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.
Engine, Dec 17, 2013
CURRENT MILEAGE ON CAR IS 114,000. SINCE CAR TURNED 94,000 HAS HAD INTERNAL OIL LEAK AND NEED TO ADD 2.5 Q OF OIL APPROX EVERY 1,500-2,000 MILES. MY MECHANIC JUST FOUND OUT THAT IN 2011, TOYOTA PUT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ON THIS CAR MAKE AND MODEL YEAR, AND OTHER TOYOTAS DUE TO A FAULTY PISTON ASSEMBLY. THEY ONLY COVER THIS REPAIR UP UNTIL 60,000 MILES. THIS IS AN ENGINE DEFECT AND MILEAGE SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. COST TO REPAIR IS $5,500 ACCORDING TO MY TOYOTA DEALER. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. PAYING OVER $5,000 FOR A VEHICLE REPAIR BECAUSE OF TOYOTA'S FAULTY ENGINE SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. PLEASE MAKE TOYOTA PAY FOR THIS!! THIS IS HAPPENING TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. I SPOKE WITH A SUPERVISOR AT TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO FOR ME (EXCEPT OFFER ME A SLIGHT INCENTIVE TOWARD BUYING A NEW CAR - I WILL NEVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN!) *TR
Suspension, Dec 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, Dec 15, 2013
THIS MODEL TOYOTA HAS A RECORD OF STUCK OIL RINGS CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WHICH LEADS TO FAILURE OF ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. SEE NEW YORK TIMES OCT 14,2011 AND THE HUNDREDS OF ON LINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT USING ONE QUART OF OIL EVERY 1 K MILES. IN NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR MY TECHNICIAN DID A COMPLETE CHECK WITH OIL CHANGE, IN JAN THIS YEAR THE OIL WAS DOWN ONE QUART AND IN FEB. I DID ANOTHER OIL CHANGE WITH ONLY TWO QUARTS OF OIL LEFT IN THE PAN WHEN IT TAKES 4-1/2 QUARTS. I TOOK MY RAV 4 TO THE DEALER(4-23-2013) I BOUGHT IT FROM AND WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT I WAS TOLD THE OIL RINGS GET STUCK AND I NEED AN ENGINE REPAIR FOR $3,000 PLUS TAX. I HAD THEM CHECK IT OUT AND I GOT A WRITTEN DOCUMENT WITH THE REPAIR THAT IS NEEDED DOCUMENTED. THIS "NEEDS" TO BE A RECALL ITEM. IF A CAR DOING 70MPH HAS AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO LOSS OF OIL THEN THE PERSON WILL LOOSE STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL LEADING TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND MOST LIKELY DEATH. TOYOTA DID TWO RECALLS ON MY CAR IN APRIL, DOOR SWITCH NEEDED A DROP OF OIL AND REAR SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE RE-TORQUED. MADE A BIG DEAL OUT OF WHAT COST PENNIES TO FIX. NOW A $3,000 ENGINE REPAIR AND WE NEED TO GO TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT OR CLASS ACTION SUIT OR PLEAD TO YOU TO HELP US GET THIS A RECALL ITEM. *TR
Engine, Dec 9, 2013
OIL LIGHT FLASHED ON THEN WENT OFF. STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TO CHECK OIL, THERE WAS NONE IN THE TANK AND I HAD HAD AN OIL CHANGE LESS THAN 1,500 MILES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I ADDED 3 QUARTS OF OIL TO MY ENGINE AND NOT 3 WEEKS LATER, HAD TO ADD 2 MORE QUARTS BECAUSE IT WAS EMPTY AGAIN! UPON FURTHER RESEARCH AS TO WHY THIS KEEPS HAPPENING, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH RAV4'S MODEL YEARS 2006-2008, AND THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM, THEY ARE STATING THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS WITHIN TOYOTA'S ACCEPTABLE LIMITS! HOW CAN THAT BE? A CAR SHOULD NOT GO THROUGH 3 QUARTS OF OIL IN 3 WEEKS! ALSO, TOYOTA IS STATING THAT THE ONLY FIX FOR THIS IS TO EITHER REPLACE THE ENGINE OR DO A COMPLETE ENGINE REBUILD TO THE TUNE OF $5,000-$7,000!! FOR A CAR THAT HAS LESS THAN 80,000 MILES ON IT! IF THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, WHY DO THEY CONTINUE TO LET IT BE OK? THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO VEHICLES THIS YOUNG. LUCKILY IT HASN'T BEEN FOR ME YET, BUT FOR OTHERS IT HAS, AND TOYOTA SHOULD DO THEIR PART TO FIX A DEFECT IN THEIR ENGINE DESIGN. *TR
