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, Sep 13, 2011
I BEGAN HEARING A CLUNK IN MY STEERING COLUMN APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS AGO. I PURCHASED MY 2007 RAV 4 AT THE END OF JANUARY 2008. IT HAS ONLY 40,000 MILES ON IT. LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (2/8/08) ACKNOWLEDGING A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN: HTTP://WW2.JUSTANSWER.COM/UPLOADS/SND27613/2008-10-14_215655_RAV_4_STEERING_2.PDF. NOW I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS NEEDED TO REPLACE AN INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY (5,000 MILES OR 9 MONTHS TOO LATE). TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR PROBLEM. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. MY MECHANIC URGED ME NOT TO DO ANY LONG DISTANCE DRIVING OR WAIT VERY LONG TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR 5 DAYS (APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM!!!!). PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2011
WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, VEHICLE MAKES A THUMPING NOISE. THE THUMPING NOISE SEEMS TO COME FROM THE STEERING SHAFT. I FEAR LOSING CONTROL OF THE STEERING. APPARENTLY, TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OF THE VEHICLE, AND TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. I FEAR THIS DEFECT IN THE STEERING WILL IMPACT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. I FEAR COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE STEERING. *TR
Steering, Aug 27, 2011
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 DEVELOPED CLUNKING THAT IS HEARD AND FELT IN STEERING AT SLOW SPEEDS (EXAMPLE: PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACE.) WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED ROUTINELY AND FOR ANOTHER RECALL (CARPET/GAS PEDAL), THE PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER'S ATTENTION. THE PROBLEM WAS THE "STEERING ROD" AND REPAIR WOULD BE AT MY EXPENSE. THE CAR IS ALREADY OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD IT "WASN'T A SAFETY ISSUE" AND THAT "IT WOULD GET WORSE." GIVEN ALL THE COMPLAINTS ALREADY DOCUMENTED BY OTHER OWNERS, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. IS WAITING FOR A COMPLETE FAILURE OF STEERING RESULTING IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT REQUIRED TO HAVE THIS RECALLED? SINCE TOYOTA IS UNWILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, CAN NHTSA TAKE A PROACTIVE RESPONSE, RATHER THAN WAIT FOR AN ACCIDENT WITH FATALITY TO PUSH THE ISSUE? *TT
Steering, Aug 9, 2011
STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED T-SB-0318-08 BULLETIN WITH A 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 REQUIRED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AND OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY OF THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Aug 8, 2011
CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEED IN 2007 TOYOTA RAV4, WHICH STARTED AT 39,000 MILES AND REMAINS AT 51,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Aug 1, 2011
2007 TOYOTA RAV4. STEERING COLUMN FAILURE. TOYOTA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS MULTIPLE SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ITEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *KB
Wheels, Jul 29, 2011
ALLOY RIMS ARE RUSTED ON 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. *TR
Steering, Jul 29, 2011
TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SB0318-08 DESCRIBES A STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FAILURE THAT IS WIDESPREAD (BASED ON INTERNET SEARCH) FOR THE 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE TSB ALSO INDICATES THAT A NEWLY DESIGNED PART IS REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA HAS WAITED THE 3 YEAR - 36 MONTHS WARRANTY TO EXPIRE IN ORDER TO CHARGE ITS CUSTOMERS TO FIX THE MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT - AT A COST OF OVER $1,000. GIVEN THE EXTENT OF THIS PROBLEM AND THE RECOGNITION BY TOYOTA THAT FAILURES OCCUR FREQUENTLY AND REQUIRE REPLACEMENT VIA A NEWLY DESIGNED PART - A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED SO OWNER'S CAN HAVE THIS PART REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Jul 26, 2011
STEERING SYSTEM MAKES KNOCKING NOISES WHEN CAR IS TURNING EITHER RIGHT OF LEFT. USUALLY AT SLOW SPEED. *TR
Steering, Jul 22, 2011
STEERING IS BEGINNING TO FEEL LOOSE. WHEN MAKING TURNS TO RIGHT OR LEFT THERE IS A CLUNKING SOUND AT LOW SPEEDS. GETTING WORSE WITH TIME. THIS APPEARS TO BE EXACTLY THE SAME SITUATION DESCRIBED BY MANY OTHER RAV4 OWNERS WHO ARE REPORTING THAT LED TO THEIR REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS ON WHICH TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NO RECALL. THIS WOULD SEEM TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN. FIRST NOTICED THE CLUNKING SOUND AT ABOUT 45,000 MILES. *TT
Steering, Jul 22, 2011
WHEN MOVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, CLUNKING SOUNDS ARE HEARD. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPORTED TO TOYOTA, IT WAS DISMISSED AS BEING A RESULT OF THE COLD WEATHER. WARMER WEATHER AND SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH INDICATES THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN; A PROBLEM TOYOTA IS AWARE OF, BUT HAS NOT RESPONDED TO PROACTIVELY. *TT
Steering, Jul 19, 2011
I HAVE A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND TOYOTA HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN DEALING WITH IT; STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND IS COVERED UNDER TWO NUMBERS; ST001-08 AND LATER T-SB-0318-08. THE SHAFT IS COMING APART AND MAKES NOISE PARTICULARLY AT LOW SPEED. ACCORDING TO REPORTS IT AFFECTS THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES. I FIRST BECAME AWARE OF MY PROBLEM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT WAS TOLD THE NOISE WAS NOTHING; THIS INCIDENT WAS NOT REPORTED IN THEIR SYSTEM. LATER I FOUND OUT WHAT THIS ISSUE WAS AND THAT THEY KNEW. SINCE THEN I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO GET IT FIXED BUT THEY WANT $800 TO FIX WHAT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING/DESIGN DEFECT. THEY RECENTLY OFFERED TO FIX IT FOR $600; NOT MUCH OF AN OFFER SINCE MY LOCAL MECHANIC WILL DO IT FOR THE SAME PRICE. SINCE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE WITH ISSUES AND I WOULD ASSUME POSES A SAFETY ISSUE I WOULD EXPECT THEM TO DO A GENERAL RECALL. I HOPE YOU CAN FORCE THEM TO DO SUCH. *KB
