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, Jan 6, 2015
AS SOON AS I BACK UP OUT OF THE GARAGE, THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE AS I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT IS MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL, MORE SO TURNING TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT INTO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND HAD 2 EMPLOYEES DRIVE IT. THEY BOTH AGREED IT WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, POSSIBLY A BRACKET. WHEN I TURN IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE WHEEL DOESN'T WANT TO GO ANY FURTHER, MAKES THIS LOUD CLUNKING SOUND THEN LETS GO. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND THE TIGHTNESS IN THE TURN HAS WORSENED.
Engine, Jan 5, 2015
JUST AFTER OIL CHANGE, ABOUT ONE WEEK LATER AND HAVING DRIVEN ABOUT 500 MILES, OIL WAS ALREADY ONE QUART LOW. SINCE THEN IT VARIES, BUT IT BURNS MORE OIL THAN ANY CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. ON AVERAGE I NEED TO ADD 2-4 QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, WHICH I PERFORM EVERY 3000 MILES. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION WILL PROGRESSIVELY GET WORSE. AN OBVIOUS DEFECT HERE SOMEWHERE. *TR
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.
Steering, Dec 31, 2014
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS DEVELOPED A LOUD CLUNK AND SLIGHT BINDING WHEN THE STEERING WHEN TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS. THE DIAGNOSIS FROM TOYOTA APPEARS TO BE A WORN INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. IN MY OPINION, THE STEERING SHAFT ON THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT RESEMBLE THOSE ON OTHER CARS IN THAT STARTS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN RUNS VERTICALLY DOWN THROUGH THE DASH AREA CHANGING DIRECTION ABRUPTLY. OTHER VEHICLES HAVE A GENERALLY STRAIGHT STEERING SHAFT IN LINE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AXIS AND NO ABRUPT CHANGES IN ALIGNMENT. THERE APPEARS TO BE SIGNIFICANT DISCUSSIONS ON TOYOTA RELATED WEBSITES OF SIMILAR RAV4 STEERING SHAFT PROBLEMS. IS TOYOTA AND THE NHTSA AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND PREPARING AN INVESTIGATION OR REMEDY. *JS
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.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 26, 2014
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR HANGS DOWN BLOCKING THE DRIVER'S VIEW. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT. PAT LOBB'S TOYOTA OF MCKINNEY REPORTS THAT WHILE IT MAY BE A SAFETY HAZARD, THERE IS NO RECALL. THEIR SOLUTION IS TO BUY NEW VISORS. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT TO TIGHTEN IT MYSELF. IT IS UNSAFE AND $250 FOR NEW VISORS. FROM REPORTS ON THE WEB, MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE CREATING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Dec 17, 2014
I WAS TOLD THAT MY RAV4 WAS VERY LOW ON OIL AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THOUGH I USUALLY HAVE MY OIL CHANGED AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THEY NEVER MENTIONED ANYTHING TO ME ABOUT LOW LEVELS OF OIL IN MY CAR. I LEARNED ABOUT THE LOW LEVEL OF OIL WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO A CHAIN TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED. HOWEVER, THE PEOPLE AT TOYOTA HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2011. I MENTIONED THE ISSUE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE ME RETURN ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS. NOW MY CAR HAS EXCEEDED THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY AND TOYOTA HAS INFORMED ME THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY MAY NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS POINTED OUT TO ME. I WAS ALSO INFORMED TODAY THAT IT COULD COST ME $1100-$1200 JUST TO HAVE TO ENGINE TAKEN APART. THE COST OF REPAIRING THE VEHICLE WILL INCREASE IF THEY TAKE IT APART AND THE PROBLEM ISN'T COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Dec 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ACTIVATED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. UPDATED 3/18/15*CN UPDATED 8/18/2015*JS UPDATED 10/19/2015 *JS
