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, Nov 17, 2009
THUMPING/CLUNKING SOUND HEARD/FELT IN STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT. DIAGNOSED AS BAD INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. VEHICLE ONLY 9,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY AND FAILURE OF THIS PART AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE IS ABSURD. HAD IT REPLACED AS POTENTIAL SAFETY THREAT. SELLING DEALER INITIALLY ADVISED THAT REPAIR WOULD COST $839.00 BUT AFTER FURTHER DISCUSSION OF TOYOTA TSB'S AND INTERNET INFO THAT THIS PART HAS ALSO BEEN DEFECTIVE IN CAMRYS AND AVALONS TOYOTA AGREED TO PROVIDE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY-SAVING $517. I PAID LABOR OF $321.00. *TR
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2009
2007 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WILL THE VEHICLE HAVE THE SAME ACCELERATION ISSUES LIKE THE OTHER TOYOTA'S. *NJ
Steering, Nov 15, 2009
POPPING NOISE IN STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS, INDICATING POSSIBLE EVENTUAL FAILURE OF STEERING FUNCTION. TOYOTA HAS BEEN NONRESPONSIVE TO CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS, THOUGH THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FAILURE THAT FREQUENTLY SHOWS JUST AS VEHICLE EXCEEDS WARRANTY. GOVERNMENT PRESSURE IS REQUIRED FOR TOYOTA TO ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE THIS NUISANCE ISSUE BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Nov 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE LEFT PORTION OF HER CHEST WAS BRUISED FROM THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS WAITING FOR AUTHORIZATION FROM TOYOTA TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22000.
Power train, Nov 8, 2009
2007 RAV4 W/4CYL ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHILE ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC, THROTTLE BECAME STUCK. THE PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND TO MY FOOT. IT WAS STUCK IN "DOWN" POSITION. I MANAGED TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND WITH ENGINE REVVING WIDELY SHUT THE MOTOR OFF. I AM VERY LUCKY THERE WAS LIGHT TRAFFIC AT THE TIME. NOTE THAT I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED FOR FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE WITH PEDAL AND THE MAT WAS NOT NEAR THE PEDAL. THIS THROTTLE STUCK AS IF MECHANICAL LINKAGE OR THROTTLE-RELATED DEVICE HAD HELD IT IN PLACE. *TR
Steering, Oct 18, 2009
I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT ON MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. MY CAR WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES WHEN STEERING LEFT AND RIGHT. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE STEERING SHAFT. MY CAR WAS ABOVE THE MILEAGE AND OUT OF THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY. SINCE THERE WAS A TSB THEY SAID THEY WOULD TEMPORARILY FIX IT BY LUBING IT. THE ACTUAL REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING SHAFT ON MY CAR COST ME OVER $755.08 OUT OF POCKET. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY THIS SINCE I AM NOT SURE IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SAFE TO EVEN CONTINUE DRIVING MY CAR. I KNOW OF ONE COMPLAINT ON THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE AND I THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT WE CONSUMERS SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THIS OUT OF OUR OWN POCKETS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE ISSUING A RECALL FOR THIS. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2009
I HAVE 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE STEERING START MAKING KNOCKING / POPPING SOUND WHENEVER I TURN RIGHT OR LEFT. I FOUND TSB FROM THE WEBSITE WHICH IS T-SB-0318-08. THIS TSB IS TO REPLACE STEERING SHAFT. 2006,2007,2008 RAV 4 IS FALL INTO THIS TSB. THE PROBLEM IS TOYOTA WILL DO THIS TSB REPAIR ONLY THE CAR IS BELOW 36K MILE/36 MONTH WHICH IS UNDER MANUFACTURE WARRANTY. IF THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, CONSUMER HAS TO PAY ABOUT $700. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY CONSUMER HAS TO PAY FOR DEFECTIVE PART REPLACEMENT. IF I DON'T REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT, I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL BE SAFE FOR KEEP DRIVING OR NOT. TOYOTA MUST RECALL THE RAV 4 TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT INSTEAD OF TSB REPAIR UNDER THE WARRANTY. STEERING IS DIRECTLY RELATED WITH DRIVER'S SAFETY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT INTENTION. HE WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. SINCE THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, HE COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,800. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE FLOOR MAT STARTED TO SLIP UNDER THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT HAS REMOVED THE FLOOR MATS. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK SINCE THE VEHICLE COULD ACCELERATE AND CAUSE A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 18, 2009
