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, Oct 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,633.
Power train, Oct 10, 2013
9/30/2013 I BACKED OUT MY CAR OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, AFTER PUTTING IT IN DRIVE AND STARTED DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR LEAPED FORWARD, TOO FAST FOR THE INTENDED SPEED AND THEN CAME TO A GRINDING HALT, I COULD NOT PUT IT IN REVERSE AND I SHUT IT OFF. I RESTARTED THE CAR BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION I COULD NOT STAY. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT A BLOCK TO ONE OF MY CLIENTS. AFTER AN HOUR I STARTED THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AWAY, CAR DID NOT WANT TO SHIFT GEARS WHEN PICKING UP SPEED AND I FELT THE CARE WAS UNSAFE AS WELL AS UNABLE TO DRIVE ON A FREEWAY. AAA WAS CALLED AND TOWED TO TOYOTA.10/1/2013 THE CAUSE FOR SURGE AND NO REVERSE WAS SUSPECTED TO BE CAUSED BY LOW FLUID LEVEL IN TRANSMISSION. THE BEAVERTON TOYOTA SERVICE REP ([XXX]) TOLD ME THAT LOW LEVELS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO EVENTUALLY STOP AND UNABLE TO SHIFT. ONE QUART OF TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS ADDED, NO LEAKS WERE DETECTED AND MY CAR WAS TAKEN ON A ROAD TEST AND RETURN CAR WAS RECOMMENDED BY TAS, WHATEVER THAT MEANS. I FELT THAT THE CAR DID DRIVE DIFFERENT, THE SOUND OF THE GEAR SHIFTING AND THE WAY THE CAR REACTED WAS DIFFERENT, HOWEVER IF THE PROFESSIONALS FROM BEAVERTON TOYOTA DID A TEST DRIVE THEY WOULD HAVE NOTICED TOO, IT?S THEIR JOB. ON10/6/2013 LATE AFTERNOON, MY CAR CAME TO A GRINDING HALT RIGHT IN THE DRIVING LANE I WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 30 MPH. IT FELT I HIT A WALL HOW THE CAR STOPPED ABRUPTLY AND SOUND OF LOTS OF GRINDING METAL. I CALLED AAA AND HAD IT TOWED BACK TO TOYOTA AGAIN.10/9/2013 RECEIVED NOTICE THAT TRANSMISSION IS OUT, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS TOTALLY SHREDDED. IF THIS LAST SUDDEN STOP HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY OR CROSSING A BUSY INTERSECTION, MYSELF AND OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Oct 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN ATTEMPTING A HARD TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED FOR TWO YEARS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. KMJ
Steering, Sep 26, 2013
OBVIOUS CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING, ESPECIALLY IN TURNS. I FOUND OUT THROUGH ROUTINE MAINT. AT A TOYOTA DEALER THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH STEERING LINKAGE. I WENT OUT ONLINE AND SEE THEY HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN ON HOW TO FIX THIS, BUT ALSO I READ NUMEROUS OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A RECALL. OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE SADDLED WITH THE COSTS, WHEN IT IS A DEFINITE DESIGN FLAW. PLEASE ADDRESS, THANK YOU. *JS
Steering, Suspension, Sep 25, 2013
KNOCK AND SUDDEN SHIFT OF STEERING WHEEL. NOISE APPEARED TO COME FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AND ALONG THE STEERING COLUMN OR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. HAS GROWN WORSE WITH USE, BUT VEHICLE ONLY HAS 30,250 MILES. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE; DANGER OF LOSS OF STEERING. WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *JS