Steering, Suspension, Dec 7, 2014
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A "CLUNKING/POPPING" NOISE COMING FROM WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE STEERING LINKAGE SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND RACK-AND-PINION ASSEMBLY.IN EARLY 2014, A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN INDIANA RECOMMENDED SERVICING THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY VIA AN ISSUED TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS REPLACED IN THE SPRING OF 2014 (COST=$1000, CAR MILEAGE ~65K).I HAVE SINCE JOB RELOCATED TO NEW JERSEY AND THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED (CAR MILEAGE ~75K).A DEALERSHIP HERE TOLD ME THAT THE RACK-AND-PINION ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACE (EST. COST= $2000).GENERAL SIGNS OF RACK-AND-PINION FAILURE AS STATED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND GENERAL RESEARCH ARE NOT OBSERVED IN MY CAR (SIGNS INCLUDING "PLAY/SLOP" IN THE STEERING WHEEL, LOOSE STEERING, STIFF STEERING, ETC.).FURTHER RESEARCH OF THIS ISSUE HAS SHOW MULTIPLE HUNDREDS-OF-THOUSANDS OF RAV4 OWNERS INQUIRING ABOUT THIS ISSUE EITHER VIA RAV4/TOYOTA FORUMS, OR THROUGH THE NHTSA AND OTHER THIRD PARTY AUTO SAFETY AGENCIES.THE DEALERSHIPS SEEM TO BE GUESSING AT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, AND THEY ISSUE REPAIR GUIDELINES BASED ONLY ON SERVICE BULLETINS WITHOUT FULLY INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE.THERE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN WITH A "CLUNKING/POPPING" NOISE WITH THE STEERING ASSEMBLY OF THESE AUTOMOBILES.OWNERS OF THIS (HIGHLY RATED, ABUNDANTLY SOLD) RAV4 MODEL SHOULD BE ISSUED A RECALL BY TOYOTA TO HAVE THE RACK-AND-PINION AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY FIXED WITHOUT CONSUMER PURCHASE.TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS, AS THEY HAVE ISSUED MULTIPLE SERVICE BULLETINS, BUT HAVE YET TO DEEM THE ISSUE A SAFETY CONCERN LEAVING THEIR LOYAL OWNERS WITH REPAIR COST IN UPWARDS OF $3000 FOR CARS THAT ARE WELL UNDER 100,000 MILES, BUT OUTSIDE OF TOYOTA'S WARRANTY PERIOD. PROTECTING THE SAFETY OF DRIVERS AND THEIR PRECIOUS PASSENGERS, SHOULD BE THE NUMBER ONE CONCERN OF TOYOTA AND THE NHTSA. *TR
Engine, Dec 5, 2014
MY CAR IS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING; HOWEVER, WHEN RESEARCHED ONLINE THERE IS A PENDING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST TOYOTA AND THERE WAS ALSO A SERVICE BULLETIN IN 2011 ADVISING THE DEALERSHIPS TO REMEDY PROBLEM. AT THAT TIME MY CAR WOULD HAVE STILL BEEN UNDER WARRANTY BUT SINCE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO COVER IT. THEY ESTIMATE COST BETWEEN $4-6000. *TR
Engine, Dec 3, 2014
SUBJECT VEHICLE HAS BURNED EXCESSIVE OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES - ROUGHLY EVERY 3,500 TO 4,000 MILES, STARTING AT APPROXIMATELY 45K MILES. BETWEEN OIL CHANGES IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO PUT IN TWO TO THREE QUARTS OF OIL. DRIVER CARRIES AT LEAST ONE QUART OF OIL IN VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES TO HOPEFULLY PRECLUDE ENGINE SEIZURE. OIL PRESSURE LIGHT FLICKERED ONE TIME AND DRIVER PULLED OVER TO DISCOVER OIL LEVEL WAS DOWN NEARLY TWO FULL QUARTS LESS THAN 2,000 MILES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. *JS
Suspension, Dec 2, 2014
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS, BUT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. *SS THE DEALER GAVE THE CONSUMER, DIFFERENT EXCUSES, AS TO WHY THEY COULDN'T REPAIR THE VEHICLE.*JB
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE AIR BAG, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE TACHOMETER DID NOT INDICATE THE RPM. THE SPEEDOMETER AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WERE INOPERABLE. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO INDICATE WHAT GEAR WAS IN SHIFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,526.
