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, May 16, 2014
LOST POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. P/S LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. BARELY AVOIDED COLLISION WITH LARGE TRUCK. STARTED ENGINE AFTER 20 MINS., P/S LIGHT OUT & STEERING NORMAL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO FOUND CODE C1524 (LOW VOLTAGE IN POWER STEERING). IN ORDER TO FIND ROOT OF PROBLEM I NEED TO PAY $200 FOR DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH I REFUSED. THIS IS NOT A WEAR/TEAR ISSUE BUT EITHER A DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION. CALLED TOYOTA, ASKED THEM TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC & TOYOTA REFUSED SINCE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRENTY. GUESS TOYOTA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT CUSTOMER SAFETY EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS VEHICLES WITH SAME COMPLAINT! *TR
Suspension, May 16, 2014
I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE "REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS (NO. 1).WHEN I WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER ([XXX]) ,THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO PUERTO RICO AS PER TOYOTA GENERAL OFFICES INSTRUCTIONS. THE LETTER SAID THIS AN URGENT SAFETY RECALL IN READ LETTERS FOR IT IMPORTANCE. FOR THIS SITUATION WE CAN IMPLIED THAT TOYOTA IS DISCRIMINATING TO THE PUERTO RICO TOYOTA OWNERS.IF ANY ACCIDENT OCCUR FOR THIS SITUATION I MADE RESPONSIBLE TO TOYOTA DE PUERTO RICO,[XXX] (DEALER) AND TOYOTA GENERAL OFFICES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, May 15, 2014
AFTER STARTING THE CAR THE AIR BAG LIGHT DID NOT OFF. IT HAS CONTINUED TO STAY ON WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING SINCE OCT. 19 2013. WE HAVE TRIED TROUBLE SHOOTING THE PROBLEM WITH NO SUCCESS. WHEN HAVING RECALL REPAIRS DONE AT LEWIS TOYOTA IN DODGE CITY, KS ON 3/21/14 THE REPAIR MANAGER WAS ASKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND GAVE NO INDICATION THAT TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE OR THAT A RECALL WAS BEING ISSUED. TOYOTA HAS STATED THEY WILL SEND LETTERS INFORMING OWNERS BY LATE APRIL. IT IS MID MAY AND WE HAVE STILL RECEIVED NOTHING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED WHEN IT SUDDENLY AND ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED FORWARD, CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD ALSO OCCURRED ON A PREVIOUS OCCASION. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Engine, May 3, 2014
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. 1+ QUART EVERY 2500 MILES. CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THEY COULD CARELESS ABOUT IT. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET FORUM. ENGINE MODEL AFFECTED 2AZ-FE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 28, 2014
THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHILE BRAKING CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD. *JS
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Apr 16, 2014
WELL-MAINTAINED 2007 RAV4 (67K MILES, NO ISSUES IN THE PAST) STALLED COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. NEARLY GOT REAR ENDED AS HAZARD FLASHER LIGHTS DID NOT WORK AT ALL. ALL POWER CUTS OFF TO INSIDE OF CAR. ONCE FAN IN ENGINE TURNS OFF (ABOUT 6 MINUTES) CAR CAN START AGAIN. DEALERSHIP SAID "DIRTY THROTTLE BODY PART" SO THEY CLEANED IT. HAPPENED 2ND TIME THE NEXT WEEK! THEN DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. HAPPENED 3RD TIME THE FOLLOWING WEEK! IT'S AT DEALERSHIP AGAIN NOW. EACH TIME IT HAPPENS, CAR IS DRIVING AND ONCE ABOUT 6 MINUTES PASSES, I CAN DRIVE AGAIN. BARELY HAVE TIME TO GET NEAR THE SHOULDER OF ROAD. *TT
Engine, Apr 14, 2014
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AS DESCRIBED IN T-SB-0094-11. HAD ALL SERVICE DONE AT TOYOTA DEALER SINCE 2007! THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND NOW THE DEALER WANTS ME TO PAY FOR THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE PISTONS AND PISTON RINGS - TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! *JS
Air bags, Apr 13, 2014, crash
I REAR-ENDED ANOTHER CAR, SUSTAINING DAMAGE TO BOTH CARS. MY AIRBAG FAILED EVEN THOUGH I WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH--DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL EVEN THOUGH I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT. ALTHOUGH, AT FIRST I DID NOT REALIZE THE EXTENT OF MY INJURIES, I RECEIVED SEVERAL FRACTURES AS REVEALED BY MRI AND OTHER SCANS AS FOLLOWS: 1. STERNUM FRACTURE 2. RIB FRACTURE 3. SPINE COMPRESSION FRACTURES OVER TIME, CONDITION HAS DETERIORATED TO IMMOBILIZATION. JUST RECENTLY LOOKED UP DETAILS OF SPEED AT WHICH AIRBAG SHOULD ENGAGE (AFTER HEARING ABOUT RECALLS) AND NOW REALIZE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF AT MUCH LOWER SPEED.
Air bags, Apr 13, 2014
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON 12/10/2013. CALLED DEALER TO MAKE APPOINTMENT. DEALER HOOKED UP SCAN TOOL ($65.00 FOR DIAGNOSIS) B1801 OPEN IN D SQUIB. DIAGNOSED OPEN IN SPIRAL CABLE. I DECLINED REPAIR SINCE I DID NOT HAVE $ 511.00 TO SPARE. I KNOW THAT TOYOTA RECALLED CERTAIN 2007 RAV4 UNITS, BUT SERVICE TECH SAID MINE WAS NOT AMONG THEM. *JS
Engine, Apr 12, 2014
THE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION IS EXCESSIVE IN MY RAV4. IT IS USING ABOUT A QUART OR MORE PER 1,000 MILES. THE TOYOTA DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION FOR THIS ENGINE. I SEE MANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM BEING REPORTED ON THIS WEB SITE AND OTHER OWNERS RECEIVING THE SAME RESPONSE FROM THEIR TOYOTA DEALERS NATIONWIDE. THIS IS NOT ROUTINE AND WILL CAUSE UNEXPECTED ENGINE FAILURE AND/OR ENGINE SEIZING. *JS
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 10, 2014
ON MARCH 21ST THE ABS, VSC, TRACTION AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH IN DRY WEATHER CONDITION. WHEN THE LIGHTS WERE ON, THE ABS SYSTEM WAS TRIGGERED MAKING DIFFICULT TO BRAKE TO STOP. SINCE THEN THE WARNING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON AND OFF AND SO I'VE BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTIES WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT A HIGHER SPEED RATE 60 MPH, SLOW SPEED 20 MPH, AND EVEN STOPPING. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8 I BROUGHT THE RAV4 TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THAT THE BREAKS WERE OK. DEALER SAID: IT IS JUST THE A REAR SENSOR THAT NEEDS TO BE RESET. SO DEALER TECHNICIAN RESET THE SENSOR THE SAME DAY. ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 AROUND 6:00 PM WHEN TURNING LEFT AT A CORNER I HEARD A TICKING NOISE THEN FOUR WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED AGAIN AND THE BREAKS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AGAIN. I'LL BRING THE RAV4 TO THE DEALER ON APRIL 12, 2014 AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY. THE CODES THE DEALER HAVE INITIALLY WERE C0210 AND C1223. MY SPOUSE AND I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE THE RAV4 WITHOUT KNOWING THAT THE SENSOR THAT THE DEALER TALKS ABOUT IS EITHER FIXED OR REPLACED. I DON'T WANT TO BE EXPOSED NOR EXPOSE MY FAMILY TO ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SENSOR/BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Apr 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHILE IN SECOND GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY OVER A PERIOD OF NINE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 05/28/14 MA
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 9, 2014
AFTER HEARING ABOUT TSBS RELATED TO PREMATURE WATER PUMP FAILURE, I NOTICED THAT MY RAV4 WAS LOW ON COOLANT. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TESTED AND FOUND THE PUMP WAS LEAKING, AND REPLACED IT UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. LESS THAN 15,000 MILES AND 2 YEARS LATER I AM NOTICING THAT THE COOLANT LEVEL IS BEGINNING TO RUN LOW AGAIN, AND SUSPECT THE REPLACEMENT WATER PUMP MAY AGAIN BE DEFECTIVE. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 8, 2014
THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AS I WAS APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE CAR'S ENGINE REVVED UP AND THE CAR KEPT MOVING FORWARD WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS FAR AS IT COULD GO. THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED ABOUT 6 FEET INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR REPEATED THE UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE I WAS TRYING TO SLOW DOWN PRIOR TO STOPPING FOR A STOP SIGN. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT WAS REMOVED TWO OR THREE YEARS AGO AND WAS NOT PRESENT THAT EVENING OR THE NEXT MORNING. I REPORTED THIS EPISODE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND I TOLD HIM I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT IF I WANTED HAVE TO CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HE WOULD HAVE TO TECHNICIANS CHECK IT FOR HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE EPISODE. I WAS ALSO TOLD I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR TOWING CHARGES AND THE COST OF THE DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS. THE COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTIC CHECK SHOWED NOTHING HAD HAPPENED AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I TOLD THE DEALER THE I WAS NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DEVICE, AS THE ACCELERATION DID HAPPEN AND THE TEST SET WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT CHECKING THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS TORRANCE CALIFORNIA, TOLD THEM MY STORY AND ASKED IF TOYOTA HAD RECEIVED ANY OTHER SUCH COMPLAINTS. I WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA COULD NOT RELEASE THAT INFORMATION. I ASKED WHAT TOYOTA DID WITH MY REPORT OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT WENT INTO A TOYOTA DATA BASE. I ASKED FOR A COPY OF RAV4 EPISODES IN THE DATA BASE. I WAS TOLD TOYOTA COULD NOT FURNISH THAT TO ME. I THEN ASKED FOR A COPY OF MY REPORT THAT TOYOTA ENTERED INTO THE DATA BASE. TOYOTA TOLD ME IT COULD NOT FURNISH THAT TO ME. TOYOTA SEEMS TO DISCREDIT REPORTS OF THIS ACCELERATION/SAFETY ISSUE AS IF IT COULD NOT POSSIBLY HAPPEN. *TR
Air bags, Apr 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Steering, Apr 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIRS, AT HER EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE WAS 52,730 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,134. UPDATED 5/27/14*CN UPDATED 08/04/14
Suspension, Apr 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V383000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR THE PART TO BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME.
Steering, Mar 29, 2014
NO CRASH INVOLVED. NO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, WAS INFORMED THE RACK ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO DEAL WITH A CLUNKING NOISE THAT A TECHNICIAN HAD NOTICED. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT WHILE PARKED AND IDLING, PULLING THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION DID PRODUCE THE CLUNK. AFTER ADDITIONAL ESTIMATES, SETTLED ON A SPECIFIC REPAIR VENUE AT ALMOST $1700. ALSO INFORMED BY ONE OF THE ESTIMATORS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD SOON NEED REPLACED. NOT SCHEDULED FOR REPAIR AT THIS TIME. I WAS INFORMED BY ONE OF THE ESTIMATORS THAT MOST VEHICLES WOULD NOT HAVE REQUIRED A WHOLE RACK REPLACEMENT (OR AS MUCH MONEY) FOR A PROBLEM SUCH AS THIS, BUT RATHER THE 2007 DESIGN WAS INTEGRATED RATHER THEN MODULAR. *TR
Engine, Mar 27, 2014
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO BAD PISTON RINGS INSTALLED AT TIME OF MANUFACTURE. TOYOTA BELIEVES 1 QUART PER 1,000 MILES IS ACCEPTABLE AND WILL NOT COVER REPAIR UNLESS USE IS OVER THAT LIMIT. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 23, 2014
IN THE FALL OF 2011, THE VSC AND 4WD LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY 2007 RAV4. AT THE SAME TIME MY CRUISE CONTROL AND 4WD STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK MY CAR TO TETON TOYOTA IN IDAHO FALLS, ID AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CHARCOAL CANISTER WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1775.00. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO FIX THE CAR AND EVENTUALLY I PURCHASED A USED CHARCOAL CANISTER AND HAD IT INSTALLED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THEN IN FEB. 2012, THE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN SO I TOOK MY CAR TO STONES TOYOTA IN REXBURG, ID. THE MECHANIC THERE CONFIRMED THAT THE CHARCOAL CANISTER WAS CRACKED AGAIN. I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD REPLACED IT WITH A USED PART AND HE STATED THAT TOYOTA HAD REDESIGNED THE PART SO THAT IT WOULDN'T CRACK, SO IF I WANTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR GOOD, I'D HAVE TO PURCHASE THE NEW PART. I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE UNIT AT THIS TIME. IF TOYOTA KNEW THAT THE ORIGINAL PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAVE NOW REDESIGNED IT, WHY ARE THEY CHARGING THEIR CUSTOMERS OVER $1500 TO REPLACE IT? BESIDES NOT HAVING ANY 4WD IN RURAL IDAHO IN THE WINTER, THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING DUE TO THIS DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 20, 2014
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS AS SEVERAL LIGHTS WERE ON. WAS CALLED BY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THE D SQUIB CIRCUIT/SPIRAL CABLE IS FAULTY AND THEREFORE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATIONAL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS I WAS UNAWARE OF MY AIRBAGS NOT FUNCTIONING. THANK GOD, WE DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT! THE TOYOTA DEALER WHOM WE PURCHASED OUR 2007 RAV 4 FROM BRAND NEW OF COURSE WANTS TO REPAIR IT FOR APPROX. $500.00. THAT IS INSANE AS THIS ISSUE SHOULD NEVER OCCUR. AFTER READING MANY POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET, OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND CLEARLY THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS. *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2014
THE STEERING MECHANISM MAKES A CLUNK WHEN TURNED. THE DEALER SAYS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS REPLACED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THIS SAME DEFECT ON THE INTERNET. TOYOTA ISSUED A BULLETIN IN 2008 TELLING DEALERS TO REPLACE THE SHAFT ON CARS STILL ON WARRANTY BUT WILL NOT REPLACE OURS BECAUSE IT IS MORE THAN 3 YEARS OLD. A MECHANICAL FAILURE AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE SUCH AS THIS SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE COMPANY AT THEIR COST SINCE IT IS NOT CAUSE BY USE BUT BY POOR ENGINEERING OR ASSEMBLY. *TR
Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 12, 2014
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 REAR SPEED SENSORS CAN ABRUPTLY FAIL DURING POOR CLIMATE, CAUSING FAILURE TO THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT FAILURE OF THIS PART IS COMMON, WHICH IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE POOR. *TR
Steering, Mar 10, 2014
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON THE VEHICLE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IN SOME STATES THE TOYOTA HAS CHANGED THEM FOR NO COST AFTER THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, BUT KNOW THE DO NOT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF CLAIMS IN REGARD TO THIS ISSUE ON THIS MODEL, BUT CONTINUES TO BE IGNORED. ON FRIDAY 03/08/2014 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO HAVE IT CHECKED BECAUSE OF THIS, AND WHAT THEY TOLD ME WAS THAT IT WAS MY STRUTS. WELL AFTER GETTING THEM CHANGED IT TURNS OUT IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME AN ADDITIONAL 502.00 FOR THIS. THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH NUMEROUS CLAIMS ABOUT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND TOYOTA IS NOT REALIZING THE SAFETY ISSUE IN WHICH IT PLACES IT CUSTOMERS. *TR