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.
Engine, Sep 2, 2016
PURCHASED MY RAV4 USED FROM TOYOTA/SCION OF GRAND RAPIDS AROUND JANUARY/FEBRUARY OF 2016. IT HAD JUST A SMIDGE OVER 77,000 MILES ON IT. MY FIRST OIL CHANGE WAS EARLY DUE TO LOW OIL LIGHT COMING ON. I TOOK IT INTO A PRIVATE OWNED SHOP WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THERE WAS HARDLY ANY OIL IN IT AT ALL. CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY HAD ME BRING IT IN TO CHECK, AND START MY OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. TEST COMPLETED AT 81,711 MILES. THE TECHS "CHECKED IT" AND THAT IT PASSED THE TEST AND THEREFORE, WOULD NOT PERFORM THE REBUILD. ADDITIONALLY, TOLD ME THAT IT'S NORMAL FOR VEHICLES TO CONSUME OIL. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BIT EXCESSIVE, GETTING A LOW OIL LIGHT HALFWAY IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I ACCEPTED THE NEWS THINKING MAYBE IT WAS JUST A FLUKE. AFTER 2,000 MILES, I DECIDED TO RE-CHECK MY OIL. AGAIN, THERE WAS PRACTICALLY NOTHING ON THE DIPSTICK, MY LIGHT HAD NOT TURNED ON. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND I ASKED ABOUT HAVING ANOTHER TEST DONE. TO WHICH THEY REPLIED, "TOYOTA ONLY ALLOWS 2 FREE TESTS (PER YEAR?)" . SO INSTEAD OF STARTING ANOTHER TEST, I WAS TOLD TO CHECK MY OIL EVERY THOUSAND MILES. AND IF MY LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, CONTACT THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THEIR GOAL WAS TO "MAKE IT FAIL" SO THAT THEY WOULD PERFORM THE REBUILD FOR ME. AT THE 1,000 MILE MARK, I CHECKED THE DIPSTICK. ALREADY DOWN TO ABOUT 3/4. I THOUGHT THIS ALONE WAS PRETTY EXCESSIVE. AT THE 2,000 MILE MARK I CHECKED AGAIN. HARDLY ANYTHING ON THE DIPSTICK THIS TIME. COULD NOT READ THE LEVEL PROPERLY. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TECH ASKED SOME QUESTIONS. STILL WASN'T "GOOD ENOUGH." I QUESTIONED HIM ABOUT THE NEWEST READING, HE SAID IT WAS "NORMAL" AND GAVE ME SOME GARBAGE ABOUT OIL USE AND THINNING OUT, ETC. HE INSTRUCTED ME TO PUT IN 2 MORE QUARTS OF OIL AND TO KEEP CHECKING EVERY 1,000 MILES. SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY AN ISSUE, AND THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING IT.
Suspension, Aug 20, 2016, crash
REAR TIE ROD (SUSPENSION ARM) DISCONNECTED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND SPIN OFF HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN FEBRUARY 2015 FOR THE RECALL (13V383000) THAT ADDRESSES REAR SUSPENSION ARM ADJUSTMENT.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 15, 2016
VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AT LOW SPEED (15-20 MPH) ON RESIDENTIAL STREET APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. UNDER BRAKING, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TENSIONER FIRED.
