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: vehicle speed control
101 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 10, 2018, crash
I HAVE OWNED A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 FOR 10 YEARS. I WAS LEAVING A DELAWARE, OHIO, HOSPITAL PARKING LOT, BACKING OUT SLOWLY, MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE ROARED AND I SHOT BACKWARD, SMASHING INTO THE CAR PARKED BEHIND WHERE MY CAR HAD BEEN. THE CAR I HIT WAS SOMEWHAT DAMAGED IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER. THE IMPACT SHOVED IT OUT OF ITS SPACE AND ALMOST INTO A SMALL TRUCK TO THE RIGHT. MY CAR'S REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND THE RIGHT BACK BUMPER AND SIDE WERE CRUMPLED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME. THE FIRST TIME, I AGAIN WAS BACKING FROM A TIGHT SPOT, THIS TIME TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, WHEN THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE CAR LURCHED BACKWARD. THAT TIME, I HIT NOTHING. IT HAPPENED ANOTHER TIME WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS BACKING, AGAIN FROM A TIGHT SPOT WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. BACK AT THE HOSPITAL LOT. I INFORMED THE FRONT DESK EMPLOYEE, WHO INFORMED THE OHIOHEALTH HOSPITAL POLICE. TWO OFFICERS REPORTED, TOOK MY INFORMATION AND BEGAN SEARCHING FOR THE OTHER CAR'S OWNER. I ALSO CALLED THE CITY POLICE; AN OFFICER CAME BUT LEFT AFTER CONFERRING WITH OHIOHEALTH'S POLICE. I THEN TOOK THE CAR DIRECTLY TO MY LOCAL INSURANCE AGENT, WHO CONNECTED ME WITH A CLAIMS ADJUSTER. AT FIRST I THEORIZED THAT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE MUST HAVE PIVOTED SLIGHTLY AS I TURNED IN MY SEAT TO ENSURE I COULD BACK SAFELY. MY FOOT MUST HAVE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. PRESSED WITH CONSIDERABLE POWER, GIVEN THE CAR'S BACKWARD LEAP. NOV. 8 I TESTED THIS THEORY ON MY DRIVEWAY, AND SAW IMMEDIATELY IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE. I WOULD HAVE HAD TO LIFT MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE DELIBERATELY TO PRESS THE GAS FIRMLY. THIS CAR'S REGULAR MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AT THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. MY CAR WAS NOT AMONG THOSE RECALLED FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE CAR IS REGISTERED IN MY HUSBAND'S NAME, (XXXXX). PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Mar 15, 2018
TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE REPLACE MY TIRES LEAST FOUR TIMES IN A YEAR, SHAKES WHEN I GET UP TO 45 MILES PER HOUR MY BACK TIRES MAKE THIS FUNNY SOUND LIKE MY TIRES ABOUT TO COME OFF WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE ROAD MY SEATBELTS RELEASE WHEN THEY WANTED RELEASER RANDOMLY,S SOMETIMES I CAN'T EVEN GET OUT MY WHEN I ACCELERATE MY CAR DOESN'T WANT TO GO WHEN I AM TURNING,I CAN ONLY PICK THREE BOX'S FROM UP TOP
Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Service brakes, May 11, 2017, crash
I WAS TURNING MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 SOUTH ONTO INTERSTATE 182 TO HEAD EAST, THE CAR SUDDEN OUT OF MY CONTROL AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER AT 5:49 PM AT 5/8/17. TWO PASSENGERS WERE HURT.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 3, 2017
CAR HAD BEEN USING EXCESSIVE OIL.WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED ,WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON , STARTED FLASHING AND THEN CAR QUICKLY LOST ALL POWER. BARELY GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF INTERSTATE. VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION EXISTS WITH THESE VEHICLES. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY.
