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, Mar 4, 2013
HEAR A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. ONLY HEAR IT WHEN TURNING AT SLOWER SPEEDS. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2013
BOTH STRUTS GAVE OUT WHILE TOYOTA RAV4 PARKED AT FRED HAAS TOYOTA COUNTRY DEALERSHIP IN HOUSTON. SERVICE DIRECTOR INDICATES THIS IS KNOWN TOYOTA PROBLEM. EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF TOYOTA USA CONFIRMS BOTH STRUTS CAN GIVE OUT AT SAME TIME FOR OLDER VEHICLES. THEY SAY THIS IS NOT A TOYOTA ISSUE BECAUSE IS OUTSIDE WARRANTY PERIOD. PEOPLE COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IF BOTH GIVE OUT AT SAME TIME AND VEHICLE IS MOVING; NO MATTER THE AGE.
Air bags, Feb 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2013
I BROUGHT MY RAV4 FOR SERVICE LAST JAN 31, 2013 AT A TOYOTA DEALER HERE IN HAWAII. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A SIGN OF A LEAK ON THE WATER PUMP AND CHARGING ME $602 JUST FOR PARTS. I DECLINED FOR THE REPAIR. AT HOME, I SAW IN THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. AT A MILEAGE OF 55109, I DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD A PROBLEM. SO MAYBE ITS A DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 24, 2013
MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION, I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE FOR AIRBAG LIGHT THAT HAD SHORTED OUT. THE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF $442.01. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AN EARLIER RECALL FOR AN AIRBAG SENSOR AND I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE AS WELL AND NOT THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CAR OWNER. *TR
Steering, Feb 20, 2013
WHILE GETTING RECALL WORK DONE ON MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4, THE DEALERSHIP CALLED TO SAY THAT THEY DETECTED A 'CLUNKING' IN MY STEERING COLUMN THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE STEERING SHAFT AND IT WAS A 'KNOWN ISSUE' WITH THE MODEL BUT NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Feb 15, 2013
THE VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT IS CAUSING ISSUES WITH WHEELS WHEN TURNING. I HAVE READ A BUNCH OF OTHERS COMPLAINTS. PLEASE HAVE TOYOTA RECALL THIS PART AND REPLACE THERE IS A CLUNKING IN MY STEERING WHEN I TURN THE CAR LEFT OR RIGHT AT ANY SPEED. THE STEERING FEEL AS THEIR IS LOOSENESS CAUSING NON ACCURATE TURNING AND WOBBLESNESS. JAN 14, 2013 - WESLEY CHAPEL , FL - STEERING TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. BULLETIN OUT ON THIS INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. A NEW SHAFT IS GOING TO RUN $400.00 PLUS AT LEAST AN HOUR OF LABOR. THIS MEAN THAT IT IS GOING TO COST EACH OWNER OF THIS RAV4 MODEL AT LEAST $500.00. TOYOTA HAS PUT A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THIS VERY PROBLEM. THE BULLETIN # IS TSB-0318-08 REV1. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS WILL BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE AND I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOME MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR DESIGN PROBLEM AT THE BASIS OF THIS PROBLEM. VIEW DETAILS NOV 14, 2010 - HOWELL, NJ - STEERING AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES WE NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE POWER STEERING. IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. AT 69,457 MILES WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. HE INFORMED US THE STEERING SHAFT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT $456.00 WITH A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. AFTER ASKING ABOUT A POSSIBLE STEERING DEFECT I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL MAINTENANCE. WITHOUT A REPAIR I AM AFRAID I MIGHT LOOSE MY STEERING. *TR
Steering, Feb 13, 2013
SUDDEN CLUNK NOISE AND JERKING MOTION IN STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Feb 8, 2013
I'VE BEEN HEARING CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO EITHER SIDES. NOT ALWAYS PRESENT BUT IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. *TR
Engine, Feb 8, 2013
I HAVE BEGUN NOTICING MY ENGINE CONSUMING OIL ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER AND GOT A REPLY THAT OIL CONSUMPTION IS NORMAL. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD REGULARLY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE. TODAY MY OIL HAS BEEN BELOW THE MINIMUM LEVEL TO ALMOST DRY, WHEN MY LAST OIL CHANGE WAS AT 99,000 MILES ( CURRENT MILEAGE AT 102K). I DON'T KNOW IF IT DAMAGED MY ENGINE BUT THE OIL CONSUMPTION HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE. *TR
Tires, Feb 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES CONSTANTLY LOST AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE TIRE PRESSURE VALVE STEMS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. ...UPDATED 04/25/13 *BF UPDATED 05/16/2013 *JS
Engine, Feb 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT SHE HAD AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE WITH HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT SHE WAS TAKING THE VEHICLE IN TO GET AN OIL CHANGE MORE THAT USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Jan 29, 2013
THE TOYOTA DEALER STATES THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND WE NEED TO CHECK BACK. THEY HAVE DONE THIS ON OTHER RECALLS FOR THE SAME VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 25, 2013
