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.
Air bags, Aug 1, 2013
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATED A PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER AND THEY INDICATED THAT IT CODED B1801, A MESSAGE TO REPLACE A SPIRAL CABLE. SINCE THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE AIRBAGS TO BE INOPERABLE, I HAD THEM REPAIR THE PROBLEM CABLE. WHEN I LOOK ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH OTHER OWNERS AND IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Jul 26, 2013
ON JULY 25TH I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON SINCE LAST FRIDAY. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS A CODE ON THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS B1801. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONGST RAV4'S. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE IT IS SO COMMON AMONGST RAV4S. I KNOW IT WILL COST ME APPROXIMATELY $600 TO FIX THIS. PLEASE INFORM ME IF THERE LOOKS LIKE THERE WILL BE A RECALL ON THIS. MY EMAIL IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Jul 18, 2013
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAVE OBSERVED EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BETWEEN OIL CHANGES THE OIL LAMP GLOWS SHOWING THERE IS MORE THAN NORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION. TOYOTA DEALERS HAVE RUN TESTS BUT HAVE FAILED TO IDENTIFY PROBLEM OR SUGGEST A SOLUTION. *TR
Air bags, Jul 12, 2013
THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. OVERSEAS TOYOTA DEALER TECHNICIAN TROUBLESHOOT AND IDENTIFIED A BAD SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY. SINCE I AM STATIONED OVERSEAS I HAVE TO ORDER PARTS ONLINE AND WAIT FOR ARRIVAL. CONTACTED TOYOTA AND RECEIVED E-MAIL STATING THE RECENT RECALL FOR AIRBAGS DID NOT APPLY TO MY VIN. OF COURSE THEY ALSO TOLD ME THEY DO NOT RECOMMEND SHIPPING U.S. MADE TOYOTAS TO OVERSEAS LOCATIONS BECAUSE TOYOTA DEALERS OVERSEAS CANNOT SUBMIT WARRANTY WORK FOR U.S. MADE TOYOTAS. I GUESS THEY ARE IN ESSENCE STATING THEY DO NOT SUPPORT THE MILITARY AND DOD CIVILIANS WHO GET TRANSFERRED OVERSEAS BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT HELP TO REPAIR THEIR CAR, EVEN IF IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. THOUGH MY CAR ONLY HAS 35K AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, I WANTED TO SEE IF THE RECALL AFFECTED MY VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WHILE RESEARCHING ONLINE I SAW MANY RAV4S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. DID NOT GET AN ANSWER FROM TOYOTA WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION. *TR
Air bags, Jul 11, 2013
SPIRAL CABLE FAILURE IN STEERING COLUMN CAUSING AIRBAG MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. (CODE B1801 - OPEN IN D SQUIB CIRCUIT) TOYOTA IS CHARGING TO REPAIR WHEN CLEARLY THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS IN MANY RAV4'S WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. $500+ FOR REPAIR. *TR
Engine, Jul 10, 2013
EXCESSIVE OIL USE USES 1 QT EVERY 1500 MILES TOYOTA IS AWARE THE PROBLEM - HAS RELEASED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - BUT NO WARRANTY COVERAGE I EVEN RAN A OIL CONSUMTION TEST WITH THE TOYOTA DEALER TO PROVE IT - BUT DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS EXCEPTABLE. *TR
Engine, Jul 9, 2013
OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED AND CHECKED THE OIL, AND IT WAS BONE DRY. IT WAS DOWN 3 QUARTS OF OIL. THE CAR BURNS APPROXIMATELY A QUART OF OIL PER 1000 MILES. *TR
Air bags, Jul 8, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE AIRBAG LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE CONSOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE AIRBAG LAMP WAS A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG WOULD FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A COLLISION. TOYOTA QUOTED ~$600 TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN MATERIALS / WORKMANSHIP AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. INTERNET RESEARCH DISCOVERED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS IDENTICAL TO THIS ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THE TUNDRA FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 3, 2013
THE CAR SPUTTERS AS THOUGH IT WILL STALL OR BREAK DOWN. THIS OCCURS DURING ACCELERATION. IT IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL, BUT IT OCCURS RANDOMLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2013
THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I CAN ALSO FEEL SOMETHING MOVING IN SYNC WITH THE KNOCKING WHENEVER IT OCCURS. IT FEELS AS THOUGH SOME CAR PARTS ARE MAKING CONTACT AND THE KNOCKING NOISE IS THE RESULT OF THE IMPACT. *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2013
THE STEERING IS LOOSE AND THERE IS A PULLING AND/OR POPPING FEELING WHEN TURNING. *TR
Engine, Jul 3, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS USING ALMOST 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 5000 MILES. I HAVE CHECKED ON THE INTERNET, AND THERE IS A RASH OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS TOYOTA RAV4 - 4 CYLINDER ENGINE. IT SEEMS THAT MOST OF THEM ARE USING OIL. TOYOTA SHOULD BE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Engine, Jul 1, 2013
MY 2007 RAV4 HAS 95,000 MILES. MY OIL LIGHT HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF WHEN STOPPING. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC 1200 MILES BEFORE THE INDICATED OIL CHANGE AND IT WAS LOW ON OIL. HE REPLACED THE PCV VALVE. I AM NOT HOPEFUL AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMMENTS ON LINE. *TR
Engine, Jun 30, 2013
THE VEHICLE DROPS POWER UNDER LIGHT THROTTLE UNDER 60MPH. TACH SHOWS LOSS OF RPM'S AND YOU CAN ACTUALLY FEEL THE VEHICLE RESPONDING TO THAT LOSS. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING DISPLAYED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 29, 2013
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY WIFE AND SHE NOTICED INDICATOR LIGHTS SUDDENLY COMING ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE SPUTTERING AND STARTING TO STALL. PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING, SHE NOTICED THE POWER STEERING INOPERABLE AND SHE WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY STEERING TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER LANE AND TO A STOP. SHE CALLED ME AND I CALLED FOR EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. AT THIS TIME, AS THE ENGINE RAN, THE POWER STEERING WAS STILL INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVABLE. IT WAS THEN TOWED HOME. MY MECHANIC CHECKED AND FOUND THE BATTERY TO BE UNDERCHARGED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR NOT PROPERLY CHARGING THE BATTERY. THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE POWER STEERING AND ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS RESUMED BACK TO NORMAL. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT SHOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING AS LONG AS THE ENGINE WAS IN OPERATION. IF THE BRAKING SYSTEM CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AS THE ENGINE RAN, THE POWER STEERING UNIT SHOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO OPERATE SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN STAY IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IF MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED AND ON A BUSY INTERSTATE FREEWAY, THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. PLEASE LOOK INTO GETTING TOYOTA TO RECALL AND CORRECTING THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON MINE AND OTHER 2007 RAV4S. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. A REPLY WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Engine, Jun 28, 2013
ENGINE BURNS UP A QUART OF OIL ABOUT EVERY 1,000 MILES. THE ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON UNTIL CAR HAS ALMOST BURNED UP EVERY BIT OF OIL. TOYOTA WON'T FIX IT BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Jun 27, 2013, crash
WE WERE DRIVING 55MPH ON HIGHWAY 168 IN NORTH CAROLINA NORTH TOWARDS VIRGINIA COMING HOME FROM VACATION IN THE OUTER BANKS, NC. WE WERE DRIVING IN LEFT LANE PASSING A JEEP, PULLING A SMALL TRAILER, IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN WE HEARD A POP AND THE CAR STARTED TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT. OUR CAR STRUCK THE JEEP ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE TURNING THE JEEP SO IT ENDED UP IN FRONT OF US. BOTH VEHICLES FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER I APPLIED THE BRAKES. AFTER CHECKING ON THE PASSENGERS (MY WIFE, TWO CHILDREN AND OUR DOG) IN OUR CAR AND JEEP PASSENGERS, I WENT TO MOVE THE CAR AT THE REQUEST OF THE POLICE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE COLLAPSED IN AT THE TOP AT ABOUT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. THANKFULLY NOBODY WAS HURT. AFTER HAVING THE CAR PUT ONTO THE FLAT BED TOW TRUCK BY AAA, THE AAA EMPLOYEE AND I COULD SEE UNDER THE CAR AND NOTICED THE REAR TIE ROD WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATE IN TWO PIECES. RECEIVED A PRELIMINARY RECALL FROM TOYOTA BACK IN OCTOBER/NOVEMBER ABOUT THE TIE ROD. TOOK THE CAR TO OUR DEALERSHIP, IN NOVEMBER. THEY INSPECTED IT AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG SO IT DIDN'T NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY WAITING TO BE FIXED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND I HAVE FILED A INCIDENT REPORT WITH TOYOTA, WHO WILL BE LOOKING AT THE CAR. *TR
Engine, Jun 27, 2013
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY ALL OF THE MAINTENANCE LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE BUT WHEN OIL WAS CHECKED, THERE WAS NO OIL LEFT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED FOR LEAKS AND COMPLETED AN OIL CHANGE. 1500 MILES LATER, THE VEHICLE IS LOW ON OIL AGAIN. REPEATED A COUPLE OF TIMES. VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL, MECHANICS CANNOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, Jun 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT SOMETHING HAD BECOME LOOSE INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,400.
Steering, Jun 26, 2013
THE STEERING SHAFT HAS A CLUNK NOISE AND A CLUNK OR SHIFT CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM IN 2006 AND SUBSEQUENT RAV4 AUTOS. IT WAS ORIGINALLY FELT AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES AND INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS MAY EVEN OCCUR AT LESS MILEAGE. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING COMMON PROBLEM IN RAV4S THAT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED BY TOYOTA. IF THIS IS A PROBLEM, WHY HAS TOYOTA NOT BEEN REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR FREE AND WHY ARE THEY PERMITTED TO CONTINUE TO SELL CARS WITH THE PROBLEM?? MY DEALER ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR 50% OF THE CHARGE. TOTAL BILL FOR MY 50% WAS $173.72 I READ ON INTERNET THAT AS MUCH AS $800 WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Jun 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THREE RECALL NOTICES IN THE MAIL SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND STATED THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *TR
Engine, Jun 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL REQUIRED TO BE CONTINUOUSLY DISPENSED INTO THE OIL RESERVOIR. THE FAILURE ALSO RECURRED AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO PERFORMED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE PISTON ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, Jun 24, 2013
THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL AND I AM BURNING AT A RATE OF ABOUT 1 QUART EVERY 2000 MILES. I HAVE HAD TO ADD OIL DUE TO LOW OIL 3 TIMES. NO LEAKS, ALL DUE TO ENGINE BURN. *TR
Air bags, Jun 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER., WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.*TR
Air bags, Jun 17, 2013
AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT CAME ON. PASSENGER AIRBAG REMAINS OFF EVEN WITH A PASSENGER. PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT FLASHES EVEN WHEN PASSENGER IS FULLY BELTED. ISSUE CAME ON ALL OF A SUDDEN ONE DAY EVEN THOUGH CAR HAS BEEN RARELY USED IN THE LAST YEAR. ISSUE APPARENTLY VERY COMMON ACCORDING TO OTHER OWNERS ONLINE. *TR