Steering, Jul 13, 2011
I HAVE A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. I NOTICED A CLANKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD "INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS REPLACEMENT." MY CAR WAS JUST 1000 MILES OVER OF THE 36000 MILES WARRANTY. DEALER SAID IT WILL COST ME 600 PLUS TAX TO FIX IT. BUT THEY ALSO MENTIONED THIS IS NOT SOMETHING I HAVE TO FIX RIGHT AWAY. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT MANY TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS A BULLETIN STATING THIS IS CAUSED BY A LACK OF GREASE AT ONE OF THE JOINTS. IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT TOYOTA SHOULD FIX AT THEIR COST. I THINK IT IS TIME FOR THE DEALER TO TAKE SOME ACTION REGARDING THIS. *TR
Steering, Jul 9, 2011
TOYOTA RAV4 STEERING, CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Steering, Jul 8, 2011
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS DISTINCTIVE CLUNKING, CLACKING AND BANGING SOUNDS WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. NOTICED IT AT 37,204 MILES, RIGHT AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. HAS TSB ON THIS PROBLEM WHICH REVEALS INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT DEFECT AND NEW VERSION AVAILABLE FOR FIX. WEB CHECK ALSO REVEALS EPIDEMIC EXISTS FOR THIS PROBLEM. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CONFIRM PROBLEMS WHICH THEY DID. CALLED TOYOTA BUT THEY WILL DO OR PAY NOTHING SINCE VEHICLE IS PAST WARRANTY. WHAT DOES WARRANTY HAVE TO DO WITH THIS? THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART WHICH NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPLACED. I AM VERY ANGRY AT TOYOTA AND IT'S STANCE CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. A MANDATORY RECALL NEEDS TO BE ENACTED. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Jul 7, 2011, fire
AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, I SAW A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVERS DOOR PANEL AND IT SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. AFTERWARDS, THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL. THE PASSENGER WINDOW WOULD ONLY LET DOWN (VERY SLOWLY) BUT WOULDN'T GO BACK UP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE MAIN POWER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAD A HOLE BURNED INTO IT THE SIZE OF A DIME. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. PRIOR TO THIS THE PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2010 AND NOVEMBER 2010. HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENTS STILL NEVER TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM OF THE PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. IN FACT, A COUPLE MONTHS AGO I WAS JUST AT THE DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING THAT I WAS STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW SWITCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. I NEVER GUESSED THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE! NOW I'M A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING MY VEHICLE! UPDATED 11/17/11 *BF UPDATED 06/06/12 *JS
Steering, Jul 7, 2011
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 STEERING. *TR
Steering, Jul 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING NOISE WAS EXHIBITED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IF THE STEERING SHAFT WAS NOT REPLACED, THE VEHICLE COULD BECOME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Air bags, Jun 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIRS DONE ON THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) THE SRS WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT ONE OF THE FUSES FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2011
CAR STARTED RUMBLING AND MIS-FIRING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES IN AUGUST 2010. REPAIR CONSISTED OF REPLACING THE #5 IGNITION COIL FOR $225. HAPPENED AGAIN 06/13/11 AND #6 IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE COST OF $308. PART NUMBER FP#90919-A2007.
Steering, Jun 13, 2011
STEERING BEGAN EXPERIENCING A SLIGHT 'CLUNKING' FEEL AND NOISE. IT PROGRESSIVELY BECAME WORSE. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA GARAGE FOR REPAIR, AS I WAS CONCERNED THE STEERING WOULD FAIL, AND WAS DISTURBINGLY SURPRISED TO FIND THEY HAD THE PART IN STOCK. I USE TO WORK IN AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIPS PARTS DEPARTMENTS AND WE NEVER STOCKED A PART OF THIS NATURE AS IT WAS AN ITEM THAT DIDN'T NORMALLY WEAR OUT. COST TO REPLACE IT WAS AROUND $500. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THIS ITEM HAS A POOR HISTORY THAT TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF BUT DIDN'T NOTIFY THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:11V113000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL). SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REACH THE PEDAL BECAUSE THE PEDAL WAS MODIFIED TOO SHORT, RESULTING IN THE CONTACT'S FOOT SLIPPING FROM THE PEDAL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD ORDER A NEW PEDAL, BUT THE PEDAL WOULD BE THE SAME SIZE AS THE PEDAL THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,127 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,277.
Steering, Jun 8, 2011
AT ANY TIME DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING COLUMN CAN MAKE AN AUDIBLE CLUNK WHEN TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. IT GETS PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE WORRY IS THAT THE STEERING JOINT COULD COMPLETELY DISLOCATE DISABLING CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM DOCUMENTED IN A TSB BY THE MANUFACTURER. TYPICAL REPAIR COSTS CAN EXCEED $800. *TR
Steering, May 30, 2011
STEERING COLUMN HAS A CATCH IN IT WHEN TURNING...TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS ..BUT THEIR HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON IT...
Steering, May 27, 2011
CLUNKING-GRINDING SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED RAV4 DOES NOT TRACK ON HIGHWAY AS IT DID BEFORE...LIKES TO WANDER, ALWAYS CORRECTING THE STEERING. DEALER STATES THERE IS A TSB TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AT MY EXPENSE. *TR