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: power train
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2013
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT AND 4WD LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS DEFECTIVE CHARCOAL CANISTER. WAS TOLD TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR OR PART UNDER THEIR EMISSIONS WARRANTY. TOYOTA IS ATTEMPTING TO BLAME THIS PROBLEM ON CONSUMER ERROR WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK. HOW IS THE CHARCOAL CANISTER NOT PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM WHEN IT'S PURPOSE IS TO SERVE AS A FILTER OF GAS/EXHAUST FUMES. TOYOTA IS ONCE AGAIN NOT STANDING BY THEIR WARRANTIES OR PRODUCTS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jan 2, 2013
STEERING HAS PLAY AND CLUNK AT TIMES CAUSING CAR TO SWERVE DO MECHANICAL DEFECT AND/OR OVER CORRECTION OF THE DRIVER DO TO SENSATION OF LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. AFTER READING USER FORMS ON THIS VEHICLE IT IS COMMON TO THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA TO PREVENT FATAL ACCIDENTS. RECALL ITEMS SHOULD INCLUDE MIDDLE SHAFT AND RACK AND PINION. WEBSITES BELOW TELL PEOPLE TO COMPLAIN TO TOYOTA BUT THIS SHOULD BE MANDATED BY THE NHTSA HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2007/TOYOTA/RAV4/STEERING HTTP://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/99-4-3-MECHANICAL/82616-STEERING-INTERMEDIATE-SHAFT-CLUNK-SOLUTION.HTML. *TR
Power train, Nov 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, HE WOULD HEAR A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 59,000. UPDATED 12/19/12 *CN
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
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 11, 2012
WHEN DRIVING FOR LONGS PERIODS, AND SOME SHORT PERIODS INCLUDING COMING HOME FROM THE DEALER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW, THE CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY CONTROL, AND 4WD LIGHTS COME ON IN THE CLUSTER. THE CRUISE CONTROL, 4WD, AND STABILITY CONTROL DO NOT FUNCTION WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY CODES AND CANNOT FIX IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE MARCH OF 2007, AND THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN, AS I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES DOING THE SAME THING, AND STABILITY CONTROL IS A SAFETY FEATURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 10, 2012
TRANSMISSION DEVELOPED AN ANNOYING WHINE FROM 40 TO 60 MPH. VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE OF THE HIGH PITCH NOISE IT MAKES INSIDE THE CABIN. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 5, 2011
2007 RAV 4 HAD 3 LIGHTS TURNED ON (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT), SHORTLY AFTER THE LIGHTS CAME ON, THE BRAKES FAILED. RAV4 WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA DELEARSHIP FOR REPAIR AND AFTER THE TECHNICIANS BEING CONFUSED BY THE LIGHTS, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD FAILED. THIS ISSUE IS SIMILAR TO THE RECENT HIGHLINDER RECALL AND I FEEL PEOPLE'S SAFETY IS AT STAKE WITH THE BRAKES FAILING. *TR
Power train, Sep 14, 2010
I BOUGHT A TOYOTA RAV4 07 WITH 5000MILES 3 YEARS AGO. RUNS GREAT, EVERYTHING SEEMS FINE, BUT NOTICED THAT AFTER TAKING A 700 MILE ROUND TRIP THAT WE HAD GONE THROUGH DARN NEAR A QUART OF OIL. NO VISIBLE SMOKE, NO LEAKS....WHAT GIVES? I WAS SURFING THE WEB THIS MORNING AND DID NOTICE A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT QUESTIONS REGARDING EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION IN VARIOUS TOYOTAS. TOYOTA WON'T FIX MY CAR AND SAID THAT WAS "NORMAL"...I WANT THE BIG GUY IN JAPAN KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. CAN YOU ELABORATE FOR ME. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP. *TR
Power train, Aug 26, 2010
ENGINE APPEARS TO STALL UNDER LIGHT THROTTLE. RPM GAUGE SHOWS THE ENGINE SPEED FLUCTUATION. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IN AND OUT OF GEAR RAPIDLY WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON AND YOU ARE GOING UP AN INCLINE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, May 19, 2010
MY 2007 6 CYL RAV4 HAS UNDER 30K MILES ON IT. WAS FINE AND AFTER SITTING UN-DRIVEN IN MY GARAGE FOR 3 WEEKS, NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC, AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHTS STAY ON. THE TRANSMISSION NO LONGER SHIFTS INTO OVERDRIVE (STAYS IN 4TH GEAR) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RANDOM DELAYED ACCELERATION WHEN MAKING SLOW SPEED TURNS (USUALLY AT INTERSECTIONS OR PASSING IN SLOW MOVING RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC) RESULTING IN SUDDEN ACCELERATION. NO ACCIDENT - YET. HAVE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALER LOOK AT IT. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Mar 23, 2010
