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: service brakes
46 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 5, 2019
WHILE GETTING MY EMERGENCY BRAKE REPAIRED BECAUSE IT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE HOLDING PROPERLY AT FIRESTONE THE TECHNICIAN PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AFTER TAKING SUV TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THAT THE INDIVIDUAL PULLED THE HANDLE UP TO FAR CAUSING A SHORT IN THE AIR BAG MODULE DEPLOYING THE AIR BAG WHILE INDIVIDUAL WAS IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS BUT TOYOTA CLAIMS THEY HAVE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WANT ME TO PAY $2,780.00 FOR THE REPAIR. THE VBEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 10, 2018, crash
I HAVE OWNED A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 FOR 10 YEARS. I WAS LEAVING A DELAWARE, OHIO, HOSPITAL PARKING LOT, BACKING OUT SLOWLY, MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE ROARED AND I SHOT BACKWARD, SMASHING INTO THE CAR PARKED BEHIND WHERE MY CAR HAD BEEN. THE CAR I HIT WAS SOMEWHAT DAMAGED IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER. THE IMPACT SHOVED IT OUT OF ITS SPACE AND ALMOST INTO A SMALL TRUCK TO THE RIGHT. MY CAR'S REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND THE RIGHT BACK BUMPER AND SIDE WERE CRUMPLED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME. THE FIRST TIME, I AGAIN WAS BACKING FROM A TIGHT SPOT, THIS TIME TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, WHEN THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE CAR LURCHED BACKWARD. THAT TIME, I HIT NOTHING. IT HAPPENED ANOTHER TIME WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS BACKING, AGAIN FROM A TIGHT SPOT WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. BACK AT THE HOSPITAL LOT. I INFORMED THE FRONT DESK EMPLOYEE, WHO INFORMED THE OHIOHEALTH HOSPITAL POLICE. TWO OFFICERS REPORTED, TOOK MY INFORMATION AND BEGAN SEARCHING FOR THE OTHER CAR'S OWNER. I ALSO CALLED THE CITY POLICE; AN OFFICER CAME BUT LEFT AFTER CONFERRING WITH OHIOHEALTH'S POLICE. I THEN TOOK THE CAR DIRECTLY TO MY LOCAL INSURANCE AGENT, WHO CONNECTED ME WITH A CLAIMS ADJUSTER. AT FIRST I THEORIZED THAT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE MUST HAVE PIVOTED SLIGHTLY AS I TURNED IN MY SEAT TO ENSURE I COULD BACK SAFELY. MY FOOT MUST HAVE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. PRESSED WITH CONSIDERABLE POWER, GIVEN THE CAR'S BACKWARD LEAP. NOV. 8 I TESTED THIS THEORY ON MY DRIVEWAY, AND SAW IMMEDIATELY IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE. I WOULD HAVE HAD TO LIFT MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE DELIBERATELY TO PRESS THE GAS FIRMLY. THIS CAR'S REGULAR MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AT THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. MY CAR WAS NOT AMONG THOSE RECALLED FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE CAR IS REGISTERED IN MY HUSBAND'S NAME, (XXXXX). PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service brakes, Engine, May 18, 2018
ENGINE OIL LEAKS & VIBRATION COME FROM THE ENGINE WHEN YOU BRAKE
Service brakes, Aug 30, 2017
MASTER CYLINDER FAILS PREMATURELY AT 71000 MILES.
