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, Aug 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering, Aug 11, 2014
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CLUNKS AND IT IS GETTING WORSE. TOYOTA HAS NOT RECALLED THE COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Aug 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Seat belts, Aug 5, 2014
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS RAV4. ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE FRONT-PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BEGAN SHREDDING. THIS SEAT IS USED VERY LITTLE. I AM THE MAIN DRIVER. SINCE THEN EVERY TIME IT IS USED IT SHREDS MORE & IN MORE PLACES. I THINK IT IS DEFECTIVE WEBBING. TOYOTA SAYS IT IS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING THIS IMPORTANT & REQUIRED TO USE BY LAW IS NOT WARRANTED BY THE MANUFACTURER! IF YOU DON'T KNOW THAT A SEAT BELT WILL NOT COME APART WHEN NEEDED IN A ACCIDENT, WHAT ABOUT OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENT? *TR
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2014
AIR BAG ISSUE.
Engine, Jul 30, 2014
THE EXTERNAL OIL PRESSURE LINE TO THE REAR CYLINDER HEAD BUSTED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO COMPLETELY DUMP ALL 6 QUARTS OF MOTOR OIL ONTO THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATE FOR ME I WAS ONLY 0.8 MILES FROM AN EXIT WITH A SAFE PARKING LOT. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE OIL FROM MY VEHICLE CAUSED ANY WRECKS ON THE INTERSTATE, HOWEVER THE POTENTIAL FOR A MOTORCYCLE WRECK OR ANY VEHICLE THAT HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN SLOW DOWN OR QUICK MANEUVER WOULD BE AT A HIGH RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. NOT ONLY DID THIS PUT MY ENGINE AT RISK FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY AVOIDED. TOYOTA IS NOT ONLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAVE PROCEDURES IN PLACE TO FIX THE HOSE WHEN IT RUPTURES. ITS NOT A MATTER OF IF THE HOSE WILL RUPTURE, BUT WHEN WILL THE OIL HOSE RUPTURE. IF I HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE NEED TO REPLACE THE HOSE I WOULD HAVE GLADLY HAVE HAD THE HOSE REPLACED. THE LEAST TOYOTA SHOULD DO IS SEND EVERY OWNER OF THIS TYPE OF ENGINE WITH THIS TYPED OF HOSE A LETTER EXPLAINING WHAT COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN AND WHAT THEY NEED TO DO TO PREVENT THIS VERY PREVENTABLE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jul 29, 2014
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE. THE LAST TIME WAS JULY 28, 2014. WE SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND RESTART IT, AND THEN IT WORKS OK. WE ARE AFRAID THAT IT MIGHT HAPPEN WHILE WE ARE DRIVING IT AND WE WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT. FROM ONLINE I HAVE LEARNED THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF OCCURRENCES OF THIS. I'M SURPRISED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL, I THINK IT IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN! *JS
Engine, Jul 28, 2014
THIRD SUCH INCIDENT -- TWO PREVIOUS IN LATE 2009 -- BACKING UP SLOWLY IN PARKING LOT, ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED TO RACE. I THREW THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, STEPPING ON BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS (SEEMED LIKE AN ETERNITY); RACING FINALLY STOPPED WHEN I RELEASED BRAKE AND TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL. *JS
Steering, Jul 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WITH THE ENGINE AND VSC LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE REGAINED POWER STEERING ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Suspension, Wheels, Jul 28, 2014
RIGHT REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM SNAPPED CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TO TURN TO THE SIDE, CAUSING US TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND STOP THE CAR DUE TO THE LOW RATE OF SPEED. WE HAD A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA INSTALLED A TEMPORARY FIX, HOWEVER WHEN WE RECEIVED AN UPDATED RECALL, WE CONTINUALLY CALLED TO HAVE THE PERMANENT FIX ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WE ASKED THEM TO CALL US WHEN THE PART ARRIVED AND THEY WOULD NOT AGREE TO THIS. WE HAVE CALLED THEM CONTINUOUSLY BUT THEY NEVER HAD THE PART. CALLED TOYOTA TODAY AND THEY CANNOT HELP ME TODAY. THEY WILL NOT APPROVE TOWING, RENTAL CAR, OR REPAIR AS OF THIS DATE. I CANNOT GET TO WORK, I AM HANDICAPPED AND I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. THE POLICE DID COME TO THE SCENE OF THIS INCIDENT WE HAVE PHOTOS AND THE BROKEN PART IN OUR POSSESSION. TOYOTA OPENED A CASE #[XXX]. THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT SURE THEY CAN HELP US. WE NEED IMMEDIATE HELP WITH THIS. PLEASE HELP US. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS
Steering, Jul 25, 2014
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL YOU CAN HEAR A CLUNK OR A THUD. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 10/7/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 3/11/15 *JS
Engine, Jul 22, 2014
SINCE I PURCHASED THE RAV4 I NOTICE THE ENGINE OIL WAS BURNING OUT VERY QUICKLY CAUSING ME TO RUN THE CAR ON ALMOST NO OIL. WARNING LIGHTS ONLY CAME ON WHEN THERE WAS NO MORE OIL IN CAR. I'M PUTTING IN 1 TO 3 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY TWO TO THREE MONTHS. I HAVE TO CHECK OIL EVERY WEEK. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP TOLD ME I HAD A OIL LEAK BUT SINCE I DID NOT SEE ANY OIL LEAKING AT ALL I GOT A SECOND OPINION AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THE STUCK OIL RINGS THAT CAUSE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR
Engine, Jul 14, 2014
VEHICLE IDLING AND BEGINNING TO OVERHEAT DUE TO BAD WATER PUMP AT 47,500 MILES. TOYOTA SAYS THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE. IF VEHICLE OVERHEATED, COULD CAUSE FIRE. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 12, 2014
THE BRAKE MAKES HISSING NOISES AND THE DRIVER IS REQUIRED TO PRESS IT DOWN VERY HARD FOR IT TO WORK, THEREFORE THE CAR HAS TO GO INTO PARK MODE AT THE STOP LIGHT IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN AT A COMPLETE STOP. *TR
Steering, Jul 7, 2014, crash
AS DAUGHTER WAS ENTERING FREEWAY STEERING FAILED, REAR-ENDED BY 18 WHEELER. *JS
Steering, Jul 6, 2014
NOTICED KNOCKING/CLUNKING NOISE FROM STEERING AT LOW SPEED AS DESCRIBED IN T-SB-0318-08 STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE' DATED OCTOBER 20, 2008. TOOK THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER TO REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS AS DETAILED BY THE T-SB. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT BOTH THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THE STEERING RACK HAVE PLAY IN THEM AND RECOMMENDED THAT THEY BOTH BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT THIS WILL BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE IF NOT REPAIRED AND CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING. THE ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR WAS $2700 SINCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED TWO MONTH PRIOR TO TAKING THE VEHICLE IN. GIVEN THAT THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN, I OPTED TO HAVE THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE DONE AND PAID $2731.77 FOR THE REPAIR. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE TOYOTA RAV FOR MODEL YEARS 2006 - 2008. GIVEN THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT SOME DRIVERS MIGHT NOT ASSOCIATE THE NOISE WITH A SERIOUS ISSUE, TOYOTA MOTORS SHOULD: 1.INSTATE A RECALL TO INSPECT ALL PARTS RELATED TO THE STEERING MECHANISM IN EFFECTED MODELS. 2.REPLACE ALL EFFECTED PARTS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER 3.REIMBURSE DILIGENT OWNERS WHO NOTICED THE ISSUE, REPORTED IT TO THE DEALERS AND PAID TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. BEST REGARDS. *JS
Air bags, Jul 3, 2014
AIR BAG FAULT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND IS ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE IGNITION IS ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER PER OWNERS MANUAL AND DEALER INFORMED US THERE IS A TOYOTA RECALL ABOUT TO BE ISSUED BUT NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A REPAIR. WE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM TOYOTA THAT THE RECALL NOTICE IS IN PROCESS BUT PARTS AND REPAIR LEAD TIME IS UNKNOWN. CALLS TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND TO TOYOTA REGIONAL OFFICE HAD EACH TELLING ME TO CALL THE OTHER DUE TO A LACK LEAD TIME INFORMATION FOR THE REPAIR PARTS AVAILABILITY. WE ARE STILL WAITING AND PROBABLY OPERATING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.. *TR
Engine, Jul 3, 2014
THE OIL LIGHT BLINKED ON. I WAS DOWN BELOW A QUART ON MY 2007 RAV4. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WAS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. TOYOTA PERFORMS ITS ENGINE CONSUMPTION TEST AND SAYS THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING WITHIN TOYOTA SPECIFICATIONS YET THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Jun 26, 2014
CLUNKING SOUND IN STEERING AT LOW SPEED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Air bags, Jun 8, 2014, crash
ON AUGUST 29, 2011, 19 YEAR-OLD SUBJECT WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ACROSS AN INTERSECTION WHEN SUBJECT WAS STRUCK ON DRIVER SIDE BY A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. SUBJECT WAS STRUCK BY A MOTORIST THAT ACCORDING TO POLICE OFFICER REPORT, RAN A RED LIGHT. SUBJECT WAS PROCEEDING STRAIGHT WITH GREEN LIGHT WHILE DRIVING A WHITE 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH APPROXIMATELY 104,299 MILES. SUBJECT PURCHASED RAV4 VEHICLE FROM TOYOTA IN APRIL OF 2011. SUBJECT PURCHASED 2007 RAV4 ON ACCOUNT OF THE AIRBAG SAFETY FEATURES (HEAD, SIDE, FRONT, PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS) TO PROTECT SUBJECT FROM INJURY. ON AUGUST 29, 2011, SUBJECT 2007 RAV4 SUSTAINED DAMAGE FROM ROCKER PANEL TO ROOF AND FROM FRONT LEFT BUMPER TO DOORS. STRUCTURAL, SUSPENSION, WHEEL, AND STEERING COMPONENTS WERE ALSO DAMAGED AS PER THE APPRAISER'S DAMAGE ESTIMATE FOLLOWING THE AUGUST 29, 2011 ACCIDENT. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. A LETTER WAS SENT TO TOYOTA. CALLS WERE MADE TO TOYOTA TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE AND TOYOTA DENIED CLAIMS OF ANY WRONGDOING OR DEFECT. SUBJECT WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA DECLINED TO INSPECT VEHICLE. RECENT NOTICES OF RECALLS RECEIVED ALONG WITH TOYOTA SENDING EMAILS TO SUBJECT TO TRY TO PURCHASE SUBJECT RAV4 LENDS CREDIBILITY TO SUBJECT ASSERTION THAT AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND PROTECTED SUBJECT FROM INJURY DURING THE AUGUST 29, 2011 INCIDENT. THE AIRBAG FEATURES FAILED SUBJECT AND FAILED TO PROTECT SUBJECT FROM INJURY ON AUGUST 29, 2011. 2007 RAV4 WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY GEICO AND LIBERTY MUTUAL. THIS ACCIDENT TOTALED A RAV4 AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. GIVEN INADEQUATE ATTENTION WAS GIVEN TO SUBJECT AND INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER BY TOYOTA, SUBJECT SEEKS INVESTIGATION AND REMEDY FOR INJURIES SUSTAINED. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 5, 2014
THE GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE CAN EASILY BE STEPPED ON AT THE SAME TIME WITH ONE FOOT. I HAVE DONE THIS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, IT'S JUST BEEN LUCK THAT HAS PREVENTED ME FROM CAUSING INJURY DAMAGE TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. IT DOES GIVE ME A GOOD SCARE. *TR
Suspension, Jun 2, 2014
I RECEIVED A LETTER LAST SUMMER/EARLY FALL REGARDING A RECALL OF MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SINCE NOVEMBER 2013 AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. THEY CLAIM THEY ARE UNABLE TO GET THE PARTS FROM TOYOTA AND THEY KEEP PUTTING ME OFF. I BELIEVE THAT THE DEALER AND/OR TOYOTA HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE DEFECT WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, THEREFORE I'M FILING A COMPLAINT. THE RECALL STATES THAT THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS PROBLEM GOING UNCORRECTED COULD BE "FAILURE OF THE REAR TIE ROD COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH". I DRIVE A LOT OF MILES IN THE FALL AND WINTER, TRANSPORTING MY 13 YEAR OLD SON AND FRIENDS TO SOCCER GAMES. I'D REALLY LIKE TO KNOW THAT I'M DRIVING A SAFE VEHICLE! I WANT THIS LOOKED AT ASAP!! *TR
Exterior lighting, Air bags, May 29, 2014
DRIVING DOWN COMMUNITY STREET. AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. HAS STAYED ON CONTINUOUSLY. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. TOYOTA SAYS MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THEIR RECALL AND WILL NOT COVER ANY REPAIRS. *TR
Steering, May 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER A SECOND TIME WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN FAILED BUT THE REPAIRS WERE NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.