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH RECALL NOTICES FOR REAR SUSPENSION AND POWER WINDOW SWITCH. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED DID NOT BELIEVE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, AS HE IS STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE STILL PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION, AFTER THE DEALER IT WAS FIXED. DUE TO THE ONGOING SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, IT WAS AFFECTING THE STEERING SHAFT, RACK AND PINION AND TIE ROD. UPDATED 03/12/13
Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2013
ON JAN 9, 2013 WHILE BRAKING IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. AS I CONTINUED TO BREAK WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE CAR FINALLY CAME UNDER CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO CARS APPROACHING THE INTERSECTION IN EITHER DIRECTION NOR WERE THERE ANY POLICE PRESENT. THE FLOOR MAT WAS PROPERLY HOOKED IN PLACE. THE PEDAL HAD BEEN ADJUSTED ON JULY 7, 2011 BY ANDERSON TOYOTA OF RALEIGH, NC IN ACCORDANCE WITH TOYOTA'S RECALL AT THAT TIME.. THE NEXT DAY, JAN 10, 2013 I LEFT THE CAR WITH ANDERSON FOR REPAIR. (CASE # TAI30110070) ON JAN 17, 2013 I WAS INFORMED THAT KEVIN PILOTTE A TOYOTA TECHNICAL REP CLEARED THE CAR FOR RETURN TO ME. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE CAR TO MY KNOWLEDGE. I WAS INFORMED BY ANDERSON'S SERVICE MGR THAT THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY COULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THAT THIS WAS NOT AUTHORIZED BY THE REP. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT I WOULD BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY AT SOME POINT BY TOYOTA. PRIOR TO THE 2011 RECALL, I EXPERIENCED ONE SIMILAR INCIDENCE WITH THE PEDAL BUT DID NOT REPORT IT BECAUSE I RECEIVED THE RECALL PROCEDURE WHICH I THOUGHT TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM. SINCE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM TWICE SINCE 2007, OBVIOUSLY IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS ONE THAT CAN CAUSE INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE. I WILL APPRECIATE WHATEVER NHTSA CAN DO TO INFLUENCE TOYOTA TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATE REPAIR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Jan 18, 2013
THERE IS A CLUNKING IN MY STEERING WHEN I TURN THE CAR LEFT OR RIGHT AT ANY SPEED. THE STEERING FEEL AS THEIR IS LOOSENESS CAUSING NON ACCURATE TURNING AND WOBBLESNESS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2013
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT AND 4WD LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS DEFECTIVE CHARCOAL CANISTER. WAS TOLD TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR OR PART UNDER THEIR EMISSIONS WARRANTY. TOYOTA IS ATTEMPTING TO BLAME THIS PROBLEM ON CONSUMER ERROR WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK. HOW IS THE CHARCOAL CANISTER NOT PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM WHEN IT'S PURPOSE IS TO SERVE AS A FILTER OF GAS/EXHAUST FUMES. TOYOTA IS ONCE AGAIN NOT STANDING BY THEIR WARRANTIES OR PRODUCTS. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2013
BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE, REPLACE BY TOYOTA DEALER. *TR
Air bags, Jan 14, 2013
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
Suspension, Jan 14, 2013
WE BECAME AWARE OF A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE FOR RUST FORMATION THAT COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS IN AUGUST 2012. IT'S JANUARY 2013 AND TOYOTA TELLS US THAT THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON A "FIX." THEY USE A LOT OF SALT TO KEEP OUR LOCAL ROADS CLEAR AND, AS YOU KNOW, SALT AND UNPROTECTED STEEL ARE A RECIPE FOR FAILURE FOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS. MY POINT? IT'S BEEN LONG ENOUGH TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND EVEN WHEN TOYOTA DOES, IT WILL TAKE MONTHS TO EFFECT REPAIRS. WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR LOOKING INTO TO THE MATTER. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jan 14, 2013
IN MY VEHICLE, THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR HAS LOOSENED SO THAT IT WILL NOT STAY UP OUT OF THE WAY NEXT TO THE ROOF OF THE CAR. IT DRIFTS DOWN INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT AND HINDERS MY VISION. WHEN I PULL IT DOWN TO USE, IT ALSO WILL NOT STAY UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. SO IT'S NEARLY ALWAYS IN MY WAY. AND IT CAN'T BE ADJUSTED BY ME. IT HAS TO BE REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP. FOR A LARGE COST. *TR
Steering, Jan 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF UPDATED 03/11/13.*JB
Air bags, Jan 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS PENDING A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 155,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Wheels, Jan 14, 2013
STEEL WHEELS ARE BADLY CORRODED TO THE EXTENT THAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR INTEGRITY. RUSTED STEEL IS FLAKING OFF IN STRIPS. *TR
Engine, Jan 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PISTONS IN THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED WITH EITHER A NEW ONE OR A REBUILT ONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.