THE BATTERY ON MY WIFE'S 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING, & SO ON THE ADVICE OF THE FOLSOM LAKE TOYOTA GARAGE, I JUMP STARTED HER CAR TO GET HER HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I DID THE SAME, SO THAT SHE COULD DRIVE IT TO THE GARAGE TO GET FIXED. WHEN SHE STARTED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOWEVER, THE STEERING LOCK WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO TURN THE WHEEL & SHE ENDED UP DRIVING TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SHE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED, & TOLD ME, & SO AS I THOUGHT SHE MEANT THAT THE POWER STEERING SIMPLY WASN'T WORKING, I SAID THAT I WOULD DRIVE IT TO THE GARAGE FOR HER. WHEN I STARTED OFF HOWEVER, THE CAR STEERING LOCK STOPPED ME TURNING THE WHEEL, ALTHOUGH ONLY FOR A SECOND OR TWO, BEFORE THE STEERING BEGAN TO WORK CORRECTLY, & SO I VERY SLOWLY & CAREFULLY DROVE THE CAR TO THE GARAGE. THE GARAGE CHECKED THE CAR & SAID THAT IT WAS JUST A FAULTY BATTERY, BUT WHEN I POINTED OUT THAT IF A FAULTY BATTERY COULD CAUSE THE STEERING LOCK TO ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING, THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD, THEY SAID THAT WHEN THEY ASKED TOYOTA, THEY SIMPLY SAID THAT IT WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED, & SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. CONSEQUENTLY, I CALLED TOYOTA, & THEY TOLD ME THAT AS THE CAR HAS AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE, THE STEERING LOCK COULD ENGAGE WITH A BAD BATTERY. WHEN I SUGGESTED TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICES REP THAT THEY NEEDED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS A SAFETY HAZARD, SHE WASN'T INTERESTED IN HELPING, & POINT BLANK REFUSED TO GIVE ME CONTACT DETAILS FOR HER BOSS, OR ANYONE AT TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA OR JAPAN, ONLY THE CUSTOMER SERVICES DEPT., I.E., PEOPLE LIKE HERSELF. I FIND IT INSULTING THAT TOYOTA NOT ONLY APPEARS NOT TO CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS, BUT ALSO DOESN'T APPEAR TO WANT TO HEAR FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS, E.G., WHEN I TOOK A SURVEY AFTER MY CALL, & ENTERED SOME VERY LOW NUMBERS FOR SERVICE CARE, THE CALL WAS DELIBERATELY CUT OFF BY TOYOTA. SO MUCH FOR JAPANESE SERVICE! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2009
MY 2007 RAV 4 HESITATES WHEN I DEPRESS GAS PEDAL. IT BEGAN HAPPENING SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE IN 2007 AND THE PROBLEM HAS INCREASED IN FREQUENCY & DURATION. YESTERDAY I STARTED A LEFT HAND TURN WHILE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS CLEAR, BUT BECAUSE OF VEHICLE'S HESITATION, IN MID-TURN, ONCOMING TRAFFIC SUDDENLY APPEARED AND HAD TO STOP FOR ME TO COMPLETE MY TURN. I NARROWLY AVOIDED BEING IN AN ACCIDENT, FOR WHICH I WOULD HAVE BEEN FOUND AT FAULT, AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2009
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 2 CHILDREN AND THE OIL HOSE BROKE. NO FAILURE LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. TOOK CAR TO CLOSEST REPAIR SHOP. THEY HAD TO ADD 5 QTS OF OIL SINCE IT LEAKED OUT. FOUND OUT THIS HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY ON THE SAME ENGINE IN ANOTHER MODEL. THE OIL HOSE WAS REPLACED.*TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 13, 2009
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 4CYL 4 X 4 HESITATES FOR SEVERAL SECONDS WHEN I DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2007, BUT HAS RECENTLY BEGUN TO GET WORSE. TODAY AS I ATTEMPTED TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC WITH MY WIFE AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE, IT HESITATED AND NEARLY GOT US INTO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Jul 28, 2009
2 YEAR OLD 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. NO PRIOR ACCIDENTS. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND PARKED. I TURNED THEY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING HELP THE SITUATION. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THIS HAPPENED AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TOYOTA WILL DO FOR ME BUT I AM LOOKING FOR SOMETHING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2009
