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: suspension
125 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Wheels, Aug 9, 2016
ON JULY 31ST, 2015, THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A SUSPENSION RECALL WORK TO REPLACE BOTH "REAR #1 LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS". THAT WORK INCLUDED A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND A PERMANENT SEALANT THAT PREVENTED FUTURE REAR ALIGNMENT OF THE REAR WHEELS. ON AUGUST 3RD, 2016, (APPROX. 13K MILES LATER) THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER TO HAVE THE BRAKES INSPECTED. DURING THE BRAKE INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN NOTED SEVERE ABNORMAL TIRE TREAD WEAR ON THE INSIDE SHOULDERS OF BOTH REAR TIRES. THE INSIDE SHOULDER OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT WAS SHOWING STEEL BELTS AND WAS NEAR FAILURE (IMMANENT TIRE BLOWOUT CONDITION). LES SCHWAB NOTED THAT THE FRONT TIRES HAD NORMAL EVEN WEAR. NOTE: THE 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT PERFORMED ON 7/31/2015 WAS THE ONLY ALIGNMENT PERFORMED PRIOR TO 8/3/2016, THE ALIGNMENT CHECK ON 8/3/2016 INDICATED THE FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS VERY CLOSE AND WITHIN TOLERANT RANGE OF THE 7/31/2015 ALIGNMENT, AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS SINCE BEFORE 7/31/2015. I BELIEVE THE SAFETY RECALL WORK PERFORMED BY TOYOTA ON 7/31/2015 DID NOT FIX THE STATED PROBLEM IN THE SAFETY RECALL (TOYOTA RECALL 'OPERATION 77TOZ-CSJ' REF: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000). EITHER THE RECALL WORK WAS NOT PERFORMED CORRECTLY OR THE PARTS OR METHOD OF THE RECALL FAILED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE LEAVING MY CAR WITH AN UNSAFE WHEEL ALIGNMENT CAUSING SEVERE ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE INSIDE SHOULDERS OF THE REAR TIRES LEAVING MY CAR AT RISK OF REAR TIRE BLOW OUT. THE LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER REPLACED THE TIRES AND THE REAR #1 CONTROL ARMS WITH 'APPROVED AFTER-MARKET PARTS' TO ALLOW FOR A SAFE REAR ALIGNMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Suspension, Jul 2, 2016
REAR SWAY BAR LINKS RUSTED AND BROKEN. COLONIAL TOYOTA WANTS TO CHARGE $398 FOR REPLACEMENT WHILE IT ONLY COSTS AROUND $50 FOR THE PART. THUS, TWO COMPLAINS. 1. MANUFACTURER TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACEMENT VIA RECALL AS THIS COMPLAIN IS WIDESPREAD. 2. TOYOTA SHOULD REQUIRE DEALER TO NOT CHARGE OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT FOR THIS AND COVER THE COST.
Suspension, May 17, 2016
AFTER HEARING A CLUNK TYPE SOUND BACK IN 2012 I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND FOUND OUT THAT THE RIGHT REAR SAY BAR LINKAGE HAD RUSTED OUT. THE SWAY BAR WAS NOT SECURE ANYMORE. FAST FORWARD TO THE FALL OF 2015 AND NOW I HAVE THE SAME SOUND...NOT REMEMBERING ABOUT PRIOR INCIDENT I FINALLY DISCOVER THAT THE LEFT SWAY BAR LINKAGE IS NOT RUSTED OFF TOO. WHY WOULDNT THE DEALER DO BOH REPLACEMENTS BACK THEN. AND BY PUTTING ONLY ONE NEW ONE DID THAT PUT PRESSURE ONTO THE OTHER ONE. ISNT IT ODD TO HAVE BOTH SIDE OF A SWAY BAR LINK RUST OUT. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS A BIT TOO WIDESPREAD TO IGNORE.
