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
1,003 reports, newest first.
Steering, Dec 22, 2015
I PURCHASED MY RAV4 USED ABOUT 12 MONTHS AGO. WITHIN THE PAST 3 MONTHS I'VE NOTICES PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING. SLOW TURNS MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND WITH LOOSE MOVEMENT AND VIBRATION FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. INITIALLY I WAS TOLD IT WAS A BAD STRUT, WHICH I REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO GET A LITTLE WORSE BY THE DAY. IN CHECKING ONLINE I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE, SOME RESULTING IN SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. IT APPEARS THAT THE RACK & PINION ASSEMBLY IS DEFECTIVE SINCE THE PROBLEM IS SO WIDESPREAD. I HAVE NOT SEEN A RECALL ON THIS AND WONDER WHY SINCE STEERING IS SO ESSENTIAL TO THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I WILL BE CONTACTING MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DEPT. TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Dec 19, 2015
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SUDDENLY LOSES ALL ELECTRICITY, ALL THE LIGHTS, EVERY LIGHT INDICATOR, THE RADIO ARE OFF. THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING AND THE CAR STOPS IMMEDIATELY. THIS NORMALLY HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BUT ALSO HAPPENED ONCE WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND THE KEY WAS OUT. AFTER I ENTERED AND TURNED THE KEY THE CAR WOULDN'T START AND THERE WAS NO ELECTRICITY IN THE CAR. NO LIGHTS, NO INDICATORS, ETC WERE ON. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK BUT HE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. ALSO TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED IT AND RAN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST BUT COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM EITHER.
Engine, Dec 18, 2015
HELLO, MY WIFE OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH 108,000 MILES ON IT. IT RECEIVED AN OIL CHANGE AT 103K MILES, AND I JUST BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A SUSPICIOUS (AND LOUD) TOP END NOISE, AND THE ENGINE APPEARED TO BE EMPTY OF OIL WHEN THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED IT. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS, OTHER THAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AT PRECISELY THE RIGHT TIME TO INDICATE THE NEXT OIL CHANGE. ALSO NO PUDDLES OF OIL IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS APPEARS TO MAKE ME (AT LEAST POTENTIALLY) AN INTERESTED PARTY IN THE TOYOTA OIL CONSUMPTION DEFECT CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT , APRIL LAX, ET AL. V. TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION, ET AL., CASE NO. 14-CV-01490, IN THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN RECOMMEND A COURSE OF ACTION FOR ME AT THIS TIME.
Steering, Dec 9, 2015
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CLUNK, WHEN I TURN STEERING MAKING NOISE. I TALK TO A MECHANIC HE SAYS NEED TO REPLACE STEERING. IT IS SO EXPENSIVE, MY INCOME IS NOT ALLOWED TO DO THIS. PLEASE GIVE ME ADVICE [XXX]@GMAIL.COM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).? *JB
Visibility/wiper, Dec 8, 2015
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR WILL DROP DOWN INTERMITTENTLY, DURING DRIVING, OBSCURING DRIVER VIEW OF THE ROAD.
Suspension, Dec 8, 2015
STABILIZER LINK ON REAR OF CAR SNAPPED.. HEARD LOAD NOISE.. SOME RATTLE ALSO.. DEALER REPLACED BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT STABILIZER LINKS.. WAS CHARGED 275.00 FOR EACH..
