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 25, 2012
THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING SHAFT CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE IN STEERING. TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT HAS NOT RECALLED THE DEFECTIVE PARTS... HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2007/TOYOTA/RAV4/STEERING/PROBLEM.ASPX. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. *TR
Suspension, Oct 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A LINK TO THE STABILIZING BAR WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER STATED THIS HAD BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE. THE CONTACT ASKED ABOUT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) FOR THE REAR TIE ROD, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE LINK FOR THE STABILIZER BAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD BOTH LINKS REPLACED SINCE THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE ONE ON THE RIGHT WAS ABOUT TO BREAK AS WELL DUE TO IT NOT BEING BOLTED CORRECTLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 12/5/12 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS RUST FORMING AROUND THE BOLT. UPDATED 12/10/12
Steering, Oct 20, 2012
DEALER INFORMED ME YESTERDAY THAT INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME SINCE MANUFACTURE.SHAFT WAS REPLACED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AT A COST OF $880, OF WHICH I HAD TO PAY $500 AS VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER DOWNPLAYED WHETHER THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT INSISTED THAT I SHOULD PAY $715 TO REPLACE THE SHAFT WHICH IS MAKING KNOCKING NOISES WHEN DRIVEN. THIS HAS TO BE A DESIGN AND/OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND I'VE HEARD THAT OTHER MODELS IN THE LINE HAVE ALSO SUFFERED SIMILAR STEERING ISSUES. CAN ONLY HOPE IT DOESN'T LEAD TO STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Oct 17, 2012
WHEN YOU TURN LEFT OR RIGHT A STRANGE NOISE HAPPENING AND YOU CAN FEEL SOME SORT OF BUMP OR CATCH IN THE STEERING. THERE IS A SERVICE 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. *TR
Air bags, Oct 17, 2012
AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED APPROX 6 WEEKS BACK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID A VEHICLE RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR MY VEHICLE, DUE TO THE AIR BAG CURTAIN SENSOR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP; RECALL WORK WAS DONE. LESS THAN 1 MILE DRIVING, THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. TOOK VEHICLE BACK AND AFTER 3-4 HOURS OF TROUBLESHOOTING I WAS TOLD THAT THE SPIRAL/COIL CABLE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS AT FAULT AND PARTS AND LABOR WOULD COME TO $530. DID AN INTERNET SEARCH ON '07-08 RAV4, AND WAS SURPRISED TO FIND MORE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPIRAL/COIL CABLE THAN WITH THE CURTAIN SENSOR. IN SEVERAL CASES, OWNERS HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL AND WERE TOLD THE SAME I WAS (NEEDED A NEW SPIRAL/COIL CABLE). AFTER READING ALL THE DEPLOYMENTS OF RAV4 AIRBAGS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT MOVING NOR IMPACTED; I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS RELIABLE. IS THERE A LARGER ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAGS? *TR
Suspension, Oct 16, 2012
I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT MY REAR LOWER SUSPENSION THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND WHEN I'M ON THE ROAD AND GETTING WORSE AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. THEN I GET THIS RECALL NOTICE TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND STILL NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT I HAD TO PUT NEW TIRES ON MY VEHICLE AND HAS CAUSED THE INSIDE TO BE WEARING OUT, ON JUST THE INSIDE TIRE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE WHERE I BOUGHT MY TIRES AT AND THEY STATED THAT EVEN IF I ROTATE MY TIRES IT STILL WILL CONTINUE TO WEAR OUT BECAUSE SOMETHING IS CAUSING TO WEAR THEM OUT. I THINK IF SOMETHING IS CAUSING THIS BY A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM AT LEAST SOME ONE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. PLEASE IF I CAN GET SOMEONE TO CALL ME TO GET THIS RESOLVED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ANYMORE BECAUSE I FEEL I COULD LOSE OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Visibility, Oct 16, 2012
DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW VISOR LOOSE AND DOES NOT STAY IN POSITION. FALLS DOWN INTO DRIVERS VIEW OBSTRUCTING VISION AND DISTRACTING DRIVER. *TR
Steering, Oct 11, 2012
AT ANY SPEED, AN AUDIBLE "CLUNK" IS PRESENT WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED RIGHT OR LEFT. FURTHERMORE, ONE CAN FEEL A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT EXACTLY MATCHES THE "CLUNK" SOUND. DURING LOW SPEEDS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE NOISE AND VIBRATION IS PROMINENT ANY TIME THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. AT HIGHER SPEEDS, THE SOUND IS LESS PRONOUNCED, BUT A VIBRATION AND FEELING OF "LOOSENESS" IN THE STEERING IS PROMINENT. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS USED AS A FAMILY CAR WITH YOUNG CHILDREN (AND A PREGNANT WOMAN) PRESENT, THIS NOISE/VIBRATION COMBINATION IS DISTURBING AS WE FEAR STEERING FAILURE. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO TOYOTA'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ST001-08 WHICH MATCHES THE DESCRIPTION OF MY PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IT IS APPARENT THAT TOYOTA ISSUED THIS TSB AS A RESULT OF CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND DEVELOPED A PROCEDURE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS TO CURE SUCH A PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 11, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FAIL AND THERE WERE EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE POLICE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINEER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Oct 10, 2012
HI GOOD DAY, I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAIN ABOUT MY VEHICLE PROBLEM TOYOTA RAV4 2007 "STEERING KNOCKING" WHICH AFFECTS MY DRIVING ABILITY CAUSE IT BOTHERS ME WHILE DRIVING DUE TO NOISE EVERYTIME I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT. I ALREADY WRITE THE COMPANY ABOUT THIS MATTER BUT THERE IS NO PROPER ANSWER ABOUT THE DEFECT. I SEARCH THE VEHICLE DEFECT ONLINE AND THERE ARE A LOT OF RAV4 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HOPE IT'S NOT TO LATE TO NOTIFY THIS PROBLEM AND NOT WAITING FOR THE TIME THAT IT WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS TO THE OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I AM JUST ANTICIPATING THAT THERE WILL BE NO FUTURE ACCIDENTS ARISE RELATED TO THIS VEHICLE PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 10, 2012
AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, ENGINE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS WAS AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE FLOOR MATS. THE ACCELERATION HAD ENOUGH "G" FORCE TO PIN THE OCCUPANTS BACK IN THEIR SEATS. DRIVER WAS FORTUNATE THAT NO TRAFFIC WAS AHEAD. RAPID ACCELERATION APPEARED TO STOP AFTER PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL. TOYOTA APPEARS TO ATTRIBUTE ALL THESE INCIDENTS TO THE FLOOR MATS. AN ACCELERATION THAT PINS YOU BACK IN THE SEAT --FLOOR MAT DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH DENSITY TO ACCOMPLISH THIS. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE 2 YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE. MOST OCCURRENCES HAVE BEEN MORE SUBTLE THAN THE ONE DESCRIBED HERE. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 7, 2012
I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. A HISSING SOUND COULD BE HEARD AND THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STOPPING POWER. I HAD TO APPLY AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AND IT ALSO TOOK AN EXCESSIVE DISTANCE TO GET IT STOPPED.. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH THE STABILITY CONTROL AND OTHER DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY TO GET HOME. THE LIGHTS THEN WENT AWAY. AND THE CAR PERFORMED SOMEWHAT NORMALLY. THEY CAME BACK ON, A DAY LATER. AND SO DID THE SYMPTOMS, BUT ONLY SPORADICALLY. THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAS A LEAK. THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ALL OVER THE INTERNET. SPECIFICALLY, HERE: HTTP://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/99-4-3-MECHANICAL/91243-WHAT-CAUSES-BRAKE-BOOSTER-FAILURE.HTML I THINK GIVEN THE HISTORY OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE A RECALL SHOULD BE DONE. THIS IS A $900+ REPAIR, AND FOR A CAR WITH A LITTLE OVER 50K MILES IS UNACCEPTABLE AND ABOVE ALL, DANGEROUS. *TR
Suspension, Oct 6, 2012
I HAD HEARD A SLIGHT CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE REAR. I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD CLUNK, STARTED DOWN A HILL AND LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR. I WENT FROM ONE SIDE OF THE STREET TO THE OTHER. LUCKILY NO CARS WERE COMING. FINALLY A GOT THE CAR STOPPED AND RETURNED TO MY GARAGE. LOOKING AT THE REAR RIGHT TIRE IT WAS BENT IN AT THE TOP. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS WAS "LEFT REAR TIE-ROD PULLED APART". I HAD IT REPLACED. WE HAD JUST RETURNED FROM PHILADELPHIA THE DAY BEFORE AND HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD IT OCCURRED ON PENNSYLVANIA'S NORTHEAST EXTENSION, TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. I NEVER EVEN THOUGHT TO REPORT IT BACK THEN AND I AM SURE THIS IS A RESULT OF THIS RECALL 12V373000. *TR
Steering, Oct 5, 2012
FOR 2 YEARS PRIOR TO TAKING THE CAR TO TOYOTA FOR REPAIR, I WAS HEARING A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH, NORMALLY WHEN I BEGAN USING THE CAR EARLY IN THE MORNING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TO FIND THE PROBLEM, EXPECTING IT TO BE A SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN ALONG WITH A YOKE ASSEMBLY THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALARMED THAT I HAD BEEN DRIVING A CAR WITH A BROKEN STEERING SHAFT FOR SO LONG. TOYOTA REPLACED THE BROKEN PARTS AND CHARGED ME $600. I THOUGHT TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE COST AS A WARRANTY ITEM BUT THEY REFUSED. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT A STEERING DEFECT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF VIA A SAFETY RECALL. HAD THE SHAFT BROKEN OR BECOME MORE DAMAGED THEN A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Oct 4, 2012
I WAS DRIVING DOWN FOREST AVE IN BROCKTON, MA, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR STATED SMOKING, I QUICKLY TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, GOT ME AND MY SON OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND SUGGESTED THAT I GOT IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. SO I DID, TO COPLAND TOYOYTA WHERE IT WAS TROUBLESHOOT TO A MASTER SWITCH ASS. IT WAS REPAIRED AND I HAD TO PAY $580.70 BECAUSE THEY SAID ITS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Sep 28, 2012
DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF STEERING. CAR FEEL VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY ON VET SURFACE AND DURING BRAKING. *TR
Air bags, Sep 26, 2012
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER - THEY SAID IT WAS THE SPIRAL CABLE FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AIR BAG WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR OVER $500. THIS WAS AFTER THE CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF ANOTHER AIRBAG-RELATED RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2012
TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT. WENT TO APPLY BRAKES PRIOR TO APPROACHING TURN LANE AND COULD NOT STOP. BRAKES WERE THERE (PEDAL WAS FIRM AND DID NOT GO TO FLOOR) BUT ACCELERATOR SEEM TO OVERRIDE THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROCEEDED TO STAND ON BRAKES TO ATTEMPT TO STOP AS THERE WERE THREE LANES OF STOPPED TRAFFIC AND NO WHERE ELSE TO GO. SHIFTED CAR INTO PARK TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP TO AVOID HITTING 8+ CARS AND PUSHING THEM INTO A VERY LARGE INTERSECTION. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 46000 MILES ON IT AND HAD NEW BRAKES INSTALLED 8 MONTHS PRIOR. CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED 1 MONTH PRIOR FOR GENERAL SERVICE POINT CHECKS. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP SAME DAY OF THIS INCIDENT - THEY COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. OFFERED TO SERVICE BASED ON A PREVIOUS RECALL TO REMOVE THE CURRENT FLOORMAT AND ADJUST ACCELERATOR. ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE RADIO STOPPED WORKING FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY SOMETIMES DISPLAYING GARBLED TEXT ON THE RADIO DISPLAY. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2012, fire
MY WIFE LEFT HOME TO DRIVE TO THE STORE - A 3-MILE TRIP, ALL IN-TOWN DRIVING. AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT 1/2 MILE, SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE CAR FROM BEHIND THE PANEL ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. SHE STOPPED THE CAR. THE VOLUME OF SMOKE ACCUMULATING IN THE CAR INCREASED. A PASSER-BY STOPPED, CALLED 911, REPORTED THE FIRE, AND ASSISTED MY WIFE, WHO CLIMBED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND EXITED THE CAR OUT THE FRONT, RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. BY THE TIME THE FIREMEN AND POLICE ARRIVED, APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES LATER, SMOKE WAS DENSE AND FLAMES WERE SURROUNDING THE EDGES OF THE DOOR PANEL. FIREMEN SPRAYED WATER ON THE PANEL, PULLED THE PANEL OFF THE DOOR, AND CONTINUED TO APPLY WATER UNTIL THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THANKFULLY, MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO STOP AND EXIT THE CAR QUICKLY. HAD SHE BEEN IN HEAVY, FAST-MOVING TRAFFIC, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. ALSO, THE NON-AVAILABILITY OF FIREMEN WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN MUCH MORE FIRE- DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND POSSIBLY AN EXPLOSION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2012, crash
