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: steering
271 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Aug 28, 2014
VERY CLUNKY AND NOISY STEERING RESULTING AN A VAGUE, UNSAFE SENSE OF CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS REPAIRED (REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN). SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THIS IS A COMMON AND WELL KNOWN DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Steering, Aug 21, 2014
THE STEERING COLUMN BINDS TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER SUCH THAT THE VEHICLE NEVER STEERS STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE SITUATION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ALWAYS WANT TO STEER OUT OF THE INTENDED LANE CAUSING DRIVER FATIGUE AT BEST AND AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY HEADING OUT OF ITS INTENDED PATH TOWARD OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
Steering, Aug 11, 2014
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CLUNKS AND IT IS GETTING WORSE. TOYOTA HAS NOT RECALLED THE COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jul 29, 2014
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE. THE LAST TIME WAS JULY 28, 2014. WE SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND RESTART IT, AND THEN IT WORKS OK. WE ARE AFRAID THAT IT MIGHT HAPPEN WHILE WE ARE DRIVING IT AND WE WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT. FROM ONLINE I HAVE LEARNED THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF OCCURRENCES OF THIS. I'M SURPRISED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL, I THINK IT IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN! *JS
Steering, Jul 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WITH THE ENGINE AND VSC LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE REGAINED POWER STEERING ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Steering, Jul 25, 2014
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL YOU CAN HEAR A CLUNK OR A THUD. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 10/7/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 3/11/15 *JS
Steering, Jul 7, 2014, crash
AS DAUGHTER WAS ENTERING FREEWAY STEERING FAILED, REAR-ENDED BY 18 WHEELER. *JS
Steering, Jul 6, 2014
NOTICED KNOCKING/CLUNKING NOISE FROM STEERING AT LOW SPEED AS DESCRIBED IN T-SB-0318-08 STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE' DATED OCTOBER 20, 2008. TOOK THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER TO REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS AS DETAILED BY THE T-SB. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT BOTH THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THE STEERING RACK HAVE PLAY IN THEM AND RECOMMENDED THAT THEY BOTH BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT THIS WILL BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE IF NOT REPAIRED AND CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING. THE ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR WAS $2700 SINCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED TWO MONTH PRIOR TO TAKING THE VEHICLE IN. GIVEN THAT THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN, I OPTED TO HAVE THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE DONE AND PAID $2731.77 FOR THE REPAIR. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE TOYOTA RAV FOR MODEL YEARS 2006 - 2008. GIVEN THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT SOME DRIVERS MIGHT NOT ASSOCIATE THE NOISE WITH A SERIOUS ISSUE, TOYOTA MOTORS SHOULD: 1.INSTATE A RECALL TO INSPECT ALL PARTS RELATED TO THE STEERING MECHANISM IN EFFECTED MODELS. 2.REPLACE ALL EFFECTED PARTS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER 3.REIMBURSE DILIGENT OWNERS WHO NOTICED THE ISSUE, REPORTED IT TO THE DEALERS AND PAID TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. BEST REGARDS. *JS
Steering, Jun 26, 2014
CLUNKING SOUND IN STEERING AT LOW SPEED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Air bags, Jun 8, 2014, crash
