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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 5, 2012
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WHEN A RETREAD FROM A 18 WHEELER CAME OFF AND WENT UNDER MY CAR APPARENTLY RIPPING THE CASE AND BRACKET FOR THE CARBON CANISTER OFF. LEAVING 2 HOSES HANGING UNDER THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Jul 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD METALLIC NOISE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED FURTHER. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS ON A 60 DEGREE ANGLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS FRACTURED AND THE TREAD WAS STRIPPED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OFFERED A NEW REAR ASSEMBLY IF THE CONTACT TRADED IN THE OLD PART. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND PERFORMING A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,883. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. ..UPDATED 09/04/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS FISHTAILING SHE JAMMED ON THE BREAKS SLOWLY STOPPING WITH IN INCHES FROM PARKED CARS. UPDATED 09/12/2012 *JS
Electrical system, Jun 22, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Wheels, Jun 12, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AFTER A GUN SHOT LIKE NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND SOMETHING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DETACHED ALONG WITH PART OF THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES, BUT THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE PARKED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE BEGAN IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER MASTER SWITCH. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION OPEN UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12002 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Air bags, May 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE FOR THE AIR BAG CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION AND THE SPIRAL CABLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, May 26, 2012, fire
WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON A SMELL EMANATED AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE WINDOW SWITCH AREA OF THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. THE SMELL LINGERED BUT THE SMOKE STOPPED. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 24, 2012
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE KEYS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE PLASTIC CASING ON THE IGNITION KEY SEPARATED FROM THE METAL PART OF THE PRIMARY KEY. SHE THEN STARTED USING THE SPARE KEY AND WITHIN A YEAR, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THAT KEY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WOULD COST $200 TO REPLACE THE KEY. THE CONSUMER STATED IT IS A CHALLENGE TO HOLD THE PARTS TOGETHER WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. *JB
Visibility/wiper, May 21, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUNSHADE NO LONGER FUNCTIONS PROPERLY IN MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE SHADE DOES NOT STAY UP FLAT AGAINST THE ROOF OF THE CAR, NOR WILL IT REMAIN IN PLACE WHEN PUSHED FORWARD AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD, INSTEAD, IT JUST HANGS SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN, GETTING IN THE DRIVER'S FACE AND POSING A SERIOUS VISIBILITY PROBLEM. IT WON'T EVEN STAY IN PLACE TO BLOCK THE SUN PROPERLY - THE PURPOSE IT WAS DESIGNED FOR. ALSO, WHENEVER GETTING INTO OR OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER NEEDS TO BE CAREFUL TO AVOID HAVING THE SUNSHADE HIT HIM IN THE FACE OR HEAD. I AM ESPECIALLY WORRIED ABOUT HAVING THE "KNIFE EDGE" OF THE SHADE HANGING AT EYE LEVEL IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY CAUSE INJURY TO THE DRIVER. THESE SUNSHADES WERE VERY POORLY DESIGNED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I AM FINDING THAT THIS IS A RELATIVELY COMMON PROBLEM IN SEVERAL TOYOTA VEHICLES FROM THE EARLY TO MID 2000'S. IN ALL OF THE CARS I HAVE EVER OWNED (A FEW OF WHICH UNFORTUNATELY TURNED OUT TO TRULY AWFUL AND UNRELIABLE CARS), AND IN ALL OF THE OTHER CARS I HAVE EVER DRIVEN, I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH THIS DANGEROUS AND ANNOYING PROBLEM. *TT
Air bags, May 14, 2012
SRS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN CAR IS PUT IN GEAR AND REMAINS ON. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN STATED THE CODE INDICATED BY COMPUTER ANALYSIS IS B1801. SPIRAL CABLE AND AIR BAG SENSOR NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $933.31 PARTS, LABOR AND TAX. IT SEEMS THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING WITH SOME FREQUENCY, EVIDENT FROM PRIOR COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS ON AUTOMOTIVE WEBSITES, AND THAT TOYOTA TECHNICIANS ARE AWARE OF IT. *JS
Visibility, May 11, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW POWER SWITCH AND THE DOOR PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, May 9, 2012, fire
MASTER WINDOW SWITCH BURNED AND EMITTED SMOKE WITH HIGH CONCENTRATION OF IRRITATING FUMES THROUGHOUT THE SUV WHILE ENROUTE IN MARYLAND. *TR
Air bags, May 7, 2012
MY AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON APPROXIMATELY AT 128,824 MILES. JUST AFTER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT. DIAGNOSTIC TEST INDICATED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAS FAILED. PART NUMBER IS 84306-22010. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP, THIS FAILURE IN NOT AN UNKNOWN PROBLEM. PARTS ARE $272.00 AND LABOR WILL BE $150.00+ TAX. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH , THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL TOYOTA MODELS.ACCORDING TO TOYOTA WHEN I CALLED THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON THE OTHER MODELS BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE RAV4 TO ISSUE A RECALL. SO WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET THIS THING RECALLED? I AM FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE MONEY AT THIS TIME, BUT AM WONDERING HOW MANY PEOPLE THAT CANNOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR ARE DRIVING TOYOTA'S AROUND WITH AN INOPERATIVE AIR BAG? *TR
Air bags, May 3, 2012, crash
ON 11/15/2011 I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 AND I RAN OVER A WOOD ON THE ROADWAY. MY PASSENGER CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ALMOST CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY AUTO. I BROUGHT MY AUTO TO MY INSURANCE CLAIM DEPARTMENT ( TRAVERS) AND I GOT A INSPECTION AND QUOTED A PRICE OF 2959.98. MY AUTO HAS NO DAMAGE TO IT OTHER THEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I GOT IT FIXED AND A FEW DAYS LATER I RECEIVE A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING THEY HAVE A RECALL ON THE CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAG AND THAT THEY WERE DEPLOYING BECAUSE OF THE SENSORS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN TRYING TO HAVE TOYOTA ACCEPT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS BUT TOYOTA SAYS BECAUSE I GOT IT FIXED BEFORE THEY COULD LOOK IT ,THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBLE AND I AM OUT OF LUCK.I WOULD LIKE TOYOTA TO CLAIM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BECAUSE THEY SENT ME THE RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SAME AIRBAG THAT I HAD THE PROBLEM WITH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER 1,000 MILES, THE ENGINE WOULD CONSUME ONE-HALF A QUART OF ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ISSUE WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Steering, Apr 29, 2012
THE CAR MAKES A CLUNKING, POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEED. DEALER SAYS IT IS A INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, AND ALTHOUGH THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR IT, IT IS NOT COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALER QUOTED A PRICE OF $350, FOR THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND $ 700. IF BOTH SHAFTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Steering, Apr 22, 2012
TOOK MY RAV4 IN FOR SERVICE OF FIVE THOUSAND MILES OIL CHANGE. AT THAT TIME WHEN I PICKED UP CAR WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO GET MY STEERING LOWER SHAFT REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN HAVING STRANGE NOISES SINCE ABOUT 30000 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THE STEERING. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT IS THE STEERING AND I NEED TO GET IT FIX RIGHT AWAY. I FEEL THIS IS A MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM THAN TOYOTA WANTS TO ACKNOWLEDGE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. IS THIS BEING LOOKED INTO? READING ONLINE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH MY 2007. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 22, 2012
WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT LOW SPEED, PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIE ROD ASSEMBLY FAILED AND WHEEL TURNED AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE, DISABLING THE AUTOMOBILE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. DEALERSHIP HAD PREVIOUSLY CHECKED A KNOCKING NOISE IN REAR, BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS A DESIGN FAULT AND THAT THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH THREADS ON THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY TO HOLD THE TIE ROD SUFFICIENTLY. I HAVE FOUND OTHER REPORTS OF THIS TIE ROD FAILURE. SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2012
WITHIN 4000 MILES OF OIL & FILTER CHANGE THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. THERE HAS BEEN NO EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE (DROPS ON GROUND OR BUILD UP ON ENGINE COMPONENTS) AND NO EVIDENCE OF BURNING UP OIL (SMOKE OR SMELL). ONLINE RESEARCH REVEALS A TOYOTA TECHNICAL BULLETIN SB0094-11 ENTITLED EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WHICH DETAILS AN ACCEPTABLE OIL USAGE LEVEL OF 1 QUART EVERY 1200 MILES. THIS MAY HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE IN A CAR BUILT IN 1940, BUT IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN A CAR DESIGNED TO GO 5000 MILES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION CAN LEAD TO EXCESSIVE ENGINE HEAT AND WEAR CAUSING FAILURE AT HIGH SPEED WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. AS TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE YET NOT DOING ENOUGH TO REMEDY IT, I AM REPORTING IT HERE TO HOPEFULLY BE INVESTIGATED. *JS
Electrical system, Apr 17, 2012, fire
IT WAS A SUNNY DAY, AND I DROVE MY 2007 RAV4 AT THE SPEED OF 40 MILES PER HOUR. SUDDENLY, I HEARD A NOISE ZIIIII FROM THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH AT THE DRIVER SIDE. I SAW AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AT THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH AT THE DRIVER SIDE. THE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH. I PULLED OVER MY CAR, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND LEFT THE CAR. WHEN THE FLAME WENT OUT, I SAW A BURNED HOLE ABOUT QUARTER SIZE IN THE SWITCH. NOTE: THERE IS NO WATER LEAKED / COFFEE SPILLED INSIDE THE SWITCH. I WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT THE FUSE DID NOT BLOW OUT. DEALER DENIED TO REPLACING THE SWITCH WITHOUT CHARGING. *JS
Steering, Apr 8, 2012
STEERING POPPING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED. *TR
Steering, Mar 29, 2012
I HAVE 2 TOYOTA RAV4S - BOTH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, THE STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT MANY, MANY OTHER TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED AND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED T-SB-0318-08 BULLETIN WITH AT PROCEDURE TO REPAIR AN INADEQUATELY DESIGNED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT LONG-TERM SAFETY AND LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IF THIS REPAIR IS NOT DONE. TOYOTA SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AND OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY.
Steering, Mar 28, 2012
THIS TOYOTA RAV4 BEGAN HAVING CLUNKING WITH STEERING THE VEHICLE RIGHT AND LEFT DIRECTLY AFTER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE CLUNKING WORSENED SO IT WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED A REPLACEMENT PART THAT WAS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS RAV4 WITH THE STEERING COMPONENT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DESCRIBED THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL IF IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A FACTORY DEFECT? THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT QUOTED ME A $3500 CHARGE FOR REPAIR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT I NEED TO PAY AN ENORMOUS COST FOR A FACTORY DEFECT THAT IS ALSO A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD CARPET AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. THE CONTACT STATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, A LOUD NOISE AND A LEAK EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. UPDATED 5/11/12 *CN THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE MUFFLER OR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED AND SET THE BACK RUNNER MAT ON FIRE, AS IT WAS DIRECTLY UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE BECAME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. UPDATED 05/31/12
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2012
NEUTRAL START SWITCH HIDDEN WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CAN FAIL TO WORK AND THUS NOT SEND A SIGNAL TO START THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE HEAD MECHANIC, THE DEFECT IS UNCERTAIN WHY IT HAPPENS OTHER THAN THE STANDARD RESPONSE THAT IT IS NORMAL ASPECT OF WEAR. I DON'T AGREE, SINCE THE COMPONENT IS UNDER NO STRESS LIKE FOR EXAMPLE A SPARK PLUG. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING IN THE MATTER. *TR *KB