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BATTERY AND SENSORS WERE CHANGED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,800.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE RADIO OR TURN SIGNAL WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Nov 24, 2015
OIL PAN LEAKING THEY REPLACED AND CHARGE ME $ 470. PAN SUB ASSY OIL FIPG OIL PAN PLUG W/HEAD STRAIGH GASKET ALL THE OIL IT WAS COMING OUT AND IT WAS ALMOST EMPTY
Steering, Nov 17, 2015
THUMPING SOUND IN STERRING PASSEGER SIDE. TOYOTA DEALER SAID RACK AND PINION MUST BE REPLACED AT 52,000 MILES? THUMPING SOUND IS NOT ALWAYS BUT IS GETTING WORSE AS CAR IS IN MOTION. FRANKLY SEEMS LIKE A DEFECT. FEELS VERY UNSAFE, SHOULD BE RECALLED SINCE IT IS WEAK POINT OF ALL RAV4 FOR YEARS 2007-2008
Engine, Nov 16, 2015
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED AND THERE HAS BEEN A REPAIR @ A TOYOTA DEALER I ALSO WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL ON THE ENGINE BUT I NEED TO GET A GASKET FIXED AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THERE NEEDS TO BE A TEST DONE OF HOW MUCH OIL WAS BURNING WHICH I THINK IS A BUNCH OF CRAP BECAUSE THEY KNOW A PROBLEM DOES EXISTS AND TOYOTA NEGLECTS TO FIX IT. IN THE PAST FEW YEARS I HAVE BEEN GETTING OIL ADDED AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH AND MY VEHICLE ALSO SHAKES VERY BADLY WHILE WAITING AT LIGHTS OF JUST SITTING STILL. ALSO, A FEW YEARS AGO MY DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND I WAS ACCUSED OF DOING IT WHICH I TRIED TO TELL THE STAFF AT TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THAT I WOULD NOT BURN UP MY CAR BUT THEY KEPT INSISTING I DID HORRIBLE THINGS TO MAKE THE DOOR CATCH FIRE, LIKE POURING WATER IN THE DOOR RIDING WITH THE WINDOW DOWN IN POURING RAIN PUTTING LIT MATCHES IN IT. THAT WAS HORRIBLE I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET OVER $600.00 THEN FIGHT TO GET MY MONEY BACK AFTER 2 YEARS. WHEN I CONFRONTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME TO COME IN AND THEY WOULD ACCOMMODATE ME; THEY WANTED ME TO GIVE BACK MY VEHICLE GET ANOTHER ONE AND HAVE A PAYMENT, WHICH I DIDN'T DO BECAUSE THAT IS NOT RIGHT TO SELL A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. MY VEHICLE WAS PAID OFF IN 2 YEARS AND THIS IS THE SERVICE I GET FROM TOYOTA? ANOTHER PAYMENT? NO! THEN THE DRIVE SHAFT/SEAL NEEDED REPLACING, AND THEN THE WINDOW FELL OUT $300 + WHICH WAS ANOTHER OUT OF POCKET COST. NOW, I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH THIS VEHICLE AFTER ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AND I BROUGHT IT NEW. IN LIGHT OF THAT, I HAVE DECIDED THAT I WILL NOW GO TO THE MEDIA TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY HELP I CAN GET BECAUSE THIS IS NOT FAIR THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT STAND UP TO ITS PRODUCTS AGAIN, THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT NO COST TO MYSELF ASAP BECAUSE I HAVE PUT TOO MUCH MONEY IN A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS
Engine, Nov 10, 2015
7/24/2015 TRAVELING FROM WISCONSIN TO FLORIDA IN 2007 RAV4. DRIVING ON FREEWAY WHEN ENGINE LOST POWER. UNABLE TO RESTART ENGINE ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY EXIT RAMP. HAD CAR TOWED BACK HOME. LATER THAT WEEK HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC DISCOVERED CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THE METAL ON THE PISTONS MELTED AND OTHER ENGINE PARTS WHERE SCORCHED. REPLACED ENGINE WITH A REBUILT. ONLY HAD 136,000 MILES ON RAV4. THE RAV4 HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. NOW I AM SEEING ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT TOYOTA KNEW ABOUT ENGINES PROBLEMS. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE OF THIS ISSUE AND I AM OUT THE COST OF A REBUILT ENGINE AND THE COST OF A RENTAL CAR WHILE THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. IS THIS SAME THING GOING TO HAPPEN TO MY REBUILT ENGINE? TOYOTA HAD ME SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION OF WHAT MECHANIC FOUND AND DID TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD REVIEW DOCUMENTS AND THAT I WAS ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THE CSP ZE7 PROGRAM. ON OCT 19 WRITTEN NOTICE RECEIVED, STATES REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACING THE ENGINE DENIED. RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA REGARDING WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT ZE7 AFTER ENGINE FAILED THAT RAV 4 HAD AN EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. ATTACHED ARE PICTURES OF MELTED ENGINE PARTS OF AN ENGINE THAT HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES.
Suspension, Oct 26, 2015
SWAY BAR
Engine, Oct 14, 2015
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS BEEN WAITING SINCE APRIL FOR PARTS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY TOYOTA, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE NATIONWIDE. *JB
Visibility/wiper, Oct 13, 2015
VISOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE STARTING FALLING DOWN AND WILL NOT STAY PUT AT ABOUT 14000 MILES WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IT WILL FALL HALF WAY DOWN TO REPLACE WILL BE OVER 150.00
Power train, Oct 6, 2015
EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTIONS. 1ST NOTICED AROUND MAY 2014 AT 95000 MILES. NEED TO ADD 1 TO 1.5 QUART EVERY 1000 MILES OF DRIVING.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 5, 2015
THE SUN VISOR LOST THE ABILITY TO SHADE THE SUN CAUSING A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN DRIVING INTO THE SUN. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL.
Suspension, Oct 2, 2015
THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT, LOUD CLUNK SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS EVENTUALLY DETERMINED THAT A REAR STABILIZER LINK WAS CORRODED AND FAILED. PARTS ON BOTH SIDES WERE REPLACED BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER.
Suspension, Oct 2, 2015
WHILE LOOKING INTO A REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEM, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE REMEDY FOR RECALL 13V-383 WAS NOT PERFORMED PROPERLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE CAR. NOT ENOUGH EPOXY WAS USED ON ONE END OF THE SUSPENSION ARM, SO THERE IS A GAP IN THE EPOXY THAT EXTENDS TO THE ADJUSTING TUBE NUT. THAT SIDE IS ALSO OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER DID NOT REDO THE FIX AS REQUESTED. THE SERVICE MANAGER FORWARDED A PHOTO TO A DISTRICT REP TO MAKE A DECISION. OVER TWO WEEKS NOW WITHOUT A RESPONSE.
Steering, Sep 28, 2015, crash
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS SOME CLUNKY NOISE AROUND 46,000 MILES, BUT RECENTLY IT IS GETTING LOUDER. IT BECOMES A MAJOR CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY AND ME; THEREFORE, I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TO A CAR REPAIR SHOP (FIRESTONE) TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. THE RESULT CAME BACK TO BE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND RACK. I CALLED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, BUT THEY SAID THAT IF I ONLY HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY WILL REPAIR IT WITH FREE OF CHARGE AND THAT THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERS UP TO 36,000 MILES. IF NOT, THEY WILL CHARGE ANOTHER 130 SOME DOLLARS TO JUST DIAGNOSED AGAIN, BUT WILL WAIVE IT ONCE I DO THE REPAIR WITH THEM. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT MORE PEOPLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO BE A WIDER PROBLEM FOR THIS TYPE MODEL OF CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND PRIOR TO THIS THERE WERE VARIOUS REPLACEMENT RECALL SUCH AS THE SUSPENSION, GAS PEDAL, AIR BAGS, AND ETC. HOW COME THIS ISSUE ISN'T ON THE RECALL LIST?
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2015
THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR HAS BEGUN TO DROOP WHEN PLACED IN THE UP (TOUCHING THE ROOF) POSITION OR IN THE DOWN (BLOCKING THE SUN). I NOTICED THIS IN JUNE 2015 AND HAS SIGNIFICANTLY GOTTEN WORSE. THERE WAS NO ONE INCIDENT THAT CAUSED THE VISOR TO FALL AND THIS SEEMS TO BE MORE THAN JUST A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. THERE IS NO WAY TO MANUALLY TIGHTEN THE VISOR AND IT NOW FALLS DOWN WHENEVER I BRAKE, TURN OR STOP THE VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE HEAD WHEN LEANING FORWARD TO LOOK IN MY BLIND SPOT WHEN MERGING AND HIGH SPEEDS AND THE VISOR FALLING SCARED ME. TOYOTA KNOWS THAT THIS IS AN DESIGN FLAW WITH 2006-12 RAV4S, AS PER THE DEALERSHIPS I SPOKE WITH AND WITH CUSTOMER CARE. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY STATED THE ONLY WAY THEY WILL DO A RECALL IS IF ENOUGH CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN TO NHSTA ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND DEFECTIVE VISORS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY TOYOTA.
Suspension, Sep 14, 2015
OUR 2007 RAV4 WAS SERVICED AT A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER ON 8/11/2015. THE REAR ALIGNMENT WAS FOUND TO BE OUTSIDE OF THE SPECIFIED RANGE. THE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS (TIE RODS) WERE INSPECTED AND THE ALIGNMENT WAS ADJUSTED LAST YEAR AS PART OF RECALL 13V-383. AN EPOXY WAS APPLIED TO MAKE THESE PARTS NON-ADJUSTABLE AND SEAL THEM TO PREVENT CORROSION THAT HAS LED TO PART FAILURES. BOTH REAR TIE RODS ON OUR VEHICLE HAD ACTUALLY BEEN REPLACED IN JANUARY 2012 AFTER SUCH A FAILURE CAUSED US TO CRASH. CORRECTING THE REAR ALIGNMENT NOW REQUIRES REPLACING THESE PARTS AGAIN AND RE-APPLYING THE EPOXY FROM RECALL 13V-383, AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. I WAS QUOTED $750 + TAX ($660 ON TOP OF THE USUAL $90 ALIGNMENT CHARGE). WE HAVE NOT YET HAD THIS FIXED. I WROTE TO DANIEL C. SMITH OF NHTSA IN JUNE TO POINT OUT THIS PROBLEM BASED ON OTHER REPORTS, BEFORE REALIZING OUR VEHICLE WOULD HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. IF THE EPOXY DOES NOT PREVENT THE PART FROM ADJUSTING OUTSIDE OF SPECS, HOW WELL IS IT SEALING TO PREVENT CORROSION? NHTSA INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA KNOWS OF 19 CONTINUED FAILURES IN VEHICLES THAT HAD REMEDY 13V-383 APPLIED (THE SECOND REMEDY FOR THIS SAFETY DEFECT). 12 REPORTS WERE FOR COMPLETE TIE ROD SEPARATION. TOYOTA SHOULD ALSO TRACK THESE ALIGNMENT CHANGES AS A POTENTIAL PRECURSOR TO FAILURES.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2015
ANY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THE AIR BAG LIGHT USED TO COME ON AND IT WOULD GO ON AND OFF UNTIL RECENTLY IT STAYS ON IT SIMILAR TO THE SYMPTOMS THAT IS DESCRIBED IN ONE OF THE RECALLS FOR TOYOTA NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE BUT THIS ISSUE FOR SOME REASON THEY ONLY DOCUMENT ONE OF THE TIMES AND THEIR SERVICE WAS NOT GOOD I CALLED TOYOTA AND ASKED THEM IF I AM PART OF THIS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 RECALL AND THEY SAID NO AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO HELP ME I AM HOPPING THAT YOU GUYS COULD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE FOR ME PLS
Power train, Sep 8, 2015
FROM PARKED, AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, VEHICLE RESPONSE RESEMBLED HAVING PARKING BRAKE ON, AND A GRINDING NOISE EMANATED FROM THE REAR AXLE, CENTER. DROVE UNDER 20 MPH TO TOYOTA DEALER, WHICH DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE DRIVESHAFT/DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER, WITH METAL SHAVINGS AROUND THE DRIVESHAFT WHERE IT ENTERS THE DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER. TOLD THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AS THE REAR WHEELS COULD LOCK UP, AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. REPAIR COSTS: PARTS $1,300 PLUS TAX; LABOR - 3 HOURS ($400). TOYOTA ISSUED SERVICE BULLETING TBS 0080-13, AND SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT WAB 2190.
Engine, Aug 25, 2015
7/24/2015 TRAVELING WITH FAMILY FROM WISCONSIN TO FLORIDA IN MY 2007 RAV4. DRIVING ON FREEWAY WHEN ENGINE LOST POWER. COASTED OFF FREEWAY DOWN EXIT RAMP. UNABLE TO RESTART ENGINE ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY EXIT RAMP. HAD CAR TOWED BACK HOME. LATER THAT WEEK HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC DISCOVERED CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THE METAL ON THE PISTONS MELTED AND OTHER ENGINE PARTS WHERE SCORCHED. REPLACED ENGINE WITH A REBUILT. ONLY HAD 136,000 MILES ON RAV4. THE RAV4 HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. NOW I AM SEEING ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT TOYOTA KNEW ABOUT ENGINES PROBLEMS. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE OF THIS ISSUE AND I AM OUT THE COST OF A REBUILT ENGINE AND THE COST OF A RENTAL CAR WHILE THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. IS THIS SAME THING GOING TO HAPPEN TO MY REBUILT ENGINE? TOYOTA HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY NOTIFICATION TO THEM OF THE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE.