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, Oct 25, 2012
THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING SHAFT CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE IN STEERING. TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT HAS NOT RECALLED THE DEFECTIVE PARTS... HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2007/TOYOTA/RAV4/STEERING/PROBLEM.ASPX. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. *TR
Steering, Oct 20, 2012
DEALER INFORMED ME YESTERDAY THAT INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME SINCE MANUFACTURE.SHAFT WAS REPLACED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AT A COST OF $880, OF WHICH I HAD TO PAY $500 AS VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER DOWNPLAYED WHETHER THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT INSISTED THAT I SHOULD PAY $715 TO REPLACE THE SHAFT WHICH IS MAKING KNOCKING NOISES WHEN DRIVEN. THIS HAS TO BE A DESIGN AND/OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND I'VE HEARD THAT OTHER MODELS IN THE LINE HAVE ALSO SUFFERED SIMILAR STEERING ISSUES. CAN ONLY HOPE IT DOESN'T LEAD TO STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Oct 17, 2012
WHEN YOU TURN LEFT OR RIGHT A STRANGE NOISE HAPPENING AND YOU CAN FEEL SOME SORT OF BUMP OR CATCH IN THE STEERING. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THIS INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. A NEW SHAFT IS GOING TO RUN $400.00 PLUS AT LEAST AN HOUR OF LABOR. THIS MEAN THAT IT IS GOING TO COST EACH OWNER OF THIS RAV4 MODEL AT LEAST $500.00. TOYOTA HAS PUT A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THIS VERY PROBLEM. THE BULLETIN # IS TSB-0318-08 REV1. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS WILL BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE AND I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOME MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR DESIGN PROBLEM AT THE BASIS OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Oct 11, 2012
AT ANY SPEED, AN AUDIBLE "CLUNK" IS PRESENT WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED RIGHT OR LEFT. FURTHERMORE, ONE CAN FEEL A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT EXACTLY MATCHES THE "CLUNK" SOUND. DURING LOW SPEEDS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE NOISE AND VIBRATION IS PROMINENT ANY TIME THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. AT HIGHER SPEEDS, THE SOUND IS LESS PRONOUNCED, BUT A VIBRATION AND FEELING OF "LOOSENESS" IN THE STEERING IS PROMINENT. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS USED AS A FAMILY CAR WITH YOUNG CHILDREN (AND A PREGNANT WOMAN) PRESENT, THIS NOISE/VIBRATION COMBINATION IS DISTURBING AS WE FEAR STEERING FAILURE. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO TOYOTA'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ST001-08 WHICH MATCHES THE DESCRIPTION OF MY PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IT IS APPARENT THAT TOYOTA ISSUED THIS TSB AS A RESULT OF CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND DEVELOPED A PROCEDURE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS TO CURE SUCH A PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Oct 10, 2012
HI GOOD DAY, I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAIN ABOUT MY VEHICLE PROBLEM TOYOTA RAV4 2007 "STEERING KNOCKING" WHICH AFFECTS MY DRIVING ABILITY CAUSE IT BOTHERS ME WHILE DRIVING DUE TO NOISE EVERYTIME I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT. I ALREADY WRITE THE COMPANY ABOUT THIS MATTER BUT THERE IS NO PROPER ANSWER ABOUT THE DEFECT. I SEARCH THE VEHICLE DEFECT ONLINE AND THERE ARE A LOT OF RAV4 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HOPE IT'S NOT TO LATE TO NOTIFY THIS PROBLEM AND NOT WAITING FOR THE TIME THAT IT WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS TO THE OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I AM JUST ANTICIPATING THAT THERE WILL BE NO FUTURE ACCIDENTS ARISE RELATED TO THIS VEHICLE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Oct 5, 2012
FOR 2 YEARS PRIOR TO TAKING THE CAR TO TOYOTA FOR REPAIR, I WAS HEARING A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH, NORMALLY WHEN I BEGAN USING THE CAR EARLY IN THE MORNING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TO FIND THE PROBLEM, EXPECTING IT TO BE A SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN ALONG WITH A YOKE ASSEMBLY THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALARMED THAT I HAD BEEN DRIVING A CAR WITH A BROKEN STEERING SHAFT FOR SO LONG. TOYOTA REPLACED THE BROKEN PARTS AND CHARGED ME $600. I THOUGHT TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE COST AS A WARRANTY ITEM BUT THEY REFUSED. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT A STEERING DEFECT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF VIA A SAFETY RECALL. HAD THE SHAFT BROKEN OR BECOME MORE DAMAGED THEN A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
