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.
Suspension, Oct 16, 2014, crash
WHILE TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY, THE REAR TIE ROD (SUSPENSION ARM) ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF OUR RAV4 SUDDENLY FAILED, CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE WILDLY OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. AFTER THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, THE AFFECTED WHEEL WAS FOUND TO BE TILTED ON AN ANGLE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A MECHANICAL PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE RAV4 HAD 62,422 MILES AT THE TIME. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 24, 2011 - PRIOR TO THE RELATED RECALLS 12V373000 (C0J) AND 13V383000 (CSJ). I WROTE TO TOYOTA EXECUTIVES IN JANUARY 2012. MY LETTER DESCRIBED OUR INCIDENT, AND I INCLUDED THREE SIMILAR REPORTS FROM OTHER DRIVERS FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND AN INTERNET SEARCH. I WAS PUT IN CONTACT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM TOYOTA EXECUTIVE OFFICES. I MAILED THE FAILED PART TO TOYOTA U.S.A. HEADQUARTERS IN FEBRUARY 2012 AFTER TAKING PHOTOS TO DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM. CORROSION WAS HIDDEN WITHIN THE TUBE OF THE SUSPENSION ARM. THE THREADS ON THE TIE ROD END HAD CORRODED, SO ONE PIECE COULD BE PULLED STRAIGHT OUT FROM THE OTHER PART WITHOUT HAVING TO UNSCREW IT. THE LOWER PART OF THE BOLT OR TIE ROD END WAS ALSO FRACTURED DUE TO THE CORROSION. AFTER FOLLOWING UP WITH TOYOTA EXECUTIVE OFFICES, I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS ISSUE WAS ALREADY KNOWN TO THEM, AND RESULTED FROM IMPROPER TORQUE APPLIED DURING A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. MY CAR PREVIOUSLY HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AT AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER. TOYOTA OFFICIALLY STARTED THE RECALL PROCESS WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT A HALF YEAR LATER. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE TAKEN STEPS MUCH EARLIER TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THIS VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE! A DOCUMENT ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE INDICATES TOYOTA STARTED AN INITIAL INVESTIGATION IN 2008. BASED ON OTHER RECALL-RELATED DOCUMENTS, IT IS SCARY THAT THERE APPEAR TO BE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF INVOLVED VEHICLES THAT HAVE YET TO BE INSPECTED. UPDATED 12/03/14. *JB UPDATED 01/26/15.*JB UPDATED 01/27/15*JB THE CONSUMERS CLAIM WAS DENIED, BECAUSE TOYOTA DID NOT GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO ADDRESS HIS CONCERN OR CONFIRM IF THE INCIDENT WAS A RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT. UPDATED 02/24/15 UPDATED 05/11/15. UPDATED 06/03/15. *JB UPDATED 08/06/15*JB
Air bags, Oct 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED 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 85,000. UPDATED 12/9/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE 2 RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. NONE OF WHICH HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. UPDATED 10/1/2015 *JS
Visibility/wiper, Oct 13, 2014
THE VISOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOES NOT STAY UP AND COMES DOWN DURING DRIVING AND CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD WHERE IT BLOCKS OUR VIEW WHEN DRIVING. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET OF THIS ISSUE WITH SEVERAL TOYOTA MODELS (RAV4, HIGHLANDER ETC.), YET TOYOTA HAS 'NOT' ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS SERIOUS DEFECT AND SAFETY ISSUE! I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO TAKE MY TOYOTA IN FOR 4-5 RECALLS ON OTHER ISSUES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2007! TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS VISOR ISSUE IMMEDIATELY! *TR
Visibility/wiper, Oct 8, 2014
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR NO LONGER STAYS IN PLACE WHEN STOWED AND INSTEAD DROOPS DOWN AT APPROXIMATELY A 40 DEGREE ANGLE. THIS IMPAIRS DRIVER'S VISIBILITY AS IT FALLS SQUARELY WITHIN THE DRIVER'S FIELD OF VISION. IT ALSO BECOMES A DISTRACTION IN THAT THE DRIVER IS CONSTANTLY PUSHING THE VISOR BACK INTO PLACE, TO NO EFFECT. THE PROBLEM IS IMPAIRED VISIBILITY DUE TO A FAILING PART. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE FOR TOYOTA AND YET TOYOTA REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Oct 1, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME WHEN THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,925.
Suspension, Sep 28, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING MY RECENT VACATION I HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM UNDER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER WHILE STILL DRIVING, PIECES OF METAL FELL OFF THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR HITTING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. WE BOTH PULLED OVER, MY REAR STABILIZER / SWAY BAR HAD BUSTED AND FALLEN FROM THE CAR. NOW I HAVE TO PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS, MY WIFE AND I COULD OF BEEN SEVERELY HURT OR WORSE, AND NOW POSSIBLY PAY FOR A CRACKED WINDSHIELD FROM THE CAR BEHIND ME. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM TOYOTA OWNERS THAT EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD OF NOT HAPPENED AT ONLY 54000 MILES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. (THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING). *TR
Visibility/wiper, Sep 25, 2014
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR FAILURE TO WORK PROPERLY CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE AND POSSIBLE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH. THE SUN VISOR IS NOT STAYING IN THE STOWED POSITION WHICH IS FLAT AGAINST THE INTERIOR ROOF OF THE CAR DUE TO A KNOWN FAILED MECHANISM WITHIN THE SUN VISOR SUCH AS THE SPRING LOADED MECHANISM WHICH IS FAILING. INSTEAD, THE SUN VISOR IS DROPPING DOWN AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. THIS HAS CAUSED MY HEAD TO HIT IT SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE. AND, IF INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, THIS COULD CAUSE THE SUN VISOR TO SLICE THROUGH MY NECK BECAUSE IT IS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE GOING ACROSS MY NECK SINCE IT WILL NOT STAY UP DUE TO THE FAILED SPRING MECHANISM WITHIN THE SUN VISOR. AFTER RESEARCH OF MY OWN, I HAVE FOUND AND BEEN TOLD BY RELIABLE SOURCES IN THE TOYOTA INDUSTRY THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR AND POSSIBLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL OVER TIME. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE AT TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS THAT THIS PART IS ONLY COVERED BY A 3 1/2 YEAR WARRANTY INSTEAD OF THE SAME WARRANTY AS THE CAR. THIS TELLS ME THAT TOYOTA MAY KNOW THAT THIS PART WILL FAIL OVER TIME. ALL OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED WITH MANUAL SUN VISORS HAVE NEVER FAILED FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR SINCE THEY DO NOT HAVE INTERNAL PARTS LIKE THE TOYOTA MODEL HAS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT I HAVE TO PAY ABOUT $85 TO HAVE IT REPLACED WHEN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT SHOULD NOT FAIL. IT'S NOT A MOVING PART WITHIN THE ENGINE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Sep 25, 2014
DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR FAILURE TO WORK PROPERLY CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE AND POSSIBLE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH. THE SUN VISOR IS NOT STAYING IN THE STOWED POSITION WHICH IS FLAT AGAINST THE INTERIOR ROOF OF THE CAR DUE TO A KNOWN FAILED MECHANISM WITHIN THE SUN VISOR SUCH AS THE SPRING LOADED MECHANISM WHICH IS FAILING. INSTEAD, THE SUN VISOR IS DROPPING DOWN AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. THIS HAS CAUSED MY HEAD TO HIT IT SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE. AND, IF INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, THIS COULD CAUSE THE SUN VISOR TO SLICE THROUGH MY NECK BECAUSE IT IS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE GOING ACROSS MY NECK SINCE IT WILL NOT STAY UP DUE TO THE FAILED SPRING MECHANISM WITHIN THE SUN VISOR. AGAIN, THIS COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR BODILY INJURY IF IT IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF. AFTER RESEARCH OF MY OWN, I HAVE FOUND AND BEEN TOLD BY RELIABLE SOURCES IN THE TOYOTA INDUSTRY THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR AND POSSIBLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL OVER TIME. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE AT TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS THAT THIS PART IS ONLY COVERED BY A 3 1/2 YEAR WARRANTY INSTEAD OF THE SAME WARRANTY AS THE CAR. THIS TELLS ME THAT TOYOTA MAY KNOW THAT THIS PART WILL FAIL OVER TIME. ALL OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED WITH MANUAL SUN VISORS HAVE NEVER FAILED FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR SINCE THEY DO NOT HAVE INTERNAL PARTS LIKE THE TOYOTA MODEL HAS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT I HAVE TO PAY ABOUT $85 TO HAVE IT REPLACED WHEN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT SHOULD NOT FAIL. IT'S NOT A MOVING PART WITHIN THE ENGINE. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Sep 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Sep 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Engine, Sep 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE UNTIL ANOTHER 600 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND PLACED THE VEHICLE UNDER A 1,000 MILE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. UPDATED 10/30/14*CN UPDATED 7/9/2015*JS
Visibility/wiper, Sep 16, 2014
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 SUN VISORS WILL NOT STAY UP, WHICH RESTRICTS VISIBILITY. AT FIRST, THE PASSENGER VISOR STARTED TO HAND DOWN, ABOUT AN INCH FROM THE ROOF. EVENTUALLY, BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE VISORS REMAIN IN THE DOWN POSITION. THE VISOR COMPLETELY RESTRICTS VISIBILITY AND APPARENTLY, HAS BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE WITH TOYOTA FOR YEARS. 15 SEP 2014, I TOOK MY RAV4 IN FOR RECALL WORK AND ASKED THEM TO FIX THE VISORS. I WAS TOLD THE NEXT DAY, THAT IT WOULD COST 240 DOLLARS TO REPLACE BOTH VISORS. I TALKED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND BASICALLY STATED, THAT TOYOTA WAS RESPONSIBLE AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO APPROVE THE REPLACEMENT. CALLED TOYOTA 800-331-4331 AND TALKED WITH CUSTOMER CONCERNS. SHE TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND THAT MY 36K MILE WARRANTY HAS ALREADY PASSED. I TOLD HER THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY AND DESIGN FLAW THAT PRESENTS A HAZARD TO ANYONE WHO DRIVES THE VEHICLE. CUSTOMER CONCERNS STATED THAT SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS MATTER, THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT TOYOTA WOULD DO. SINCE BEING TOLD THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE, I HAVE RESEARCHED SEVERAL CONSUMER BLOGS, TOYOTA OWNERS, AND HAVE SEEN SEVERAL BLOGS/COMPLAINTS CONCERNING TOYOTA CAMRY'S, RAV4'S, HIGHLANDER'S AND TUNDRA'S, ALL HAVING THE SAME SUN VISOR SAFETY ISSUES. MANY HAVE REPLACED THEIR VISOR'S TWO AND THREE TIMES. MOST BLOGS DISCUSS REMEDIES TO FIX, ONLY FINDING THE MATTER A PAIN AND SAFETY ISSUE NO ONE WANTS TO REMEDY. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE ABLE TO ADJUST THE VISORS SO THAT THEY CAN BE SAFELY ADJUSTED TO SAFELY STAY UP AND OUT OF THE WAY WHEN NOT IN USE. I DON?T THINK WE SHOULD WAIT FOR NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES AND DEATH TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY DESIGN FLAW AND SERIOUS SAFETY COMPLICATIONS! *TR
Steering, Sep 11, 2014
THERE ARE MULTIPLE KNOCKS COMING UP THE STEERING SHAFT AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 10/07/14*LJ UPDATED 3/12/2015 *JS
Steering, Suspension, Sep 6, 2014
I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION RECALL AND WHEN I PICKED IT UP I WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THERE IS A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THE SHAFT IS CRACKED AND COULD BE DANGEROUS. I NEVER NOTICED ANY STEERING SOUNDS BUT NOW THAT I'M SPECIFICALLY LISTENING FOR IT I DO HEAR IT. I BELIEVE THAT IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE DEALER STATED THEN THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED. MOST OWNERS WILL NOT KNOW THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM SINCE THE SOUND IS NOT THAT NOTICEABLE AND I ASSUME THAT IF LEFT UNCORRECTED LOSS OF STEERING WILL OCCUR. *TR
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2014
ON JULY 30, 2014 I TOOK MY TOYOTA RAV 4 INTO AUTONATION TOYOTA ON ARAPAHOE ROAD IN CENTENNIAL, MY PREFERRED DEALER FOR SERVICE, GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. I ASKED THE SERVICE ADVISOR, [XXX] , TO CHECK AND MAKE SURE I HAD ALL THE RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF. HE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS ONE FIX THERE WAS NOT A SOLUTION AT THIS TIME, SPIRAL CABLE. I TOLD HIM I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO GROOVE TOYOTA ON BROADWAY IN ENGLEWOOD JULY 22, 2013, BECAUSE MY CAR WAS MAKING A NOISE AND THEY FIXED THE SPIRAL CABLE TO THE TUNE OF $608.84. [XXX] ADVISED ME TO GO BACK TO GROOVE AND ASK FOR A REFUND. I CALLED THEM (303-761-3222) ON JULY 29 AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT CORPORATE. I CALLED CORPORATE (800-331-4331) AND WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD RECEIVE A LETTER REGARDING THE RECALL BY THE END OF AUGUST AND IF I DIDN??T RECEIVE THE LETTER TO CALL BACK. I WAS ALSO TOLD WHEN I RECEIVE THE LETTER TO TAKE MY CARE TO A DEALER AND HAVE THEM WRITE OFF THAT THE RECALL WAS FIXED. THEN I SHOULD SEND IN PROOF THAT IT WAS FIXED, COPY OF PROOF OF PAYMENT AND COPY OF THE TITLE. I CALLED BACK AUGUST 29, AND WAS TOLD THE LETTERS HAD NOT GONE OUT YET AND IT MAY BE THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER. I TOLD THE WOMAN I TALKED TO, [XXX], THAT I WAS PLANNING ON DOING SOME TRAVELING IN OCTOBER AND SHE INVITED ME TO CHECK ON LINE TO SEE IF THE LETTERS HAD GONE OUT. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT SOME SERVICE ADVISORS RECEIVE COMMISSIONS ON WORK DONE. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR A RECALL AND IF HE DID RECEIVE A COMMISSIONS, WHY? I HAVE THE REQUIRED PAPER WORK EXCEPT FOR THE LETTER. I FEEL LIKE I WAS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF AND THATS WRONG. THANKS, SENT FROM WINDOWS MAIL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Sep 1, 2014
MY COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE TOYOTA AIR BAG RECALL NOTICE SENT OUT SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH TOYOTA SEVERAL TIMES IN REGARDS TO THIS AND THEY STILL HAVE NO SUITABLE FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM DRIVING AROUND IN A CAR WITH NO FUNCTIONAL AIRBAG, WHICH I CAN NOT SELL DUE TO THE SIR BAG LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. THEY HAVE OFFERED NOTHING TO ME IN ANY WAY TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM IN THE MEAN TIME I AM DRIVING AROUND 800-1500 MILES PER WEEK IN A DEATH TRAP WITH NO AIR BAG. I HAVE NO FINANCIAL MEANS TO RENT OR BORROW A CAR UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED. I HAVE EVEN OFFERED THEM TO BUY MY CAR AT A LOSS SO I CAN FIND OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. EACH PERSON I TALK TO AT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER OFFERS ME DIFFERENT ADVISE AND TELLS ME A DIFFERENT STORY AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND WHAT I CAN DO TO FIX IT. I EVEN WENT AS FAR AS TO DRIVE 2 HOURS TO A TOYOTA DEALER THAT THEY ARRANGED FOR ME TO FIX IT ONLY FOR IT NOT TO BE DONE WHEN I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP FROM SERVICE. *TR
Steering, Aug 28, 2014
VERY CLUNKY AND NOISY STEERING RESULTING AN A VAGUE, UNSAFE SENSE OF CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS REPAIRED (REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN). SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THIS IS A COMMON AND WELL KNOWN DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Aug 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 38 MPH, THE REAR BACK WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOWNWARD HILL ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Air bags, Aug 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LETTER WAS RECEIVED OVER TWO MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED; HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR SINCE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Steering, Aug 21, 2014
THE STEERING COLUMN BINDS TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER SUCH THAT THE VEHICLE NEVER STEERS STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE SITUATION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ALWAYS WANT TO STEER OUT OF THE INTENDED LANE CAUSING DRIVER FATIGUE AT BEST AND AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY HEADING OUT OF ITS INTENDED PATH TOWARD OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
Air bags, Aug 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2014
ON 08/09/14 WE WERE DRIVING IN PARKING LOT WITH 5 PEOPLE IN CAR. STARTED DRIVING AND ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. CAR GLIDED TO A STOP WITH GEARS AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. CALLED AAA FOR A TOW 20+ MILES AWAY TO CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEN GOT TRANSPORT FOR OURSELVES TO HOTEL FOR THE NIGHT. NEXT MORNING GOT RENTAL CAR TO DRIVE TO TOYOTA DEALER WHERE CAR HAD BEEN TOWED TO. REPAIR WAS SIMPLY A BLOWN FUSE FOR VEHICLE REMOTE STARTER WHICH WAS ODDLY LOCATED UNDER STEERING WHEEL. SIMILAR INCIDENT HAPPENED (03/12/08) WHILE DIVING IN CANADA AND REPAIRED THEN AT A TOYOTA DEALER AT 12,101 KM. THE REMOTE STARTER WAS PART OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON THE NEW CAR. NOW, WE FEAR DRIVING RAV4 ON HIGHWAY AT ANY SPEED FOR FEAR CAR WILL SUDDENLY STOP AND STEERING WILL LOCK UP. REMOTE STARTER NEEDS TO BE REMOVED OR FIXED AT IT IS NOT SAFE. *TR