Suspension, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2016
I AM THE SECOND OWNER ON THIS CAR AND IT HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR 7 TIMES FOR VARIOUS RECALLS. DOES THE LEMON LAW APPLY TO MY CAR? YOU HAVE RECALLED THE ELECTRICAL WINDOWS SUSPENSION SEAT BELTS CRUISE CONTROL WHAT ELSE IS COMING! CLAREMONT TOYOTA IN CALIFORNIA HAD A COMPLETE CHECK ON THE CAR AND I PAID 1500 BUT I STILL SEE RECALLS. WHAT IS GOING ON???? I HAVE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR THE SUSPENSION ON MONDAY 8/15/16
Vehicle speed control, Jan 12, 2016
APRIL, 2015 TOOK RAV4 IN FOR RECALLS. AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE BACK PERIODICALLY IT WOULD FAIL TO ACCELERATE. I THOUGHT THE COMPUTER WOULD MAYBE ADJUST ITSELF. IT DIDN'T. IT PERIODICALLY STALLS OR FAILS TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN RUN OVER SEVERAL TIMES. CALLED TOYOTA OF DENTON TODAY. THEY DENIED THAT ANYTHING THEY DID WOULD HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT, EVEN THOUGH WE DROVE THE VEHICLE 60K MILES AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. I HAVE TWO TOYOTAS AND DENIAL OF A PROBLEM IS FIRST ON THE LIST IT SEEMS. THIS DRIVE BY WIRE SHOULD BE OUTLAWED.
Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Dec 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS SHORTENED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2014
FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM ON 11/10/2014 WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. THE RAV4 TOOK LONGER THAN NORMAL TO COME TO A STOP WITH GREATER FORCE REQUIRED TO STOP. ONCE FULLY STOPPED, THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING WITH LOW RPM'S (~500) AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON ALONG WITH VSC AND TRAC LIGHTS. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, BUT EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AT EVERY STOP LIGHT / STOP SIGN. CONTACTED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN TUCSON IMMEDIATELY AND SCHEDULED EMERGENCY SERVICE FOR THE NEXT MORNING. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WITH TWO ERROR CODES (P0171 AND P0174 - LEAN AIR/FUEL MIX). WAS TOLD THEY SUSPECTED A BAD TANK OF GAS. TOYOTA ADDRESSED ONE OPEN RECALL (SERVICE CAMPAIGN BST - REFLASH BRAKE CONTROL COMPUTER) ON MY VEHICLE BUT DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE ERROR CODES, ONLY CLEARED THEM. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. ALMOST NO BRAKE PRESSURE AND BARELY ABLE TO STOP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC, AND TRAC LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED AGAIN. LOW IDLE SPEED AS WELL. CONTACTED A DIFFERENT LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. WAS INFORMED THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO DAMAGE IN THE DIAPHRAGM CAUSING LOSS OF VACUUM PRESSURE (WHICH HELPED EXPLAIN THE TWO ERROR CODES RELATED TO LEAN AIR/FUEL MIX). TOTAL REPAIR BILL OVER $1000. JUST LUCKY NOBODY WAS INJURED DUE TO FAILING BRAKE SYSTEM ON TOYOTA'S PART. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Oct 1, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 5, 2014
THE GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE CAN EASILY BE STEPPED ON AT THE SAME TIME WITH ONE FOOT. I HAVE DONE THIS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, IT'S JUST BEEN LUCK THAT HAS PREVENTED ME FROM CAUSING INJURY DAMAGE TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. IT DOES GIVE ME A GOOD SCARE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED WHEN IT SUDDENLY AND ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED FORWARD, CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD ALSO OCCURRED ON A PREVIOUS OCCASION. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 28, 2014
THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHILE BRAKING CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD. *JS
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 10, 2014
ON MARCH 21ST THE ABS, VSC, TRACTION AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH IN DRY WEATHER CONDITION. WHEN THE LIGHTS WERE ON, THE ABS SYSTEM WAS TRIGGERED MAKING DIFFICULT TO BRAKE TO STOP. SINCE THEN THE WARNING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON AND OFF AND SO I'VE BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTIES WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT A HIGHER SPEED RATE 60 MPH, SLOW SPEED 20 MPH, AND EVEN STOPPING. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8 I BROUGHT THE RAV4 TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THAT THE BREAKS WERE OK. DEALER SAID: IT IS JUST THE A REAR SENSOR THAT NEEDS TO BE RESET. SO DEALER TECHNICIAN RESET THE SENSOR THE SAME DAY. ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 AROUND 6:00 PM WHEN TURNING LEFT AT A CORNER I HEARD A TICKING NOISE THEN FOUR WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED AGAIN AND THE BREAKS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AGAIN. I'LL BRING THE RAV4 TO THE DEALER ON APRIL 12, 2014 AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. THE CODES THE DEALER HAVE INITIALLY WERE C0210 AND C1223. MY SPOUSE AND I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE THE RAV4 WITHOUT KNOWING THAT THE SENSOR THAT THE DEALER TALKS ABOUT IS EITHER FIXED OR REPLACED. I DON'T WANT TO BE EXPOSED NOR EXPOSE MY FAMILY TO ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SENSOR/BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 23, 2014
