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, Jun 11, 2013
VEHICLE PARKED STARTED TURNED STEERING WHEEL EXIT FROM GARAGE LOUD NOISE AT FULL LOCK LEFT AND RIGHT. CONTACTED DEALER . INFORMED PROBLEM IN MIDDLE SECTION STEERING SHAFT INHERENT TO V6 REPAIR COST 325 DEALER SAID INABILITY STEER NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Jun 11, 2013
I TOOK MY RAV4 TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR NEED A NEW SPIRAL CABLE AND WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THAT PART THAT I MUST TO PAY AROUND 500 DOLLARS TO GET IT FIX. NOW MY QUESTION IS IF IT'S A MALFUNCTION WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Steering, Jun 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE WHEEL BEGAN TO SQUEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. *TR
Steering, Jun 7, 2013
I BROUGHT THE RAV 4 IN FOR A RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE BY TURNING THE WHEEL. WE HAD NOT NOTICED THE ISSUE PREVIOUS TO THIS. THEY STATED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND THAT THE COST WAS > $500. I DECLINED THE SERVICE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF SINCE NEW. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED TO THOUSANDS OF RAV 4 DRIVERS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT TOYOTA IS NOT RECOGNIZING AND FIXING THIS ISSUE. PLEASE HELP. THANKS. *TR
Steering, May 23, 2013
AT APPROX. 25000 MILES,I STARTED HEARING A THUMPING NOISE WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURNS, I DON'T DRIVE IT THAT OFTEN, SO I DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT IT, UNTIL IT STARTED HAPPENING MORE AND MORE, I THEN HAD 31,000, I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND SEEN IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND YEAR OF THE RAV4, I TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED THE STEERING GEAR AND LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACED , IT WOULD COST $2259.00 PLUS TAX FOR PARTS AND LABOR. I REFUSED THE REPAIR AT THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY .I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY AGREED TO PAY FOR ONLY THE PART, BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILEAGE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY REPAIRED THAT AND WHILE THERE THEY ALSO SAID MY WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, IT WAS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY THEY GAVE WHEN I BOUGHT THE RAV4, THIS IS ANOTHER PART THE 2007 RAV4 HAS HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT. I PAID OVER $1,000.00 OUT OF POCKET FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 31,367, FOR PARTS THAT TOYOTA KNOWS ARE FAULTY, I AM THE ONLY OWNER. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Air bags, May 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAG) BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO A FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION WAS NOT CAUSED BY RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,652.
Steering, May 16, 2013
GETTING THE CLUNK/THUNK WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. CANT BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS NOT STEPPED UP WITH A ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MFG DEFECT OF MATERIAL OR PG DESIGN AND ASSISTED CUSTOMERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOW VERY CONCERNED WITH MY SON DRIVING THIS CAR AND WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED EVEN WITHOUT TOYOTA'S HELP. *TR
Engine, May 14, 2013
WATER PUMP FAILED AT 46000 MILES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE PULLEY ASSEMBLY. *TR
Steering, May 14, 2013
IN A PARKED POSITION OR WHILE TURNING ,SOMETIMES, THERE IS A VIBRATING/CLUNKING SOUND MADE BY THE STEERING/STEERING SHAFT...TOYOTA SUGGESTS REPLACING FOR $520.00 PLUS TAX.... FOR THE YEAR AND MILEAGE ON VEHICLE I THINK IT'S A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY TOYOTA. *TR
Steering, May 14, 2013
THERE IS A POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHILE MAKING TURNS. THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEALER IDENTIFIED IT AS THE "INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE 07-08 RAV." HE SAID THE COST TO REPLACE IT WOULD BE $650.72. I ASKED HIM IT WAS COVERED BY TOYOTA, AND HE SAID NO. I ASKED IF IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD, AND HE SAID, "THE STEERING COULD POTENTIALLY FAIL WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING." I HAVE FIVE CHILDREN AND DON'T WANT MY STEERING TO FAIL WHILE I'M DRIVING. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON 07-08 RAV'S, I AM REQUESTING THAT IT BE TURNED INTO A NATIONAL SAFETY RECALL FOR TOYOTA TO FIX. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, May 13, 2013
UPON TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THIS PRE-OWNED VEHICLE I NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY WHILE TURNING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND INFORMED ME THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS DUE TO ISSUES IN THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY INDICATED THE "SPLINES" WERE STARTING TO WEAR AND THAT DELAY IN REPAIR COULD SEE WORSENING OF SOUND AND POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH STEERING. YET THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THERE WAS NO DANGER. WHILE PERHAPS THAT WAS THE CASE I FELT THAT A STEERING FAILURE WAS AN IMMEDIATE DANGER AND HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY. PRICE WAS APPROX. $420 FOR LABOR AND PARTS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS A BIT I FIND THAT TOYOTA HAS RECALLED A SIMILAR PART ON SOME OF IT'S OTHER VEHICLES, SUCH AS THE PRIUS. IT CONCERNS ME THAT THIS PART IS NOT RECALLED ON THE RAV 4 OR ANY OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, May 9, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. *TR
Steering, May 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS WHENEVER THE CONTACT MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL OR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,200. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,684. UPDATED 10/24/13*LJ
Steering, May 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. *TR
Engine, May 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED BRIEFLY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE ENGINE AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE OIL HAD BEEN CONSUMED PREMATURELY. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A LEAK IN THE ENGINE AREA. THE DEALER WAS ALSO GOING TO PERFORM AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,069.
Air bags, May 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:11V245000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE AIR BAGS STILL WOULD NOT WORK UNLESS THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY IN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REPLACED, AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000. *TR
Air bags, Apr 21, 2013
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE HAS FAILED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS YEARLY MANDATED NH STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION DUE TO THIS CONDITION AS ALL OF THE AIRBAGS ARE INOPERABLE. I HAVE SCHEDULED THIS TO BE REPAIRED BUT THE COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE $440.00. UNTIL THIS CONDITION CAN BE REPAIRED I HAVE PARKED THIS VEHICLE AS I DO NOT WANT MY FAMILY EXPOSED TO THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION. TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THIS FAILURE AS I SEE FROM OTHER RESOURCES THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON FAILURE FOR THE RAV-4. *TR
Air bags, Apr 10, 2013
WE BROUGHT OUR VEHICLE IN TO SERVICE RECALL NOTICE FOR SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. WHEN RETURNING HOME AFTER SERVICE THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON. THE TOYOTA DEALER TESTED IT AND SAID IT WAS THE MAIN CLOCKSPRING. I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE AND IT LASTED A NUMBER OF MONTHS BEFORE THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED COMING ON FREQUENTLY. I THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TESTED BY THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS (TWO TOYOTA DEALERS) AND THEY ALL SAID THAT THE ONLY INDICATION THEY GET WHEN THEY TEST THE SYSTEM IS THE OLD, PREVIOUSLY FIXED CLOCKSPRING FAILURE INDICATOR AND ALL SAID THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS COMING ON. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AS WE DON'T KNOW IF OUR AIRBAG SYSTEM IS WORKING OR NOT AND WHETHER OR NOT IT COULD GO OFF ANYTIME. IT ALSO MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SELL THE CAR. *TR
Air bags, Wheels, Apr 3, 2013
FAILURE # 1 ONE OF THE STEEL RIMS ON MY RAV 4 DEVELOPED A CRACK CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF PRESSURE. I HAD THE RIM REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 ADDITIONAL RIMS WITH THE SAME (BROKEN WELD) SYMPTOMS, ONE WITH A BREAK OVER 21" LONG. TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. FAILURE # 2 THE AIR BAG SENSING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY RAV 4 SO I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AT MY LOCAL DEALER. I WAS TOLD NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT. I'M AN EMT AND I HAVE A TENDENCY TO WORRY ABOUT "LIFE SAFETY" ISSUES. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE MIGHT BE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE IT FIXED. IT TURNED OUT THE "SPIRAL CABLE" IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT AN AIR BAG WORKS WHEN IT SHOULD AND DOESN'T WORK WHEN IT SHOULD NOT. I WASN'T AWARE THAT THINGS AS CRITICAL AS THESE HAVE A SHELF LIFE.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 24, 2013
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 OUT OF A TOLLBOOTH AREA AND ACCELERATING NORMALLY, WHEN THE CAR STARTED RAPIDLY ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. HE STEPPED HARD ON THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT GET THE CAR BELOW 40 MPH. HE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND GRADUALLY THE CAR SLOWED AND HE MOVED TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. HE REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, AND THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. THE ENTIRE INCIDENT FROM START TO FINISH HAPPENED OVER THE COURSE OF ABOUT 3 MILES OF HIGHWAY. HE GAVE A FULL ACCOUNT OF THIS TO OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. THEY DID NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT WAS NOT DUE TO FLOOR MATS. THE CAR'S BRAKES--BOTH PADS AND ROTORS--WERE DESTROYED DURING THE INCIDENT. WE WERE NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING IT AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP BROUGHT BACK THE CAR BACK FROM US AT KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE. *TR
Air bags, Mar 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIR THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 5/9/13 *CN UPDATED 05/24/2013 *JS
Steering, Mar 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT, THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,400. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Mar 6, 2013
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SENSOR PROBLEMS, REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE AT THIS POINT. HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARING AND WIRING DUE TO CORROSION, FREE OF CHARGE NOW OTHER SIDE HAS SAME WHEEL BEARING, CORROSION PROBLEM AND THEY WANT $1000.00. HAVE ALSO HAD A CLUNKING IN STEERING COLUMN (BAD KNUCKLE JOINT) THAT TECH'S HAVE NOT FOUND. HEAR THAT WOULD COST AT LEAST $800.00. THEY ALSO SAY WATER PUMP LEAKING AND NEED REPLACEMENT TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE ANOTHER APPROX. $1000.00. I'VE BEEN ONLINE AND THESE ARE ALL PROBLEMS DISCUSSED BY OTHER RAV4 OWNERS. THE TECH TOLD ME THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PROBLEMS TO INCITE A RECALL. MEAN WHILE I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 60K. NOW THEY WANT 3K TO FIX CURRENT PROBLEMS. *TR
Air bags, Mar 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.