TOYOTA 2007 RAV4 WITH 20,000 MILES, SINCE I PURCHASED HAS HAD SOME ISSUES WITH THE ACCELERATION LURCHING FORWRD BOTH WHILE BARELY TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL OR TURNING CORNERS, AND GOING UP A SMALL HILL OR A LARGE HILL. IVE STILL GOT THE WARRANTY TILL MAY2010, THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND COULDNT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HELLO TOYOTA ! NOW IM READING ABOUT ALL THESE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT RAV4 ISNT DISCLOSING TO THE PUBLIC! THE SERVICE KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM SO WHY WONT THEY FIX I ? IM ON A DISABILITY AND NEED SAFE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION. WHERE DO I STAND ? WHAT DO I DO NEXT? IT MAY BE THE TRANSMISSION OR CPS? IM SITTING HERE WITH THE PROOF THAT IT WAS LOOKED AT . AS I DROVE IT HOME FROM SCHOOL YESTERDAY AND TURNING A CORNER GOING ON AN INCLINE IT LURCHED FORWARD , THAT ISNT GOOD FOR ME OR THE CAR AND THEY WONT FIX IT IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE AND AWHILE WWHAT DO I DO ?
Power train, Equipment, Feb 23, 2010
ON OCT 2009 I HAD A TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE OF MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE SEIZED COMPLETELY .THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT I CONTINUE TO HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH SHIFTING GEARS AND BRAKING PROBLEMS . *TR
Power train, Feb 15, 2010
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING MY WIFE'S 2007 TOYOTA RAV4, THE MOTOR REVVED MOMENTARILY WHILE I WAS BRAKING. THE LAST INSTANCE WAS IN THE SUMMER OF 09 WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A CAMPGROUND AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. A PERSON CROSSED THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME AND I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO LET HIM PASS. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE CAMPGROUND, THE MOTOR REVVED (I AM ESTIMATING IT REVVED FROM IDLE TO ABOUT 17-1800 RPM) AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD, STARTLING THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN FRONT OF ME. FORTUNATELY MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I JUST APPLIED THE BRAKE HARDER AND NO ONE WAS HURT. ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS PREVIOUS TO THESE INCIDENTS, I EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS, AND I HAD PREVIOUSLY DISMISSED THEM THINKING THAT PERHAPS I COULD HAVE STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND GAS AT THE SAME TIME. I KNOW THIS NOT TO BE THE CASE IN THIS LATEST INSTANCE BECAUSE MY WIFE AND I WERE RETURNING FROM THE BEACH AND I WAS BAREFOOT, SO I KNOW DID NOT STEP ON BOTH THE GAS AND BRAKE SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE GAS PEDAL ALSO DID NOT STICK. I WAS IDLING THROUGH THE CAMPGROUND AT THE TIME WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AT ALL. *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
Power train, Feb 10, 2010
I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC, 6-CYLINDER 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED AWD, THAT SUFFERS FROM THROTTLE/TRANSMISSION LAG OF 1-2 SECONDS. I EXPERIENCE IT MOST COMMONLY WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR CHANGING LANES, WHEN I DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO SPEED UP, THERE IS AN UNCOMFORTABLY LONG DELAY BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION CHANGES GEARS. THE RESULT IS I AM LEFT HANGING OUT IN A LANE WITH NO POWER OR SPEED. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION OR THROTTLE FINALLY KICKS IN, THE CAR LURCHES VIOLENTLY, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. I AND MANY OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION. BY THE WAY, I ALSO OWN A 2008 HONDA ACCORD AUTOMATIC AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN THE HONDA. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE LOOKED AT AND FIXED. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Jan 5, 2010
AT LOW RPM THE ACCELERATOR AND/OR THE TRANSMISSION HAS A NOTICEABLE LAG. THIS OCCURS APPROX 50 % OF THE TIME. SEVERAL TIMES IT HAS PUT ME INTO A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN TRYING TO BLEND INTO TRAFFIC. MOST RECENTLY I WAS TAKING MY SON TO COLLEGE AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A TRUCK ON THE PENN TURNPIKE. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TWICE TO THE DEALER ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT A ROAD TEST SHOWED "NORMAL OPERATION OF THE ACCELERATOR". I RECENTLY DID A WEB SEARCH AND FOUND THAT TOYOTA HAS STOPPED SELLING RAV 4 WITH V6 ENGINES IN AUSTRALIA FOR JUST THIS PROBLEM. IN JUNE , WHILE ALSO DRIVING MY SON TO COLLEGE I HAD THE AIR CONDITIONER ON FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS OF A 11 HOUR DRIVE. THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR, FLOODED. UPON MY ARRIVAL I DRIED IT OUT THE BEST I COULD USING HOTEL TOWELS. A MUSTY SMELL LASTED ABOUT A DAY OR TWO THEN SUBSIDED. DRIVING BACK HOME SEVERAL DAYS LATER IT RAINED FOR MOST OF THE TRIP AND AGAIN THE CAR FLOODED . I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THEY TOLD ME THAT WEEP VENTS UNDER THE VEHICLE FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AND MOON ROOF WERE CLOGGED THEREBY DIRECTING THE WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CLEANED IT UP AS BEST THEY COULD BUT THAT THE MUSTY SMELL WAS STRONGER NOW. TO GET RID OF THAT WOULD REQUIRE PULLING THE SEATS AND RUGS TO PROPERLY CLEAN THE VEHICLE AND THAT WOULD COST APPROX $250. I OPTED NOT TO DO THAT AND DROVE FOR THE NEXT WEEK WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON TO DEHUMIDIFY THE CAR. I CHECKED TO OWNERS MANUAL AND FOUND NO MENTION OF CLEANING THESE WEEP HOLES/VENTS, AND IT IS NOT PART OF THE DEALERS MAINTENANCE POLICY TO CLEAN THEM. THE OWNERS MANUAL DID MENTION THAT IF THE FLOOR WAS TO GET WET THEN THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE SIDE AIRBAG AND CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG ACTIVATING CORRECTLY (PAGE 379 OF OWNERS MANUAL). WATER MAY ALSO GET INTO AUDIO COMPONENTS OR OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ABOVE OR UNDER THE FLOOR CARPET AND CAUSE MALFUNCTION AND IT MAY CAUSE BODY CORROSION. *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2009
2007 RAV4 W/4CYL ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHILE ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC, THROTTLE BECAME STUCK. THE PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND TO MY FOOT. IT WAS STUCK IN "DOWN" POSITION. I MANAGED TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND WITH ENGINE REVVING WIDELY SHUT THE MOTOR OFF. I AM VERY LUCKY THERE WAS LIGHT TRAFFIC AT THE TIME. NOTE THAT I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED FOR FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE WITH PEDAL AND THE MAT WAS NOT NEAR THE PEDAL. THIS THROTTLE STUCK AS IF MECHANICAL LINKAGE OR THROTTLE-RELATED DEVICE HAD HELD IT IN PLACE. *TR
Power train, May 14, 2009
MY RAV4 V6 2007 37,887 MILES HAD A V V T OIL LINE RUPTURE AND EXTENSIVE LOSS OF OIL. THE OIL SPRAYED THE UPPER ENGINE AND LEAKED ON THE GROUND. THE CAR WAS CREATING A LOUD GRINDING SOUND AND THE OIL LIGHT FLICKERED THEN WENT OUT. THE SERVICE STATION WHERE I PULLED IN REFILLED THE OIL AND THEN FOUND THE LEAK.THE CAR HAD TO HAVE 5 QUARTS PUT INTO IT, IT HOLDS 6. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. A REQUEST TO EXAM THE VALVES AND DROP THE OIL PAN TO EXAM FOR METAL FILINGS OR ANY DAMAGE HAS BEEN DENIED. THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACED THE HOSE ACCORDING TO THE WARRANTY. THIS DEFECT WAS KNOWN BY TOYOTA ,TSB EG064-05, ON THE AVALON 2005 (SAME ENGINE). RESEARCH SHOWS THIS PART WAS STILL ON THE 2006-2008 RAV4 V6. THIS HOSE WAS REDESIGNED ON THE 2009 RAV4. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ON THE RAV4 V6 DOES STAY LIT UNTIL AFTER ALL THE OIL IS GONE AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE OCCURS. TOYOTA BUILT IT WITH THIS DEFECT AND HAVE NO MECHANIC DEVICE TO WARN AND PROTECT THE CONSUMERS OF THE LEAK. I WAS TOLD SERVICE REPLACED AN ENGINE ON ANOTHER RAV4 RECENTLY, BUT MINE WAS NOT RUN UNTIL THE ENGINE STOPPED. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT CHECK THE VALVES OR BEARINGS FOR FURTHER DAMAGE. THEY RAN THE CAR, BUT WOULD NOT DO A VISUAL OR PHYSICAL INSPECTION AS WE REQUESTED. *TR
Power train, Mar 6, 2009
WHEN I TURN MY CAR OFF, BUT LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO KEEP THE RADIO ON FOR MY PASSENGER WHILE I AM OUT OF THE CAR, SOMETIMES I FORGET TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF DRIVE AND PUT IT INTO PARK. I DO NOT USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I HAVE DONE THIS, THE CAR HAS ROLLED BACKWARDS. USUALLY, I NOTICE IT BEFORE I STEP OUT OF THE CAR, AND I PUT ON THE BRAKES AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. LAST WEEK, HOWEVER, I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. LUCKILY, THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK BEFORE THE CAR ROLLED INTO SOMETHING. IF I HAD LEFT A CHILD IN THE CAR, THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES. *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S CHILD INSERTED A KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THE CHILD ACCIDENTALLY SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO REVERSE WHILE SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CAUSED MINOR PHYSICAL DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE AND PROPERTY. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE DEALER TO DETERMINE WHY THE BRAKE SAFE GEAR SHIFTER DID NOT WORK. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 27,000.
Power train, Nov 27, 2008
I OWN A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED 4WD V6 AND THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF THE PROBLEM IS SEEN AFTER SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ONTO ANOTHER STREET. THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT OUT OF OVERDRIVE, SO WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASES AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. THE COMPUTER THEN REALIZES THAT THE CAR IS TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND "SLAMS" INTO GEAR. THIS CONDITION ALSO OCCURS IN TRAFFIC AND MAKING LANE CHANGES IS VERY DANGEROUS AT LOW SPEEDS. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA'S TECHNICAL SERVICE HOTLINE AND HAD THE LEAD SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT MY LOCAL DEALER RIDE WITH ME TO SEE THE PROBLEM I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAR IS "WITHIN NORMAL OPERATING PARAMETERS", BUT AFTER LOOKING AT SEVERAL WEB SITES, I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS A WORLDWIDE ISSUE WITH EVERY CAMRY, SIENNA, AVALON, RAV4 AND TUNDRA BUILT IN THE PAST SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. THE LOCAL SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THAT IN HIS 28 YEARS OF REPAIRING TOYOTA VEHICLES, HE HAS NEVER SEEN PROBLEMS LIKE THIS AND THE CARS ARE BEING DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY THAT A MECHANIC CANNOT FIX THE CAR. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITHIN THE FIRST 5000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP, AND AFTER 18 MONTHS, THERE STILL ISN'T A FIX OR ADMISSION FROM TOYOTA THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH THE RAV4, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE RELEASED TCM UPDATES FOR SOME CAMRY AND AVALON VEHICLES TO CORRECT THIS VERY ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 11/12/08. *CN UPDATED 11/18/08. *JB
Power train, Jul 18, 2008
I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH A LAG IN ACCELERATION. I NOTICE IT THE MOST WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO ABOUT 10 MPH TO MAKE A TURN. AS I COME OUT OF THE TURN AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR DOES NOTHING FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS. THEN THE ENGINE REVS UP AND FINALLY LURCHES FORWARD. I STARTED NOTICING THIS PROBLEM JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE. IT IS VERY ANNOYING AND TOTALLY SCREWS WITH THE GAS MILEAGE. IT'S ALSO ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I HATE AUTOMATIC ENGINES AND WISHED THAT TOYOTA OFFERED THESE VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE "AUTOMATIC" TRANSMISSION ISN'T ALL THAT AUTOMATIC AND SEEMS TO TAKE SOME TIME TO CATCH UP WITH HOW YOU'RE DRIVING AND WHAT YOU NEED THE CAR TO DO. *TR
Power train, Oct 31, 2007
I AM EXPERIENCING A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH A LAG IN ACCELERATION. THE TIME I NOTICED IT THE MOST IS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO ABOUT 10 MPH TO MAKE A TURN, AS I COME OUT OF THE TURN AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR DOES NOTHING FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS. THEN THE ENGINE REVS UP AND FINALLY LURCHES FORWARD. AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS HOW "DRIVE-BY-WIRE" ACCELERATION IS DESIGNED EVEN THOUGH I'VE TOLD THEM THAT I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE, I AM NOT OPTIMISTIC THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL BE RESOLVED. I STARTED NOTICING THIS PROBLEM JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Oct 27, 2007
I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2007 RAV4 BASE 4CYL (6000 MILES ON IT) WITH THE CRUSE ON, GOING 60 - 65 MPH, UP HILL IT WILL START SHIFTING IN AND OUT OF GEARS, BUCKING AND JUMPING. *TR