Steering, Sep 16, 2013
MY STEERING MECHANISM HAS BEEN MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION, AND GRADUALLY, OVER A PERIOD OF 2 YEARS, IT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER. AT LAST SERVICE, I INQUIRED ABOUT THE NOISE AND WAS TOLD, IT WAS NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT... NORMAL WEAR-N-TEAR. COULD IT BE INVESTIGATED TO SEE IF IT SHOULD BE AN ISSUE TO BE DEALT WITH THRU A RECALL. I HAVE READ A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS. *TR
Air bags, Sep 15, 2013
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THAT SRS AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE VEHICLES DRIVER AIRBAG IS INOPERATIVE. TOOK INTO TOYOTA DEALER, AND WAS TOLD IT HAD A BAD SPIRAL CABLE/CLOCK SPRING, AND AIRBAG MODULE ACTUATOR. WAS QUOTED REPAIR PRICE OF $ 1297.00. WHEN I CALLED THEM BACK ASKING FOR THE 2 ERROR CODES READ IN DIAGNOSTICS, A DIFFERENT SERVICE ADVISER INFORMED IT WAS ONLY 1 CODE, B1801, WHICH IS FOR SPIRAL CABLE, AND NOT AIRBAG ACTUATOR TOO. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE, AND REPAIRED BY TOYOTA, SINCE MY DRIVER'S AIRBAG IS INOPERATIVE. *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2013
NO ACCIDENT HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT CONCERNED ABOUT POPPING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN MAY BECOME AN ISSUE AT SOME POINT. TOYOTA SAYS VEHICLE IS SAFE BUT CONTINUOUS POPPING SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN HAS US CONCERNED. THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED IN 2009 AND TOYOTA REPLACED PARTS IN STEERING COLUMN TO FIX IT. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS OUT ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, IN 2011 PROBLEM HAS RETURNED, WELL THE WARRANTY IS OUT AND TO FIX PROBLEM IS A LARGE OUT OF POCKET COST.
Suspension, Sep 7, 2013
TURNING FROM ONE STREET ONTO ANOTHER AT <5MPH A POP OCCURRED IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY I FELT A DRAG AND STOPPED. ON THE STREET, EXITING VEHICLE I OBSERVED REAR DRIVER'S WHEEL TILTED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE VERTICAL. HAD VEHICLE REMOVED TO MY GARAGE WHERE REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT WAS REPLACED. NOW JUMPING HOOPS TO GET REIMBURSEMENT FROM TOYOTA. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF RECALL ONLY TO FIND AFTER LOCAL REPAIR THAT TOYOTA WAS PLANNING A RECALL AND THEN RECEIVING TODAY (SEPT. 7, 2013) FROM NHTSA THE OFFICIAL RECALL NOTICE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 13V383) THE ISSUANCE FINALLY OF SUCH A RECALL. GIVEN THAT TOYOTA, OVER A YEAR AGO ("TOYOTA IS GOING TO RECALL SOME 778,000 VEHICLES SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE OF A REAR-SUSPENSION FAILURE. BUT NOT JUST YET. FIRST, IT HAS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM." -BY LAURENT BELSIE, BUSINESS EDITOR / AUGUST 2, 2012 , CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR) KNEW OF THE PROBLEM IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT SUCH A DELAY OCCURRED. HAD THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURRED ON A MAJOR, HIGH-SPEED HIGHWAY, MORE LIKELY THAN NOT I WOULD NOT BE COMPOSING THIS MESSAGE TODAY.
Steering, Aug 27, 2013
AT 44,000 MILES MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 DEVELOPED A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING SYSTEM WHEN TURNING. AS TIME WENT ON THE FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY OF THE SITUATION ONLY GOT WORSE. I FOUND A TSB WHICH APPEARED TO DEAL WITH THE IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING, T-SB-0318-08. I ALSO DISCOVERED SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS MYSELF. MY VEHICLE, IDENTIFIED BY VIN, WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE TAHARA PLANT AND WAS AFFECTED BY THE TSB. IN MY RESEARCH I ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS TSB AND A DIFFERENT PART THAT WAS BEING USED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ONE. THIS IS CLEARLY A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA MUST CONFRONT AND ADDRESS WITH A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. OBVIOUSLY THE PART INSTALLED ORIGINALLY WAS DEFECTIVE. TOYOTA SUBSEQUENTLY A REPLACEMENT PART THAT IN DUE COURSE WAS ALSO DEEMED TO BE DEFECTIVE SO THEY DEVELOPED A THIRD PART. THE PART IN QUESTION IS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. AS A RESPONSIBLE GRANDPARENT THERE IS NO WAY IN THE WORLD THAT I WAS GOING TO LET THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM CONTRIBUTE TO AN ACCIDENT POSSIBLY INJURING MY GRANDCHILD. THE QUOTE FROM THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WAS $1100 TO DO THE REPAIR AND ALIGNMENT (WHICH THE TSB SAYS IS UNNECESSARY IF THE REPAIR WAS DONE CORRECTLY). I HAD A CERTIFIED TOYOTA MECHANIC COMPLETE THE REPAIR FOR UNDER $700. NOW I AM WAITING FOR TOYOTA TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND IDENTIFY THIS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AS A SAFETY RECALL SO THAT ALL OF THE THOUSANDS OF RESPONSIBLE RAV4 OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM CAN HAVE IT CORRECTED. *TR
Steering, Aug 23, 2013
I HEAR A CLUNK. POP OR KNOCK-TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0318-08, A NEW INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION, THAT IS TO REMOVE AND REPLACE BOTH STEERING AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS (NO. 1 AND NO. 2.). THE TSB EXPRESSLY STATES THAT THE REPAIR IS COVERED ONLY UNDER THE 3 YEAR/ 36K MILESTOYOTA COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY. MANY OWNERS OF THE RAV OF THIS ERA HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, AND IT OFTEN OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIXED. ALSO, MANY OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SOUND GETTING WORSE OVER TIME IF NOT FIXED. ( THIS INFORMATION IS FREQUENTLY STATED IN FORUMS AND BLOGS ABOUT THIS ERA RAV 4). I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WILL, AT SOME POINT, RESULT IN NEGATIVE STEERING EFFECTS, IF NOT LOSS OF STEERING. AS SUCH, TOYOTA SHOULD BE FORCED TO INITIATE A RECALL CAMPAIGN TO FIX THIS TSB PROBLEM UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 22, 2013
WITH THE ENGINE ON, WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC CONGESTION OR RED LIGHT, PEDAL BRAKES GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. IT IS AT THE MECHANIC FOR A WEEK NOW, TRYING TO REPAIR IT. BRAKE PUMP WAS REPLACED, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Aug 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,500.
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 20, 2013
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THIS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SAFETY SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS THE AIRBAG TO INFLATE DURING A FRONTAL OR SIDE IMPACT CRASH. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION IN THE SPIRAL CLOCK CABLE WHICH RESIDES UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AND IS AN INTRICATE PART OF THE SAFETY, DRIVER SIDE AND OTHER AIRBAGS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. IF THIS PART WAS NOT REPLACED THEN I COULD BE FATALLY HURT OR KILLED IF THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT TOYOTA HAD DONE A RECALL ON THIS EXACT PART BUT ONLY ON THE TOYOTA TACOMA, THIS EFFECTED OVER 700,000 VEHICLES RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS DONE TO MY VEHICLE. I RECEIVED A MESSAGE BACK FROM THEM STATING THAT THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PART PLUS THE TAX BUT NOT FOR THE LABOR CHARGES, THEY CLAIM THAT THE LABOR CHARGES WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED DUE TO THE NUMBER OF MILES ON MY VEHICLE, BUT IF THEY HAD INCLUDED THE RAV4S IN THE RECALL THE LABOR CHARGES WOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. I HAVE HAD MORE THAN 4 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE DONE IN JUST THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. ALTHOUGH I AM GRATEFUL THAT I AM RECEIVING THE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PART AND TAX I THINK THAT THE LABOR SHOULD BE INCLUDED, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PART WAS A MAJOR RECALL ON OTHER MODELS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 19, 2013, crash
I HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE AND IT DIDN'T WANT TO STOP. I ENDED UP BUMPING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AS I CONTINUED TO BRAKE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL SURGING AND WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE. I CALLED MOUNTAIN STATES TOYOTA HERE IN DENVER AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEMS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. THE SERVICE MANAGER, OF COURSE, IS TELLING ME THAT IF THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE IT AND IT IS NOT SHOWING ERROR CODES(WHICH IT ISN'T) THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN DO. I TOLD HIM I WANTED THE ACCELERATION SYSTEM THOROUGHLY INSPECTED...WHICH HE WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR UNLESS THEY DO FIND AN ISSUE. BY WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET, IT IS USELESS TO TAKE IT IN AS TOYOTA IS IGNORING THE ISSUE, THINKING THEY FIXED IT WITH THE FLOOR MATS. I HAD THE FLOOR MATS REPLACED ON THAT RECALL WELL BEFORE THIS ISSUE CAME UP. I HAVE ALSO HAD MANY EXPERIENCES WITH THE ENGINE SURGING AND HESITATING WITH THE TACH SHOWING THE SURGE. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND CANNOT BE REPRODUCED, BUT IT IS GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. I NOW BELIEVE THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE ACCELERATION ISSUE I DESCRIBED ABOVE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW AS IT COULD HAPPEN ON A BUSY STREET AND REALLY HURT SOMEONE AND ME. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 17, 2013
MY 8 MONTH OLD BABY WAS AUTO- LOCKED IN THE CAR ON AN 80 DEGREE SUNNY DAY! I DOUBLE CLICKED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY CAR'S KEY FOB ON APPROACH, OPENED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND PUT MY CHILD IN THE CAR SEAT AND PUT MY PURSE (KEYS ON TOP) IN THE FLOOR WITH THE DIAPER BAG. ENTIRE CAR STILL UNLOCKED, I CLOSED THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND WALKED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO GET IN. THE CAR BEEPED ALOUD BEFORE I COULD GRAB THE DOOR HANDLE TO GET IN, LOCKING ALL DOORS OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY THERE WAS A MECHANIC ON THE SAME STREET I WAS ON, BUT IT STILL TOOK 15 MINUTES START TO FINISH TO FINALLY GET MY CHILD OUT. UPON READING THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT STATED THAT THERE IS A 30 SECOND TIMER FOR THE AUTOLOCK FEATURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IF A DOOR IS NOT OPENED IN THAT TIME AFTER BEING UNLOCKED. I HAD, HOWEVER, OPENED THE REAR DOOR TO PLACE THE CHILD IN HIS SEAT. THERE IS NO WAY THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AN ERROR ON MY PART AS I WAS NOT ONLY OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN IT LOCKED ITSELF, BUT THERE ARE NO LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTONS IN THE CAR EXCEPT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHICH I HAD YET TO ENTER. SO I COULD NOT HAVE EVEN HIT ONE BY ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine, Aug 17, 2013
CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT LOW ENGINE OIL AND THEY SAID THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE REP CALLED IT INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE AND SEEMED VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL. I EXPECTED ALOT MORE THAN 100000 MILES OUT OF THIS CAR BEFORE A MAJOR REPAIR LIKE THIS. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2013
THE RACK AND PINION STEERING MAKES A LOUD CLONKING SOUND WHEN TURNING VEHICLE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. DEFECTIVE PART IN ALL 06-08 RAV4'S. *TR
Air bags, Aug 15, 2013
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG SENSOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO HER LOCAL DEALER, THEY WERE UNAWARE OF ANY RECALL, AND THEREFORE, THEY CHARGED HER FOR THE INSPECTION. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, Aug 12, 2013