I WAS WAITING AT A STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE. SUDDENLY, WITH NO INPUT FROM ME, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED. ADDING MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP IT FROM MOVING FORWARD. WITH FULL PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SLOWLY MOVED INTO THE REAR PANEL OF A CAR IN FRONT OF ME, DOING FENDER DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IN THE 5 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THAT IT HAS SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I'VE HAD IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER TWICE, AND BOTH TIMES THEY INFERRED THAT IT WAS MY ERROR. I KNOW THAT EACH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, I WAS NOT MOVING, AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR'S ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UP WITH NO ACTION TAKEN MY ME. SOMETHING IS DANGEROUSLY WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Visibility, Sep 18, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FOR AND THE POWER SWITCH AILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE WHENEVER CONTACT USED THE POWER SWITCH FOR THE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO INSPECTED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE MOTOR FOR THE POWER SWITCH PASSENGER WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTOR WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2012
I WAS DRIVING THE RAV4 IN APRIL 2011 AND AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 WHEN THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED.THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE BATTERY LIGHT DID NOT COME ON, FIRST THE RADIO QUIT PLAYING AND THEN THE CAR WENT DEAD AS I WAS MOVING IN TRAFFIC. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS VERY STRESSFUL BEING STRUCK IN TRAFFIC. THANKS TO SOME KIND LADIES, THE CAR WAS PUSHED OUT OF THE WAY. WE SUSPECTED IT WAS A BATTERY MALFUNCTION, ALTHOUGH THE BATTERY WAS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. WE TOOK THE BATTERY TO PLACE OF PURCHASE AND THEY TRIED TO CHARGE IT, IT WOULD NOT CHARGE SO THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY FOR FREE BECAUSE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THIS TIME THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN THE RADIO WENT OUT AND THE CAR DIED. THIS WAS EXTREMELY STRESSFUL AS TRAFFIC WAS SPEEDING BEHIND ME AND I WAS AFRAID I WOULD GET REAR ENDED. ONCE AGAIN THERE WERE TWO FEMALES THAT HELPED ME PUSH THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC. ONCE AGAIN THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER THIS TIME THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATING, I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM THE RAV 4 'S ELECTRICAL STEERING AND THE FACT THAT IT PULLS TO MUCH POWER. THERE IS NOT REASON WHY THE CAR SHOULD JUST QUIT WHILE YOUR DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. IT IS HARD TO TRUST THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY STOPS IN TRAFFIC AND WILL NOT START AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2012, fire
THE CAR FILLED WITH THE SMELL ,AND SMOKE OF BURNING WIRE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 5, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH BURNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE DOOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT RIGHT BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE IT ENGULF INTO FLAMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2012, fire
WAS DRIVING NORMAL - ONLY A FEW MINUTES AFTER IGNITION - STRANGE SCENT OF PLASTIC BURNING. LOOKED DOWN TO FIND A THICK WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM WINDOW SWITCHES, FLAME SEEN THROUGH CRACKS. HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY @ GAS/SERVICE STATION TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAME - I HAD NO LIQUID TO EXTINGUISH AT TIME OF INCIDENT. WENT DIRECTLY TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DROPPED OFF VEHICLE. THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL - SO THEY WOULD NOT PURCHASE ME A RENTAL HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF. I FOUND THESE LINKS RIGHT AWAY ONCE I GOT IN FRONT OF A COMPUTER: HTTP://WWW.KTVU.COM/NEWS/NEWS/TOYOTA-RECALLING-778000-RAV4-SUVS/NP8CR/ THIS IS THE LATEST ISSUE FOR THE POPULAR RAV4, WHICH IS CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN A GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION OF DOOR FIRES THAT HAVE BEEN LINKED TO POWER WINDOW SWITCHES. HTTP://WOT.MOTORTREND.COM/BURNING-TOYOTA-CAMRYRAV4-WINDOW-SWITCHES-PROMPT-NHTSA-INVESTIGATION-168895.HTML END OF REPORT. *TR