Service brakes, Aug 29, 2017
BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE AT 70000 MILES
Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Service brakes, May 11, 2017, crash
I WAS TURNING MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 SOUTH ONTO INTERSTATE 182 TO HEAD EAST, THE CAR SUDDEN OUT OF MY CONTROL AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER AT 5:49 PM AT 5/8/17. TWO PASSENGERS WERE HURT.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2016, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW MY VEHICLE. THE BRAKES BEGAN TO ENGAGE BUT THEN I FELT THE CAR ACCELERATE AND THE CAR "STUTTERED". IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE BRAKE ASSIST KICKING IN. IT ACCELERATED. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, THE BRAKES FINALLY ENGAGED. ABOUT 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD, THE SAME THING HAPPENED EXCEPT THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE UNTIL A FEW SECONDS LATER AND I REAR-ENDED SOMEONE. THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 2, 2016
OIL INDICATOR LIT UP. I CHECKED THE DIP STICK AND OIL WAS WELL BELOW MINIMUM LEVEL. I ADDED 2 QUARTS OF OIL. MY RAV4 HAS MORE THAN 1000 MILES LEFT BEFORE THE SCHEDULED 5K OIL CHANGE AND NEITHER HAS IT BEEN 6MOS YET. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. CAR MILEAGE WAS 87000. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK AFTER 1000MILES AS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. THE TEST TURNED OUT NEGATIVE. COUDN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE WERE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS BUT NO ASSOCIATED RECALLS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. ANOTHER PROBLEM IN MY RAV4 IS WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKES, IT ACCELERATES FIRST BEFORE STOPPING. AGAIN THERE WERE NO RECALLS ABOUT IT.
Service brakes, Jul 18, 2016
MY BRAKES DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT YESTERDAY, 7/17/16 WHEN I APPLIED THEM AT A STOP SIGN, I ROLLED ON OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THAT PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I WAS OUT AND ABOUT, IT WASN'T CONSTANT. THIS MORNING WHEN I GOT TO THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY MY CAR CONTINUED INTO THE ROADWAY BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR COMING I WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN KILLED OR POSSIBLY KILLED SOMEONE. ONCE I ARRIVED AT WORK I CALLED MY HUSBAND AND TOLD HIM I COULD HEAR A HISSING SOUND WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THIS NOISE JUST STARTED TODAY, AND I ALSO TOLD HIM ABOUT NOT STOPPING AT THE END OF OUR DRIVEWAY. I ALSO FORGOT TO MENTION ONCE I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHES AGAINST MY FOOT. THIS IS A NEW SYMPTOM AS WELL. WHILE I WAS AT THE BANK DRIVE THRU AFTER WORK MY CAR DIDN'T WANT TO STOP WHEN I PULLED UP TO THE DRIVE THRU. MY HUSBAND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO AUTOZONE TO PRICE A BRAKE BOOSTER AS THIS IS WHAT HE THOUGHT MAY BE THE PROBLEM, (VERY EXPENSIVE AND IT'S A REBUILT PART, NOT EVEN NEW!). WHEN HE ARRIVED HOME WITH MY CAR HE INFORMED ME I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR UNTIL WE CAN GET IT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE BRAKES ARE PRACTICALLY NOT WORKING AT ALL NOW. I JUST CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE 800# AND INQUIRED TO SEE IF THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL ON 2007 RAV 4'S FOR BRAKE TROUBLES. I WAS TOLD NO BUT AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE I SEE CONSTANT COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE CONCERNING THEIR BRAKE BOOSTER ON THEIR 2007 RAV 4. I WANT IT DOCUMENTED THAT I AM HAVING A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES AND IT LOOKS LIKE OTHER PEOPLE ARE AS WELL AND I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A REPAIR THAT APPEARS IS FAULTY ON THE MANUFACTURERS PART.
Suspension, Service brakes, Jul 19, 2015
JUST GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREETS.STARTED HEARING SOME CREAKING NOISE, AND THEN A FEW CLUNKS AND A BANG/POP AS I WAS GOING AROUND A CORNER AT ABOUT 3-5MPH I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY IN FRONT OF ME. I SEE MY RIGHT REAR TIRE HAS CAVED IN AND IS RUBBING AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. AFTER JACKING UP THE CAR AND TAKING THE TIRE OFF I SEE THE ENTIRE BRAKE ASSEMBLY IS ROTATED IN, AND THE BOLTS HOLDING IT TO THE REAR SUSPENSION ARE BENT OUT OF PLACE. PERHAPS THIS IS THE RESULT OF THE BAND-AID EPOXY FIX FOR THE TOYOTA REAR SUSPENSION RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!