ON AUGUST 29, 2011, 19 YEAR-OLD SUBJECT WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ACROSS AN INTERSECTION WHEN SUBJECT WAS STRUCK ON DRIVER SIDE BY A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. SUBJECT WAS STRUCK BY A MOTORIST THAT ACCORDING TO POLICE OFFICER REPORT, RAN A RED LIGHT. SUBJECT WAS PROCEEDING STRAIGHT WITH GREEN LIGHT WHILE DRIVING A WHITE 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH APPROXIMATELY 104,299 MILES. SUBJECT PURCHASED RAV4 VEHICLE FROM TOYOTA IN APRIL OF 2011. SUBJECT PURCHASED 2007 RAV4 ON ACCOUNT OF THE AIRBAG SAFETY FEATURES (HEAD, SIDE, FRONT, PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS) TO PROTECT SUBJECT FROM INJURY. ON AUGUST 29, 2011, SUBJECT 2007 RAV4 SUSTAINED DAMAGE FROM ROCKER PANEL TO ROOF AND FROM FRONT LEFT BUMPER TO DOORS. STRUCTURAL, SUSPENSION, WHEEL, AND STEERING COMPONENTS WERE ALSO DAMAGED AS PER THE APPRAISER'S DAMAGE ESTIMATE FOLLOWING THE AUGUST 29, 2011 ACCIDENT. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. A LETTER WAS SENT TO TOYOTA. CALLS WERE MADE TO TOYOTA TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE AND TOYOTA DENIED CLAIMS OF ANY WRONGDOING OR DEFECT. SUBJECT WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA DECLINED TO INSPECT VEHICLE. RECENT NOTICES OF RECALLS RECEIVED ALONG WITH TOYOTA SENDING EMAILS TO SUBJECT TO TRY TO PURCHASE SUBJECT RAV4 LENDS CREDIBILITY TO SUBJECT ASSERTION THAT AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND PROTECTED SUBJECT FROM INJURY DURING THE AUGUST 29, 2011 INCIDENT. THE AIRBAG FEATURES FAILED SUBJECT AND FAILED TO PROTECT SUBJECT FROM INJURY ON AUGUST 29, 2011. 2007 RAV4 WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY GEICO AND LIBERTY MUTUAL. THIS ACCIDENT TOTALED A RAV4 AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. GIVEN INADEQUATE ATTENTION WAS GIVEN TO SUBJECT AND INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER BY TOYOTA, SUBJECT SEEKS INVESTIGATION AND REMEDY FOR INJURIES SUSTAINED. *TR
Steering, May 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER A SECOND TIME WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN FAILED BUT THE REPAIRS WERE NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering, May 16, 2014
LOST POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. P/S LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. BARELY AVOIDED COLLISION WITH LARGE TRUCK. STARTED ENGINE AFTER 20 MINS., P/S LIGHT OUT & STEERING NORMAL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO FOUND CODE C1524 (LOW VOLTAGE IN POWER STEERING). IN ORDER TO FIND ROOT OF PROBLEM I NEED TO PAY $200 FOR DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH I REFUSED. THIS IS NOT A WEAR/TEAR ISSUE BUT EITHER A DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION. CALLED TOYOTA, ASKED THEM TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC & TOYOTA REFUSED SINCE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRENTY. GUESS TOYOTA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT CUSTOMER SAFETY EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS VEHICLES WITH SAME COMPLAINT! *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
Steering, Apr 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIRS, AT HER EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE WAS 52,730 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,134. UPDATED 5/27/14*CN UPDATED 08/04/14
Steering, Mar 29, 2014
NO CRASH INVOLVED. NO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, WAS INFORMED THE RACK ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO DEAL WITH A CLUNKING NOISE THAT A TECHNICIAN HAD NOTICED. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT WHILE PARKED AND IDLING, PULLING THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION DID PRODUCE THE CLUNK. AFTER ADDITIONAL ESTIMATES, SETTLED ON A SPECIFIC REPAIR VENUE AT ALMOST $1700. ALSO INFORMED BY ONE OF THE ESTIMATORS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD SOON NEED REPLACED. NOT SCHEDULED FOR REPAIR AT THIS TIME. I WAS INFORMED BY ONE OF THE ESTIMATORS THAT MOST VEHICLES WOULD NOT HAVE REQUIRED A WHOLE RACK REPLACEMENT (OR AS MUCH MONEY) FOR A PROBLEM SUCH AS THIS, BUT RATHER THE 2007 DESIGN WAS INTEGRATED RATHER THEN MODULAR. *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2014
THE STEERING MECHANISM MAKES A CLUNK WHEN TURNED. THE DEALER SAYS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS REPLACED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THIS SAME DEFECT ON THE INTERNET. TOYOTA ISSUED A BULLETIN IN 2008 TELLING DEALERS TO REPLACE THE SHAFT ON CARS STILL ON WARRANTY BUT WILL NOT REPLACE OURS BECAUSE IT IS MORE THAN 3 YEARS OLD. A MECHANICAL FAILURE AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE SUCH AS THIS SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE COMPANY AT THEIR COST SINCE IT IS NOT CAUSE BY USE BUT BY POOR ENGINEERING OR ASSEMBLY. *TR
Steering, Mar 10, 2014
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON THE VEHICLE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IN SOME STATES THE TOYOTA HAS CHANGED THEM FOR NO COST AFTER THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, BUT KNOW THE DO NOT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF CLAIMS IN REGARD TO THIS ISSUE ON THIS MODEL, BUT CONTINUES TO BE IGNORED. ON FRIDAY 03/08/2014 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO HAVE IT CHECKED BECAUSE OF THIS, AND WHAT THEY TOLD ME WAS THAT IT WAS MY STRUTS. WELL AFTER GETTING THEM CHANGED IT TURNS OUT IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME AN ADDITIONAL 502.00 FOR THIS. THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH NUMEROUS CLAIMS ABOUT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND TOYOTA IS NOT REALIZING THE SAFETY ISSUE IN WHICH IT PLACES IT CUSTOMERS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 4, 2014
REFERENCE TOYOTA RECALL: TIS DESIGNATION C2J FOUND AT: HTTPS://TECHINFO.TOYOTA.COM/TECHINFOPORTAL/STATICCONTENT/EN/TECHINFO/HTML/PRELOGIN/DOCS/CP/C2JTOFAQ.PDF REFERENCE QUESTION Q1A AND ANSWER A1A: "....ALIGNMENT WILL BE SET AND THE ARMS WILL BE SEALED WITH EPOXY." REFERENCE QUESTION QUA AND ANSWER A1C: "IF THE REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT SHIFTS OUT OF SPECIFICATION, REAR SUSPENSION ARMS OR OTHER COMPONENTS MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED." REFERENCE MY PHONE CONVERSATION WITH TOYOTA @ 888-270-9371 ON 11 FEBRUARY 2014 @ 0800 AND THEIR ASSIGNED CASE # 1402110228: MY QUESTION TO TOYOTA TO THE ANSWER A1C ABOVE: WHO PAYS FOR THE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF SUSPENSION ARMS OR OTHER COMPONENTS? THEIR ANSWER WAS: THE OWNER. MY COMPLAINT DEALS WITH FAIRNESS. DUE TO A TOYOTA DESIGN DEFECT, REAR CONTROL ARMS MUST BE ENCASED IN EPOXY THUS RENDERING REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENTS IMPOSSIBLE. IF AN OWNER HITS A POTHOLE, AND REAR WHEEL(S) ARE KNOCKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT, THE CONTROL ARM AND/OR ASSOCIATES COMPONENTS MIGHT NEED TO BE REPLACE - AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE TO THE OWNER. THIS COULD GENERATE LARGE PROFITS TO TOYOTA DUE TO A REMEDY FOR ONE OF THEIR DESIGN DEFECTS. WITHOUT THE (EPOXY ENCAPSULATION), A MERE REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT MIGHT RECTIFY THE MISALIGNMENT. A POSSIBLE $50 VERSUS $500 REPAIR. ADDITIONALLY, IF THE CONTROL ARMS MUST BE REPLACED TO ALIGN THE BACK WHEEL(S), TOYOTA IS THE ONLY ENTITY THAT HAS THE KNOW HOW AND PARTS TO RE-ENCAPSULATE THE NEW CONTROL ARM(S): MORE PROFITS FOR TOYOTA. OWNERS NEED TO BE MADE AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES THIS REMEDY WILL HAVE ON THEIR VEHICLE SO THEY CAN DECIDE IF THEY WANT A VEHICLE IN WHICH THE REAR WHEELS CANNOT BE ALIGNED WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. MY QUESTION TO NHSTA: WHY SHOULD THE OWNER PAY FOR REPAIRS TO ONE OF THEIR REMEDIES? IS THIS FAIR?