1. LEADING UP : A FAULTY AND POORLY DESIGNED RUBBER OIL LINE WEATHERED WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. 2. FAILURE: WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE WEATHERED HOSE SNAPPED. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY SPILLED FOUR QUARTS OF OIL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER LIT. THE WATER TEMPERATURE STAYED WITHIN RANGE. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. 3. REPAIR: TOYOTA REPLACED THE FAILED OIL LINE WITH THE SAME PART. NO ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS WERE PERFORMED DESPITE THE LIKELIHOOD OF SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE. THE OIL COMPARTMENT WAS LEFT DIRTY. THE ENGINE COVER WAS LEFT SOAKED IN OIL (IT'S A FOAM PART). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2009
TOYOTA V6 ENGINES 2GR-FE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE VVTI OIL PIPE FAILING. THIS PIPE HAS A RUBBER SECTION IN IT, IT LEAKS WITH ALL THE OIL DRAINING & CAUSING ENGINE FAILURES. TOYOTA HAS REPLACED THIS PIPE ON LATER VEHICLE WITH ALL METAL THIS STARTED OUT WITH THE AVALON.CHECK OUT THE RAVWORLD ON LINE SITE. CLICK ON "4.3" & THEN "OIL LINE FAILURE RAV CAMRY, LEXUS" ETC. TOYOTA NEEDS TO RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH 2GR-FE V6 THAT HAVE THE RUBBER HOSE IN THE VVTI OIL LINE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jul 8, 2009
AN INTENSE SQUEAK INITIATED THE VISIT TO THE AUTO DEALER. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS RUBBING ON THE VEHICLE FRAME AND TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED WHICH SOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR NOW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2009
BLOWN OIL LINE ON 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 16, 2009
THE THROTTLE IN MY 2007 RAV4 V6 LIMITED HAS STUCK OPEN THREE TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. IT HAPPENS AFTER I "FLOOR" THE ACCELERATOR. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED IN MY GARAGE AS I WAS TRYING TO START THE ENGINE. I HAD TO TURN IT OFF. THE SECOND TIME WAS A WEEK LATER AS I WAS PASSING A TRUCK GOING UP A HILL ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY. I PUT ON THE BRAKES AND TRIED TO GET THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AS I TRIED TO GET TO CROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I WAS SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT, BUT IT WAS SCARY. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD A LEAK, SO THEY REPLACED THE SEAL. I DID NOT EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM AGAIN FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN TWO DAYS AGO. I WAS ACCELERATING TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC ON A FREEWAY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE THROTTLE STOPPED STICKING AND QUICKLY RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. *TR
Power train, May 14, 2009
MY RAV4 V6 2007 37,887 MILES HAD A V V T OIL LINE RUPTURE AND EXTENSIVE LOSS OF OIL. THE OIL SPRAYED THE UPPER ENGINE AND LEAKED ON THE GROUND. THE CAR WAS CREATING A LOUD GRINDING SOUND AND THE OIL LIGHT FLICKERED THEN WENT OUT. THE SERVICE STATION WHERE I PULLED IN REFILLED THE OIL AND THEN FOUND THE LEAK.THE CAR HAD TO HAVE 5 QUARTS PUT INTO IT, IT HOLDS 6. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. A REQUEST TO EXAM THE VALVES AND DROP THE OIL PAN TO EXAM FOR METAL FILINGS OR ANY DAMAGE HAS BEEN DENIED. THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACED THE HOSE ACCORDING TO THE WARRANTY. THIS DEFECT WAS KNOWN BY TOYOTA ,TSB EG064-05, ON THE AVALON 2005 (SAME ENGINE). RESEARCH SHOWS THIS PART WAS STILL ON THE 2006-2008 RAV4 V6. THIS HOSE WAS REDESIGNED ON THE 2009 RAV4. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ON THE RAV4 V6 DOES STAY LIT UNTIL AFTER ALL THE OIL IS GONE AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE OCCURS. TOYOTA BUILT IT WITH THIS DEFECT AND HAVE NO MECHANIC DEVICE TO WARN AND PROTECT THE CONSUMERS OF THE LEAK. I WAS TOLD SERVICE REPLACED AN ENGINE ON ANOTHER RAV4 RECENTLY, BUT MINE WAS NOT RUN UNTIL THE ENGINE STOPPED. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT CHECK THE VALVES OR BEARINGS FOR FURTHER DAMAGE. THEY RAN THE CAR, BUT WOULD NOT DO A VISUAL OR PHYSICAL INSPECTION AS WE REQUESTED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2009