Steering, Sep 28, 2012
DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF STEERING. CAR FEEL VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY ON VET SURFACE AND DURING BRAKING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 4, 2012
ON MARCH 29, 2012, I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY & HEARD A CLUNK. CHECKED REAR UNDERSIDE & SAW NOTHING AMISS. ARRIVED IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO AND HEARD 3 MORE CLUNKS (WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS). THEN THE FINAL EXTRA LOUD CLUNK AS THE STEERING WENT OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS ON MICHIGAN AVE. IN FRONT OF THE HILTON HOTEL DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC (5 PM) DOING 25 TO 30 MPH. CARS ALL AROUND ME. GENTLY APPLIED BRAKES & EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO WARN OTHERS, AS I KEPT TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FROM WAY LEFT TO WAY RIGHT. EASED MY WAY FROM CENTER LANE OVER TO THE CURB. CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING! RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS TILTED AT ABOUT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE--TOP OUTWARD, BOTTOM INWARD. IN ANOTHER 15 MIN. I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY DOING 50 --60 MPH. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO INDIANA. TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISOR SAID: "BOLT RUSTED THROUGH. IF KEEPING CAR, SUGGEST GETTING LEFT REAR SUSPENSION REPLACED TOO BECAUSE IT IS GETTING READY TO GO. A COMPANY REP IS GOING TO COME OUT TO LOOK AT IT BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD ANOTHER EXACT FAILURE JUST RECENTLY." THE REP DECIDED HE DID NOT NEED TO SEE IT. (I'M SURE HE WAS ALREADY AWARE OF THE BIGGER PROBLEM TOYOTA WOULD BE FACING.) VEHICLE FACTS: 2007 RAV-4, MILEAGE: 43,185, ONE OWNER, GARAGE KEPT (EXCEPT FOR VACATIONS). LAST 27-POINT INSPECTION: (1-21-2012) 2 MONTHS BEFORE FAILURE. NO ITEMS IN THE SECTION TITLED "UNDER VEHICLE" WERE EVEN CHECKED OFF AS COMPLETED (GOOD OR BAD). THIS INCLUDED "SUSPENSION & STEERING LINKAGE". I PAID $778. TO HAVE BOTH LEFT & RIGHT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLIES REPLACED & AN ALIGNMENT. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT FROM TOYOTA, THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID "NO. THEY CONSIDER IT NORMAL "WEAR & TEAR". NOTE: CASES LIKE MINE ARE NOT GOING TO SHOW UP AS "TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS" BECAUSE I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING OR ANYONE. AND THOSE THAT ARE ACCIDENTS COULD POSSIBLY BE MISTAKEN AS: "OVER-CORRECTIVE STEERING!" *TR
Steering, Sep 1, 2012
MY RAV4 WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES IN THE STEERING, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE STEERING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THAT. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A CAR HAVING A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH STEERING, ESPECIALLY ONE WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT. ANYWAY, I HAD TO PAY $380 TO HAVE THAT FIXED AND THEY ALSO DID AN ALIGNMENT. THEY SAID THAT I NEEDED THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE OF THE REPAIR. I PICKED UP THE CAR AND ON THE WAY HOME, IT STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE POPPING AND CLUNKING SOUND IN THE REAR-END. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK TO TELL THEM TO COME GET IT BECAUSE I DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT BACK TO THEM. AFTER THE TOW TRUCK CAME, MY HUSBAND FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CAR BECAUSE OF REAR SUSPENSION AFTER AN ALIGNMENT. I AM WRITING THIS TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT MY PROBLEMS WITH 1) THE STEERING PROBLEM AND 2) THE REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEM. AGAIN, THIS ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP! *TR
Steering, Aug 27, 2012
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXPECTED RECALL CONCERNING REAR TIE RODS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SOMETIME AROUND JUNE 2011, SHE BEGAN TO HEAR A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE; SOMETIMES FROM THE LEFT AND SOMETIMES FROM THE RIGHT. FINALLY, IN DECEMBER 2011, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND AFTER TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS CONFIRMED THERE WAS A NOISE, BUT THE TECHNICIAN STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. IN MAY 2012, THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE, ONLY PERIODICALLY. ON MAY 3, 2012, AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE NOISE BECAME EVEN LOUDER. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, GOING BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE ROAD AND DOING A COMPLETE 360 DEGREE TURN. SHE FINALLY MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP IN A SAFETY ZONE. THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS BENT IN AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE AND ALMOST OFF THE VEHICLE. ON MONDAY MAY 7, 2012, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE LEFT REAR TIE ROD SNAPPED AND THE RIGHT ONE WAS IN A WEAKENED CONDITION AND BOTH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Steering, Aug 15, 2012
