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, Visibility, Mar 15, 2012
JUST LIKE MANY OTHER OWNERS OF 2007 RAV4 I BEGAN EXPERIENCING A DISTINCTIVE KLUNKING NOISE AROUND 35,000 MILES. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE SIDE..... MY PROBLEM WAS THAT IT WAS MAKING CRACKING NOISE ALL THE TIME, WHEN TURNING OR ESPECIALLY PARKING THE CAR.... ALSO A PROBLEM WITH MY DRIVER VISOR FLAP NOT STAYING IN UPWARD POSITION IT WAS HANGING DOWN HALFWAY AND FACES FORWARD. I HAD TO PAY 75 DOLLARS TO REPLACE IT, WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT. SINCE SO MANY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 OWNER ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS IT SHOULD BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL STATUS!!! *TR
Wheels, Mar 11, 2012
DRIVER SIDE STEEL WHEEL PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM HUB DUE TO SHEARING OF 4 OF 5 WHEEL LUGS. TESTED AN ADDITIONAL WHEEL LUG/NUT ON PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WITH TORQUE WRENCH SET AT 85 LB-FT AND IT SHEARED OFF. JUST PRIOR TO WHEEL SEPARATION, LOUD "POPS" WERE HEARD WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE DRIVER TO REDUCE SPEED AND SHOULDER THE VEHICLE. NO BODY DAMAGE, JUST SHAKEN DRIVER. ALL WHEEL NUTS WERE PROPERLY TORQUED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATION OF 85 LB-FT LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AGO. *TR *JS
Steering, Mar 4, 2012
EXPERIENCE KNOCKING AND POPPING NOISES IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. MY VEHICLE HAD 31,247 MILES ON IT WHEN I BROUGHT IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL. THEY ASKED ME ABOUT THE KNOCKING AND I SAID YES IT'S KNOCKING. ASKED IF IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THEY SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME IF IT WAS....I NEVER HEARD BACK FROM THEM. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST ABOUT $500 TO REPAIR. I DID RESEARCH ON LINE AND FOUND 117 COMPLAINTS. WHY HASN'T TOYOTA RECALLED THIS? I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. TOYOTA KNEW THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2012, fire
MY WIFE STARTED VEHICLE IN GARAGE TO WARM IT UP WHEN SHE SMELLED SMOKE. SHE THEN NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW/POWER LOCK SWITCH AREA. SHE POURED HER CUP OF COFFEE ON THE FLAMES TO EXTINGUISH THEM. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH WHICH HAD BURNT UP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2012
A CAR PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND I TOUCHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY ENGINE INCREASED ACCELERATION WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE SLOWED ACCELERATION AND I PUSHED MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND I PULLED CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TOWARDS ME AND THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN-MY CAR HAD BEEN SET TO CRUISE AT 52 MPH. AFTER THE INCIDENT I SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AS I WAS HEADING INTO TOWN. I THEN PULLED INTO BIG SCOOP(CANTON,IL BUSINESS) PARKING LOT GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH-A LADY WALKED IN FRONT OF MY CAR AND I TOUCHED THE BRAKE AND AGAIN I EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ACCELERATION AND AGAIN I WAS QUICK IN SHOVING CAR INTO NEUTRAL PREVENTING A SERIOUS INJURY. I WENT HOME AND CALLED FORT TOYOTA IN PEKIN, IL AND I TOOK CAR IN FEB, 17, 2012 AT NOON. THEY HAD THEIR TOP MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT-HE SAID HE COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THEY CALLED TOYOTA'S HEADQUARTERS AND THEY TOLD THEM IT WAS A FLOORMAT ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT AND I TOLD THEM IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FLOORMATS BUT RATHER AFTER TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL IS WHEN I RECEIVED UNWANTED ACCELERATION IN BOTH INCIDENTS. THEY ASKED ME SEVERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT AND THEY GAVE ME TOYOTA'S HEADQUARTERS NUMBER AND GAVE ME A RENTAL CAR TO USE. WHEN I CALLED THEIR HEADQUARTERS THEY SAID IT WAS A FLOORMAT ISSUE AND THAT WAS THEIR FINAL STATEMENT ON THE MATTER. I TOLD THEM IT WAS A BRAKE ISSUE BUT THEY STUCK TO FLOORMATS AS THE CAUSE AND THAT IS WHY I'M REPORTING THIS MATTER TO YOU AS I FEEL FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL DRIVERS; THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BY ANY AUTOMAKER WITH UNWANTED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. A FIRST STEP IS TO ADMIT THAT THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM THEN GOOD(SAFE) THINGS WILL RESULT. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME OUT. IT IS APPRECIATED VERY MUCH,[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Feb 23, 2012
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAD A REAR RIGHT WHEEL TIE ROD BREAK WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND OUR ONE YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE VEHICLE. WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO SEE MY WIFE'S DOCTOR FOR HER MEDICAL CONDITION AT THE TIME. THANKFULLY WE HAD JUST MADE A TURN ON TO THE ON-RAMP OF THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY AND WERE MOVING AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF WE WERE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE TIE ROD BROKE, I MIGHT HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD A TERRIBLE CRASH WITH SERIOUS INJURY (OR WORSE) TO OUR FAMILY AND POSSIBLY OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET ABOUT TOYOTA RAV4 TIE ROD INCIDENTS, IT SEEMS THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER RAV4 DRIVERS MANY TIMES ON ALL DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS OF THE VEHICLE. JUST LIKE US THEY ALL SAY THEY DID NOT HIT ANY POT HOLES OR OTHER OBJECTS TO HAVE CAUSED THE TIE ROD TO BREAK. THIS FAILING OF TIE RODS ON RAV4S SEEMS LIKE A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT. SOME ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM THIS TIE ROD FAILURES ON TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLES. *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2012, crash
I WAS JUST IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I LOST STEERING AND CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. AFTER READING ONLINE ABOUT THE KNOCKING IN THE STEERING FROM OTHER OWNERS, I BELIEVE I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH NOONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED I AM WORRIED ABOUT OTHER DRIVERS SAFETY. MY CAR AND TWO OTHERS WERE TOTALED. I HAVE MY CAR SERVICED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AT THE SAME TOYOTA DEALER AND I THINK THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE NOTICED SOMETHING WITH THE STEERING AND CHECKED IT . I JUST HAD A 50000 MILE CHECKUP. I REALLY FEEL SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT CAN BE FATAL. I AM LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. MY CAR DID GO INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THOUGH. I HOPE SOMEONE KNOWS HOW TO GET AHOLD OF ME AND HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. BUT JUST TO SAY EVERYONE ELSE, PLEASE BE CAREFUL. *TR
Air bags, Feb 21, 2012
SPIRAL CABLE FAILURE IN STEERING COLUMN CAUSING AIRBAG MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. TOYOTA CHARGING TO REPAIR WHEN CLEARLY THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS IN MANY RAV4'S WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. $500+ FOR REPAIR. *TR
Suspension, Feb 17, 2012
VEHICLE EXHIBITED A CLUNK AND RATCHET SOUND FROM REAR OF CAR WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO DEALER IN JANUARY 2010. WHILE THE NOISE WAS REPLICATED, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS ASSURED THAT THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. A LOCAL MECHANIC WAS ALSO CONSULTED WHO COULD NOT PINPOINT THE SOURCE OF THE SUSPENSION NOISE. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL KICKED OUT AND WAS NO LONGER PARALLEL WITH THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS PRACTICALLY IMMOBILE. THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE A LINKAGE THAT STRIPPED ITSELF OUT. THE LINKAGE (TIE ROD?) HOLDS THE WHEEL IN PLACE. I HAD BOTH SIDES (RIGHT AND LEFT) REPAIRED JUST IN CASE THE LEFT SIDE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR WEAR. CAR REMAINS SLIGHTLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT (JUST BEYOND TOLERANCE) AS LINKAGE FAILURE CAUSED SUSPENSION COMPONENTS TO WARP OR BEND. *TR
Seat belts, Feb 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD TIGHTEN TO THE POINT OF CHOKING THE PASSENGER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO TEMPORARILY REMEDY THE FAILURE WAS TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Visibility, Feb 14, 2012, fire
I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 RAV4 FROM TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE IN 2007. 1. IN 2009 I COULD HEAR WIND IN THE DRIVER'S WINDOW; I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED, TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID I WAS HEARING THINGS. 2.THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAUGHT FIRE (I HAD THE KEYS WITH ME) I HAD TO SPEND $606.01 TO FIX IT, TOYOTA SAID THERE WAS WATER INTRUSION (I THOUGHT, IT PROBABLY WAS, BECAUSE OF THE AIR LEAK PREVIOUSLY REPORTED IN 2009) 3. THE STEERING WHEEL FELT STRANGE WHEN I DROVE, I TOOK IT BACK FOR SERVICE, THE DIAGNOSIS WAS STEERING SHAFT INTERNAL FAILURE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; I FOUGHT TO GET THAT FIXED OUT OF WARRANTY. 5. ON NOVEMBER 25, 2011 I WAS DRIVING, THE WINDOW FELL IN ON ME AND ON NOVEMBER 26, 2011, I HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR REPLACED FOR $338.30 7. NOW, OIL IS LEAKING INTO THE MUFFLER. (I PURCHASE OIL FREQUENTLY) THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 4.5 YEARS OLD AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY OF THESE MAJOR PROBLEMS, WHEN I PURCHASED THIS RAV4, IT WAS GOING TO BE MY LAST VEHICLE PURCHASE BECAUSE TOYOTA ADVERTISES LONGEVITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS. I ALSO KNOW PEOPLE WHO DRIVE 1990 AND 1995 TOYOTA PRODUCTS WHO HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. I WAS ALSO TREATED VERY POORLY DURING SOME OF MY REPAIR VISITS. AFTER THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, I HAD A MEETING WITH THE OWNER OF TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE, [XXX] BUT HIS RESOLUTION WAS GIVING ME $13,000.00 FOR MY VEHICLE (WHICH I OWN) AND ME PURCHASING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE, WHICH MEANT I WOULD HAVE A MONTHLY PAYMENT. I DID CONTACT TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN CALIFORNIA AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY RESOLUTION. SINCE THEN I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT STATING THEY CAN'T HELP ME. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE, SINCERELY, TOYOTA RAV4 OWNER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 11, 2012
WHEN DRIVING FOR LONGS PERIODS, AND SOME SHORT PERIODS INCLUDING COMING HOME FROM THE DEALER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW, THE CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY CONTROL, AND 4WD LIGHTS COME ON IN THE CLUSTER. THE CRUISE CONTROL, 4WD, AND STABILITY CONTROL DO NOT FUNCTION WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY CODES AND CANNOT FIX IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE MARCH OF 2007, AND THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN, AS I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES DOING THE SAME THING, AND STABILITY CONTROL IS A SAFETY FEATURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 10, 2012
TRANSMISSION DEVELOPED AN ANNOYING WHINE FROM 40 TO 60 MPH. VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE OF THE HIGH PITCH NOISE IT MAKES INSIDE THE CABIN. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! *TR
Electrical system, Feb 10, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT REMOVED ALL OF THE SWITCHS AND FUSES FROM THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility, Feb 10, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CABIN STARTED SMOKING THEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW MASTER CYLINDER SWITCH FAILED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE WINDOW SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Steering, Feb 7, 2012
BEGAN EXPERIENCING A DISTINCTIVE CLUNKING NOISE, AT LOW SPEEDS, WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CLUNK COULD BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND FELT AS THOUGH A BUSHING WAS DEFECTIVE, OR THEIR IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. NO NOISE FROM THE FRONT END, OR UNDERCARRIAGE, JUST AT THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN TURNING, AT LOW SPEEDS. TOYOTA STATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAVE DEVELOPED A PART REPLACEMENT, HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH COULD BECOME FATAL, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SHOULD BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL STATUS, AS IT INVOLVES THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2012, fire
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK LAST JANUARY 19 AT 5PM I SAW MY WINDOW THAT IT LOOKS LIKE SO HOT OUTSIDE AND WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN IT,I SAW A FLAME COMING OUT FROM THE LEFT POWER SWITCH. I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE IT WAS GETTING BIG SO I STOP MY CAR ,TURN OFF MY ENGINE,GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL 911. WHEN POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE FIRE OR FLAMES GONE. IT WAS SO STRANGE AND SCARY. GOOD THING I NEVER GOT HURT AND I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE RIGHT AWAY. I FILE THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I JUST WANT YOU TO BE AWARE SO THAT YOU GUYS CAN DO ANY SOLUTION FOR THIS MATTER AND I DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO EXPERIENCE WHAT HAPPEN TO ME. POLICE REPORT # 12-024482. *KB
Steering, Feb 3, 2012
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT STARTED FAILING CAUSING KNOCKING NOISES WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. TOYOTA WILL ONLY REPLACE WITHIN STANDARD WARRANTY PERIOD AS THEY DON'T THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *KB
Steering, Feb 2, 2012
SEVERAL YEARS AGO I NOTICED A POPPING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. I THOUGHT IT WAS IN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE I FREQUENTLY USED THE TILT AND TELESCOPE FEATURES TO LET ME USE MY WORK LAPTOP WHILE IN THE CAR. (I AM A RETIRED HOSPICE NURSE.) I JUST FIGURED IT WAS AGING FROM OVERUSE. HOWEVER, LAST WEEK I TOOK THE 2007 RAV4 IN TO MY TIRE DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE ALIGNMENT WHILE THEY DID SOME OTHER WORK. THE MECHANIC WAS SHARP AND TOLD ME THAT HE HAD FIRST THOUGHT THE SAME THING ABOUT THE STEERING WHEEL BEING THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE, BUT INVESTIGATED FURTHER AND FOUND IT WAS THE "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT" OF THE STEERING SYSTEM. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT IT. I'VE LOOKED UP THE TSB'S AND THEY ARE 0318-08 AND ST001-08, AND THEY DESCRIBE MY CAR EXACTLY. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TOMORROW-2-3-12-TO HAVE A LOCAL DEALER LOOK AT IT. THE CAR HAS 69659 MILES ON IT NOW, BUT ONLY 49882 WHEN I RETIRED IN MAY OF '10 AND IT WAS MAYBE A YEAR BEFORE THAT (AT 33842 MILES) THAT THE NOISE STARTED. THIS HAS CERTAINLY NOT BEEN THE CAR OUR '96 RAV WAS. I CALL IT MY BAD LUCK CAR FOR VARIOUS REASONS AND IT APPEARS IT STILL IS. THE TIRE MECHANIC SAID THE REPAIR WAS ABOUT $400. *KB
Steering, Jan 27, 2012
EXPERIENCED KNOCKING NOISES WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. CONDITION HAS WORSENED OVER THE LAST YEAR. I AM CONCERNED THIS COULD RESULT IN STEERING FAILURE AND AN EXPECTED INABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Jan 11, 2012
EXPERIENCED KNOCKING AND POPPING NOISE WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CONDITION WORSENED OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW WEEKS AND EVENTUALLY BECAME CONSTANT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2011
VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW AND HAD 148MILES ON IT WHEN DELIVERED AS IT WAS DELIVERED TO ME FROM ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. FOR THE PAST 20,000 MILES IT HAS BEEN USING 3-4 QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. TOYOTA KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND HAS A TSB 0094-11 TO FIX THE DESIGN FLAW. THIS "FIX" BASICALLY REBUILDS THE ENGINE WITH NEW PISTONS, RINGS AND CRANKS. CALLED THE DEALER WHEN I SAW THIS TSB AND TOLD THEM I HAD 59923 MILES ON VEHICLE SO I'LL BE OVER THE WARRANTY BY THE TIME I BRING IT IN AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NO PROBLEM. DROPPED OFF VEHICLE WITH 60114 MILES ON IT AND THEY STARTED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BY FIRST FILLING THE OIL. IT TOOK 3 1/2 QUARTS JUST TO TOP IT OFF. NEED TO GO BACK IN 1200 MILES TO CONFIRM THAT IT IS USING OIL BUT THEY TOLD ME THE WARRANTY WILL NOT BE VALID AND I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. TOYOTA USES THIS ENGINE IN MANY DIFFERENT VEHICLES AND A SEARCH ONLINE FINDS THAT THERE ARE QUITE A FEW PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. *KB
Steering, Dec 30, 2011
"KLUNKING" NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN. NOTICED INTERMITTENTLY INITIALLY,NOW ALL THE TIME. OCCURS AT ANY SPEEDS BUT PRIMARILY LOWER SPEEDS AND WHILE STOPPED. WORSENING OVER TIME. *KB
Steering, Dec 27, 2011
UPON STARTING THE CAR THE RED POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT (P/S) STAYED ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN 2 WEEKS. WE ARE TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. OTHERS ON THE INTERNET WITH THIS EXACT PROBLEM SAY IT COST $2500 TO FIX!! TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON RELIEVED THE PROBLEM BUT IT CAME BACK AGAIN A WEEK LATER. GM ISSUED A RECALL QUICKLY FOR ITS CARS WHEN THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE NEW ELECTRIC INSTEAD OF HYDRAULIC STEERING. THIS IS ANOTHER MAJOR DEFECT FOR TOYOTA WHICH COULD BE VERY SERIOUS IF THE STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING! LOSS OF STEERING CAN RESULT IN MAJOR ACCIDENTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THIS MATTER. LIVES WILL BE SAVED IF YOU MAKE TOYOTA MEET ITS RESPONSIBILITIES AND ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Dec 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 51 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HER AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.