Air bags, Nov 24, 2014
WHEN DRIVING WITH AIR BAGS LIGHT ON IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND DANGER TO EVERYONE INCLUDING DRIVER. TOYOTA SEND OUT INTERIM RECALL LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MODELS AND YEARS INCLUDING RAV4 2006 TO RAV4 AND ASKED TO CONTACT LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IMMEDIATELY IN CASE OF IF AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATE OR ILLUMINATED ALREADY. MEANWHILE TOYOTA IS MAKING ARRANGEMENT FOR REMEDY PART ( D SQUIB CLOCK SPIRAL CABLE ) FOR THOSE QUALIFIED MODELS TO FIX THE AIRBAG LIGHT. AFTER I RECEIVED A SAME INTERIM NOTICE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED TOYOTA CO-OPERATE OFFICE ABOUT THE MY RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED BY MAIL AND TOLD THAT SUDDENLY MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON . TOYOTA ASK ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR DIAGNOSE WHICH I DID AND THEIR DIAGNOSE RESULT CAME UP WITH B1801 ERROR ( D SQUIB CLOCK SPRING SPIRAL CABLE FAULTY) WHICH THEY UPDATED TO TOYOTA DATABASE AND TOLD ME TO WAIT TILL REMEDY IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS FIX. I CALLED TOYOTA CO OPERATE OFFICE AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME TO WAIT TILL THE PART IS AVAILABLE. IT HAS BEEN NOW 7 MONTHS AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY FURTHER NOTICE NOR ANY REMEDY YET. I CALLED TOYOTA FEW TIMES AND FINALLY THEY GIVE ME A WEARIED ANSWER THAT MY CAR IS NOT ON DEFECTIVE BATCH ANYMORE AND DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THIS AIRBAG RECALL. MY CAR VIN #, YEAR, MODEL EVERYTHING SHOWING CLEARLY BASED ON INTERIM RECALL LETTER THAT IS IN THAT DEFECTIVE RECALL QUALIFICATION GROUP BUT SOME HOW TOYOTA IS NOW PLAYING GAME AND TELLING ME DIFFERENT STORY. THEY DON'T HAVE ANY ANSWER OF WHO I DO HAVE THE SAME FAULTY SPIRAL CABLE DEFECT LIKE SAME EXACT OTHERS DEFECTIVE BATCH HAS. TOYOTA IS THE ONE WHO SEND OUT INTERIM NOTICES TO THOSE QUALIFIED RECALL BATCH BASED ON THEIR VIN# AND NOW AFTER 8 MONTHS, THEY ARE DENIED THAT MY CAR DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR THIS RECALL FIX?.?? I LIKE TO HAVE THIS INVESTIGATE BY NHTSA'S BEFORE SOME ONE LIFE GETS AT RISK. *TR
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
Visibility/wiper, Nov 21, 2014
I OWN A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 4 WD. I WAS CHECKING RECALLS AND DECIDED TO READ COMPLAINTS.. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR. THAT DOESN'T STAY UP.. WE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW WHEN THIS HAPPENED, BUT WITHIN THIS PAST YEAR OR SO. IT WILL NOT STAY UP. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, I AM SHORT SO ITS DOWN, BUT , MY HUSBAND WHO IS TALL CREATES A PROBLEM WITH HIM. I THOUGHT IT WAS KIND OF FUNNY THAT, IT WAS JUST OUR CAR, THAT MAYBE MY HUSBAND HAD DONE SOMETHING, WHEN HE MOVED IT.. UNTIL I READ ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. THAN WHEN WE TOOK THE CAR FOR OUR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, TO THE TOYOTA DEALER, HE SAID IT WOULD COST 125.00 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. , HE SAID IT WAS A MECHANISM INSIDE THE ARM HOLDER. MY HUSBAND DECLINED AT THAT TIME. NOW AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS, I NOW KNOW IT WASN'T' JUST OUR CAR. I BELIEVE TOYOTA KNOWS THIS AND BECAUSE IT IS A HAZARD THEY SHOULD FIX IT. ITS IRONIC THAT THE 2007 RAV HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. PLEASER HAVE THEM FIX IT. THANK-YOU *TR
Engine, Nov 19, 2014
THE CAR IS BURNING OIL AND AT A RAPID PACE. MY DEALER STATES THAT IT IS NOT BURNING FAST ENOUGH TO WARRANT ANY FACTORY REPAIR. I HAVE TO CARRY OIL AND CHECK FREQUENTLY. 60,000 MILES NOW. TWO DAYS AGO, I THOUGHT I SAW THE OIL LIGHT FLASH, IT ONLY IS A QUICK FLASH. I DECIDED TO CHECK THE OIL, IT TOOK 4 QUARTS. NO WARNING EXCEPT ONE EXTREMELY RAPID FLASH SO FAST THAT YOU'RE NOT SURE IF YOU SAW IT. AND THE CAR WAS DOWN FOUR QUARTS! THE OIL WAS PUT IN BY A MECHANIC WHO COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN FEAR OF THE ENGINE SEIZING UP BECAUSE IT HAS RUN OUT OF OIL. I GET MY OIL CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES AS RECOMMENDED BUT THIS CAR BURNS OIL AT AN UNUSUAL RATE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CHECK THE OIL EVERY DAY BUT IT SEEM I HAVE NO CHOICE. A CAR WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE SHOULD NOT BE BURNING OIL AT THIS RATE. TOYOTA INSISTS THAT THIS IS NORMAL. IF SO, THEN AT LEAST HAVE AN INDICATOR THAT SHOWS OIL LEVEL. NOT WHEN IT IS IN DIRE NEED TO OIL. *TR
Air bags, Nov 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V168000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2014
ALL DASH LIGHTS TURNED ON AND STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. DROVE HOME. RESTART THE VEHICLE, NO ISSUES, LEFT IT RUNNING, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND SMELLED A BURNING SMELL. HAD IT TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED BATTERY. YESTERDAY 11-18-14, SAME ISSUE GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. HAD IT TOWED TO SAME DEALERSHIP. ALTERNATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TOYOTA ALSO INFORMED THAT WATER PUMP IS FAILING. THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, THESE ARE EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY TOYOTA AND PEOPLE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR SUCH AN EXTENSIVE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Nov 16, 2014
92,564 MILES 12/05/13 HAD OIL CHANGE. SOMETIME AFTER THAT OIL CHANGE, BUT BEFORE NEXT SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND TOOK CAR TO DEALER TO CHECK. THEY TOPPED OFF OIL AND INSTRUCTED ME TO COME BACK IN 1000 MILE INTERVALS TO DO CONSUMPTION TESTS. I FOLLOWED THEIR DIRECTION AND CAME BACK FOR SEVERAL CONSUMPTION TESTS. THEY TOPPED OFF OIL I BELIEVE ONE TIME FOR QUART ONE TIME FOR QUART. THEY INFORMED ME THIS WAS ?NORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION PER TOYOTA SPECS FOR THIS ENGINE? AND THAT I NO LONGER NEEDED TO COME IN FOR TESTS. 96,546 MILES 3/19/14 HAD OIL CHANGE, THERE WAS NO MENTION OF OIL LEVELS. 99,434 MILES 5/23/14 OIL LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK CAR IMMEDIATELY TO DEALER, WAS TOLD ?VEHICLE HAD A QUART OF OIL LEFT: IT HAS BEEN 3,000 MILES SINCE LAST OIL CHANGE. THIS IS NORMAL TECHNICIAN TOPPED OFF OIL. THE OIL LIGHT HAS NOT COME BACK ON SINCE THIS TIME. 101,628 MILES 7/23/14 WENT IN FOR OIL CHANGE. NO MENTION OF OIL LEVELS. WAS TOLD TO TOP OFF OIL HALF WAY THROUGH TILL NEXT SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. AFTER AROUND 2500 MILES CHECKED OIL AND ADDED 3 QUARTS OF OIL, CHECKED AGAIN BEFORE GOING IN FOR 5000 MILE OIL CHANGE AND ADDED 2 QUARTS. 106,232 MILES 11/06/14 WENT IN FOR OIL CHANGE INSISTING THAT THIS CAN NOT BE "NORMAL" OIL CONSUMPTION NEED TO HAVE THE ENGINE CHECKED OUT. DEALER RECOMMENDING THAT WE DO CONSUMPTION TESTS AGAIN. BEING TOLD THAT ANYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ADDRESS OIL PROBLEMS WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Engine, Nov 5, 2014
I CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3,0000 MILES EVEN SYNTHETIC OIL RECOMMENDS THAT 5000 MILES ARE DEALERS RECOMMENDED AND CAR CAN RUN EVEN LONGER ON A FULL SYNTHETIC OIL. BUT NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY I CHANGE MINE EVERY 3000 MILES. FOR LAST MANY OIL CHANGE I FIND MY OIL LEVEL TO BE VERY VERY LOW. I MEAN ALMOST 1 AND A HALF COURT DOWN, IN LESS THEN 30000 MILES. FUNNY THING IS I PUT HALF COURT OF OIL BETWEEN THE 3000 MILES DRIVEN ON OIL CHANGES. SO THEORETICALLY IT WAS 2 QT DOWN FROM OIL. THIS PROBLEM I STARTED TO NOTICE AROUND 60,000 MILES ON THE ENGINE. THERE IS NO LEAKS. I HAVE GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF CARS AS I HAVE WORKED ON HONDA ACCORDS AND CAMRYS FROM OLDER MODELS. I HAVE CHANGED STEERING PUMP TO GASKETS TO SPEED SENSORS AND MANY MORE ON CARS. I CAN ASSURE THAT THIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE ANY LEAKS EXCEPT FOR OIL PAN GET SLIGHTLY WET AROUND THE BOLT AREA BECAUSE OF PERHAPS NEEDS A SEAL OR NEW BOLT. IN TOTAL THAT OIL WONT ADD UP TO MORE THAN 10-20 DROPS IN TOTAL THROUGH OUT THE TIME OF OIL CHANGE IF THAT. THIS EXTREME AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL BURNOUT SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. TOO COMMON TO BELIEVE IT WAS MADE BY TOYOTA. IM VERY SURPRISED AS TO WHY TOYOTA WON'T RECOGNIZE AS THEIR FAULT. (WELL NOT REALLY THAT SURPRISED). *TR
Engine, Nov 5, 2014
MY 07 RAV 4 HAS HARD/ ROUGH IDLING ISSUE. THE CAR WILL (AT TIMES) HAS ROUGH IDLING ISSUE RIGHT AT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS ISSUE DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN AC/HEAT FAN IS ON. BUT BESIDE THAT AT TIMES ENGINES FEELS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO STOP AND IDLE FALLS BELOW 400 RPM SHAKING OR VIBRATING THE WHOLE CAR FOR GOOD 3-5 SECOND AND THEN SPIKES BACK UP JUST ENOUGH TO SLOW DOWN THAT VIBRATION A BIT. AT THIS POINT MY FOOT IS STILL ON BRAKE. NO CHECK ENGINE OR ANY OTHER LIGHTS ON. *TR
Engine, Oct 23, 2014
WE RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO RENO/CALIFORNIA IN MY TOYOTA RAV 4. I HAD DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL I RETURNED TO CHANGE OIL SINCE THERE WAS ONLY ABOUT 3000 OR LESS ON THE LAST CHANGE,. WHEN WE RETURNED AND NEARING OUR DESTINATION, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. IN CHECKING THE OIL, NO OIL SHOWED ON THE DIPSTICK. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE INCLUDING CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION OIL (ABOUT $600 ). A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, I CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS DOWN 1 1/2 QUARTS. I NOW STILL HAVE ABOUT 2000 MILES TO GO BEFORE MY CAR NEEDS ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AND IT WAS AGAIN LOW AND ANOTHER QUART WAS ADDED. PER MY RESEARCH I FIND THAT TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND SENT OUT INFO TO DEALERS IN 2011 TO FIX THE PROBLEM IF IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ACCORDING TO WHAT I'VE READ, IT REQUIRES A PISTON TO BE REPLACED. TOYOTA HAS TOTALLY IGNORED THIS PROBLEM AND I FIND THAT IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON ON RAV4'S. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE BURNED OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND A CONSUMPTION TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC PLACED LESS OIL IN THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO COME BACK AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN 500 MILES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Engine, Oct 16, 2014
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 STARTED TO CONSUME COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF OIL. THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF OIL LEAKAGE AND NO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. I ALWAYS HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AT A TOYOTA DEALER SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW. AFTER MY RECENT OIL CHANGE, I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 1,500 MILES AND HAD TO PUT IN 2 QUARTS OF OIL. I ASSUMED THIS WAS A FLUKE AND TOYOTA DID NOT FILL THE OIL UP. BUT NOW AGAIN, I DROVE ANOTHER 1,500 MILES AND THIS TIME IT WAS BONE DRY ON THE DIP STICK. I DID NOT RECEIVE A LOW OIL LIGHT. I ADDED ANOTHER 2 QUARTS OF OIL TO BRING IT UP TO THE BOTTOM LINE. *TR