Engine, Dec 4, 2013
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 EXPERIENCED SOME HEAVY KNOCKING ON FRIDAY NOV. 29TH. I TOOK IT INTO KOST TIRE AND MUFFLER IN CLARK SUMMIT, PA TO HAVE THEN TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID THE ENGINE WAS FULL OF OIL AT THE TIME. I DROVE IT APPROXIMATELY 8.5 MILES AFTER LEAVING KOST BEFORE DECIDING TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN SCRANTON ON SUNDAY. ON MONDAY MORNING TOYOTA SAID THE CAR ARRIVED WITH NO OIL. HOW COULD THIS BE? THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE KOST PARKING LOT, IN MY DRIVEWAY OR ON THE TOW TRUCK BED ( CAN BE VERIFIED BY ALL SOURCES). IF THE CAR WERE TO HAVE SPILT A FULL ENGINE OF OIL THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SOME KIND OF EVIDENCE(BURNING SMELL, SIGHT OF LOST OIL, CAR SMOKING -BUT THERE WAS NOTHING). TOYOTA HAS DENIED THE WARRANTY CLAIM DUE TO WHAT THEY SAY IS LACK OF ENGINE LUBRICATION. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY BOGUS. AFTER READING SOME ONLINE BLOG I HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO OWN 2007 RAV4'S WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Dec 1, 2013
CAR IS CONSUMING OIL, CONSUMES MOST ENGINE OIL IN A 1,000 MILES. OIL CHECK REVEALS NO OIL WITHOUT ANY WARNING OIL LIGHT. THE ENGINE COULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4S. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Nov 29, 2013
I HAVE NOTICED MULTIPLE OCCASIONS SINCE 01/20/13 THAT MY RAV4 HAS BEEN LOW ON OIL. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED, AND HAVE CHECKED IT MYSELF, AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE SO LOW IT DOESN'T EVEN REGISTER ON THE DIPSTICK, AND ONLY AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 1000 MILES. EACH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED I HAVE HAD TO ADD ANYWHERE FROM 1-3 QUARTS OF OIL TO GET IT TO WHERE IT SHOULD BE ON THE DIPSTICK. THERE ARE NO LEAKS UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND THERE'S NO NOTICEABLE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE YEARS OF RAV4 VEHICLES. I AM SCARED TO CONTINUE DRIVING, WITH HAVING TO CONSTANTLY CHECK THE OIL, BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE AS I DON'T HAVE A SECOND VEHICLE. I FEEL TOYOTA HAS LEFT ME HOLDING THE BAG FOR A DEFECT THEY WON'T ADMIT IS THEIR FAULTY EQUIPMENT/ENGINEERING. *TR
Engine, Nov 27, 2013
MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE CAR STOPPED PERFORMING PROPERLY. SHAKING AND NO ACCELERATION. HE HAD TO REDUCE SPEED AND WAVE PEOPLE PAST HIM ON A 2-LANE ROAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC, THE NEXT DAY WITH THE SAME DIFFICULTY. DROVE WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON. MY MECHANIC REPORTED THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 1 QUART OF OIL, AND THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN. I FELT THAT WAS NOT POSSIBLE. NEVER ANY OIL IN DRIVEWAY. OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED WITHIN LAST 4 MONTHS AND 4000 MILES. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 63000 MILES AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED. THE CHECK ENGINE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. IT MAKES NO SENSE. COST FOR NEW ENGINE IS $7,000. I DID SOME RESEARCH. GOOGLE "TOYOTA OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE". NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. TOYOTA EVEN HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0094-11 THAT DESCRIBES THIS VERY ISSUE FOR THIS VERY MAKE AND VIN. ONLY IT ISN'T A RECALL, AND UNLESS YOU ARE A DEALER SERVICE CENTER YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE BULLETIN. SO UNFORTUNATELY, THE WAY TOYOTA IS HANDLING THIS, YOU LEARN ABOUT THIS ISSUE ONLY AFTER THE CAR GIVES OUT. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER USED THIS VEHICLE TO DRIVE TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY! WITH MY 16 AND 13 YEAR OLD SONS AS PASSENGERS! IT IS PLAIN LUCK THAT THE CAR DIDN'T GIVE OUT WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING THEM ALL IN RUSH HOUR MORNING TRAFFIC. THIS ENGINE DEFECT IS ALL WELL DOCUMENTED. IT SEEMS LIKE TOYOTA IS DUCKING AND DODGING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A DEFECT THEY ACKNOWLEDGED IN THEIR VERY OWN SERVICE BULLETIN? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? *UPDATED 12/17/13