Service brakes, Jul 17, 2015
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER LEAKS AND LEAVES BRAKES VERY HARD TO OPERATE. MY WIFE ALMOST RAN INTO A BUILDING WHILE AT PARKING LOT SPEED.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, YET THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE AND BRAKE SYSTEM WERE FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Feb 3, 2015
THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SENSORS BEHIND MY BREAKS WERE DEFECTIVE. MY ABS AND CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. CAN YOU HELP. THE DEAL SAID IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN USE MY BRAKES THE OLD FASHION WAY BY PUMPING THEM. ABS DOES NOT WORK. WHAT CAN I DO. TOYOTA SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE RAVE4. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2014
FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM ON 11/10/2014 WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. THE RAV4 TOOK LONGER THAN NORMAL TO COME TO A STOP WITH GREATER FORCE REQUIRED TO STOP. ONCE FULLY STOPPED, THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING WITH LOW RPM'S (~500) AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON ALONG WITH VSC AND TRAC LIGHTS. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, BUT EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AT EVERY STOP LIGHT / STOP SIGN. CONTACTED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN TUCSON IMMEDIATELY AND SCHEDULED EMERGENCY SERVICE FOR THE NEXT MORNING. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WITH TWO ERROR CODES (P0171 AND P0174 - LEAN AIR/FUEL MIX). WAS TOLD THEY SUSPECTED A BAD TANK OF GAS. TOYOTA ADDRESSED ONE OPEN RECALL (SERVICE CAMPAIGN BST - REFLASH BRAKE CONTROL COMPUTER) ON MY VEHICLE BUT DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE ERROR CODES, ONLY CLEARED THEM. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. ALMOST NO BRAKE PRESSURE AND BARELY ABLE TO STOP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC, AND TRAC LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED AGAIN. LOW IDLE SPEED AS WELL. CONTACTED A DIFFERENT LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. WAS INFORMED THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO DAMAGE IN THE DIAPHRAGM CAUSING LOSS OF VACUUM PRESSURE (WHICH HELPED EXPLAIN THE TWO ERROR CODES RELATED TO LEAN AIR/FUEL MIX). TOTAL REPAIR BILL OVER $1000. JUST LUCKY NOBODY WAS INJURED DUE TO FAILING BRAKE SYSTEM ON TOYOTA'S PART. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 12, 2014
THE BRAKE MAKES HISSING NOISES AND THE DRIVER IS REQUIRED TO PRESS IT DOWN VERY HARD FOR IT TO WORK, THEREFORE THE CAR HAS TO GO INTO PARK MODE AT THE STOP LIGHT IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN AT A COMPLETE STOP. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 5, 2014
THE GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE CAN EASILY BE STEPPED ON AT THE SAME TIME WITH ONE FOOT. I HAVE DONE THIS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, IT'S JUST BEEN LUCK THAT HAS PREVENTED ME FROM CAUSING INJURY DAMAGE TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. IT DOES GIVE ME A GOOD SCARE. *TR
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
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 8, 2014
THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AS I WAS APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE CAR'S ENGINE REVVED UP AND THE CAR KEPT MOVING FORWARD WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS FAR AS IT COULD GO. THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED ABOUT 6 FEET INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR REPEATED THE UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE I WAS TRYING TO SLOW DOWN PRIOR TO STOPPING FOR A STOP SIGN. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT WAS REMOVED TWO OR THREE YEARS AGO AND WAS NOT PRESENT THAT EVENING OR THE NEXT MORNING. I REPORTED THIS EPISODE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND I TOLD HIM I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT IF I WANTED HAVE TO CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HE WOULD HAVE TO TECHNICIANS CHECK IT FOR HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE EPISODE. I WAS ALSO TOLD I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR TOWING CHARGES AND THE COST OF THE DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS. THE COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTIC CHECK SHOWED NOTHING HAD HAPPENED AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I TOLD THE DEALER THE I WAS NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DEVICE, AS THE ACCELERATION DID HAPPEN AND THE TEST SET WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT CHECKING THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS TORRANCE CALIFORNIA, TOLD THEM MY STORY AND ASKED IF TOYOTA HAD RECEIVED ANY OTHER SUCH COMPLAINTS. I WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA COULD NOT RELEASE THAT INFORMATION. I ASKED WHAT TOYOTA DID WITH MY REPORT OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT WENT INTO A TOYOTA DATA BASE. I ASKED FOR A COPY OF RAV4 EPISODES IN THE DATA BASE. I WAS TOLD TOYOTA COULD NOT FURNISH THAT TO ME. I THEN ASKED FOR A COPY OF MY REPORT THAT TOYOTA ENTERED INTO THE DATA BASE. TOYOTA TOLD ME IT COULD NOT FURNISH THAT TO ME. TOYOTA SEEMS TO DISCREDIT REPORTS OF THIS ACCELERATION/SAFETY ISSUE AS IF IT COULD NOT POSSIBLY HAPPEN. *TR
Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 12, 2014
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 REAR SPEED SENSORS CAN ABRUPTLY FAIL DURING POOR CLIMATE, CAUSING FAILURE TO THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT FAILURE OF THIS PART IS COMMON, WHICH IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE POOR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 3, 2014
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN HERE IN TOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A HIGH DEGREE OF ACCELERATION. MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY PLANTED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ONLY. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE TILL I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE THEN STARTED TO REV ITSELF UP UNCONTROLLABLY, UNTIL I TURNED IT OFF WITH THE IGNITION KEY. I WAS A GOOD 15 FEET INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN I HAD STOPPED. I THEN STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND DROVE HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THIS WAS A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE CARS EXPECTATION TO REMAIN STATIONARY WHILE THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING PRIOR TO THE ACCELERATION SURGE. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 22, 2013
WITH THE ENGINE ON, WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC CONGESTION OR RED LIGHT, PEDAL BRAKES GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. IT IS AT THE MECHANIC FOR A WEEK NOW, TRYING TO REPAIR IT. BRAKE PUMP WAS REPLACED, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 3, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME, THE CHECK ENGINE, THE TRAC AND VSC LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. I ALSO HEARD A HISSING NOISE WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKES. I WENT TO A MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE, BUT IT WAS LATE IN THE DAY AND EVERYONE WAS CLOSING. HE TOLD ME IT SOUNDED LIKE A VACUUM LEAK IN THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND TO BRING IT BACK FIRST THING MONDAY (HE SEEMED TO THINK IT'D BE OKAY TO DRIVE OVER THE WEEKEND). ON THE DRIVE HOME THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WERE A FEW TIMES WHERE I WAS AFRAID I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AT ALL. IT WAS QUITE SCARY! I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD AND THEN IT FINALLY GRABBED, THE CAR JERKED, AND THE SEAT BELTS TIGHTENED UP AROUND ME. I WORKED TODAY (SATURDAY) AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO AND FROM WORK, ONLY NOW I AM USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SLOW THE CAR AND I PUT IT IN PARK AT STOP LIGHTS. MY NEXT TRIP WILL BE STRAIGHT TO A MECHANIC! IT SEEMS IT IS NOT COMMON FOR BRAKE BOOSTERS TO FAIL AND I AM LEARNING THAT OTHER TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SEVERAL ENDING IN ACCIDENTS. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA, AS IT IS A HUGE SAFELY ISSUE, AND POSSIBLY BE CAUSE FOR A RECALL. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2013
BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE, REPLACE BY TOYOTA DEALER. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 7, 2012
I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. A HISSING SOUND COULD BE HEARD AND THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STOPPING POWER. I HAD TO APPLY AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AND IT ALSO TOOK AN EXCESSIVE DISTANCE TO GET IT STOPPED.. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH THE STABILITY CONTROL AND OTHER DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY TO GET HOME. THE LIGHTS THEN WENT AWAY. AND THE CAR PERFORMED SOMEWHAT NORMALLY. THEY CAME BACK ON, A DAY LATER. AND SO DID THE SYMPTOMS, BUT ONLY SPORADICALLY. THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAS A LEAK. THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ALL OVER THE INTERNET. SPECIFICALLY, HERE: HTTP://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/99-4-3-MECHANICAL/91243-WHAT-CAUSES-BRAKE-BOOSTER-FAILURE.HTML I THINK GIVEN THE HISTORY OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE A RECALL SHOULD BE DONE. THIS IS A $900+ REPAIR, AND FOR A CAR WITH A LITTLE OVER 50K MILES IS UNACCEPTABLE AND ABOVE ALL, DANGEROUS. *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