Suspension, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2016
I AM THE SECOND OWNER ON THIS CAR AND IT HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR 7 TIMES FOR VARIOUS RECALLS. DOES THE LEMON LAW APPLY TO MY CAR? YOU HAVE RECALLED THE ELECTRICAL WINDOWS SUSPENSION SEAT BELTS CRUISE CONTROL WHAT ELSE IS COMING! CLAREMONT TOYOTA IN CALIFORNIA HAD A COMPLETE CHECK ON THE CAR AND I PAID 1500 BUT I STILL SEE RECALLS. WHAT IS GOING ON???? I HAVE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR THE SUSPENSION ON MONDAY 8/15/16
Suspension, Wheels, Aug 9, 2016
ON JULY 31ST, 2015, THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A SUSPENSION RECALL WORK TO REPLACE BOTH "REAR #1 LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS". THAT WORK INCLUDED A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND A PERMANENT SEALANT THAT PREVENTED FUTURE REAR ALIGNMENT OF THE REAR WHEELS. ON AUGUST 3RD, 2016, (APPROX. 13K MILES LATER) THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER TO HAVE THE BRAKES INSPECTED. DURING THE BRAKE INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN NOTED SEVERE ABNORMAL TIRE TREAD WEAR ON THE INSIDE SHOULDERS OF BOTH REAR TIRES. THE INSIDE SHOULDER OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT WAS SHOWING STEEL BELTS AND WAS NEAR FAILURE (IMMANENT TIRE BLOWOUT CONDITION). LES SCHWAB NOTED THAT THE FRONT TIRES HAD NORMAL EVEN WEAR. NOTE: THE 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT PERFORMED ON 7/31/2015 WAS THE ONLY ALIGNMENT PERFORMED PRIOR TO 8/3/2016, THE ALIGNMENT CHECK ON 8/3/2016 INDICATED THE FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS VERY CLOSE AND WITHIN TOLERANT RANGE OF THE 7/31/2015 ALIGNMENT, AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS SINCE BEFORE 7/31/2015. I BELIEVE THE SAFETY RECALL WORK PERFORMED BY TOYOTA ON 7/31/2015 DID NOT FIX THE STATED PROBLEM IN THE SAFETY RECALL (TOYOTA RECALL 'OPERATION 77TOZ-CSJ' REF: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000). EITHER THE RECALL WORK WAS NOT PERFORMED CORRECTLY OR THE PARTS OR METHOD OF THE RECALL FAILED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE LEAVING MY CAR WITH AN UNSAFE WHEEL ALIGNMENT CAUSING SEVERE ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE INSIDE SHOULDERS OF THE REAR TIRES LEAVING MY CAR AT RISK OF REAR TIRE BLOW OUT. THE LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER REPLACED THE TIRES AND THE REAR #1 CONTROL ARMS WITH 'APPROVED AFTER-MARKET PARTS' TO ALLOW FOR A SAFE REAR ALIGNMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Engine, Aug 8, 2016
CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN DURING DRIVING. JUST BOUGHT THIS 2 DAYS AGO AND IT'S HAPPENED TWICE ALREADY, ONCE ON CITY ROADS AND ONCE ON HWY. EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF, LIGHTS/ENGINE/EVERYTHING.
Engine, Jul 31, 2016
CAR LOSING OIL COMPARABLE TO OTHER COMPLAINTS LOGGED BY OWNERS ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND TOYOTA SITES ACROSS WWW. DEALERSHIP REPLACED OIL PAN GASKET AND VALVE COVER GASKET AND PROBLEM IS NOT RESOLVED.
Power train, Engine, Jul 26, 2016
I WAS DRIVING TO FREDERICKSBURG ON I-95 AROUND MIDNIGHT LAST MONDAY. ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL MY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. MY ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE, STALLED AND THEN DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER LUCKILY OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD PROBABLY. GOT THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST SHOP. THEY SAID I ONLY HAD 1 QUART OF OIL, AND I TOLD THEM I THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE I CHANGE MY OIL ON A REGULAR BASIS. MY OIL STICKER IS IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY WINDSHIELD. THEY SAID DUE TO THE LACK OF OIL, I BLEW A PISTON AND A BEARING AND THEY HAD TO TAKE MY ENGINE APART. SO NOW MY WARRANTY APPARENTLY WON'T COVER THIS SO I'M STUCK WITH A CAR WITH NO ENGINE.