Suspension, May 8, 2016
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN WEST HAVEN CT (NEAR 195 W SPRING ST) WHEN I HEARD A METALIC NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, VEERING INTO THE INCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. I WAS DRIVING < 25 MPH AND THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY, AND MANAGED TO PARK THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO CARS IN THE INCOMING LANE, AND THERE WAS NO INJURY. MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT NEXT TO ME. UPON INSPECTING THE CAR, I DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS TILTED AT AN ANGLE RELATIVE TO THE BODY OF THE CAR. I CALLED AAA (TIME WAS AROUND 7:45 A.M.) AND A TOWING TRUCK ARRIVED , AND TOWED MY CAR TO A NEARBY GARAGE (ROBERT'S SERVICE CENTER, INC., 216 BUCKINGHAM AVE, MILFORD, CT). I DID NOT CALL POLICE OR TAKE A PICTURE. THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR INFORMED ME THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR, THEY FOUD THAT THE REAR FORWARD CONTROL ARM HAD FAILED (COME APART AT THE MIDDLE). THIS CONTROL ARM WAS THE SUBJECT OF A SAFETY RECALL BY TOYOTA IN 2013, AND MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT GIRARD TOYOTA IN NEW LONDON, CT, AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL. THE FAILED ARM STILL HAD THE REPAIR STICKER ON IT. THE SHOP REMOVED AND REPLACED THE FAILED CONTROL ARM AND THE ONE THAT WAS STILL INTACT ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. THE CAR IS NOW DRIVABLE. I BELIEVE THAT THE OUTCOME IS LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO TOYOTA AND WAS GIVEN THE CASE NUMBER 1604300620. I SPOKE TO A CASE MANAGER, MR. THORN. MY INTENTIONS WERE TO; 1) ALERT TOYOTA THAT A RECALL FIX HAS FAILED ON MY CAR; 2) I WANTED A TOYOTA DEALER TO INSPECT MY CAR FOR AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION AND TO ASSURE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE; 3) REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. HE ACKNOWLEDGED RECEIVING THE INFORMATION, BUT INDICATED THAT A TOYOTA DEALER CANNOT GUARANTEE A THIRD PARTY WORK. HE ASKED ME TO FILE MY EXPENSES, BUT WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT IT WILL BE HONORED.
Suspension, Apr 19, 2016
THE CAR WAS RECALLED IN 2014 FOR THE REAR CONTROL ARMS. THEY WERE REPLACED IN 2014. 2 YEARS LATER AND THE PART BROKE AGAIN. HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF A SIDE STREET WHEN IT BROKE, SO WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. COST $560 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 29, 2016
R/R SWAY BAR END LINK BROKEN. UPPER AND INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BROKEN.
Suspension, Dec 8, 2015
STABILIZER LINK ON REAR OF CAR SNAPPED.. HEARD LOAD NOISE.. SOME RATTLE ALSO.. DEALER REPLACED BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT STABILIZER LINKS.. WAS CHARGED 275.00 FOR EACH..
Suspension, Oct 26, 2015
SWAY BAR
Suspension, Oct 2, 2015
THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT, LOUD CLUNK SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS EVENTUALLY DETERMINED THAT A REAR STABILIZER LINK WAS CORRODED AND FAILED. PARTS ON BOTH SIDES WERE REPLACED BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER.
Suspension, Oct 2, 2015
WHILE LOOKING INTO A REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEM, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE REMEDY FOR RECALL 13V-383 WAS NOT PERFORMED PROPERLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE CAR. NOT ENOUGH EPOXY WAS USED ON ONE END OF THE SUSPENSION ARM, SO THERE IS A GAP IN THE EPOXY THAT EXTENDS TO THE ADJUSTING TUBE NUT. THAT SIDE IS ALSO OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER DID NOT REDO THE FIX AS REQUESTED. THE SERVICE MANAGER FORWARDED A PHOTO TO A DISTRICT REP TO MAKE A DECISION. OVER TWO WEEKS NOW WITHOUT A RESPONSE.
Suspension, Sep 14, 2015
OUR 2007 RAV4 WAS SERVICED AT A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER ON 8/11/2015. THE REAR ALIGNMENT WAS FOUND TO BE OUTSIDE OF THE SPECIFIED RANGE. THE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS (TIE RODS) WERE INSPECTED AND THE ALIGNMENT WAS ADJUSTED LAST YEAR AS PART OF RECALL 13V-383. AN EPOXY WAS APPLIED TO MAKE THESE PARTS NON-ADJUSTABLE AND SEAL THEM TO PREVENT CORROSION THAT HAS LED TO PART FAILURES. BOTH REAR TIE RODS ON OUR VEHICLE HAD ACTUALLY BEEN REPLACED IN JANUARY 2012 AFTER SUCH A FAILURE CAUSED US TO CRASH. CORRECTING THE REAR ALIGNMENT NOW REQUIRES REPLACING THESE PARTS AGAIN AND RE-APPLYING THE EPOXY FROM RECALL 13V-383, AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. I WAS QUOTED $750 + TAX ($660 ON TOP OF THE USUAL $90 ALIGNMENT CHARGE). WE HAVE NOT YET HAD THIS FIXED. I WROTE TO DANIEL C. SMITH OF NHTSA IN JUNE TO POINT OUT THIS PROBLEM BASED ON OTHER REPORTS, BEFORE REALIZING OUR VEHICLE WOULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. IF THE EPOXY DOES NOT PREVENT THE PART FROM ADJUSTING OUTSIDE OF SPECS, HOW WELL IS IT SEALING TO PREVENT CORROSION? NHTSA INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA KNOWS OF 19 CONTINUED FAILURES IN VEHICLES THAT HAD REMEDY 13V-383 APPLIED (THE SECOND REMEDY FOR THIS SAFETY DEFECT). 12 REPORTS WERE FOR COMPLETE TIE ROD SEPARATION. TOYOTA SHOULD ALSO TRACK THESE ALIGNMENT CHANGES AS A POTENTIAL PRECURSOR TO FAILURES.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL WHERE ALL FOUR TIRES WERE ALIGNED. THE DEALER USED AN EPOXY RESIN ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES AND THE FRAMING. MONTHS LATER, AFTER THE MANUFACTURER RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RECEIVE AN ALIGNMENT AND TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS STATED THAT THE EPOXY PREVENTED THE TIRES FROM RECEIVING A REAR ALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ONLY THE FRONT ALIGNMENT COULD BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO REMEDY THE REMOVAL OF THE EPOXY RESIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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!
Suspension, Jun 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE WEARING DOWN AND THE REAR SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Suspension, May 21, 2015
SUN VISOR IS CAUSING HEAD INJURIES, THIS DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR KEEP DROPPING AT EYE LEVEL AND HIT ON THE HEAD WHILE WE ARE DRIVING DUE TO DEFECTIVE MECHANISM AND LOCKING PARTS WITHIN THE SUN VISOR THIS IS HAPPENING FOR LAST 4 YEARS. KINDLY HAVE MANUFACTURE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND HAVE THEM REPLACE THIS SUN VISOR.
Suspension, Mar 30, 2015
MARCH 27, 2015 AT 2:40 PM. SUNNY, 38, CLEAR ROAD CONDITIONS. EXITING OFF US 43 AND SOUTH ONTO US 41 AT APPROX. 40 TO 45 MPH. THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED TO LEFT, THEN SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS BUT DID NOT BRAKE. STEERING WAS DIFFICULT BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE. THE CAR FELT(ALTHOUGHI AM NOT SURE) AS THOUGH IT WENT UP ON TWO WHEELS EACH TIME IT SWERVED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. I LOOKED BENEATH THE CAR AND SAW AN APPROXIMATELY 10 INCH ROD WITH THE STICKER THAT SAID "RECALL SAFETY". I TOOK A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BROKEN PART, CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I BELIEVE IF I HAD BEEN GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR I WOULD HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO HAVE ANY CONTROL AND MAY HAVE ROLLED OVER INJURING, OR WORSE MYSELF AND OTHERS. *TR
Suspension, Mar 21, 2015
HEARD "POP" SOUNDS FROM REAR WHILE DRIVING CAR. STOPPED TO EXAMINE CAR BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING UNUSUAL. RESUMED DRIVING AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND IMMEDIATELY THE CAR BEGAN SWERVING AS IF IT WERE ON A SKATING RINK - VERY SCARY. MANAGED TO GET CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CAME TO A STOP. REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS INCLINED TOWARDS THE SIDEWALL OF THE CAR, NO IDEA WHAT HAD CAUSED IT TO HAPPEN. DROVE VERY SLOWLY TO AUTO MECHANIC JUST 1 BLOCK AWAY, SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE AFFECTED AREA. CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A BROKEN RIGHT REAR TIRE ROD AND THE AFFECTED TIRE HAD BEEN STRIPPED SINCE IT HAD BEEN LEANING AGAINST THE SIDEWALL. THIS OCCURRED DESPITE HAVING MADE MULTIPLE VISITS TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN FEBRUARY, 2014 FOR RELATED RECALLS AND ACTION TAKEN TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT. OBVIOUSLY, ACTION TAKEN BY DEALERSHIP WAS INSUFFICIENT TO PREVENT THIS POSSIBLE DEADLY SITUATION FROM OCCURRING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Dec 7, 2014
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A "CLUNKING/POPPING" NOISE COMING FROM WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE STEERING LINKAGE SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND RACK-AND-PINION ASSEMBLY.IN EARLY 2014, A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN INDIANA RECOMMENDED SERVICING THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY VIA AN ISSUED TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS REPLACED IN THE SPRING OF 2014 (COST=$1000, CAR MILEAGE ~65K).I HAVE SINCE JOB RELOCATED TO NEW JERSEY AND THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED (CAR MILEAGE ~75K).A DEALERSHIP HERE TOLD ME THAT THE RACK-AND-PINION ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACE (EST. COST= $2000).GENERAL SIGNS OF RACK-AND-PINION FAILURE AS STATED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND GENERAL RESEARCH ARE NOT OBSERVED IN MY CAR (SIGNS INCLUDING "PLAY/SLOP" IN THE STEERING WHEEL, LOOSE STEERING, STIFF STEERING, ETC.).FURTHER RESEARCH OF THIS ISSUE HAS SHOW MULTIPLE HUNDREDS-OF-THOUSANDS OF RAV4 OWNERS INQUIRING ABOUT THIS ISSUE EITHER VIA RAV4/TOYOTA FORUMS, OR THROUGH THE NHTSA AND OTHER THIRD PARTY AUTO SAFETY AGENCIES.THE DEALERSHIPS SEEM TO BE GUESSING AT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, AND THEY ISSUE REPAIR GUIDELINES BASED ONLY ON SERVICE BULLETINS WITHOUT FULLY INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE.THERE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN WITH A "CLUNKING/POPPING" NOISE WITH THE STEERING ASSEMBLY OF THESE AUTOMOBILES.OWNERS OF THIS (HIGHLY RATED, ABUNDANTLY SOLD) RAV4 MODEL SHOULD BE ISSUED A RECALL BY TOYOTA TO HAVE THE RACK-AND-PINION AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY FIXED WITHOUT CONSUMER PURCHASE.TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS, AS THEY HAVE ISSUED MULTIPLE SERVICE BULLETINS, BUT HAVE YET TO DEEM THE ISSUE A SAFETY CONCERN LEAVING THEIR LOYAL OWNERS WITH REPAIR COST IN UPWARDS OF $3000 FOR CARS THAT ARE WELL UNDER 100,000 MILES, BUT OUTSIDE OF TOYOTA'S WARRANTY PERIOD. PROTECTING THE SAFETY OF DRIVERS AND THEIR PRECIOUS PASSENGERS, SHOULD BE THE NUMBER ONE CONCERN OF TOYOTA AND THE NHTSA. *TR
Suspension, Dec 2, 2014
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS, BUT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. *SS THE DEALER GAVE THE CONSUMER, DIFFERENT EXCUSES, AS TO WHY THEY COULDN'T REPAIR THE VEHICLE.*JB
Suspension, Oct 16, 2014, crash
WHILE TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY, THE REAR TIE ROD (SUSPENSION ARM) ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF OUR RAV4 SUDDENLY FAILED, CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE WILDLY OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. AFTER THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, THE AFFECTED WHEEL WAS FOUND TO BE TILTED ON AN ANGLE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A MECHANICAL PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE RAV4 HAD 62,422 MILES AT THE TIME. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 24, 2011 - PRIOR TO THE RELATED RECALLS 12V373000 (C0J) AND 13V383000 (CSJ). I WROTE TO TOYOTA EXECUTIVES IN JANUARY 2012. MY LETTER DESCRIBED OUR INCIDENT, AND I INCLUDED THREE SIMILAR REPORTS FROM OTHER DRIVERS FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND AN INTERNET SEARCH. I WAS PUT IN CONTACT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM TOYOTA EXECUTIVE OFFICES. I MAILED THE FAILED PART TO TOYOTA U.S.A. HEADQUARTERS IN FEBRUARY 2012 AFTER TAKING PHOTOS TO DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM. CORROSION WAS HIDDEN WITHIN THE TUBE OF THE SUSPENSION ARM. THE THREADS ON THE TIE ROD END HAD CORRODED, SO ONE PIECE COULD BE PULLED STRAIGHT OUT FROM THE OTHER PART WITHOUT HAVING TO UNSCREW IT. THE LOWER PART OF THE BOLT OR TIE ROD END WAS ALSO FRACTURED DUE TO THE CORROSION. AFTER FOLLOWING UP WITH TOYOTA EXECUTIVE OFFICES, I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS ISSUE WAS ALREADY KNOWN TO THEM, AND RESULTED FROM IMPROPER TORQUE APPLIED DURING A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. MY CAR PREVIOUSLY HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AT AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER. TOYOTA OFFICIALLY STARTED THE RECALL PROCESS WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT A HALF YEAR LATER. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE TAKEN STEPS MUCH EARLIER TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THIS VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE! A DOCUMENT ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE INDICATES TOYOTA STARTED AN INITIAL INVESTIGATION IN 2008. BASED ON OTHER RECALL-RELATED DOCUMENTS, IT IS SCARY THAT THERE APPEAR TO BE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF INVOLVED VEHICLES THAT HAVE YET TO BE INSPECTED. UPDATED 12/03/14. *JB UPDATED 01/26/15.*JB UPDATED 01/27/15*JB THE CONSUMERS CLAIM WAS DENIED, BECAUSE TOYOTA DID NOT GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO ADDRESS HIS CONCERN OR CONFIRM IF THE INCIDENT WAS A RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT. UPDATED 02/24/15 UPDATED 05/11/15. UPDATED 06/03/15. *JB UPDATED 08/06/15*JB
Suspension, Sep 28, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING MY RECENT VACATION I HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM UNDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER WHILE STILL DRIVING, PIECES OF METAL FELL OFF THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR HITTING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. WE BOTH PULLED OVER, MY REAR STABILIZER / SWAY BAR HAD BUSTED AND FALLEN FROM THE CAR. NOW I HAVE TO PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS, MY WIFE AND I COULD OF BEEN SEVERELY HURT OR WORSE, AND NOW POSSIBLY PAY FOR A CRACKED WINDSHIELD FROM THE CAR BEHIND ME. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM TOYOTA OWNERS THAT EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD OF NOT HAPPENED AT ONLY 54000 MILES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. (THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING). *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Sep 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Sep 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 6, 2014
I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION RECALL AND WHEN I PICKED IT UP I WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THERE IS A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THE SHAFT IS CRACKED AND COULD BE DANGEROUS. I NEVER NOTICED ANY STEERING SOUNDS BUT NOW THAT I'M SPECIFICALLY LISTENING FOR IT I DO HEAR IT. I BELIEVE THAT IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE DEALER STATED THEN THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED. MOST OWNERS WILL NOT KNOW THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM SINCE THE SOUND IS NOT THAT NOTICEABLE AND I ASSUME THAT IF LEFT UNCORRECTED LOSS OF STEERING WILL OCCUR. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Aug 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 38 MPH, THE REAR BACK WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOWNWARD HILL ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.