AFTER A DANGEROUS SURGE-AT-STOP PROBLEM, WE TOOK OUR 2007 RAV4 TO OUR DEALER YESTERDAY, BUT SO FAR THEY CLAIM THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WE TOLD THE DEALER THAT WE DON'T WANT THE CAR BACK UNTIL THEY FIX THIS LIFE-THREATENING CONDITION. YESTERDAY WAS ACTUALLY THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED, AND EACH TIME THE PROBLEM WAS MORE INTENSE THAN THE PRIOR INCIDENT. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, AROUND THREE WEEKS AGO, MY HUSBAND WASN'T SURE IF HE HAD ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR, SO HE IGNORED IT. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, FIVE DAYS AGO, HE WAS MORE AWARE, AND KNEW WHERE HIS FOOT WAS PLACED, AND KNEW FOR SURE THAT THIS WAS AN ENGINE SURGE ENTIRELY UNRELATED TO ANYTHING HE WAS DOING. IT WAS ONLY BECAUSE HE HAD HIS FOOT PLACED FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE THAT HE WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE RAV4 AND PREVENT IT SURGING PAST THE RED LIGHT. YESTERDAY WAS THE WORST INCIDENT, SINCE THE SURGE HAPPENED, AGAIN AT A RED LIGHT, WITH CARS PASSING IN FRONT OF OUR RAV4 (WE WERE FIRST IN LINE) AND WHEN MY HUSBAND JAMMED HIS FOOT HARDER ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE SURGED EVEN HARDER, AND LOUDER, AND HE HAD TO REALLY FORCE THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN. IF OUR DAUGHTER HAD BEEN DRIVING THE RAV4 THERE IS NO DOUBT IN OUR MINDS THAT SHE WOULD HAVE GONE RIGHT INTO THE INTERSECTION, AND EITHER BROADSIDED A VEHICLE, OR BEEN BROADSIDED HERSELF, WITH CATASTROPHIC RESULTS. THIS SEEMS LIKE THE KIND OF LIFE-THREATENING CONDITION THAT NHTSA SHOULD REALLY FOCUS ON, AND THAT TOYOTA SHOULD WANT TO IMMEDIATELY FIX, BEFORE SEVERAL PEOPLE GET KILLED. *TR
Power train, Mar 6, 2009
WHEN I TURN MY CAR OFF, BUT LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO KEEP THE RADIO ON FOR MY PASSENGER WHILE I AM OUT OF THE CAR, SOMETIMES I FORGET TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF DRIVE AND PUT IT INTO PARK. I DO NOT USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I HAVE DONE THIS, THE CAR HAS ROLLED BACKWARDS. USUALLY, I NOTICE IT BEFORE I STEP OUT OF THE CAR, AND I PUT ON THE BRAKES AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. LAST WEEK, HOWEVER, I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. LUCKILY, THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK BEFORE THE CAR ROLLED INTO SOMETHING. IF I HAD LEFT A CHILD IN THE CAR, THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2009
OIL HOSE RUPTURED ON '07 TOYOTA RAV-4 DUMPING ALL ENGINE OIL. ENGINE THEN WAS STARVED FOR OIL AND RUINED INTERNAL ENGINE PARTS. TOYOTA IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS HOSE LEAKING AND A TSB EXISTS FOR THE FIX. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO RECALL OR EVEN A MANDATORY INSPECTION OF THIS HOSE AT REGULAR SERVICE INTERVALS. OUR ISSUE WAS A COMPLETE RUPTURE AND IT WOULD HAVE COST US THOUSANDS TO REPAIR ON OUR OWN IF THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT COULD HAVE EVEN LEAD TO A CRASH AS THE TIRES AND BRAKES GOT COVERED WITH OIL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2009
MY WIFE WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF AN INTERSTATE WHEN OUR TOYOTA 2007 RAV4 V6 HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF AN OIL HOSE WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF ALMOST ALL THE OIL IN THE ENGINE WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. THE 3.5L V6 ENGINE IN THIS VEHICLE IS IDENTICAL TO THE V6 IN THE TOYOTA AVALON WHICH IS EXPERIENCING A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF FAILURES SUCH THAT A TSB WAS ISSUED. THE AVALON STARTED USING THIS ENGINE PRIOR TO THE RAV4. I WAS TOLD BY A PARTS MANAGER THAT THERE ARE SO MANY OF THESE FAILURES THAT OWNERS ARE WAITING 6 WEEKS FOR THE BACKORDERED REPLACEMENT PART AND THAT 2500 PARTS ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. TOYOTA KNOWS THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THE V6 RAV4 SINCE THE ENGINE IS IDENTICAL BUT REFUSES TO PUT OUT AN ASSOCIATED TSB FOR THE RAV4. THIS FAILURE IS DANGEROUS IN THAT IT CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP ON THE HIGHWAY POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA IS "QUIETLY" REPLACING THE FAILING HOSE WITH A METAL HOSE ONLY AFTER A FAILURE HAS OCCURRED.(A DEFECT ADMISSION OF A DESIGN FLAW). A RECALL IS COMPLETELY WARRANTED FOR THIS DEFECT. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED NO SUCH RECALL. *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S CHILD INSERTED A KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THE CHILD ACCIDENTALLY SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO REVERSE WHILE SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CAUSED MINOR PHYSICAL DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE AND PROPERTY. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE DEALER TO DETERMINE WHY THE BRAKE SAFE GEAR SHIFTER DID NOT WORK. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 27,000.