Engine, Jul 24, 2016
VEHICLE IS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL WHICH I FEEL COULD LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, AND IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR WHILE I AM DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY AT A HIGH SPEED IT COULD BE DISASTROUS. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THAT THE CONSUMPTION IS NORMAL AT THE RATE OF 1 QT PER 1000 MILES WHICH I DISAGREE.
Steering, Jul 24, 2016
WHENEVER YOU MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE. I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS REGARDING THIS ISSUE FOR OVER 5 YEARS & YET THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BY A REMEDY. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE FIXED BY TOYOTA. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE & FIX THE DANGEROUS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAYS & CITY STREETS.
Service brakes, Jul 18, 2016
MY BRAKES DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT YESTERDAY, 7/17/16 WHEN I APPLIED THEM AT A STOP SIGN, I ROLLED ON OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THAT PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I WAS OUT AND ABOUT, IT WASN'T CONSTANT. THIS MORNING WHEN I GOT TO THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY MY CAR CONTINUED INTO THE ROADWAY BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR COMING I WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN KILLED OR POSSIBLY KILLED SOMEONE. ONCE I ARRIVED AT WORK I CALLED MY HUSBAND AND TOLD HIM I COULD HEAR A HISSING SOUND WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THIS NOISE JUST STARTED TODAY, AND I ALSO TOLD HIM ABOUT NOT STOPPING AT THE END OF OUR DRIVEWAY. I ALSO FORGOT TO MENTION ONCE I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHES AGAINST MY FOOT. THIS IS A NEW SYMPTOM AS WELL. WHILE I WAS AT THE BANK DRIVE THRU AFTER WORK MY CAR DIDN'T WANT TO STOP WHEN I PULLED UP TO THE DRIVE THRU. MY HUSBAND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO AUTOZONE TO PRICE A BRAKE BOOSTER AS THIS IS WHAT HE THOUGHT MAY BE THE PROBLEM, (VERY EXPENSIVE AND IT'S A REBUILT PART, NOT EVEN NEW!). WHEN HE ARRIVED HOME WITH MY CAR HE INFORMED ME I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR UNTIL WE CAN GET IT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE BRAKES ARE PRACTICALLY NOT WORKING AT ALL NOW. I JUST CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE 800# AND INQUIRED TO SEE IF THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL ON 2007 RAV 4'S FOR BRAKE TROUBLES. I WAS TOLD NO BUT AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE I SEE CONSTANT COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE CONCERNING THEIR BRAKE BOOSTER ON THEIR 2007 RAV 4. I WANT IT DOCUMENTED THAT I AM HAVING A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES AND IT LOOKS LIKE OTHER PEOPLE ARE AS WELL AND I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A REPAIR THAT APPEARS IS FAULTY ON THE MANUFACTURERS PART.
Steering, Jul 5, 2016
CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL ON VERY LOW SPEED OR ON CAR THAT IN NOT MOVING. IT WAS DISCOVERED DURING STATE INSPECTION [CAR WAS IN GARAGE AND WAS NOT MOVING]. CAR HAS JUST ABOVE 30,000 MILES, MOSTLY CITY DRIVING, REGULARLY, BUT SHORT DISTANCE COMMUTE.
Suspension, Jul 2, 2016
REAR SWAY BAR LINKS RUSTED AND BROKEN. COLONIAL TOYOTA WANTS TO CHARGE $398 FOR REPLACEMENT WHILE IT ONLY COSTS AROUND $50 FOR THE PART. THUS, TWO COMPLAINS. 1. MANUFACTURER TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACEMENT VIA RECALL AS THIS COMPLAIN IS WIDESPREAD. 2. TOYOTA SHOULD REQUIRE DEALER TO NOT CHARGE OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT FOR THIS AND COVER THE COST.
Steering, Jul 2, 2016
I HEAR A CLUNK, POP OR KNOCK-TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS (TECH SERVICE BULLETIN ST001-08). TOYOTA REDESIGNED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. HOWEVER, TOYOTA HAS NOT TAKEN THE STEPS TO ISSUE RECALL TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART.