I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALER BECAUSE OF ANNOYING RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT, AND WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DEFECTIVE STEERING RACK MADE NOISE AND IT SHOULD BE REPLACED (ESTIMATED COST OF $1,984 INCLUDING PART AND LABOR COSTS), OTHERWISE THE VEHICLE COULD BREAK DOWN. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE (OCCURRING IN PARTICULAR TO THOSE RAV4 2006-2008 PRODUCED IN SHOKKI, JAPAN) AND TOYOTA OFFERED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING RACK IF A VEHICLE IS UNDER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. TOYOTA HAS DOCUMENTED THIS ISSUE--REFER TO T-SB-0308-08, OCTOBER 8, 2008. APPARENTLY MY RAV4 IS OVER 6 YEARS OLD (BUT ONLY RAN 31,400 MILES) AND NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I TALKED TO TOYOTA NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND TOYOTA DECLINED TO REPAIR THE PART AT THEIR COST. I DEMAND THAT NHTSA/DOT TAKE AN ACTION TO INVESTIGATE THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE SO AS TO PREVENT RAV4 DRIVERS FROM FACING FATAL ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD. *TR
Engine, Aug 10, 2013
DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY WHEN A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND CAME FROM THE ENGINE, HAD TO PULL OVER AND HAD THE CAR TOWED. AND AS IT ENDS UP THE RAV4, WHICH HAD EVERY SINGLE SERVICE ON TIME AND WITHOUT PROBLEMS, HAD SOMEHOW BURNED UP ALL IT'S ENGINE OIL AND CAUSED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO MY ENGINE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSE TO EXPLAIN HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN TO A PERFECTLY HEALTHY CAR AND REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN HUNDREDS OF OTHER 2007 RAV4'S. IN ADDITION, THEY FAIL TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS OBVIOUS FAULT OF THEIRS AND CONTINUE TO PUT THEIR "VALUED" CUSTOMERS IN DANGER AS THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEFT WITH ONLY 1/2 QUART OF OIL FROM THE PREVIOUS SERVICE WHICH WAS 4 MOS PRIOR TO THIS WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BE DESTROYED. I HAVE NO IDEA, AND AM BEING KEPT IN THE DARK, ABOUT WHY THE ENGINE LOST OIL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE FWD, ENGINE AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE GEAR LEVER WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V113000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PROBLEM EXISTED BEFORE THE RECALL AND PERSISTED AFTER THE RECALL REMEDY REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FIVE TIMES DUE TO THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Aug 4, 2013
MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT WENT ON. RIGHT ABOUT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS A RECALL FROM TOYOTA STATING THAT THERE COULD BE AN ISSUE WITH AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT TURNING ON. WHEN I CHECKED WITH TOYOTA DEALER, THEY SAID THE RECALL WAS FOR SOMETHING ELSE RELATED TO AIRBAG SENSOR AND THERE IS ANOTHER ISSUE WITH CAR'S CLOCK SPRING AND IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, I WAS WARNED THAT AIRBAGS WON'T WORK IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. HOW COULD AN INTERNAL PART STOP WORKING ALL OF A SUDDEN WHICH DOES NOT HAVE ANY USER INTERACTION. AND IF IT HAPPENED SO DUE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, TOYOTA SHOULD BE PROMPT TO OFFER A RECALL FOR SUCH A SAFETY INTENSIVE PART. *TR
Engine, Aug 4, 2013
THIS CAR IS BURNING (NOT LEAKING) OIL. I GOT MY OIL CHANGED (AT 3000 MILE INTERVAL) TODAY AND THE MECHANIC SAYS THERE WAS ALMOST NO OIL LEFT IN THE ENGINE. MY LAST OIL CHANGE WAS 3 MONTHS AGO AND I NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM THEN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 3, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME, THE CHECK ENGINE, THE TRAC AND VSC LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. I ALSO HEARD A HISSING NOISE WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKES. I WENT TO A MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE, BUT IT WAS LATE IN THE DAY AND EVERYONE WAS CLOSING. HE TOLD ME IT SOUNDED LIKE A VACUUM LEAK IN THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND TO BRING IT BACK FIRST THING MONDAY (HE SEEMED TO THINK IT'D BE OKAY TO DRIVE OVER THE WEEKEND). ON THE DRIVE HOME THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WERE A FEW TIMES WHERE I WAS AFRAID I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AT ALL. IT WAS QUITE SCARY! I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD AND THEN IT FINALLY GRABBED, THE CAR JERKED, AND THE SEAT BELTS TIGHTENED UP AROUND ME. I WORKED TODAY (SATURDAY) AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO AND FROM WORK, ONLY NOW I AM USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SLOW THE CAR AND I PUT IT IN PARK AT STOP LIGHTS. MY NEXT TRIP WILL BE STRAIGHT TO A MECHANIC! IT SEEMS IT IS NOT COMMON FOR BRAKE BOOSTERS TO FAIL AND I AM LEARNING THAT OTHER TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SEVERAL ENDING IN ACCIDENTS. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA, AS IT IS A HUGE SAFELY ISSUE, AND POSSIBLY BE CAUSE FOR A RECALL. *TR