IN THE FALL OF 2011, THE VSC AND 4WD LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY 2007 RAV4. AT THE SAME TIME MY CRUISE CONTROL AND 4WD STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK MY CAR TO TETON TOYOTA IN IDAHO FALLS, ID AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CHARCOAL CANISTER WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1775.00. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO FIX THE CAR AND EVENTUALLY I PURCHASED A USED CHARCOAL CANISTER AND HAD IT INSTALLED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THEN IN FEB. 2012, THE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN SO I TOOK MY CAR TO STONES TOYOTA IN REXBURG, ID. THE MECHANIC THERE CONFIRMED THAT THE CHARCOAL CANISTER WAS CRACKED AGAIN. I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD REPLACED IT WITH A USED PART AND HE STATED THAT TOYOTA HAD REDESIGNED THE PART SO THAT IT WOULDN'T CRACK, SO IF I WANTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR GOOD, I'D HAVE TO PURCHASE THE NEW PART. I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE UNIT AT THIS TIME. IF TOYOTA KNEW THAT THE ORIGINAL PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAVE NOW REDESIGNED IT, WHY ARE THEY CHARGING THEIR CUSTOMERS OVER $1500 TO REPLACE IT? BESIDES NOT HAVING ANY 4WD IN RURAL IDAHO IN THE WINTER, THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING DUE TO THIS DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 3, 2014
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN HERE IN TOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A HIGH DEGREE OF ACCELERATION. MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY PLANTED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ONLY. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE TILL I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE THEN STARTED TO REV ITSELF UP UNCONTROLLABLY, UNTIL I TURNED IT OFF WITH THE IGNITION KEY. I WAS A GOOD 15 FEET INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN I HAD STOPPED. I THEN STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND DROVE HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THIS WAS A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE CARS EXPECTATION TO REMAIN STATIONARY WHILE THE BRAKE IS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING PRIOR TO THE ACCELERATION SURGE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 19, 2013, crash
I HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE AND IT DIDN'T WANT TO STOP. I ENDED UP BUMPING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AS I CONTINUED TO BRAKE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL SURGING AND WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE. I CALLED MOUNTAIN STATES TOYOTA HERE IN DENVER AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEMS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. THE SERVICE MANAGER, OF COURSE, IS TELLING ME THAT IF THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE IT AND IT IS NOT SHOWING ERROR CODES(WHICH IT ISN'T) THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN DO. I TOLD HIM I WANTED THE ACCELERATION SYSTEM THOROUGHLY INSPECTED...WHICH HE WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR UNLESS THEY DO FIND AN ISSUE. BY WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET, IT IS USELESS TO TAKE IT IN AS TOYOTA IS IGNORING THE ISSUE, THINKING THEY FIXED IT WITH THE FLOOR MATS. I HAD THE FLOOR MATS REPLACED ON THAT RECALL WELL BEFORE THIS ISSUE CAME UP. I HAVE ALSO HAD MANY EXPERIENCES WITH THE ENGINE SURGING AND HESITATING WITH THE TACH SHOWING THE SURGE. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND CANNOT BE REPRODUCED, BUT IT IS GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. I NOW BELIEVE THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE ACCELERATION ISSUE I DESCRIBED ABOVE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW AS IT COULD HAPPEN ON A BUSY STREET AND REALLY HURT SOMEONE AND ME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE FWD, ENGINE AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE GEAR LEVER WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V113000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PROBLEM EXISTED BEFORE THE RECALL AND PERSISTED AFTER THE RECALL REMEDY REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FIVE TIMES DUE TO THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 3, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME, THE CHECK ENGINE, THE TRAC AND VSC LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. I ALSO HEARD A HISSING NOISE WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKES. I WENT TO A MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE, BUT IT WAS LATE IN THE DAY AND EVERYONE WAS CLOSING. HE TOLD ME IT SOUNDED LIKE A VACUUM LEAK IN THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND TO BRING IT BACK FIRST THING MONDAY (HE SEEMED TO THINK IT'D BE OKAY TO DRIVE OVER THE WEEKEND). ON THE DRIVE HOME THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WERE A FEW TIMES WHERE I WAS AFRAID I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AT ALL. IT WAS QUITE SCARY! I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD AND THEN IT FINALLY GRABBED, THE CAR JERKED, AND THE SEAT BELTS TIGHTENED UP AROUND ME. I WORKED TODAY (SATURDAY) AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO AND FROM WORK, ONLY NOW I AM USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SLOW THE CAR AND I PUT IT IN PARK AT STOP LIGHTS. MY NEXT TRIP WILL BE STRAIGHT TO A MECHANIC! IT SEEMS IT IS NOT COMMON FOR BRAKE BOOSTERS TO FAIL AND I AM LEARNING THAT OTHER TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SEVERAL ENDING IN ACCIDENTS. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA, AS IT IS A HUGE SAFELY ISSUE, AND POSSIBLY BE CAUSE FOR A RECALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 3, 2013
THE CAR SPUTTERS AS THOUGH IT WILL STALL OR BREAK DOWN. THIS OCCURS DURING ACCELERATION. IT IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL, BUT IT OCCURS RANDOMLY. *TR
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
Vehicle speed control, Mar 24, 2013
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 OUT OF A TOLLBOOTH AREA AND ACCELERATING NORMALLY, WHEN THE CAR STARTED RAPIDLY ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. HE STEPPED HARD ON THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT GET THE CAR BELOW 40 MPH. HE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND GRADUALLY THE CAR SLOWED AND HE MOVED TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. HE REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, AND THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. THE ENTIRE INCIDENT FROM START TO FINISH HAPPENED OVER THE COURSE OF ABOUT 3 MILES OF HIGHWAY. HE GAVE A FULL ACCOUNT OF THIS TO OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. THEY DID NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT WAS NOT DUE TO FLOOR MATS. THE CAR'S BRAKES--BOTH PADS AND ROTORS--WERE DESTROYED DURING THE INCIDENT. WE WERE NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING IT AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP BROUGHT BACK THE CAR BACK FROM US AT KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 5/9/13 *CN UPDATED 05/24/2013 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2013
ON JAN 9, 2013 WHILE BRAKING IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. AS I CONTINUED TO BREAK WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE CAR FINALLY CAME UNDER CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO CARS APPROACHING THE INTERSECTION IN EITHER DIRECTION NOR WERE THERE ANY POLICE PRESENT. THE FLOOR MAT WAS PROPERLY HOOKED IN PLACE. THE PEDAL HAD BEEN ADJUSTED ON JULY 7, 2011 BY ANDERSON TOYOTA OF RALEIGH, NC IN ACCORDANCE WITH TOYOTA'S RECALL AT THAT TIME.. THE NEXT DAY, JAN 10, 2013 I LEFT THE CAR WITH ANDERSON FOR REPAIR. (CASE # TAI30110070) ON JAN 17, 2013 I WAS INFORMED THAT KEVIN PILOTTE A TOYOTA TECHNICAL REP CLEARED THE CAR FOR RETURN TO ME. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE CAR TO MY KNOWLEDGE. I WAS INFORMED BY ANDERSON'S SERVICE MGR THAT THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY COULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THAT THIS WAS NOT AUTHORIZED BY THE REP. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT I WOULD BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY AT SOME POINT BY TOYOTA. PRIOR TO THE 2011 RECALL, I EXPERIENCED ONE SIMILAR INCIDENCE WITH THE PEDAL BUT DID NOT REPORT IT BECAUSE I RECEIVED THE RECALL PROCEDURE WHICH I THOUGHT TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM. SINCE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM TWICE SINCE 2007, OBVIOUSLY IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS ONE THAT CAN CAUSE INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE. I WILL APPRECIATE WHATEVER NHTSA CAN DO TO INFLUENCE TOYOTA TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATE REPAIR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 11, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FAIL AND THERE WERE EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE POLICE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINEER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.