FELT A LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING, A POPPING NOISE WHEN MAKING TURNS. UNDER WARRENTY, AT APPROXIMATELY 33,000 MILES, THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. AT APPROXIMATELY 56,000 MILES, THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. WAS ADVISED BY THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAD FAILED ONCE AGAIN. COST OF REPLACEMENT ESTIMATED AT $628.00. CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AND RECEIVED A CASE MANAGER. CASE MANAGER INFORMED ME THE FINAL OFFER TOYOTA WOULD MAKE IS TO PAY THE COST OF THE PART, I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE APPROXIMATE $300.00 LABOR COSTS. THEY WOULD NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE REPLACEMENTS SHOULD THE PART FAIL AGAIN. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA REFUSES TO PROPERLY ADDRESS. *TR
Steering, Aug 13, 2012
ABOUT 18 MONTHS BEFORE THE DATES ABOVE, I NOTICED A KNOCKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I TURNED IT. I DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL IT STARTED GETTING WORSE AND I MENTIONED IT TO A FRIEND AT WORK. HE MENTIONED RESEARCHING IT ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS OR PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTED HAVING SOMEONE LOOK AT IT. I TOOK HIS ADVICE AND SAW THAT RAV4S DID HAVE SOME STEERING ISSUES. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AT THE CHARGE OF $45.00 FOR DIAGNOSIS AND $428.77 PARTS AND LABOR FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Apr 29, 2012
THE CAR MAKES A CLUNKING, POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEED. DEALER SAYS IT IS A INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, AND ALTHOUGH THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR IT, IT IS NOT COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALER QUOTED A PRICE OF $350, FOR THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND $ 700. IF BOTH SHAFTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Steering, Apr 22, 2012
TOOK MY RAV4 IN FOR SERVICE OF FIVE THOUSAND MILES OIL CHANGE. AT THAT TIME WHEN I PICKED UP CAR WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO GET MY STEERING LOWER SHAFT REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN HAVING STRANGE NOISES SINCE ABOUT 30000 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THE STEERING. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT IS THE STEERING AND I NEED TO GET IT FIX RIGHT AWAY. I FEEL THIS IS A MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM THAN TOYOTA WANTS TO ACKNOWLEDGE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. IS THIS BEING LOOKED INTO? READING ONLINE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH MY 2007. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 22, 2012
WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT LOW SPEED, PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIE ROD ASSEMBLY FAILED AND WHEEL TURNED AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE, DISABLING THE AUTOMOBILE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. DEALERSHIP HAD PREVIOUSLY CHECKED A KNOCKING NOISE IN REAR, BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS A DESIGN FAULT AND THAT THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH THREADS ON THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY TO HOLD THE TIE ROD SUFFICIENTLY. I HAVE FOUND OTHER REPORTS OF THIS TIE ROD FAILURE. SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Steering, Apr 8, 2012
STEERING POPPING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED. *TR
Steering, Mar 29, 2012
I HAVE 2 TOYOTA RAV4S - BOTH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, THE STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT MANY, MANY OTHER TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED AND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED T-SB-0318-08 BULLETIN WITH AT PROCEDURE TO REPAIR AN INADEQUATELY DESIGNED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT LONG-TERM SAFETY AND LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IF THIS REPAIR IS NOT DONE. TOYOTA SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AND OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY.
Steering, Mar 28, 2012
THIS TOYOTA RAV4 BEGAN HAVING CLUNKING WITH STEERING THE VEHICLE RIGHT AND LEFT DIRECTLY AFTER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE CLUNKING WORSENED SO IT WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED A REPLACEMENT PART THAT WAS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS RAV4 WITH THE STEERING COMPONENT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DESCRIBED THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL IF IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A FACTORY DEFECT? THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT QUOTED ME A $3500 CHARGE FOR REPAIR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT I NEED TO PAY AN ENORMOUS COST FOR A FACTORY DEFECT THAT IS ALSO A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Steering, Visibility, Mar 15, 2012
JUST LIKE MANY OTHER OWNERS OF 2007 RAV4 I BEGAN EXPERIENCING A DISTINCTIVE KLUNKING NOISE AROUND 35,000 MILES. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE SIDE..... MY PROBLEM WAS THAT IT WAS MAKING CRACKING NOISE ALL THE TIME, WHEN TURNING OR ESPECIALLY PARKING THE CAR.... ALSO A PROBLEM WITH MY DRIVER VISOR FLAP NOT STAYING IN UPWARD POSITION IT WAS HANGING DOWN HALFWAY AND FACES FORWARD. I HAD TO PAY 75 DOLLARS TO REPLACE IT, WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT. SINCE SO MANY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 OWNER ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS IT SHOULD BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL STATUS!!! *TR
Steering, Mar 4, 2012
EXPERIENCE KNOCKING AND POPPING NOISES IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. MY VEHICLE HAD 31,247 MILES ON IT WHEN I BROUGHT IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL. THEY ASKED ME ABOUT THE KNOCKING AND I SAID YES IT'S KNOCKING. ASKED IF IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THEY SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME IF IT WAS....I NEVER HEARD BACK FROM THEM. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST ABOUT $500 TO REPAIR. I DID RESEARCH ON LINE AND FOUND 117 COMPLAINTS. WHY HASN'T TOYOTA RECALLED THIS? I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. TOYOTA KNEW THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2012, crash
I WAS JUST IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I LOST STEERING AND CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. AFTER READING ONLINE ABOUT THE KNOCKING IN THE STEERING FROM OTHER OWNERS, I BELIEVE I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH NOONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED I AM WORRIED ABOUT OTHER DRIVERS SAFETY. MY CAR AND TWO OTHERS WERE TOTALED. I HAVE MY CAR SERVICED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AT THE SAME TOYOTA DEALER AND I THINK THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE NOTICED SOMETHING WITH THE STEERING AND CHECKED IT . I JUST HAD A 50000 MILE CHECKUP. I REALLY FEEL SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT CAN BE FATAL. I AM LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. MY CAR DID GO INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THOUGH. I HOPE SOMEONE KNOWS HOW TO GET AHOLD OF ME AND HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. BUT JUST TO SAY EVERYONE ELSE, PLEASE BE CAREFUL. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Visibility, Feb 14, 2012, fire
I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 RAV4 FROM TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE IN 2007. 1. IN 2009 I COULD HEAR WIND IN THE DRIVER'S WINDOW; I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED, TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID I WAS HEARING THINGS. 2.THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAUGHT FIRE (I HAD THE KEYS WITH ME) I HAD TO SPEND $606.01 TO FIX IT, TOYOTA SAID THERE WAS WATER INTRUSION (I THOUGHT, IT PROBABLY WAS, BECAUSE OF THE AIR LEAK PREVIOUSLY REPORTED IN 2009) 3. THE STEERING WHEEL FELT STRANGE WHEN I DROVE, I TOOK IT BACK FOR SERVICE, THE DIAGNOSIS WAS STEERING SHAFT INTERNAL FAILURE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; I FOUGHT TO GET THAT FIXED OUT OF WARRANTY. 5. ON NOVEMBER 25, 2011 I WAS DRIVING, THE WINDOW FELL IN ON ME AND ON NOVEMBER 26, 2011, I HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR REPLACED FOR $338.30 7. NOW, OIL IS LEAKING INTO THE MUFFLER. (I PURCHASE OIL FREQUENTLY) THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 4.5 YEARS OLD AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY OF THESE MAJOR PROBLEMS, WHEN I PURCHASED THIS RAV4, IT WAS GOING TO BE MY LAST VEHICLE PURCHASE BECAUSE TOYOTA ADVERTISES LONGEVITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS. I ALSO KNOW PEOPLE WHO DRIVE 1990 AND 1995 TOYOTA PRODUCTS WHO HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. I WAS ALSO TREATED VERY POORLY DURING SOME OF MY REPAIR VISITS. AFTER THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, I HAD A MEETING WITH THE OWNER OF TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE, [XXX] BUT HIS RESOLUTION WAS GIVING ME $13,000.00 FOR MY VEHICLE (WHICH I OWN) AND ME PURCHASING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE, WHICH MEANT I WOULD HAVE A MONTHLY PAYMENT. I DID CONTACT TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN CALIFORNIA AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY RESOLUTION. SINCE THEN I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT STATING THEY CAN'T HELP ME. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE, SINCERELY, TOYOTA RAV4 OWNER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Steering, Feb 7, 2012
BEGAN EXPERIENCING A DISTINCTIVE CLUNKING NOISE, AT LOW SPEEDS, WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CLUNK COULD BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND FELT AS THOUGH A BUSHING WAS DEFECTIVE, OR THEIR IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. NO NOISE FROM THE FRONT END, OR UNDERCARRIAGE, JUST AT THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN TURNING, AT LOW SPEEDS. TOYOTA STATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAVE DEVELOPED A PART REPLACEMENT, HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH COULD BECOME FATAL, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SHOULD BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL STATUS, AS IT INVOLVES THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2012
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT STARTED FAILING CAUSING KNOCKING NOISES WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. TOYOTA WILL ONLY REPLACE WITHIN STANDARD WARRANTY PERIOD AS THEY DON'T THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *KB
Steering, Feb 2, 2012
SEVERAL YEARS AGO I NOTICED A POPPING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. I THOUGHT IT WAS IN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE I FREQUENTLY USED THE TILT AND TELESCOPE FEATURES TO LET ME USE MY WORK LAPTOP WHILE IN THE CAR. (I AM A RETIRED HOSPICE NURSE.) I JUST FIGURED IT WAS AGING FROM OVERUSE. HOWEVER, LAST WEEK I TOOK THE 2007 RAV4 IN TO MY TIRE DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE ALIGNMENT WHILE THEY DID SOME OTHER WORK. THE MECHANIC WAS SHARP AND TOLD ME THAT HE HAD FIRST THOUGHT THE SAME THING ABOUT THE STEERING WHEEL BEING THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE, BUT INVESTIGATED FURTHER AND FOUND IT WAS THE "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT" OF THE STEERING SYSTEM. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT IT. I'VE LOOKED UP THE TSB'S AND THEY ARE 0318-08 AND ST001-08, AND THEY DESCRIBE MY CAR EXACTLY. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TOMORROW-2-3-12-TO HAVE A LOCAL DEALER LOOK AT IT. THE CAR HAS 69659 MILES ON IT NOW, BUT ONLY 49882 WHEN I RETIRED IN MAY OF '10 AND IT WAS MAYBE A YEAR BEFORE THAT (AT 33842 MILES) THAT THE NOISE STARTED. THIS HAS CERTAINLY NOT BEEN THE CAR OUR '96 RAV WAS. I CALL IT MY BAD LUCK CAR FOR VARIOUS REASONS AND IT APPEARS IT STILL IS. THE TIRE MECHANIC SAID THE REPAIR WAS ABOUT $400. *KB