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, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Jun 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THREE RECALL NOTICES IN THE MAIL SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND STATED THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Mar 6, 2013
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SENSOR PROBLEMS, REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE AT THIS POINT. HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARING AND WIRING DUE TO CORROSION, FREE OF CHARGE NOW OTHER SIDE HAS SAME WHEEL BEARING, CORROSION PROBLEM AND THEY WANT $1000.00. HAVE ALSO HAD A CLUNKING IN STEERING COLUMN (BAD KNUCKLE JOINT) THAT TECH'S HAVE NOT FOUND. HEAR THAT WOULD COST AT LEAST $800.00. THEY ALSO SAY WATER PUMP LEAKING AND NEED REPLACEMENT TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE ANOTHER APPROX. $1000.00. I'VE BEEN ONLINE AND THESE ARE ALL PROBLEMS DISCUSSED BY OTHER RAV4 OWNERS. THE TECH TOLD ME THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PROBLEMS TO INCITE A RECALL. MEAN WHILE I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 60K. NOW THEY WANT 3K TO FIX CURRENT PROBLEMS. *TR
Suspension, Jan 29, 2013
THE TOYOTA DEALER STATES THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND WE NEED TO CHECK BACK. THEY HAVE DONE THIS ON OTHER RECALLS FOR THE SAME VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 25, 2013
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH RECALL NOTICES FOR REAR SUSPENSION AND POWER WINDOW SWITCH. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED DID NOT BELIEVE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, AS HE IS STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE STILL PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION, AFTER THE DEALER IT WAS FIXED. DUE TO THE ONGOING SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, IT WAS AFFECTING THE STEERING SHAFT, RACK AND PINION AND TIE ROD. UPDATED 03/12/13
Suspension, Jan 14, 2013
WE BECAME AWARE OF A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE FOR RUST FORMATION THAT COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS IN AUGUST 2012. IT'S JANUARY 2013 AND TOYOTA TELLS US THAT THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON A "FIX." THEY USE A LOT OF SALT TO KEEP OUR LOCAL ROADS CLEAR AND, AS YOU KNOW, SALT AND UNPROTECTED STEEL ARE A RECIPE FOR FAILURE FOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS. MY POINT? IT'S BEEN LONG ENOUGH TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND EVEN WHEN TOYOTA DOES, IT WILL TAKE MONTHS TO EFFECT REPAIRS. WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR LOOKING INTO TO THE MATTER. *TR
Suspension, Jan 10, 2013, crash
WE WERE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY GOING HOME FROM ONE PART OF THE STATE TO ANOTHER WHEN WE THOUGHT WE HAD A FLAT TIRE. SUDDENLY WE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR GOING FROM THE SLOW LANE, CROSSING THE PASSING LANE AND ENDING IN THE SNOWY MEDIAN. THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM NO. 1 TOTALLY FAILED. OUR HOME TOYOTA DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO INSPECT IT ON DEC. 5 WHEN WE HAD OUR CAR IN FOR AN EARLIER RECALL. THEY HAD MENTIONED THAT WE WERE GOING TO GET A NOTICE IN THE MAIL AND IT WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF THAT DAY. THAT DID NOT HAPPEN SINCE THE REPAIRING TOYOTA DEALER CHARGED BACK THE COSTS PLUS THE TOWING COSTS TO OUR HOME TOYOTA DEALER. WE JUST GOT OUR RECALL NOTICE TODAY. *TR UPDATED 02/26/13*L'S
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jan 2, 2013
STEERING HAS PLAY AND CLUNK AT TIMES CAUSING CAR TO SWERVE DO MECHANICAL DEFECT AND/OR OVER CORRECTION OF THE DRIVER DO TO SENSATION OF LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. AFTER READING USER FORMS ON THIS VEHICLE IT IS COMMON TO THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA TO PREVENT FATAL ACCIDENTS. RECALL ITEMS SHOULD INCLUDE MIDDLE SHAFT AND RACK AND PINION. WEBSITES BELOW TELL PEOPLE TO COMPLAIN TO TOYOTA BUT THIS SHOULD BE MANDATED BY THE NHTSA HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2007/TOYOTA/RAV4/STEERING HTTP://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/99-4-3-MECHANICAL/82616-STEERING-INTERMEDIATE-SHAFT-CLUNK-SOLUTION.HTML. *TR
Suspension, Dec 18, 2012
MY VEHICLE RECENTLY HAD A RECALL FOR POTENTIAL RUST ISSUES WITH THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM. BOTH MY SWAY BAR ARMS ARE NOW BROKEN DUE TO RUST AND TOYOTA IS CHARGING ME $500 TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE SERVICE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME "THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT THE SWAY BARS PREVENT THE CAR FROM ROLLING OVER." THIS SOUNDS LIKE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE TO ME AND ALSO DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RECALL ISSUE. THIS IS THE 6TH RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND I HAVE SUBMITTED A REQUEST TO TOYOTA TO FIX THIS ISSUE AT NO COST. CONSIDERING TOYOTA DID NOT HAVE A SOLUTION TO THE REAR SUSPENSION RECALL AND FORCED IT'S OWNERS TO DRIVE WITH THE PROBLEM FOR MULTIPLE MONTHS EXPOSING US TO POTENTIAL DANGER, ASKING THEM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST IS REASONABLE. MY DEALERSHIP EVEN WENT AS FAR AS TO TELL ME THAT IF I WANTED THEM TO INSPECT THE RECALL SITUATION PRIOR TO A FIX BEING AVAILABLE I WOULD HAVE TO PAY LABOR COSTS. LAST TIME I CHECKED, THE CUSTOMER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING LABOR COSTS DUE TO A RECALL. I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT THE SWAY BAR ARMS ON MY RAV4 ARE FIXED AT NO COST. IF RUST CAUSING "THREADS MAY WEAR, CAUSING THE ARM TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH" THAT RESULTED IN MY RECALL THAN IT SEEMS LIKE THE TWO PROBLEMS ARE RELATED AS THE PARTS ARE IN SIMILAR AREAS OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
Suspension, Nov 7, 2012
I DID WENT TO DEALER NOW THEY FOUND LEAKAGE ON RARE SHOCK SUSPENSION. THIS IS BECAUSE OF RARE LOWER SUSPENSION RECALL. DEALER SAYING IT NOT PART OF RECALL. ONLY MY WIFE DRIVES CAR AND WE DID TOOK CARE VERY WELL. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE PART OF TOYOTA RECALL.. RARE SUSPENSION NOT WORKING PROPERLY NEED TO REPLACE BY TOYOTA AND MAKING NOISE.... *TR
Suspension, Nov 5, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35MPH THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND SUDDENLY SPUN OUT AT A 180 DEGREE AND CRASHED INTO THE CURB. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT STATED HE INSPECTS THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS DAMAGES TO BOTH RIMS AND REAR TIRES, AND THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED IT WAS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BOTH REAR RIMS AND WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION: REAR). HOWEVER, HE DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STARTED A CLAIM AND THEN INFORMED HIM A REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE SENT OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Suspension, Oct 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A LINK TO THE STABILIZING BAR WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER STATED THIS HAD BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE. THE CONTACT ASKED ABOUT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) FOR THE REAR TIE ROD, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE LINK FOR THE STABILIZER BAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD BOTH LINKS REPLACED SINCE THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE ONE ON THE RIGHT WAS ABOUT TO BREAK AS WELL DUE TO IT NOT BEING BOLTED CORRECTLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 12/5/12 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS RUST FORMING AROUND THE BOLT. UPDATED 12/10/12
Suspension, Oct 16, 2012
I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT MY REAR LOWER SUSPENSION THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND WHEN I'M ON THE ROAD AND GETTING WORSE AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. THEN I GET THIS RECALL NOTICE TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND STILL NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT I HAD TO PUT NEW TIRES ON MY VEHICLE AND HAS CAUSED THE INSIDE TO BE WEARING OUT, ON JUST THE INSIDE TIRE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE WHERE I BOUGHT MY TIRES AT AND THEY STATED THAT EVEN IF I ROTATE MY TIRES IT STILL WILL CONTINUE TO WEAR OUT BECAUSE SOMETHING IS CAUSING TO WEAR THEM OUT. I THINK IF SOMETHING IS CAUSING THIS BY A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM AT LEAST SOME ONE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. PLEASE IF I CAN GET SOMEONE TO CALL ME TO GET THIS RESOLVED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ANYMORE BECAUSE I FEEL I COULD LOSE OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 6, 2012
I HAD HEARD A SLIGHT CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE REAR. I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD CLUNK, STARTED DOWN A HILL AND LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR. I WENT FROM ONE SIDE OF THE STREET TO THE OTHER. LUCKILY NO CARS WERE COMING. FINALLY A GOT THE CAR STOPPED AND RETURNED TO MY GARAGE. LOOKING AT THE REAR RIGHT TIRE IT WAS BENT IN AT THE TOP. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS WAS "LEFT REAR TIE-ROD PULLED APART". I HAD IT REPLACED. WE HAD JUST RETURNED FROM PHILADELPHIA THE DAY BEFORE AND HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD IT OCCURRED ON PENNSYLVANIA'S NORTHEAST EXTENSION, TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. I NEVER EVEN THOUGHT TO REPORT IT BACK THEN AND I AM SURE THIS IS A RESULT OF THIS RECALL 12V373000. *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
Suspension, Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 20, 2012
MY 2007 RAV4 DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW WONT GO UP AND DOWN. THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL SWITCH FOR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT MOVE. THE SWITCH FOR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW ON THE BACK DOOR DOES NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. WHEN IT DOES WORK JUST ONE TAP AND THE REAR WINDOW (DRIVER SIDE) GOES DOWN ALL THE WAY BY ITS SELF. THE OTHER THREE SWITCHES FOR THE WINDOWS AND THE OTHER THREE WINDOWS SEEM TO WORK AND RESPOND HOW THEY SHOULD. ONLY PROBLEM IS WITH THE REAR WINDOW AND THE SWITCH ON BOTH THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE REAR WINDOW DOOR (DRIVER SIDE). ALSO WHILE DRIVING TO WORK DRIVING APROX 10 MPH MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BENT IN TOWARD THE WHEEL WELL. THE TIE ROD WAS BROKE AND THE TIE ROD WAS VERY RUSTED . THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A FREAK OCCURRENCE AND FIXED IT WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. PROBLEM IS THAT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION (DRIVER SIDE) IS ALSO RUSTED BUT THEY DID NOT FIX IT AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAPPENED JUNE 14TH AT ABOUT 6:10 AM I WAS NOT TOLD OF THE RECALL OF THIS TIE ROD ISSUE AT THE TIME OF IT GETTING FIXED . THEY PLAYED IT OFF AS IT WERE A FREAK OCCURRENCE.. TOYOTA/SCION DEALER OF BERLIN CITY TOYOTA. *TR
Suspension, Aug 17, 2012
BOTH REAR SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE ON A WELL MAINTAINED RAV4 THAT IS GARAGED NIGHTLY. *TR
Suspension, Aug 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE REAR TIE ROD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AS THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR TIE ROD WAS FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF RUST. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIE RODS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Suspension, Jul 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD METALLIC NOISE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED FURTHER. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS ON A 60 DEGREE ANGLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS FRACTURED AND THE TREAD WAS STRIPPED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OFFERED A NEW REAR ASSEMBLY IF THE CONTACT TRADED IN THE OLD PART. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND PERFORMING A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,883. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. ..UPDATED 09/04/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS FISHTAILING SHE JAMMED ON THE BREAKS SLOWLY STOPPING WITH IN INCHES FROM PARKED CARS. UPDATED 09/12/2012 *JS
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
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 23, 2012
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAD A REAR RIGHT WHEEL TIE ROD BREAK WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND OUR ONE YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE VEHICLE. WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO SEE MY WIFE'S DOCTOR FOR HER MEDICAL CONDITION AT THE TIME. THANKFULLY WE HAD JUST MADE A TURN ON TO THE ON-RAMP OF THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY AND WERE MOVING AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF WE WERE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE TIE ROD BROKE, I MIGHT HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD A TERRIBLE CRASH WITH SERIOUS INJURY (OR WORSE) TO OUR FAMILY AND POSSIBLY OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET ABOUT TOYOTA RAV4 TIE ROD INCIDENTS, IT SEEMS THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER RAV4 DRIVERS MANY TIMES ON ALL DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS OF THE VEHICLE. JUST LIKE US THEY ALL SAY THEY DID NOT HIT ANY POT HOLES OR OTHER OBJECTS TO HAVE CAUSED THE TIE ROD TO BREAK. THIS FAILING OF TIE RODS ON RAV4S SEEMS LIKE A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT. SOME ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM THIS TIE ROD FAILURES ON TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLES. *TR
Suspension, Feb 17, 2012
VEHICLE EXHIBITED A CLUNK AND RATCHET SOUND FROM REAR OF CAR WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO DEALER IN JANUARY 2010. WHILE THE NOISE WAS REPLICATED, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS ASSURED THAT THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. A LOCAL MECHANIC WAS ALSO CONSULTED WHO COULD NOT PINPOINT THE SOURCE OF THE SUSPENSION NOISE. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL KICKED OUT AND WAS NO LONGER PARALLEL WITH THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS PRACTICALLY IMMOBILE. THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE A LINKAGE THAT STRIPPED ITSELF OUT. THE LINKAGE (TIE ROD?) HOLDS THE WHEEL IN PLACE. I HAD BOTH SIDES (RIGHT AND LEFT) REPAIRED JUST IN CASE THE LEFT SIDE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR WEAR. CAR REMAINS SLIGHTLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT (JUST BEYOND TOLERANCE) AS LINKAGE FAILURE CAUSED SUSPENSION COMPONENTS TO WARP OR BEND. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 15, 2011
REPLACED LOWER AND MIDDLE STEERING SHAFT. REPLACED STABILIZER BAR CONTROL END LINKS, FRONT AND REAR AND STRUTS.
Steering, Suspension, May 13, 2011
CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM STEERING MECHANISM. REPLACED LOWER AND MIDDLE STEERING SHAFT AND FRONT AND REAR END LINKS. *TR
Suspension, Sep 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH SHE HEARD A SNAP AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS TURNED INWARD AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. SHE WAS ALSO INFORMED THE REAR TRAILING ARMS AND RODS WERE RUSTED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE HAD NOT RECURRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 43,000. .
Suspension, Service brakes, Electric, Feb 7, 2010, crash
I OWN A TOYOTA 2007 RAV4 WHICH AS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIPS SHOP OVER 10 TIMES FOR THE SAME TWO ISSUES BRAKES AND GRINDING NOISE, PER TOYOTA EACH TIME IT WAS DIFFERENT, BUT I KNOW IT WAS THE SAME TWO THINGS. IT'S LIKE TOYOTA IS FALSIFYING CUSTOMER'S CAR ISSUES WITH THEIR OWN WORDS INSTEAD OF MAKING PROPER DOCUMENTATION. IT STARTED OFF WITH THE BRAKES WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR THEY WERE MAKING A NOISE AND WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE INSTEAD OF STOPPING, BUT I THOUGHT THIS MAY BE AN ADDED FEATURE TO THE NEW CAR. THE FIRST REAL INCIDENT IS WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND I CRASHED INTO TO A SIDE RAIL. IT DIDN'T DO MUCH DAMAGE AND IT TOTAL ABOUT $400.00. THE CAR IS MAKING A METALLIC NOISE IN THE SUSPENSION AND THIS WAS REPORTED, BUT EACH AND EVERY TIME TOYOTA'S TECHS DRIVES WITH ME AND MY HUSBAND WHILE WE DRIVING THE CAR TO DUPLICATE THE NOISE TOYOTA'S TECHS SAID THIS NOISE WAS NORMAL. WE KNEW THIS NOISE WASN'T NORMAL BEHAVIOR OF A BRAND NEW CAR, I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER AUTO SHOP AND THEY VERIFIED THAT THE NOISE WAS IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM, THAT TOYOTA WOULD NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND IT WOULD COST ME MONEY TO LOCATE THE NOISE. WHEN I TOLD TOYOTA THEY SAID THEY GIVE A CAR UNTIL THEY COULD FIND THE ISSUE, BY LETTING THEIR FIELD TECH LOOK AT THE CAR, AND I ASKED WHEN THIS TECH WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I WANTED TO SEE THIS PERSON LOOK AT THE CAR, BUT THEY CAME UP WITH A MILLION AND ONE REASONS THAT I COULD MEET WITH THE TECH? AFTER TALKING TO PEOPLE FROM THEIR CORP OFFICE ABOUT THE METALLIC NOISE AND THE BRAKES TOYOTA SAID, 'SINCE WE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR IT'S UNDER WARRANTY SO IF SOMETHING HAPPENS IT WILL BE FIXED'. WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THIS CAR TO KILL ME OR MY FAMILY FOR THE COMPANY TO LOOK AT THEIR FAULTS BECAUSE ALL WE DID WAS PURCHASED A CAR FROM THE TOP OF THE LINE AUTO MAKERS TO GET THIS KIND OF TREATMENT? *TW