Steering, Suspension, Feb 20, 2014
RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR TIE ROD/SUSPENSION BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2013. TODAY I CALLED LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND ASKED ABOUT THE FIX. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO FIX YET AVAILABLE....OBVIOUSLY VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WORRIED ABOUT HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITH POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PART/DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND WRECK. I THINK NHTSA SHOULD FORCE THE ISSUE WITH TOYOTA NOW IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG!. LOCAL DEALER ADVISED ME WHAT SOUND, LOUD RATTLING IN BACK OF VEHICLE TO LISTEN FOR....REALLY UNBELIEVABLE THE DELAY. *TR
Steering, Feb 6, 2014
DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE AND PARKED CAR. STARTED CAR 10 MINUTES LATER AND HAD NO POWER STEERING. PS WARNING LIGHT ON DASH WAS NOW ON. WITH A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT, THE CAR COULD BE DRIVEN ABOUT A MILE BACK HOME. WHEN READING THRU THE OWNERS MANUAL, IT BECAME EVIDENT THERE WERE DIFFERENT POSSIBLE FAILURE CONDITIONS, EACH REPRESENTED BY DIFFERENT WARNING LIGHT STATES. A FLASHING LIGHT THAT WENT OFF AFTER A FEW SECONDS, A FLASHING LIGHT THAT STAYED ON, A FLASHING LIGHT THAT STAYS ON IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL DASH WARNING LIGHTS BEING ON AT THE SAME TIME, AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE STEADY LIGHT AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF ASSIST SYSTEM. I BELIEVE IT WAS SIMPLY THE LUCK OF THE DRAW THAT OUR FAILURE OCCURRED IN A PARKED CONDITION. I WAS RAISED ON A FARM DRIVING MONSTROUS OLD TRUCKS WITH NO POWER STEERING. THEY WERE TOUGH STEERING, BUT THIS SMALL SUV TOOK AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO TURN. FAILURE IN TRAFFIC OR HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. I DO NOT BELIEVE MY 82 YEAR OLD MOTHER COULD SAFELY CONTROL THE CAR, IF THE FAILURE UNEXPECTEDLY OCCURRED IN MANY OF THE DRIVING CONDITIONS SHE EXPERIENCES IN HER DAILY DRIVING. LANE CHANGES, MERGING TRAFFIC, 90 DEGREE TURNS, PULLING OUT TO PASS, ICY ROADS, AND HYDROPLANE CONDITIONS COULD ALL QUICKLY BECOME LIFE THREATENING WITH THIS PARTICULAR FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 5, 2014
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WATER PUMP FAILURE. *SMD THE #6 IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED, AS IT WAS SHORTING OUT AND THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE, WHEN IT WAS TURNED.*JB
Steering, Jan 31, 2014
IN OCTOBER I NOTICED A CLUNK IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES IN THE STEERING SHAFT. I RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE THE STEERING SHAFT REPLACED ON MY 2008 TACOMA, VIN. NO.: [XXX], WITH ONLY 37000 MILES, AND REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER REP., THEY SAID THEY WOULD GIVE ME A $350 CREDIT AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR FUTURE WORK, HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT WAS CONSIDERABLY HIGHER. I FEAR NOW THAT MY RAV 4 IS GOING THE SAME ROUTE. I FEEL TOYOTA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Jan 19, 2014
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS AN AUDIBLE CLICK ACCOMPANIED BY FEEDBACK THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE HARDWARE USED IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THESE WEAKENED COMPONENTS, WHEN COMPLETELY COMPROMISED, MAY LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. WHEN ASKED, THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR IT FREE OF CHARGE IN THE ABSENCE OF A SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Steering, Jan 11, 2014
WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS OF THE PURCHASE OF OUR NEW 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WE NOTICED A "CLUNKING" SOUND AND FEEL IN THE STEERING AT SLOW SPEED. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER, GETTLE TOYOTA OF BRADENTON, FLORIDA, AND WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THEY REFERRED TO THE PARTS REPLACED AS INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT/ STEERING SHAFT ASSY. (THE SERVICE WRITER SEEMED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS). THE SAME APPARENT PROBLEM APPEARED AGAIN IN APPROXIMATELY JUNE OF 2013 AND IS WORSE NOW IN JANUARY 2014. IT HAS BECOME QUITE ANNOYING AND NOW BOTH MY WIFE AND I WONDER IF THIS WILL BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN, I.E. LEADING TO A STEERING FAILURE. OUR ORIGINAL DECISION TO BUY THE RAV4 WAS PRIMARILY BASED ON A VERY HIGH SAFETY RATING AFTER WE WERE INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS INJURY CRASH WHICH DESTROYED OUR PREVIOUS VEHICLE. WE ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE DISAPPOINTED WITH TOYOTA QUALITY IN GENERAL AS OUR RAV4 APPROACHES ONLY 75,000 MILES. I WOULD REQUEST THE RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE FOR MANUFACTURER-SPONSORED REPAIRS TO FOLLOW THE ALREADY HISTORICAL TSB OF 2008 FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM IN '06 AND '07 RAV4S. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR