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, Wheels, May 20, 2011
DRIVER OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, CAR BEGAN TO SKID AND INTERMITTENT WARNING BEEP CAME ON. DRIVER PULLED OVER, AND UPON EXITING AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, DRIVER SAW THAT THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WAS SLANTED INWARD APPROXIMATELY 45 DEGREES. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND DRIVER WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIE ROD HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN. ALL OTHER TIE RODS APPEARED NORMAL. TIE ROD WAS REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP. FAILURE OCCURRED AT 43,500 MILEAGE. *TR
Steering, May 19, 2011
CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM STEERING. TOYOTA WILL NOT ASSIST IN REPAIRING COSTS BEING CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 15, 2011
REPLACED LOWER AND MIDDLE STEERING SHAFT. REPLACED STABILIZER BAR CONTROL END LINKS, FRONT AND REAR AND STRUTS.
Steering, Suspension, May 13, 2011
CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM STEERING MECHANISM. REPLACED LOWER AND MIDDLE STEERING SHAFT AND FRONT AND REAR END LINKS. *TR
Steering, Apr 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A KNOCKING NOISE WAS EXHIBITED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHENEVER MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Apr 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHENEVER ATTEMPTING A TURN. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2011, fire
ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTING INSIDE MASTER WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH. I WAS CLEANING MY CAR WITH THE IGNITION ON BATTERY POWER (IN ORDER TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO). AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES I NOTICED A BURNT PLASTIC SMELL, CONSIDERABLE SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SMALL TONGUE OF FLAME FROM THE SAME PLACE. THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS (LATER FOUND TO BE) THE WHITE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW MASTER CONTROL, WHERE THE PHYSICAL WINDOW SWITCH MEETS THE CIRCUIT BOARD. I WAS NOT TOUCHING ANY WINDOW OR OTHER CONTROLS AT THE TIME OR WITHIN 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE. THE FIRE STOPPED RAPIDLY AFTER I TOOK THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION, DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLES, POPPED OFF THE MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH A SCREWDRIVER AND THEN SMOTHERED THE CONTROLS WITH A WET TOWEL. ALL THE VEHICLE'S WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE AFTER THAT. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY PERFORMED AN INSPECTION AND REPORTED THAT THEY WERE 'MYSTIFIED' AS TO THE CAUSE. THE SERVICE MANAGER'S WORDS WERE: 'I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN MY 25 YEARS WORKING ON CARS.' THE PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS CONFINED TO THE MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND COST $422 TO REPLACE. TOYOTA REFUSED TO PAY FOR THIS. *TR
Steering, Apr 4, 2011
THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP TO COMPLAINT NUMBER 10322423 I FILED ON MARCH 26, 2010. AT 37,109 MILES MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAD A BINDING AND THUMPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. AT 46,781 MILES I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT MY LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR FACILITY (NOT A TOYOTA DEALER). THEY RECOMMENDED I HAVE TOYOTA LOOK AT THE VEHICLE SINCE THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION WAS BAD. I TOOK THE RAV4 TO A DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALER IN THE AREA. THEY CONFIRMED THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WHILE THEY WERE WORKING ON THE VEHICLE'S STEERING SYSTEM. A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE RACK AND PINION BEING REPLACED, THE CAR FELT LIKE IT HAD NO POWER STEERING AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED AT 48,555. THE SECOND TOYOTA DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT DID NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE BINDING AND THUMPING NOISE WAS BEING CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION. I DO NOT HAVE THE BINDING AND THUMPING NOISE IN THE STEERING SINCE THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS) FOR THE BINDING AND THUMPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN ' REPLACEMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS. THE PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE BINDING AND THUMPING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION, NOT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION PROBABLY WAS BAD AT 37,109 MILES. MANY 2006-2008 RAV4S HAVE REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMNS. DOES TOYOTA REALLY KNOW WHAT'S CAUSING THE STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS ON THE 2006-2008 RAV4S? IT'S VERY DISAPPOINTING TOYOTA AND THE NHTSA DOES NOT CONSIDER A STEERING PROBLEM A SERIOUS ENOUGH PROBLEM FOR A RECALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 27, 2011
2007 TOYOTA RAV4, SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT. WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE, EVEN THOUGH FOOT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING FORWARD AND THROUGH A STOP LIGHT. AS VEHICLE WAS PULLING FORWARD SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, ONLY THEN DID THE VEHICLE'S MOTION STOP. ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV TO VERY HIGH RPMS FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS, THE RPMS THEN CAME BACK DOWN TO NORMAL. DROVE VEHICLE 10 MILES TO GET HOME TERRIFIED THAT IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Wheels, Mar 12, 2011
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT RIMS OEM ARE RUSTING A AT FAST PACE. SOME BIG CHUNKS ARE FALLING OFF. I AM AFRAID THAT THE WHEEL WILL FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. I WROTE TO TOYOTA CORP THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
AT AROUND 20,000 MILES, MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 STARTED MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN I MADE RIGHT HAND TURNS. I BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SOUND. OVER TIME, THE CLUNKING GREW LOUDER AND COULD BE FELT TRAVELING UP THE STEERING SHAFT. I BROUGHT IT IN AGAIN JUST SHY OF THE 36 MONTH WARRANTY LIMIT AND WAS TOLD THAT ONCE AGAIN THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS COULD NOT DETECT ANY SOUND/DEFECT. HOWEVER, WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR A SAFETY RECALL ON AN OIL HOSE, I MENTIONED THE STEERING PROBLEM YET AGAIN AND LO AND BEHOLD, THEY COULD NOW DETECT IT! HOWEVER, MY CAR WAS NOW PAST THE 36 MONTH COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY COVERAGE, SO THE REPAIR WOULD BE OUT OF POCKET. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN PULLED UP THE SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0318-08, DATED 10-20-2008. IT CLEARLY DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM JUST AS I HAD DESCRIBED IT TO THE TECHNICIAN, AND WAS POSTED ALMOST A YEAR BEFORE MY SECOND TRIP TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM REPAIRED YET, AND NOW THE CLUNK IS HEARD AND FELT WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE ULTIMATE OUTCOME WILL BE IF I IGNORE THE PROBLEM INDEFINITELY. I DO KNOW THAT I AM ONE OF MANY 2006-2008 RAV OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS DEFECT ON THE INTERNET. BASED ON THIS NUMBER, TOYOTA SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL THE DEFECT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 17, 2011
BRAKE BOOSTER BROKE DOWN AND REPAIR WILL COST ABOUT $1,120 DOLLARS. MY CAR IS 2007. I NEED TO DO THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR THE CAR, AND I CAN NOT PAY, AT THE SAME TIME, I CANNOT AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT CAR, I WILL LOST MY JOB. I NEED HELP. RIGHT NOW THE CAR IS BEEN REPAIR AT WONDERS TOYOTA DEALER ALHAMBRA CA. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 11, 2011
UNEXPLAINED/UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION: WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY RACED. IF MY FOOT HAD NOT ALREADY BEEN ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR WOULD HAVE SURGED FORWARD. I KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATION HAD STOPPED. THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HE APPLIED THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT BUT INSTEAD THE SPEED INCREASED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,900. UPDATED 3/21/11 *CN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. UPDATED 08/22/11
Air bags, Jan 27, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN WHEN SUDDENLY AN OPPOSING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM A CONCUSSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,100.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 27, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND GASKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY DID NOT RESPOND TO ANY VOICE MAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,110 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,400.
Steering, Jan 26, 2011
ON 2007 AND 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLES, THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY FAIL. TOYOTA HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT DESCRIBES THE FIX: TSB 0318-08 REV1. DRIVERS WILL BEGIN TO FEEL A "THUNK" IN THE STEERING COLUMN, AND MY MECHANIC (AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP) INFORMED ME THIS WOULD BECOME A SAFETY PROBLEM IF LEFT UNFIXED. THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE CAUSED BY ANY KIND OF DRIVER ERROR. RATHER, IT IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE STEERING COMPONENTS. ON MY 2007 RAV4, THIS PROBLEM BEGAN AT AROUND 55,000 MILES, AND WAS FIXED PER THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REFERENCED ABOVE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2011
CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING, TOYOTA DEALER CHECK TSB AND FOUND T-SB-0318-08. ADVISE TO REPLACE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WHICH COST ME TOTAL OF $834.86 INCLUDING FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM WITH 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 IN THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS LIKE ALL THE PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR IS ALL THE SAME. A RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, DO YOU HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING REALLY BAD HAPPEND.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP DRIVING 2 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS OF 7000. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKE AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE OR DIAGNOSIS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 33,000 UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 04/25/11
Steering, Jan 2, 2011
TSB ST001-08 STEERING GEAR BOX SHAFT . I HAVE A SEVERE CLUNKING NOISE ON MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE NOISE APPEARS WHENEVER I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL EVEN A LITTLE BIT AND CONTINUES INDEFINITELY. I HAVE HAD THIS NOISE FOR ALMOST ONE YEAR AND IT IS GETTING WORSE. ACCORDING TO OTHER RAV4 OWNERS, TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR IT WITHOUT CHARGING THE OWNERS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY WHEN THE NOISE STARTED AND NOW IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND IS NO LONGER COVERED (THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 3 YEARS AGO AND HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT). WHEN I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 1, 2010 FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTION, THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE MILEAGE WAS ONLY 26496 (I PURCHASED IT ON JUNE 16, 2007). I MENTIONED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING, BUT THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY PROBLEMS. I AM UNABLE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND DO NOT FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE TO BECAUSE IT WAS FAULTY WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, AND TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT REFUSES TO REPAIR IT (IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM, ONE THAT AFFECTS 2006 AND 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLES). *TR
Steering, Dec 29, 2010
I OWN A 2007 RAV4 THAT HAVE KNOCKING SOUNDS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AT A COST OF $355.00. THE CAR HAS 31000 MILES AND JUST PASSED THE 36 MONTH WARRANTY. TOYOTA REFUSES TO HELP WITH THE COST OF REPAIR. MANY OTHER 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM ONLINE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN #T-SB-0319-08" TO TELL THE TOYOTA MECHANICS HOW TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFTS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE MADE TO ISSUE A RECALL TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 27, 2010, crash
ON DECEMBER 20, 2010, I WAS PULLING MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 INTO A PARKING SPACE AT STRIP MALL. I HAD PULLED IN AND THEN BACKED UP TO PULL IN STRAIGHTER. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AS I WAS CHANGING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND I GAVE THE CAR SOME GAS TO GET ME INTO THE SPACE. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE REVVED AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BASE OF A LIGHT POLE. ALL THIS HAPPENED IN THE SPACE OF A FEW SECONDS AND MAYBE 10 TO 15 FEET. AFTER THE CAR WAS STOPPED, I LOOKED DOWN TO SEE IF SOMEHOW I ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE GAS BUT MY FOOT WAS SQUARELY ON THE BRAKE. FRIENDS AND ONLOOKERS HELPED ME UNTIL MY HUSBAND ARRIVED.LUCKILY I WAS NOT INJURED BUT VERY SHAKEN UP. MY HUSBAND TOOK PICTURES FROM EVERY ANGLE PLUS A VIEW OF THE FLOOR AREA AROUND THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL. THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT GET CAUGHT ON THE FLOOR MAT. I KNOW THIS WAS A CASE OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. AFTER MY HUSBAND FINISHED TALKING TO OUR INSURANCE AGENT, WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHICH HAPPENED TO BE ONLY SEVERAL MILES AWAY. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR EXACTLY AS IT HAPPENED. SHE INDICATED THAT THEY ( THE DEALER ) HAD NO REPORTS OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WE ASKED THE DEALER TO INVESTIGATE AS IT WAS OUR CONTENTION THAT THIS WAS NOT DRIVER ERROR. ON DECEMBER 21, THE DEALER SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED US BACK TO LET US KNOW THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE TO THE VEHICLE AS TOYOTA EXPERIENCE WOULD BE CONDUCTING AN INVESTIGATION. WE SPOKE TO THE TOYOTA SPOKESMAN EXPLAINING WHAT HAPPENED AND HE ASKED US WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TOYOTA TO DO . WE SAID WE WOULD LIKE THE CAR REPAIRED AND THE ACCELERATION MODULE CHANGED OUT AT TOYOTA'S EXPENSE. HE THEN EXPLAINED THAT IT MIGHT TAKE UP TO 74 DAYS FOR THEM TO COMPLETE THEIR INVESTIGATION. WE ALSO EXPLAINED TO OUR INSURANCE WHAT WE WERE DOING. WE FEEL TOYOTA WILL DRAG THIS OUT TO GET US TO USE OUR INSURANCE BUT WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AND WE'RE STICKING TO OUR STORY. *TR
Steering, Dec 27, 2010
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 LTD 4X4 HAS AN AUDIBLE AND PHYSICAL CLUNKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING AT ANY SPEED IN EITHER DIRECTION. I BEGAN NOTICING THE SOUND AROUND 80,000 MILES AND THEN BEGAN FEELING IT AROUND 90,000. I HAD IT LOOKED AT MY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN AND WAS TOLD MY ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAS DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS THAT ARE A DESIGN FLAW AND THE ENTIRE DUAL STEERING SHAFT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR $820.00. I WAS ALSO TOLD IT COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE STEERING WILL NO LONGER BE FUNCTIONAL WHEN THE BUSHING ACTUALLY GIVE OUT. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THE HELL WOULD HAPPEN GOING 60 MPH DOWN THE FREEWAY ON MY DAILY COMMUTE WHEN MY STEERING FAILS. THIS IS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW BY TOYOTA, HOW ON EARTH DOES THIS NOT QUALIFY AS A SAFETY RECALL!!!?!?!?!?! *TR
Steering, Dec 25, 2010
STEERING HAS HAD A "CLUNKING" NOISE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I READ ONLINE FROM NUMEROUS OTHER 2007 RAV4 OWNERS THAT TOYOTA HAS ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN #T-SB-0318-08 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. MY TOYOTA DEALER REPLACED ONE OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS HAS INSTRUCTED IN THE SERVICE BULLETIN. REPAIRS COST ME $414.00. NOISE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. I OWN TWO RAV4S YEAR 2007. BOTH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
Steering, Dec 25, 2010
I OWN TWO 2007 RAV4S. BOTH HAVE KNOCKING SOUNDS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IN ONE OF THE CARS LAST WEEK AT A COST OF $440.00. I WILL HAVE TO DO THE SAME REPAIR ON THE SECOND RAV4 THIS WEEK. THERE ARE LESS THAN 33,000 ON EACH CAR. TOYOTA REFUSES TO HELP WITH THE COST OF REPAIR. MANY OTHER 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM ONLINE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN #T-SB-0319-08" TO TELL THE TOYOTA MECHANICS HOW TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFTS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE MADE TO ISSUE A RECALL TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM.