE 2007 RAV4 IS FUNDAMENTALLY UNSAFE. THIS DESIGN FLAW PROBABLY ALSO AFFECTS MOST OTHER LATE MODELS OF TOYOTA. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 5, 2010
1. WHILE DRIVING A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 AT LOW SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGED, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE RADIO SILENCED FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE SAFELY STOPPED. NORMAL STEERING RESUMED RADIO CAME BACK ON AND CLUSTER LIGHTS STOPPED FLASHING. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MILES AND PARKED FOR APPRX. 1 HOUR. 2. THE CAR WOULD NOT START, AGAIN NO RADIO, BUT LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED TO FULL BRIGHTNESS. NO WARNING/FAULT LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAR WAS "JUMP-STARTED". WHEN PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING STALL, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGED AGAIN. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED. THE CAR ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING NORMALLY. 3. WHILE LOADING THE CAR, THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE REPEATEDLY 4 - 5 TIMES. THE TOYOTA OF WALNUT CREEK (CALIFORNIA) TECHNICIAN STATES THAT THE PROBLEM IS A DISCHARGED BATTERY, CAUSING THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST TO NOT OPERATE AND STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK CANNOT ENGAGE WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK DID ENGAGE, NOT A LACK OF STEERING ASSIST. THE TECHNICIAN STATED HE "CANNOT DUPLICATE" THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND RECEIVED A JUMP START. AFTER RECEIVING THE JUMP START AND DRIVING 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT BEGAN TO SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BATTERY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF A RECURRING FAILURE IF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE POTENTIAL OF A CRASH. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 4, 2010
OEM BATTERY DIED. VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED. DURING SUBSEQUENT OPERATION POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING DIFFICULTY STEERING VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 15, 2010
COMPLAINT:SECOND COMPLAINT I PURCHASED MY TOYOTA RAV 4 2007 IN OCTOBER OF 2007. A FEW MONTHS AFTER I HAD THE CAR I STARTED NOTICING THAT THE CAR, FOR NO REASON WOULD HESITATE, LEAVING ME AT TIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF CROSSINGS AN INTERSECTIONS WITH NO POWER. AFTER OTHERS BEGAN MAKING COMMENTS THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG I BROUGHT IT INTO LEITH TOYOTA. THE FIRST TIME WAS APRIL 24TH 2008. I EXPLAINED TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR I WAS HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. I TOLD HIM I WOULD START ACROSS AN INTERSECTION (4 LANES) AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR HESITATED, THERE WAS NO POWER. I WOULD PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS LATER THE CAR WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. I TOLD THEM IT CONCERNED AND SCARED ME. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. APRIL 28TH 2008 I RETURNED AGAIN TO THE DEALERSHIP ADVISING THEM THERE WAS A PROBLEM, I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AND WANTED IT FIXED. I AGAIN WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOT ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THIS TIME I REFUSED TO LEAVE UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THEY FINALLY BROUGHT THE CAR BACK IN AND TOLD ME THE MODELS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ECM SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THEY REFLASHED THE ECM SYSTEM WITH AN UPDATE SENT BY CORPORATE AND THINGS SHOULD BE FINE. YESTERDAY I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I TOLD THEM THE CAR WAS OK FOR A NUMBER OF MONTHS BUT AGAIN THIS WEEK I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR HAD STARTED TO HESITATE AGAIN, AND I AM LEFT IN THE INTERSECTION WITHOUT POWER AND ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THEY TOOK THE CAR OUT AND OF COURSE THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT SO THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING ABNORMAL. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY ADDITIONAL COMPUTER UPDATES FOR THE PROBLEM. THE CAR ALSO LOOSES POWER ON HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, SHUTS DOWN AFTER A WHILE. THEY ADVISED ME THERE WERE NO ADDITIONAL UPDATES. I TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM IS PUTTING ME IN DANGER OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT. THEY TOLD ME TOYOTA DOES NOT FEEL THIS IS A PROBLEM. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 07/15/10.*JB
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 18, 2009
THE BATTERY ON MY WIFE'S 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING, & SO ON THE ADVICE OF THE FOLSOM LAKE TOYOTA GARAGE, I JUMP STARTED HER CAR TO GET HER HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I DID THE SAME, SO THAT SHE COULD DRIVE IT TO THE GARAGE TO GET FIXED. WHEN SHE STARTED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOWEVER, THE STEERING LOCK WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO TURN THE WHEEL & SHE ENDED UP DRIVING TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SHE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED, & TOLD ME, & SO AS I THOUGHT SHE MEANT THAT THE POWER STEERING SIMPLY WASN'T WORKING, I SAID THAT I WOULD DRIVE IT TO THE GARAGE FOR HER. WHEN I STARTED OFF HOWEVER, THE CAR STEERING LOCK STOPPED ME TURNING THE WHEEL, ALTHOUGH ONLY FOR A SECOND OR TWO, BEFORE THE STEERING BEGAN TO WORK CORRECTLY, & SO I VERY SLOWLY & CAREFULLY DROVE THE CAR TO THE GARAGE. THE GARAGE CHECKED THE CAR & SAID THAT IT WAS JUST A FAULTY BATTERY, BUT WHEN I POINTED OUT THAT IF A FAULTY BATTERY COULD CAUSE THE STEERING LOCK TO ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING, THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD, THEY SAID THAT WHEN THEY ASKED TOYOTA, THEY SIMPLY SAID THAT IT WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED, & SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. CONSEQUENTLY, I CALLED TOYOTA, & THEY TOLD ME THAT AS THE CAR HAS AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE, THE STEERING LOCK COULD ENGAGE WITH A BAD BATTERY. WHEN I SUGGESTED TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICES REP THAT THEY NEEDED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS A SAFETY HAZARD, SHE WASN'T INTERESTED IN HELPING, & POINT BLANK REFUSED TO GIVE ME CONTACT DETAILS FOR HER BOSS, OR ANYONE AT TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA OR JAPAN, ONLY THE CUSTOMER SERVICES DEPT., I.E., PEOPLE LIKE HERSELF. I FIND IT INSULTING THAT TOYOTA NOT ONLY APPEARS NOT TO CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS, BUT ALSO DOESN'T APPEAR TO WANT TO HEAR FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS, E.G., WHEN I TOOK A SURVEY AFTER MY CALL, & ENTERED SOME VERY LOW NUMBERS FOR SERVICE CARE, THE CALL WAS DELIBERATELY CUT OFF BY TOYOTA. SO MUCH FOR JAPANESE SERVICE! *TR
Electrical system, Feb 3, 2009
I PURCHASED MY 2007 RAV4 USED IN EARLY 2008. IT HAS THE FACTORY INSTALLED PREMIUM JBL 6-DISC STEREO. SINCE THE DAY THAT I HAVE OWNED IT, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH RADIO RECEPTION. THE RADIO'S DISPLAY WAS ALSO MALFUNCTIONING, SO THE DEALER REPLACED THAT, BUT I STILL HAVE POOR RECEPTION. THE RECEPTION IS FINE IF I AM WITHIN ABOUT 5 MILES OF A RADIO TOWER, BUT JUST OUTSIDE OF CITY LIMITS, I EITHER GET STATIC OR THE SIGNAL IS LOST COMPLETELY. WHEN I HAD THE DISPLAY REPLACED, I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP (BILL PENNEY TOYOTA, HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA) ABOUT THE POOR RECEPTION, BUT THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2009
2007 RAV4 LTD V6 - ALARM SYSTEM THAT KILLS ENGINE -- MALFUNCTIONED. SHORT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BETWEEN ALARM SYSTEM AND BATTERY. DEALER SUPPOSEDLY FIXED, BUT I HEAR A BUZZ NOISE LIKE A WIRE SHORTING OUT AND THE ONE BEEP THE ALARM SYSTEM IS TO MAKE WHEN LOCKING CAR DOESN'T BEEP. SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED 2 X AND LAST TIME WAS LEAVING AIRPORT AT MIDNIGHT. LUCKILY PULLED OFF INTERSTATE. CAR DIED. COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. CAR HORN CONTINUOUSLY BEEPED WHEN MALFUNCTIONING - WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO BE CAR JACKED BY SOMEONE WHO THOUGHT I WAS INTENTIONALLY DOING THE BEEPING OR IT COULD HAVE KILLED THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. DEALER SAID PROBLEM WAS BATTERY THEN SAID SHORT BETWEEN BATTERY AND ALARM SYSTEM. SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT BUT IT APPEARS THAT IT'S STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY 2 WEEKS LATER SO TAKING BACK TO DEALER TODAY. *TR