Engine, Nov 27, 2013
I HAVE A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 I BOUGHT IT ON 06/21/11 USED WITH 51,251 MILES IN EXCELLENT SHAPE IN A HOLLER DEALER I PURCHASED AN EXTRA INSURANCE FROM TOYOTA DEALER WHICH PROMISED FREE OIL CHANGE, ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO I DID A REGULAR CHECK I CHECKED THE OIL TO MY SURPRISE THERE WAS NO OIL I PUT 2 AND A HALF QUARTS OF OIL IN THE VEHICLE I FIND IT WEIRD OR RARE THIS SITUATION BUT I DID NOTHING AT THE TIME SO ON 11/26/13 I CHECKED IT AGAIN NO OIL AND WHAT'S AMAZING IS THE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON LIKE THE FIRST TIME. I STARTED RESEARCHING THE OIL CONSUMPTION TO MY SHOCK I FIND THAT THE TOYOTA RAV4 2006-2008 HAVE A PROBLEM THAT WAS TRACED TO THE PISTON ASSEMBLY AND RINGS. I ALSO FOUND OUT A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME SITUATION WITH OTHER OWNERS WITH A TOYOTA RAV4 I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A PROBLEM TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AND FIX THIS ISSUE I ALSO ASK FOR SOMEONE TO INVESTIGATE THE TOYOTA DEALER THE TYPE OF OIL THEY USE TO REPLACE THE OIL SINCE ONCE I SMELLED THE OIL FROM THE DIPSTICK IT SMELLED NOT NORMAL LIKE IT SHOULD IN CONCLUSION I ASK THIS ISSUE TO BE HANDLED WITH IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 24, 2013
MY WIFE NOTICED OIL LITE CAME ON AND WENT OFF IN A SPLIT SECOND . AFTER THAT THE CAR SHUT OFF CAR WAS CHECKED NO OIL . MOTOR BLEW UP . CALLED TOYOTA AND REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING . HAD TO PUT A JASPER ENGINE IN. COST OUT OF POCKET $4990.00 AND $1000.00 TO INSTALL NEW ENGINE . I BELIEVE WITH ALL THE OTHER REVEIWS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND POOR ENGINE DESIGN TOYOTA NEEDS TO PAY FOR THE ENGINE THAT CUSTOMERS HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET . I HAVE MY PAPER WORK FOR PROOF AND MECHANIC ALSO . IF ANY INFO ON THIS PLEASE EMAIL ME ASAP [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Nov 24, 2013
THIS MODEL TOYOTA HAS A RECORD OF STUCK OIL RINGS CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WHICH LEADS TO FAILURE OF ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. SEE NEW YORK TIMES OCT 14,2011 AND THE HUNDREDS OF ON LINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT USING ONE QUART OF OIL EVERY 1 K MILES. IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR MY DEALER DID A COMPLETE CHECK WITH OIL CHANGE, IN JUNE THE OIL WAS DOWN ONE QUART AND IN SEPTEMBER I DID ANOTHER OIL CHANGE WITH ONLY TWO QUARTS OF OIL LEFT IN THE PAN WHEN IT TAKES 4-1/2 QUARTS. I TOOK MY RAV 4 TO THE DEALER(11-23-2013) I BOUGHT IT FROM AND WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT I WAS TOLD THE OIL RINGS GET STUCK AND I NEED AN ENGINE REPAIR FOR $2,660 PLUS TAX AND MOST LIKELY A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR $2,500. I HAD THEM CHECK IT OUT AND I GOT A WRITTEN DOCUMENT WITH THE REPAIR THAT IS NEEDED DOCUMENTED. THIS "NEEDS" TO BE A RECALL ITEM. IF A CAR DOING 70MPH HAS AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO LOSS OF OIL THEN THE PERSON WILL LOOSE STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL LEADING TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND MOST LIKELY DEATH. TOYOTA DID TWO RECALLS ON MY CAR IN APRIL, DOOR SWITCH NEEDED A DROP OF OIL AND REAR SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE RE-TORQUED. MADE A BIG DEAL OUT OF WHAT COST PENNIES TO FIX. NOW A $2,660 ENGINE REPAIR AND WE NEED TO GO TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT OF CLASS ACTION SUIT OR PLEAD TO YOU TO HELP US GET THIS A RECALL ITEM. *TR