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Seat belts, Jun 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Jun 17, 2016
I HEAR A CLUNK, POP, OR KNOCK-TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. TOYOTA WAS ACUTELY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE (PLEASE SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ST001-08) AND HAD TO REDESIGN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. UNFORTUNATELY, TOYOTA HAS NOT TAKEN THE STEPS TO RECALL ALL EFFECTED VEHICLES AND REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART. I URGE THE NHTSA TO TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO FORCE TOYOTA TO ISSUE A RECALL AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS AS THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN WITNESSED IN A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE 06-07 TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLES.
Engine, Jun 5, 2016
SINCE 2015 I WAS INFORMED BY THE ELGIN TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DURING MY OIL CHANGES THAT MY TOYOTA 2007 RAV4 HAD VIRTUALLY NO OIL. THE DEALERSHIP REPLENISHED IT AND 1000 MILES LATER THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON AND NO OIL WAS REGISTERED ON THE DIPSTICK. SEPT 2015 I WAS FINALLY TOLD ABOUT AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH THEY SAID I PASSED YET OIL WOULD DISAPPEAR NOW WITHIN 800 MILES. THEY AGREED TO DO ANOTHER OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND DURING THAT TIME THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO I DROVE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS IN ST. CHARLES, IL. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR AND THE ELGIN DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAD NEVER PASSED MY CAR. I HAD TO DO A 3RD OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BECAUSE I WAS A FEW MILES OVER THE REQUIRED MILEAGE FOR THE 2ND TEST TO BE VALID. IN FEBRUARY 2016 I FAILED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND THEY PUT ME ON THE WAIT LIST AND TOLD ME THEY'RE OUT OF PARTS TO FIX THE CAR. DESPITE REPEATED PHONE CALLS TO SERVICE MANAGER AND OPEN CASE AT THE RECOMMENDED TOLL FREE # I HAVE NOT BEEN TAKING CARE OF. THE CAR CAN NOT DRIVE EVEN 400 MILES WITHOUT ME REFILLING THE OIL. THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND THE DISTRICT MANAGER DID NOT APPROVE A RENTAL CAR. I AM A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESSWOMAN AND HAVE TO GO UNDER MY VEHICLE EVERY 2 DAYS! I HAVE TO PURCHASED A 5 QUART JUG OF OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS AND WAS TOLD TO KEEP MY RECEIPTS BECAUSE THEY WILL REIMBURSE ME, WHICH AT THIS POINT I DON'T BELIEVE THEM BECAUSE THEY DON'T APPEARED TO HAVE ANY ATTENTION ON FIXING THE PROBLEM. I'M WORRIED MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION WILL BLOW ITS ENGINE WHICH IS WHAT TOYOTA PROBABLY WANTS TO HAPPEN SO THEY CAN BLAME ME AND THAT'S ONE LESS PERSON THEY HAVE TO DEAL WITH. I PAID OVER 20K FOR THIS CAR.
Steering, Jun 3, 2016
THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS MAKING CLUNK NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM FEARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND THE STEERING IS DANGEROUS.
Engine, May 29, 2016
WE WERE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON I-95 AT 70 MPH WHEN WE HEARD SOME LOUD NOISES AND THE CAR STARTED SWERVING (BETWEEN EXITS 65 AND 71 IN NC). WE THOUGHT THE TIRE BLEW OUT, BUT THEN WE SAW SMOKE IN THE REAR WINDOW. WE MANAGED TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SAW SOME OIL LEAKING IN THE BOTTOM. WE OPENED THE HOOD AND SMOKE WAS COMING OUT. THE OUTSIDE OF THE TAIL PIPE WAS COMPLETELY BLACK. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WERE INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN. A PISTON DROVE THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Engine, May 19, 2016
TOOK A TRIP FROM WA.STATE TO UTAH.HAD OIL CHANGED AND CHECKED BEFORE DEPARTING. CHECKED OIL IN UTAH AND SAW THAT OIL WAS WAY DOWN. BOUGHT MORE OIL FOR TRIP HOME.WE USED ABOUT 4-5 QRTS FOR ENTIRE TRIP. TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER TO DO OIL USAGE TEST. AFTER TEST DEALER SAID IT DID NOT USE ENOUGH OIL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WE ARE VERY UNSATISFIED WITH THIS RESULT AND ARE WONDERING WHAT TO DO NOW. AFTER READING MANY BLOGS WE SEE THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA IS NOT VERY EAGER TO FIX. SHOULD WE TAKE LEGAL ACTION?
Engine, May 17, 2016
OIL CUMSUMPTION RECALL. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD POP ON ONLY A FEW WEEKS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. BROUGHT THE CAR BACK IN 1200 MILES AFTER THE OIL CHANGE, AND THEY SAID THE CAR FAILED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, AND THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THEY HAVE A FIX. FOUR MONTHS LATER I AM STILL WAITING. HAD ANOTHER OIL CHANGE NEAR THE END OF MARCH, I INQUIRED ON WHAT THE STATUS WAS FOR THIS FIX, THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE THIS IS A LARGE NATIONAL RECALL THAT I WAS ON THE BOTTOM OF A REPAIR LIST, AND THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE PLANT IN THE UNITED STATES MAKING PARTS FOR THIS RECALL. THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT I HAVE BEEN MOVED UP TO NUMBER 5 ON THEIR WAIT LIST. TOWARD THE END OF APRIL, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN. I FIRST CHECKED THE DIPSTICK, AND THERE WAS NO OIL ON IT. I REFILLED THE OIL MYSELF AND IT TOOK A FULL 5 QUARTS. NOW THERE IS OIL ON THE DIPSTICK, STILL HAVE YET TO HEAR A THING FROM TOYOTA. WHY ARE THEY MAKING ME WAIT? ARE THEY WAITING UNTIL THE WARRANTY ON MY CAR EXPIRES SO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR? IN MY OPINION, TO MAKE ME HAVE TO WAIT THIS LONG IS NOT RIGHT. TOYOTA IS A BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY AND SHOULD HAVE THE PARTS READY ESPECIALLY FOR A RECALL OF THIS MAGNITUDE.
Suspension, May 17, 2016
AFTER HEARING A CLUNK TYPE SOUND BACK IN 2012 I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND FOUND OUT THAT THE RIGHT REAR SAY BAR LINKAGE HAD RUSTED OUT. THE SWAY BAR WAS NOT SECURE ANYMORE. FAST FORWARD TO THE FALL OF 2015 AND NOW I HAVE THE SAME SOUND...NOT REMEMBERING ABOUT PRIOR INCIDENT I FINALLY DISCOVER THAT THE LEFT SWAY BAR LINKAGE IS NOT RUSTED OFF TOO. WHY WOULDNT THE DEALER DO BOH REPLACEMENTS BACK THEN. AND BY PUTTING ONLY ONE NEW ONE DID THAT PUT PRESSURE ONTO THE OTHER ONE. ISNT IT ODD TO HAVE BOTH SIDE OF A SWAY BAR LINK RUST OUT. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS A BIT TOO WIDESPREAD TO IGNORE.
Suspension, May 8, 2016
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN WEST HAVEN CT (NEAR 195 W SPRING ST) WHEN I HEARD A METALIC NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, VEERING INTO THE INCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. I WAS DRIVING < 25 MPH AND THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY, AND MANAGED TO PARK THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO CARS IN THE INCOMING LANE, AND THERE WAS NO INJURY. MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT NEXT TO ME. UPON INSPECTING THE CAR, I DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS TILTED AT AN ANGLE RELATIVE TO THE BODY OF THE CAR. I CALLED AAA (TIME WAS AROUND 7:45 A.M.) AND A TOWING TRUCK ARRIVED , AND TOWED MY CAR TO A NEARBY GARAGE (ROBERT'S SERVICE CENTER, INC., 216 BUCKINGHAM AVE, MILFORD, CT). I DID NOT CALL POLICE OR TAKE A PICTURE. THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR INFORMED ME THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR, THEY FOUD THAT THE REAR FORWARD CONTROL ARM HAD FAILED (COME APART AT THE MIDDLE). THIS CONTROL ARM WAS THE SUBJECT OF A SAFETY RECALL BY TOYOTA IN 2013, AND MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT GIRARD TOYOTA IN NEW LONDON, CT, AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL. THE FAILED ARM STILL HAD THE REPAIR STICKER ON IT. THE SHOP REMOVED AND REPLACED THE FAILED CONTROL ARM AND THE ONE THAT WAS STILL INTACT ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. THE CAR IS NOW DRIVABLE. I BELIEVE THAT THE OUTCOME IS LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO TOYOTA AND WAS GIVEN THE CASE NUMBER 1604300620. I SPOKE TO A CASE MANAGER, MR. THORN. MY INTENTIONS WERE TO; 1) ALERT TOYOTA THAT A RECALL FIX HAS FAILED ON MY CAR; 2) I WANTED A TOYOTA DEALER TO INSPECT MY CAR FOR AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION AND TO ASSURE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE; 3) REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. HE ACKNOWLEDGED RECEIVING THE INFORMATION, BUT INDICATED THAT A TOYOTA DEALER CANNOT GUARANTEE A THIRD PARTY WORK. HE ASKED ME TO FILE MY EXPENSES, BUT WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT IT WILL BE HONORED.
Engine, May 7, 2016
TOYOTA IS A WELL KNOWN GLOBAL AUTO COMPANY WITH HIGH STANDARD AND HIGH PERFORMANCE AUTOS. IT'S TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR AN ENGINE TO CONSUME OIL AFTER 60,000 MILES. THE LOW MILEAGE ENGINE MALFUNCTION IS TOTALLY DUE TO BAD QUALITY MANUFACTURING PRACTICES, LOW STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE WHICH MAY CAUSE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN LOSSES AND PENALTY FOR THE TOYOTA 01/15/2016 FILE NUMBER: 1512120607 MOTOR SALES COMPANY. ONLY IN CALIFORNIA OVER 40 CUSTOMERS REPORTED COMPLAINS TO CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR A DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIR OVER THE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION OF TOYOTA RAV4. THE TOYOTA MOTOR SALES COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO CORRESPOND WITHIN THREE BUSINESS DAYS UPON RECEIVING THIS LETTER TO PREVENT FURTHER LEGAL COMPLAINT BY THE PLAINTIFF. HEREBY THE PLAINTIFF DEMAND THE TOYOTA MOTOR SALES TO ISSUE A FULL REFUND IN AMOUNT OF $ 1395.63 FOR THE COST RELATED TO THE AUTO PARTS DAMAGED AS THE RESULT OF ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE DAMAGED TO THE FOLLOWING AUTO PARTS AND SERVICES (PUMP ASSY, BELT, THERMOSTAT,GASKET, GEAR ASSY, PLUNG, TENSIONER, GASKET, INSPECT BLOCK AND OIL CONSUMPTION HEAD) WAS CAUSED AS THE RESULT OF ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS. HERBY THE CUSTOMER IS LOOKING FOR PROMPTED RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA MOTOR SALES PRIOR TO HIS/HER FURTHER COMPLAIN TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIR WHICH MAY LEAD TO A RECALL ON THE TOYOTA RAV MODEL, AND CAUSES THE TOYOTA MOTOR SALES TO PAY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON PENALTY, AND FEES TO GENERAL PUBLIC. (ATTACHMENT 1 COPY OF THE SALES RECEIPT AND THE REPAIR'S WORKSHEET).