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, Apr 19, 2010
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR SERVICED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 23,000.
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Apr 18, 2010, crash
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 SPORT HAD AN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK , THE CAR SPED OUT OF CONTROL, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BECAUSE BOTH THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS WERE COMPRESSED. FINALLY CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL TO STOP THE CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Electric, Apr 15, 2010, crash
I TURNED ON THE IGNITION OF MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 AND BEGAN TO DRIVE INTO MY GARAGE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. I PUMPED THE BRAKE FIERCELY SEVERAL TIMES TO THE FLOOR BOARD OVER THE APPROXIMATELY 12-15 FEET OF GARAGE DEPTH AND THE RAV4 STOPPED JUST AS IT PUSHED THE WHEELBARREL INTO THE WALL. . ASIDE FROM DAMAGE TO THE WALL OF THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE'S BUMPER WAS DENTED AND SLIGHTLY CRACKED. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WAS NO BODILY TRAUMA OR PERSONAL INJURY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 16,400.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 27, 2010
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 V6, DEFECTIVE REAR WHEEL SPEED CONTROL SENSOR CAUSES ERRATIC ABS, SKID CONTROL AND BRAKING. SENSOR FAILED AT UNDER 40,000 MILES. ALMOST $600 TO FIX AND OTHER THREE COULD FAIL TOO AS A RESULT OF CORROSSION FROM WATER AND SALT. TOYOTA HAS REDESIGNED THE PART SO THAT THE NEW ONE WILL NOT BE AS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FAILURE, BUT MEANWHILE THERE SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE FAILURE OF THESE SPEED CONTROL SENSORS THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL COVERED BY TOYOTA RATHER THAN AN EXPENSE BORN BY THE OWNERS. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IN BAD WEATHER WHEN THE SUDDEN LOSS OF AWD, ABS, VSC CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. HAVING SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET THROUGH VARIOUS TOYOTA FORUMS, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ALL TO COMMON PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IDLE WITH THE GEAR IN THE DRIVE POSITION, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE RELEASING HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO ADEQUATELY DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,723 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,750.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 23, 2010, crash
I OWN A 2007 RAV4. IN FALL 2008, MY HUSBAND AND I PULLED UP TO A RED LIGHT BEHIND A PICKUP TRUCK AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE BUT, JUST AS HE STOPPED, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. EVEN THOUGH HE IMMEDIATELY PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE, WE ENDED UP HITTING THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF US. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED ABOUT $1,500 DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF OUR CAR. THE TRUCK IN FRONT SUSTAINED NO VISIBLE DAMAGE, AND THE DRIVER SAID DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT AND WE DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS THOROUGHLY INSPECTED BY DOWLING TOYOTA OF LITCHFIELD CT. THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING MECHANICALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY WRONG WITH THE CAR THAT WOULD CAUSE THE UNEXPECTED AND UNSTOPPABLE ACCELERATION. THEY DID FIND SOME ACORNS UNDER THE HOOD, AND GIVEN THE LACK OF ANY OTHER IDENTIFIABLE CAUSE, THEY SUGGESTED THAT THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION MIGHT HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE INGESTION OF A NUT INTO THE ENGINE WHICH HELD THE ACCELERATOR OPEN. AT THE TIME I RELUCTANTLY ACCEPTED THIS EXPLANATION BECAUSE OUR ACCIDENT WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. HOWEVER, IN LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS CONCERNING TOYOTA VEHICLES, I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF OUR EXPERIENCE WITH OUR RAV4 WAS PART OF A LARGER PROBLEM. MY EXPERIENCE WITH OUR 2007 VEHICLE WAS EERILY SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE AFFECTED MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I AM HEARING ON THE NEWS THAT IT HAS TAKEN SEVERAL YEARS FOR TOYOTA TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ACCELERATOR PROBLEM, AND I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF OUR ACCIDENT WAS RELATED TO A SIMILAR PROBLEM. PLEASE ADD MY VEHICLE TO THE LIST OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT ACCIDENTS INVOLVING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 10, 2010, crash
UNCONTROLLED AND UNCOMMANDED AUTO ACCELERATION OF TOYOTA 2007 RAV4 WITH SUBSEQUENT IMPACT INTO RETAINING WALL, DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF $3000.00. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 10, 2010
I OWN A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT. SINCE IT WAS NEW WE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA SAYS IT'S NORMAL AND IS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST. UPON ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR ACCELERATING TO PASS ANOTHER AUTO, THE THROTTLE DOES NOT RESPOND UNTIL IT SUDDENLY WILL ACCELERATE HARD. LEAVING A STOP IT CAN BE VERY FRIGHTENING AS WE JUST DON'T KNOW HOW HARD IT WILL ACCELERATE WHEN IT DOES. PASSING IS EQUALLY FRIGHTENING, IF NOT MORE SO. WHEN WE PULL OUT TO PASS AND STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND ACCORDING TO PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. WE'VE COME VERY CLOSE TO HEAD-ON A COUPLE OF TIMES. I KIND OF GAVE UP ON THE ISSUE AFTER BEING TURNED AWAY BY THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR UNTIL HEARING ABOUT OTHER TOYOTAS HAVING ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS. OUR 2007 IS A THROTTLE BY WIRE SETUP ALSO. I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER RAV4 OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAN BE PRETTY SCARY, ESPECIALLY FOR MY WIFE. THE INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE RIG WAS NEW SO I DON'T HAVE A DEFINITIVE DATE. I'LL PUT IN TODAYS DATE FOR RECORD. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE A RESPONSE TO THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW YOU'RE PROBABLY PRETTY TIED UP WITH TOYOTA PROBLEMS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2010
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL ON A SLIGHT INCLINE THE CAR WILL START SHIFTING IN AND OUT OF GEARS, BUCKING AND JUMPING AND I TURN THE CRUISE OFF IMMEDIATELY. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINES GOING TO BLOW. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ON BLOG SITES COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR RAVS: HTTP://WWW.TOYOTANATION.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=199996 AND HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/WEBX/.F142EEE?DISPLAYRECENT&MKTCAT=ENABLER&AID=10364102&PID=3193631&KW=N&SYNPARTNER=EDMUNDS&MKTID=CJ260233. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 8, 2010
IN MARCH OF 2008 I HAD TWO OCCURRENCES OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITH MY 2007 SIX CYLINDER TOYOTA RAV4. THE FIRST WAS VERY FRIGHTENING AS I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND PULLED ME THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR ONE COMING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION I WOULD HAVE CRASHED. SHORTLY AFTER THAT INCIDENT A MILDER LESS POWERFUL ACCELERATION EVENT HAPPENED. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON MARCH 26 08 AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR GIVE A REASON FOR IT. THE TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IF THE PROBLEM RECURRED. IT DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL 2/19/2010. AS IN THE FIRST TWO INCIDENTS, THE EVENT HAPPENED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IN THIS CASE I QUICKLY SHUT OFF THE MOTOR, OR I WOULD HAVE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AS IN THE OTHER CASES AFTER I RESTARTED THE CAR THE PROBLEM WAS OVER. OUR OTHER CAR IS A CAMRY AND I HAVE NEVER HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THAT CAR OR ANY OTHER CAR. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND AGAIN NO REASON FOR THE EVENT WAS FOUND AND THERE WAS NO REMEDY OFFERED EXCEPT POSSIBLY A GAS PEDAL OVER RIDE IF ONE BECOMES AVAILABLE. AFTER THE LONG GAP IN TIME BETWEEN THE FIRST TWO EVENTS I THOUGHT MAYBE THEY WERE A FLUKE. NOW I WORRY THAT I MAY BE IN AN ACCIDENT OR HIT A PEDESTRIAN. I AM NO MECHANIC BUT I REALLY THINK THAT IT IS SOME SORT OF ELECTRONIC PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND MY FOOT WAS OFF THE GAS PEDAL EACH TIME THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAPPENED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. HE WAS ABLE TO APPLY A LOT PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED THIS ABOUT 6 TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE HAD BEEN NO REPAIRS DONE TO THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2530 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17500.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010
WHEN DRIVING THERE IS A DELAYED THROTTLE RESPONSE WHICH HAS LED TO A SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN NOT EXPECTING IT. THIS HAPPENED ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS INTERMITTENTLY ALMOST LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT. I CALLED MY TOYOTA DEALER ON AUGUST 22/07, SEPT 2007 AND THEN CALLED TOYOTA ON NOVEMBER 1, 2007. I WAS ADVISED THAT THIS SUDDEN DELAYED ACCELERATION WAS NORMAL FOR TOYOTA AS IT WAS BECAUSE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM SENDS A DELAYED MESSAGE AND I HAD TO ADJUST MY DRIVING TO ACCOMMODATE IT. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED NEARLY AS OFTEN AS THE FIRST FEW MONTHS BUT DOES OCCASIONALLY. IT IS SUDDEN AND FRIGHTENING WHEN IT HAPPENS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010
MY FIANCE DRIVES A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE TOYOTA ACCELERATION PEDAL RECALL. IN DECEMBER, I WAS DRIVING HER CAR (SHE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT), FROM MASSACHUSETTS BACK TO OUR HOME IN CONNECTICUT. AS I MERGED ONTO RT 128 IN MA, I HAD TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY. AFTER SAFELY MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AS I ALWAYS DO, HOWEVER NOTICED THE PEDAL DID NOT RELEASE AND WAS STUCK DOWN TO THE FLOOR. MY FIRST REACTION WAS TO PUMP THE BRAKE, HOWEVER, THAT ONLY SLOWED US DOWN TEMPORARILY. I THEN TRIED KICKING AT THE GAS PEDAL TO SEE IF I COULD GET IT TO RELEASE, HOWEVER, THAT ALSO DID NOT WORK. I THEN TRIED PULLING THE GAS PEDAL UP WITH MY HAND AND IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. FINALLY, AFTER CONTINUING TO PUMP THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN, THE GAS PEDAL RELEASED ON ITS OWN. I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT IT WAS STUCK FOR 20 SECONDS. UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT REPORT THE INCIDENT RIGHT AWAY, HOWEVER, I CALLED TOYOTA THE DAY I FOUND OUT OF THEIR RECALL. THIS PAST WEEKEND, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR A COURTESY INSPECTION, HOWEVER, TOYOTA SERVICE TEAM SAID THERE WERE NO ISSUES. I HAVE CALLED THE TOYOTA HOTLINE MULTIPLE TIMES AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO GET THROUGH TO SOMEONE ONCE. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT AND THE TOYOTA REP ON THE PHONE SAID THEY WOULD REPORT THE INCIDENT UP THE CHAIN... HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM. I CONTACTED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, HOWEVER, HAVE NOT MADE ANY PROGRESS THERE. MY FIANCE DRIVES THE CAR DAILY, BUT WE CAN'T TRUST THAT THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. OUR ONLY OPTION IS TO TRADE-IN THE VEHICLE, AND WE MAY DO SO SOON, HOWEVER, THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE RESOLD IN THE MARKET. I AM VERY DOUBTFUL THAT TOYOTA HAS SOLUTIONED THE 'REAL' ISSUE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010, crash
MY HUSBAND WAS WORKING OUT OF TOWN ON BUSINESS IN FT. WORTH, TX. WE LIVE IN CINCINNATI, OH. ON DEC 4,2008, MY HUSBAND IN HIS 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4, ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED FOR ABOUT 1/4 MILE INTO HIS HOTEL BUILDING. THIS WAS REPORTED BY TWO EYE WITNESSES (PER POLICE REPORT). MY HUSBAND HAS NO MEMORY OF THE EVENT. HE SPENT 7 DAYS IN THE ICU AND WAS DISCHARGED AFTER 10 DAYS FROM THE HOSPITAL. HE HAD ONE ADDITIONAL SURGERY AND SEVERAL FOLLOW UP CONSULTATIONS WITH SEVERAL DOCTORS SINCE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. NOTHING WAS EVER DETERMINED. SINCE THE TOYOTA RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED, IT MAY OFFER AN ANSWER AS TO WHAT HAPPENED. HIS CAR WAS DESTROYED IN THE ACCIDENT, BUT WE STILL HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010
ACCELERATION INCIDENT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2010
WAS STOPPED IN DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME WAITING FOR GARAGE DOOR TO OPEN (REMOTE CONTROLLED.) THEN I SLOWLY PROCEEDED TOWARDS OPEN GARAGE. THE CAR ENGINE SUDDENLY ROARED AND SURGED FORWARD ON ITS OWN. I PUT ALL MY WEIGHT UNTO THE BRAKE WHICH SEEMED TO HAVE LITTLE EFFECT THEN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. ONLY THEN DID THE CAR SEEM TO NORMALIZE. I SHUT IT OFF AND HAVEN'T TRIED TO DRIVE IT SINCE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 26, 2010
ABOUT 8 OR 9 MONTHS AGO, I WAS DOING MAYBE 45 MILES PER HOUR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RPMS WENT WILD, THE ENGINE HOWLED, AND MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED SPED OFF AS IF SOMEONE HAD DUMPED A BOULDER ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. MY HEART WAS IN MY THROAT AS I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR. PRESSING THE BRAKE HARD DIDN'T DO IT. I THEN STUCK MY FOOT UNDERNEATH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND PUSHED UP WITH THE TOE OF MY SHOE A FEW TIMES. THAT WORKED AND SUBSEQUENTLY I COULD DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND THE CAR RESPONDED NORMALLY. I ASSUMED AT THE TIME THAT MAYBE THE DRIVER'S-SIDE FLOOR MAT HAD SOMEHOW CREPT UP AND IMPEDED THE FREE OPERATION OF THE PEDAL, A THEORY THAT TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS ALSO SEEMED TO FIND PLAUSIBLE (THOUGH NOT FOR THE RAV4, APPARENTLY). SO I THREW OUT THE MAT AND DIDN'T REPLACE IT WITH ANYTHING. WE HAVE DIRTY CARPETING NOW, BUT WE ARE ALIVE. OF COURSE, IN RECENT WEEKS, THE WORLD HAS LEARNED THAT MILLIONS OF TOYOTAS ARE POTENTIALLY AFFLICTED WITH A STICKY ACCELERATOR PEDAL. TWO WEEKS AGO, WE DROVE OUR CAR TO THE DEALER, DOWNEAST TOYOTA IN BREWER, MAINE, WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR ITS 60,000-MILE SERVICE ANYWAY, AND WE INSISTED THAT THE ACCELERATOR BE REPLACED. WE DISCOVERED LATER THAT THEY HADN'T DONE SO, EVEN THOUGH WE ADVISED THEM CLEARLY THAT WE?D HAD A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING INCIDENT INVOLVING THE ACCELERATOR. THE REASON THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR, THEY TOLD MY WIFE, IS BECAUSE TOYOTA BELIEVES THAT THE 2007 RAV4 HAS NO ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS. IN OTHER WORDS, OUR CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, SO WE'RE OUT OF LUCK NO MATTER WHAT I'VE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2010
UNINTENDED RAPID ACCELERATION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2010
AFTER RUNNING ERRANDS, MY WIFE AND I WERE RETURNING HOME FRIDAY AFTERNOON JANUARY 22, 2010 IN MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 (V6 ENGINE - 30,815 MILES ON THE ODOMETER) WHEN WE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING IN OUR SUBDIVISION. I WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 20-22 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH NO RESPONSE AND THE VEHICLE GATHERED SPEED (ESTIMATED 35 MPH) IN SPITE OF MY EFFORTS TO BRAKE HARD. AS THE RESIDENTIAL STREET WAS TO END AT A "T" WITHIN ABOUT 100 YARDS AND THERE WAS A CAR AHEAD OF ME, I HAD TO USE ANY MEANS POSSIBLE TO STOP MY RUNAWAY VEHICLE OR A COLLISION WAS SURE TO FOLLOW. ONLY AFTER SHIFTING, WHILE CONTINUING TO BRAKE, THROUGH "PARK", "REVERSE", TO "NEUTRAL" TO THE UNBELIEVABLE ROARING SOUND OF THE RACING ENGINE DID THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOP AND A COLLISION WAS AVOIDED BY A FEW CAR LENGTHS. I HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE, AND WAS ESPECIALLY SURPRISED IN THAT I HAD JUST HAD MY 30,000 MILE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AT MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON DECEMBER 18, 2009. BADLY SHAKEN, MY WIFE AND I DROVE THE THREE BLOCKS TO OUR HOUSE AND I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR HELP. I WAS TOLD THAT, AS MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO FOR ME AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE EXPERIENCE CENTER. SO I HUNG UP THE PHONE AND THEN CALLED TOYOTA AS INSTRUCTED. WHEN FINALLY GETTING THROUGH, I RELATED MY EXPERIENCE AND WAS TOLD THAT "TOYOTA TAKES THIS VERY SERIOUSLY" AND THAT MY INFORMATION WOULD BE PASSED ALONG IMMEDIATELY. I WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HEAR BACK FROM A CASE WORKER ON MONDAY, JANUARY 25. I DID GET A CALL BACK ON MONDAY, BUT NOT FROM A CASE WORKER, BUT FROM THE SAME INDIVIDUAL I HAD TALKED TO ON FRIDAY. I WAS TOLD THAT MY ISSUE WAS NO LONGER A PRIORITY SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AND I SHOULD CALL MY DEALERSHIP AND GET MY CAR INSPECTED AT MY EXPENSE. I INSTEAD LEFT MY CAR PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, AFRAID TO CHANCE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 25, 2010
I WAS TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN MY 2007 RAV4 SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE RPM'S WERE OVER 6000. I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER THAT DAY AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK BUT TOLD ME THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I ASKED WHAT I COULD DO OR WHO I COULD SPEAK TO AND THEY SAID THERE NOTHING UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED IN MAY 2009 AND WHEN I HAD THE VEHICLE IN JUST RECENTLY FOR NORMAL MAINTENANCE I AGAIN WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO SINCE IT IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. WHY ISN'T IT? MUST SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY DIE BEFORE SOMEONE WILL MAKE IT A PART OF THE RECALL LIST? I AM TAKING MY VEHICLE IN FOR A SAFETY CHECK NEXT WEEK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010
THIS IS A POSSIBLE EXPANSION OF THE PRESENT TOYOTA "SUDDEN ACCELERATION" INVESTIGATION. IT INVOLVES ONE MOMENTARY INCIDENT OF UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION ON A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLE IN SEPT. 2009. IT HAS NOT RECURRED NOR WAS IT REPORTED TO TOYOTA NOR THE NHTSA. WHILE TRAVELING ON AN OPEN HIGHWAY, WITH THE VEHICLE UNDER CRUISE CONTROL, I ATTEMPTED TO RESUME MY NORMAL CRUISING SPEED AFTER AN APPARENTLY SUCCESSFUL "BRAKE SHUTDOWN" OF THE SYSTEM. ON APPLYING THE "RESUME SPEED COMMAND", THE ENGINE WENT TO AN APPARENT FULL THROTTLE POSITION WITH THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTING INTO "PASSING GEAR". THIS CONTINUED FOR A SHORT TIME, ESTIMATED TO BE LESS THAN 2 SECONDS, FOLLOWED BY A SHARP DECELERATION AND A SECOND FULL ACCELERATION (AGAIN OF A MOMENTARY LENGTH OF TIME). AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION WITH CONTINUED CRUISE CONTROL. AT NO TIME DID I APPLY MANUAL BRAKES OR SHIFT OUT OF "DRIVE". THE INCIDENT HAS NEVER REPEATED. THE REPORT IS STRICTLY TO INFORM YOU THAT THE APPARENT PROBLEM UNDER INVESTIGATION SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO 2009 MODEL YEAR TOYOTA'S BUT SHOULD GO BACK FURTHER INTO THEIR FLEET WITH "ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL". *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY, IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2010, crash
HIT GARAGE WITH 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 WHILE MOVING IT IN DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEED. INCIDENT HAPPENED AFTER A LARGE SNOW STORM AND VEHICLE WAS BEING MOVED TO CLEAR AREA AFTER SNOW WAS REMOVED. IT SEEMED LIKE THE GAS PEDAL STUCK OR THE BRAKES FAILED. NO INJURIES JUST A DENT IN THE FRONT BUMPER. THE FAILURE HAS NOT OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO TOYOTA DEALER (LIA TOYOTA IN SCHENECTADY NY) AND CONCERN ABOUT POSSIBLE BRAKE FAILURE WAS EXPRESSED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE BRAKES AND DID A DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CHECK. THEY TOLD ME " THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED EVERYTHING WAS FINE" AND GAVE ME A $700 ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE. I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND HAD THE DENT REPAIRED AT A LOCAL BODY SHOP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. SHE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTING JERKING AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT INTENT. SHE THEN TAPPED HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15948 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37000.