Steering, Nov 20, 2013
THERE IS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE ACCOMPANIED BY A TUG AT THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING TURNS EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. MOST NOTABLE AT SLOWER SPEEDS. THIS NOISE STARTED THIS SUMMER AT AROUND 32000 MILES AND IS BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE STEERING. CAR CURRENTLY HAS 36000 MILES. FROM READING COMMENTS ON LINE THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2007 RAV 4. IS TOYOTA GOING TO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? THEY MOST CERTAINLY SHOULD! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2013
MUFFLER RUSTED. *TR
Suspension, Nov 18, 2013
REAR SWAY BAR LINKS RUSTED OFF ON BOTH SIDES. *TR
Steering, Nov 17, 2013
THERE IS A LOUD "THUD" SOUND COMING FROM MY STEERING COLUMN WHEN MAKING TURNS (LEFT OR RIGHT). THE SOUND HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE FOR ABOUT A YEAR, BUT HAS BECOME FAR WORSE VERY QUICKLY SINCE SEPTEMBER 2013. I CAN TELL THE STEERING WHEEL IS HITTING SOMETHING INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN (THE SOUND PLUS A TUG AT THE WHEEL WHEN I TURN THE CAR). I AM CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND WANT TO BE SURE THERE IS NOTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Suspension, Nov 11, 2013
I HAVE HAD THE FIRST RECALL DONE FOR THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM RECALL C0J AND RECEIVED AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION FOR A REVISED RECALL CSJ SAYING IT IS NOT YET AVAILABLE IN MY AREA. THIS PAST WEEKEND I HAD WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THE PIN IN MY LOWER SUSPENSION ARM IS BROKE AND I SHOULD HAVE IT FIXED ASAP. I CALLED MY TOYOTA DEALER WHO TOLD ME THE RECALL IS NOT BEING DONE IN MY AREA AS OF YET. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE WHO INFORMED ME THE RECALL IS NOT BEING DONE IN MY AREA AND TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AT THE DEALER AND THEY MAY OR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DO THE RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND FEEL THAT TOYOTA IS NOT WORKING FAST ENOUGH TO REMEDY. I HAVE BEEN VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE NUMBER OF RECALLS THAT HAVE OCCURRED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE AMOUNT OF TIME OFF OF WORK THIS HAS CAUSED ME. *TR
Air bags, Nov 8, 2013
AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON AND AFTER SRS DIAGNOSIS TEST FOUND CLOCK SPRING BAD. ESTIMATED REPAIR $522.50. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2013
THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOT WHAT I AM ANNOUNCING AT THE MOMENT, BUT MERELY TO OUTLINE THE PROBLEM OF THE OIL BURNING ON THE RAV 4. THIS PROBLEM IS COSTING ME ADDITIONAL MONIES THAT WAS NOT CATERED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I AM PURCHASING MORE THAN THE USUAL AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL AT THE STORE THAN I WOULD BUY. I SIMPLY NEED TOYOTA TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE/PROBLEM AND FIX IT. MY VEHICLE IS RELATIVELY NEW AND THERE IS NO REASON THAT I SHOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE, NOT FOR A SEVEN YEAR OLD VEHICLE. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF THE AUTHORITIES CAN AMELIORATE THIS SITUATION FOR ALL TOYOTA OWNERS THAT ARE FACED WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND FIX THE ENGINE BURNING OIL PROBLEM...UPDATED 11-06-13 *BF
Steering, Nov 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUCKING NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,851.
Steering, Oct 30, 2013
CLUNK NOISE FROM L\R STEERING AND EXCESS PLAY IN STEERING DIAGNOSED AGAIN..AND (COST ME $59..AT DEALER).. AS PROBLEM WITH STEERING SHAFT\INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ..WAS QUOTED $428 TO CORRECT..THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 2009 @ 27,477 MILES AT WHICH DEALER REPLACED STEERING SHAFT AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT @ NOCHARGE AS WAS UNDER WARRANTY..UNDER TSB 0318-08 AND TSB327.. USING PART NOS..45221 & 45260.. I BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH REPLACING DEFECTIVE PARTS WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS( OR BAD TSBS) ..NEVER HAD THIS KINDA PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER TOYOTA OR VEHICLE..THIS SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL AS I REFUSED TO PAY AGAIN FOR A SAME ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2013
I STARTED EXPERIENCING A CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. RIGHT NOW, IT'S REALLY BAD. I TOOK IT IN TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AT 62K MILES AND THEY SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AT A COST OF $6,400 OUT OF OWNER'S POCKET. THEY SAID IT HAD BEEN OUT OF WARRANTY FOR A FEW MONTHS BEFORE I TOOK IT IN HENCE, COST TO OWNER. I REPORTED IT TO TOYOTA HEAD QUARTERS AND THEY OFFERED TO REIMBURSE $1K AFTER I SEND THEM RECEIPT OF REPAIRS, SINCE THEY SAID MY WARRANTY EXPIRED NOT LONG BEFORE. I THOUGHT IT WAS A KIND GESTURE BUT I DIDN'T HAVE $5,400 TO SPEND ON THOSE REPAIRS, SO I DIDN'T TAKE THEM UP ON THAT OFFER. I ASKED ABOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS BEING A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE STATED MODEL, AND THEY SAID I MAY HAVE SEEN THIS REPORTED FREQUENTLY IN FORUMS ONLINE, BUT UNTIL ENOUGH PEOPLE REPORT THE PROBLEM TO TOYOTA'S HEAD QUARTERS THEY WON'T HAVE GROUNDS TO ISSUE A RECALL. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AND CONTINUES TO GET LOUDER AN IS NOW ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HOPE TOYOTA SEES THE NEED TO ISSUE A RECALL SOON. *TR
Engine, Oct 27, 2013
MY RAV4 HAS BEEN CONSUMING LOTS OF ENGINE OIL LATELY AND I HAVE TO GET THE OIL REFILLED FOR COUPLE OF MONTHS THIS YEAR BEFORE ITS SERVICE IS DUE. ON 10/18/13, THE CHECK ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT AGAIN STARTED SO I TOOK IT TO GET THE OIL REFILLED AND THE SERVICE GUY TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK AFTER A WEEK SO WE CAN CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AGAIN. SO IT TOOK IT BACK ON 10/26/13 AND WAS SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MY RAV4 HAD BURNED I QUART OIL IN JUST 8 DAYS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I READ SIMILAR REVIEWS IN EDMUNDS WEBSITE REGARDING THIS ENGINE OIL ISSUE WITH RAV4 MODELS. IS THERE ANY SOLUTION? MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Oct 26, 2013
WHILE DRIVING CAR ON HIGHWAY, I HEARD A LOW NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE CAR THAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING IN THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION BROKE. SINCE THIS TIME, THE CAR SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND MAKES A KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 10 MPH AND 30 MPH WHEN YOU GO OVER SMALL BUMPS. IT SOUNDS LIKE A BROKEN SPRING OR SHOCK ABSORBER OR SOME OTHER COMPONENT OF THE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM IS LOOSE OR BROKEN. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE, OR LETTING OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS DRIVE THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS. *TR
Suspension, Oct 21, 2013
REAR SWAY BAR LINKAGE BROKE. VERY CORRODED. $240 FIX. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Oct 18, 2013, crash
HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND WRECK THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER OF THE RAV4 AND NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF. AND MY INS COMPANY TOTAL THE RAV4 AND DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPEN TO THE OTHER CAR. *TR