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, Suspension, Sep 4, 2012
ON MARCH 29, 2012, I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY & HEARD A CLUNK. CHECKED REAR UNDERSIDE & SAW NOTHING AMISS. ARRIVED IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO AND HEARD 3 MORE CLUNKS (WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS). THEN THE FINAL EXTRA LOUD CLUNK AS THE STEERING WENT OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS ON MICHIGAN AVE. IN FRONT OF THE HILTON HOTEL DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC (5 PM) DOING 25 TO 30 MPH. CARS ALL AROUND ME. GENTLY APPLIED BRAKES & EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO WARN OTHERS, AS I KEPT TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FROM WAY LEFT TO WAY RIGHT. EASED MY WAY FROM CENTER LANE OVER TO THE CURB. CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING! RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS TILTED AT ABOUT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE--TOP OUTWARD, BOTTOM INWARD. IN ANOTHER 15 MIN. I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY DOING 50 --60 MPH. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO INDIANA. TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISOR SAID: "BOLT RUSTED THROUGH. IF KEEPING CAR, SUGGEST GETTING LEFT REAR SUSPENSION REPLACED TOO BECAUSE IT IS GETTING READY TO GO. A COMPANY REP IS GOING TO COME OUT TO LOOK AT IT BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD ANOTHER EXACT FAILURE JUST RECENTLY." THE REP DECIDED HE DID NOT NEED TO SEE IT. (I'M SURE HE WAS ALREADY AWARE OF THE BIGGER PROBLEM TOYOTA WOULD BE FACING.) VEHICLE FACTS: 2007 RAV-4, MILEAGE: 43,185, ONE OWNER, GARAGE KEPT (EXCEPT FOR VACATIONS). LAST 27-POINT INSPECTION: (1-21-2012) 2 MONTHS BEFORE FAILURE. NO ITEMS IN THE SECTION TITLED "UNDER VEHICLE" WERE EVEN CHECKED OFF AS COMPLETED (GOOD OR BAD). THIS INCLUDED "SUSPENSION & STEERING LINKAGE". I PAID $778. TO HAVE BOTH LEFT & RIGHT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLIES REPLACED & AN ALIGNMENT. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT FROM TOYOTA, THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID "NO. THEY CONSIDER IT NORMAL "WEAR & TEAR". NOTE: CASES LIKE MINE ARE NOT GOING TO SHOW UP AS "TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS" BECAUSE I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING OR ANYONE. AND THOSE THAT ARE ACCIDENTS COULD POSSIBLY BE MISTAKEN AS: "OVER-CORRECTIVE STEERING!" *TR
Steering, Sep 1, 2012
MY RAV4 WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES IN THE STEERING, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE STEERING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THAT. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A CAR HAVING A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH STEERING, ESPECIALLY ONE WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT. ANYWAY, I HAD TO PAY $380 TO HAVE THAT FIXED AND THEY ALSO DID AN ALIGNMENT. THEY SAID THAT I NEEDED THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE OF THE REPAIR. I PICKED UP THE CAR AND ON THE WAY HOME, IT STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE POPPING AND CLUNKING SOUND IN THE REAR-END. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK TO TELL THEM TO COME GET IT BECAUSE I DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT BACK TO THEM. AFTER THE TOW TRUCK CAME, MY HUSBAND FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CAR BECAUSE OF REAR SUSPENSION AFTER AN ALIGNMENT. I AM WRITING THIS TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT MY PROBLEMS WITH 1) THE STEERING PROBLEM AND 2) THE REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEM. AGAIN, THIS ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP! *TR
Engine, Aug 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT OIL LEVEL HAD DIMINISHED DRASTICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN ORDER TO HAVE AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST DONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Visibility, Aug 30, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE WINDOW COULD NOT BE OPENED AND CAUSED SMOKE TO RELEASE FROM THE DRIVER AIR VENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVERS DOOR MASTER SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 307,643.
Steering, Aug 27, 2012
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXPECTED RECALL CONCERNING REAR TIE RODS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SOMETIME AROUND JUNE 2011, SHE BEGAN TO HEAR A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE; SOMETIMES FROM THE LEFT AND SOMETIMES FROM THE RIGHT. FINALLY, IN DECEMBER 2011, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND AFTER TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS CONFIRMED THERE WAS A NOISE, BUT THE TECHNICIAN STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. IN MAY 2012, THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE, ONLY PERIODICALLY. ON MAY 3, 2012, AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE NOISE BECAME EVEN LOUDER. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, GOING BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE ROAD AND DOING A COMPLETE 360 DEGREE TURN. SHE FINALLY MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP IN A SAFETY ZONE. THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS BENT IN AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE AND ALMOST OFF THE VEHICLE. ON MONDAY MAY 7, 2012, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE LEFT REAR TIE ROD SNAPPED AND THE RIGHT ONE WAS IN A WEAKENED CONDITION AND BOTH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO A TIRE SHOP AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE CONTROL PANEL BECAUSE ALL OF THE WIRES WERE MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO SENT OUT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE FAILURE, ADVISING THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD RESPOND WITHIN THIRTY DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,120.   ..UPDATED 09/12/12 *BF UPDATED 09/12/2012 *JS
Engine, Aug 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE MOTOR BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THAT THE MOTOR OIL WAS ABNORMALLY LOW AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000. ....UPDATED 10/11/12 *BF UPDATED 10/16/2012*JS
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 21, 2012, fire
I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE DRIVER'S-SIDE DOOR. WHEN I STOP TO CHECK I SAW FIRE INSIDE THE DOOR. I IMMEDIATE ASK FOR ASSISTANCE. WHEN HE UNCOVER THE SWITCH IT HAS A NICKEL SIDE HOLE. THERE IS NO MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE SWITCH NOT WORKING OR MY WINDOWS. I REALLY THINK I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NEAR MY BROTHERS HOME WHEN THIS HAPPEN. IF I WAS SOMEWHERE (LIKE THE FREEWAY) I REALLY TAUGHT MY WHOLE CAR WOULD OF CAUGHT ON FIRE AND LUCKY MY CHILD WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. *TR
Suspension, Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 20, 2012
MY 2007 RAV4 DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW WONT GO UP AND DOWN. THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL SWITCH FOR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT MOVE. THE SWITCH FOR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW ON THE BACK DOOR DOES NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. WHEN IT DOES WORK JUST ONE TAP AND THE REAR WINDOW (DRIVER SIDE) GOES DOWN ALL THE WAY BY ITS SELF. THE OTHER THREE SWITCHES FOR THE WINDOWS AND THE OTHER THREE WINDOWS SEEM TO WORK AND RESPOND HOW THEY SHOULD. ONLY PROBLEM IS WITH THE REAR WINDOW AND THE SWITCH ON BOTH THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE REAR WINDOW DOOR (DRIVER SIDE). ALSO WHILE DRIVING TO WORK DRIVING APROX 10 MPH MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BENT IN TOWARD THE WHEEL WELL. THE TIE ROD WAS BROKE AND THE TIE ROD WAS VERY RUSTED . THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A FREAK OCCURRENCE AND FIXED IT WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. PROBLEM IS THAT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION (DRIVER SIDE) IS ALSO RUSTED BUT THEY DID NOT FIX IT AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAPPENED JUNE 14TH AT ABOUT 6:10 AM I WAS NOT TOLD OF THE RECALL OF THIS TIE ROD ISSUE AT THE TIME OF IT GETTING FIXED . THEY PLAYED IT OFF AS IT WERE A FREAK OCCURRENCE.. TOYOTA/SCION DEALER OF BERLIN CITY TOYOTA. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Aug 20, 2012
VEHICLE WAS RECALLED BY TOYOTA TO HAVE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MODIFIED AND FLOOR MATS CHANGED IN ORDER TO AVOID INADVERTENT ACCELERATION. FLOOR MAT CHANGE APPLIED ONLY TO ORIGINAL TOYOTA SUPPLIED FLOOR MATS, WHICH ABOVE VEHICLE HAS, AT LEAST ACCORDING TO ACCESSORY WINDOW STICKER SUPPLIED AT PURCHASE. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OURISMAN TOYOTA FOR COMPLIANCE, DEALER MARKED ON CUSTOMER YELLOW FORM THAT MATS WERE NOT ORIGINAL TOYOTA AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE CHANGED. HOWEVER DEALER STATED VERBALLY THAT MATS ACTUALLY WERE ORIGINAL TOYOTA, BUT THAT CUSTOMERS WERE NOT HAPPY WITH NEW MATS SINCE THEY WERE TOO THIN. THEREFORE DEALER DECIDED TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY DIRECTIVE BY MARKING ALL ORIGINAL MATS AS NON-ORIGINAL MATS, WHICH DID NOT HAVE TO BE CHANGED. NICE TO KNOW THAT THE DEALER IS CUSTOMER ORIENTED, BUT I AM LEFT WONDERING IF THAT JEOPARDIZES SAFETY. INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO TOYOTA ON THE SAFETY EMAIL ADDRESS LISTED ON THEIR WEB SITE, BUT NO REPLY RECEIVED. *TR
Engine, Aug 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REQUESTED A TOYOTA ENGINEER COME TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 08/29/12*LJ
Suspension, Aug 17, 2012
BOTH REAR SWAY BAR LINKS BROKE ON A WELL MAINTAINED RAV4 THAT IS GARAGED NIGHTLY. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2012
FELT A LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING, A POPPING NOISE WHEN MAKING TURNS. UNDER WARRENTY, AT APPROXIMATELY 33,000 MILES, THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. AT APPROXIMATELY 56,000 MILES, THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. WAS ADVISED BY THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAD FAILED ONCE AGAIN. COST OF REPLACEMENT ESTIMATED AT $628.00. CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AND RECEIVED A CASE MANAGER. CASE MANAGER INFORMED ME THE FINAL OFFER TOYOTA WOULD MAKE IS TO PAY THE COST OF THE PART, I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE APPROXIMATE $300.00 LABOR COSTS. THEY WOULD NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE REPLACEMENTS SHOULD THE PART FAIL AGAIN. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA REFUSES TO PROPERLY ADDRESS. *TR
Air bags, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAG: SIDE WINDOW) TO HAVE THE SIDE AIR BAGS SENSOR REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACT WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE SPIRAL CABLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE HER, THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER A RECALL FOR A DEFECTIVE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG ECM AND THEY WOULD RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TO SEE WHAT ERROR CODE WAS CAUSING THE ACTIVATION OF THE WARNING LIGHT. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE DEPT, AND THEY STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPORTING TWO SEPARATE ERROR CODES; THE FIRST FOR THE RECALLED ECM, WHICH WAS REPLACED, AND A SECOND FOR A DEFECTIVE SPIRAL CABLE, WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, BUT NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. UPDATED EVOQ 10/10/12
Steering, Aug 13, 2012
ABOUT 18 MONTHS BEFORE THE DATES ABOVE, I NOTICED A KNOCKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I TURNED IT. I DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL IT STARTED GETTING WORSE AND I MENTIONED IT TO A FRIEND AT WORK. HE MENTIONED RESEARCHING IT ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS OR PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTED HAVING SOMEONE LOOK AT IT. I TOOK HIS ADVICE AND SAW THAT RAV4S DID HAVE SOME STEERING ISSUES. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AT THE CHARGE OF $45.00 FOR DIAGNOSIS AND $428.77 PARTS AND LABOR FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 13, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 30 MPH WHEN A GRAY SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL EMITTED FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THE MASTER CYLINDER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER A FIRE BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,329.
Structure, Aug 11, 2012
WATER APPEARS IN THE FRONT OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A RAINSTORM, SEEMS WORSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. WATER APPEARS TO PERSIST AND DRIP FOR DAYS AFTER THE RAINSTORM FROM BELOW THE DASHBOARD. CONCERN IS THAT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY MAY BE COMPROMISED, ESPECIALLY AFTER REPEATED OCCURRENCES. *TR
Air bags, Engine, Aug 7, 2012, crash, fire
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2007 RVA 4 LIMITED WHEN THE CAR AHEAD OF HER SUDDENLY STOPPED. SPEED WAS 25 TO 30 MPH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. SHE BRAKED AND COLLIDED WITH THE CAR AHEAD OF HER. MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO CATCH HERSELF AND WAS SITTING UP RIGHT WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE AIRBAGS BY SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER THE FRONT COLLISION. SOON AFTER THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THICK BLACK SMOKE CAME UP THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN. MY WIFE EVACUATED THE CAR AND WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I AM CONCERNED ON THE DELAY IN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND THE FIRE AND SPEED AT WHICH IT SPREAD. WE LOVED OUR RAV BUT HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT BUYING ANY TOYOTA PRODUCT. *TR
Suspension, Aug 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE REAR TIE ROD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AS THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR TIE ROD WAS FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF RUST. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIE RODS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 29, 2012, fire
THIS JUST HAPPEND TO ME ON THE MORNING OF 07/26/2012. I WAS ON A BUSINESS TRIP AND LEAVING THE AIRPORT. AS I WAS ABOUT TO PAY MY PARKING FEE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR STARTED SMOKING AND I SAW A SMALL FIRE STARTING TO FLARE UP ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOOR BY THE WINDOW SWITCH. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES THE WHOLE DOOR WAS UP IN FLAMES. *JS
Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY ACCELERATOR OPENED TO FULL THROTTLE. I HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE STRONGLY FOR BETWEEN 10 AND 15 SECONDS UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR CLICKED OFF. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON, BUT IT WAS NOT SET. THE PEDAL WAS WELL CLEAR OF THE FLOOR MAT, AND LOOKING DOWN DURING THE INCIDENT I COULD SEE THAT IT WAS CLEAR OF ANY OBJECTS. IT WAS A TERRIFYING EVENT. UPON NOTIFYING A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THEY TESTED THE VEHICLE AND CLAIMED THEY DID NOT DISCOVER WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jul 17, 2012
MY WIFE AND I HAVE A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR KEEPS FALLING DOWN ON ITS OWN WHILE WE ARE DRIVING. IT WILL NO LONGER STAY UP AT ALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING AS IT BLOCKS VISIBILITY TO THE ROAD, AND ALSO PROVIDES A POSSIBLE HEAD INJURY FOR GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. NOT ONLY WILL TOYOTA NOT RECOGNIZE THIS VERY COMMON (RECALL WORTHY) PROBLEM, BUT OUR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY THAT WE PAID ALMOST $2000 EXTRA DOLLARS FOR DOESN'T SEEM TO COVER THIS EITHER. TOYOTA QUOTED US JUST UNDER $200 TO FIX THE VISOR. THE WARRANTY ISSUE IS ONE PROBLEM BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANUFACTURING A PART THAT CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD. IS IT GOING TO TAKE CAR ACCIDENTS AND THE LOSS OF LIVES FOR THIS TO BE RECOGNIZED? *TR
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 107,802.
Air bags, Jul 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Visibility, Jul 9, 2012, fire
THE DRIVER DOOR'S WINDOW/LOCK CONTROL PANEL SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. I WAS NOT USING THE CONTROLS AT THE TIME. I COULD HEAR THE SOUND OF BURNING AND FEEL HEAT BEHIND THE PANEL, HOWEVER NO ACTUAL FLAMES CAME OUTSIDE OF THE PANEL. COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF SMOKE BEGAN TO BILLOW FROM THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL. I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS THE SOUND OF BURNING CEASED. THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO BILLOW FROM THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO COME IN. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE ABOUT ONE MILE TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHILE I WAS DRIVING SMALL AMOUNTS OF SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT THROUGH THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY PLACED SOME KIND OF "LOCK" ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. I HAVE SINCE SEEN THE ACTUAL CONTROL MECHANISM. A PORTION OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IS CHARRED, AND WHERE THIS CHAR IS THERE IS A HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE PLASTIC ENCLOSURE. *TR