2008 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 575 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 42 involved a crash and 16 involved a fire. 32 people were injured and 2 people died.
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: engine
160 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Dec 21, 2015
THE CAR IS LOOSING ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL IN 1100 MILES AND IT STARTED ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT THE TOYOTA DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS INDUSTRY STANDARD.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Dec 17, 2015
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS CONSUMER 15 QUARTS OF OIL IN 36,000 MILES. ALSO, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WAS SOME RUST IN THE DRUM AREA THAT PROBABLY CAUSED THE NOISE. *JB
Engine, Oct 30, 2015
THIS VEHICLE HAS REQUIRED ABOUT 3-4 QUARTS OF OIL TO BE ADDED IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST HAS BEEN PERFORMED AT 2 SEPARATE TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS, AND BOTH HAVE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT USING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL AND THEREFORE DOES NOT REQUIRE REPAIRS. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO NEED 3-4 QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES.
Engine, Oct 23, 2015
MY CAR BURNS MORE OIL THAN IT SHOULD.WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE RECALL, THEY RECOMENDED ,I LET THEM PUT NEW OIL STEM VALVE GASKETS IN FOR $530.00. NOW MAYBE I NEED THEM BUT,EVERYTIME, I TAKE MY CAR IN FOR A RECALL THE DEALERS WANT ME TO PAY TO GET SOME THING FIXED.ENOUGH IS ENOUHG
Engine, Oct 3, 2015
I AM HAVING OIL BURNING ISSUES WITH MY RAV4 ALSO. IT IS A 2008, 4 CYLINDER. I HAVE HAD MY OIL CHANGED RELIGIOUSLY IN THIS CAR AS IT WAS MY FIRST NEW CAR. EVERY 3000 MILES AND I HAVE THE ALL THE PAPERWORK. ABOUT 4-5 MONTHS AGO, EVERY TIME I PRESS BREAK AND NOTICED THE OIL FLICKER ON AND OFF. STOPPED AT A STATION AND IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY OF OIL. I HAD HAD AN OIL CHANGE ABOUT 2500 BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I THOUGHT MAY BE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DID NOT PUT ENOUGH ENGINE OIL AS RECOMMENDED. NEXT TIME I TOOK MY CAR TO FIRESTONE SERVICE AND AGAIN TODAY I FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS NO ENGINE OIL LEFT, THE ENGINE OIL STICK IS COMPLETELY DRY. I WAS READING ON ONLINE FORUMS THAT A LOT OF CONSUMER HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR RAV4. THERE IS NO RECALL FROM TOYOTA AND LOCAL DEALER DON'T WANT TO FIX IT.
Engine, Sep 15, 2015
MY OIL WARNING LIGHT KEPT COMING ON WHEN I WAS BRAKING. I HAD APPROXIMATELY 2300 MILES SINCE MY LAST OIL CHANGE BUT TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET CHECKED. THE MECHANIC FOUND THERE WAS VIRTUALLY NO OIL LEFT IN THE ENGINE. SINCE THEN I HAVE TO PUT OIL IN MY ENGINE AROUND EVERY 500-700 MILES. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I JUST TOOK MY CAR INTO MY CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID IN 20 YEARS THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL LIKE THEY ARE LYING TO ME AND JUST WANT THE FAULTY PART FIXED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT MY RIGHTS ARE AND WHAT I CAN DO TO GET HELP. -THANK YOU *TR
Engine, Jul 26, 2015
I'VE HAD MY 08 TOYOTA RAV4 FOR OVER 4 YEARS NOW. I GET THE OIL CHANGED ON IT EVERY 5,000 MILES REGULARLY. I GOT IT WITH ABOUT 25,000 MILES ON IT AND RIGHT AROUND 70,000 MILES I NOTICED THAT THE OIL LIGHT WOULD COME ON BEFORE I REACHED MY NEXT OIL CHANGE. IT HOLDS ABOUT 5 QUARTS AND WITH BEING CHANGED EVERY 5,000 MILES THAT MEANS IT IS BURNING MORE THEN 1 QUART EVERY 1,000 MILES! MY BROTHER-IN-LAW DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS BECOMING A PROBLEM WITH MANY RAV4'S WITH THE PISTONS IN THE 2AZ FE MOTOR. I LOVE THIS CAR SO MUCH AND IT BREAKS MY HEART TO KNOW THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG THAT I CAN'T FIX. I DON'T WANT TO GET A DIFFERENT CAR BUT NOW I HAVE TO!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2015
THE HOSE CONNECTING THE CANISTER FILTER TO THE CANISTER BROKE OFF DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND I DIDN'T SEE UNTIL NEXT DAY WHILE 8 HRS AWAY FROM HOME. CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOWN.I GOT HOME AND HAVE THE CANISTER FILTER REPLACED WITH THE DEALER AND NEXT DAY CHECK ENGINE, VSC AND 4WD LIGHT CAME ON, DEALER SAYS IT COST $1800 TO FIX IT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND LOT OF 2006 AND UP RAV 4 OWNER HAVE SAME ISSUE. CANNISTER HOSE BROKEN OR FILTER DROPPED AND WATER GETTING INTO THE SYSTEM. I GOT TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0098-09 WHICH WAS UPDATED TO T-SB0161-11 ON OCTOBER 20,2011 FOR THIS ISSUE. TOYOTA HAD COVERED WARRANTY FOR 2GR-FE ENGINE FROM 2006-2011 SOLD ON CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM,VT,WA, RI UNDER CALIFORNIA LONG TERM EMISSION WARRANTY OF 64 MONTHS OR 70,000 MILES WHICH EVER OCCURS FIRST. TOYOTA KNEW THE ISSUE AND EVEN ADDED A NEW COVER (PART NO 77641-0R020) THE PROTECT THE CANISTER FILTER AND THE HOSES BUT THEY DIDN'T ISSUE THE RECALL. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME ISSUE. THE FILTER AND HOSE ARE UNPROTECTED UNDERNEATH THE CHASSIS AND IT CAN BREAK OR FALL DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING IN A RAIN OR SNOW. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY REVIEW MY CASE AND GAVE ME CASE # BUT THEY WON'T FIX IT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AND SOLD ON THE AFOREMENTIONED STATES. TOYOTA HAS COVERED THE WARRANTY ON THE STATES WITH HEAVY SNOW AND RAIN ONLY. BUT THESE THINGS ARE TRUE FOR THE STATE I AM IN TOO. REMAINING STATE STANDARD 36 MONTHS 36,000 WARRANTY. BUT THIS THING CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE AT ANY MILEAGE. TOYOTA KNEW IT AND HAD A FIX BY PUTTING THE NEW COVER BUT DIDN'T ISSUE A RECALL . THE SERVICE BULLETIN EVEN STATES THE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE CERTAIN VIN NUMBER AND MINE DOES FALL UNDER IT. I PAID $220 TO REPLACE FILTER AND $62.5 TO DIAGNOSE. NOW THEY WANT ANOTHER $1800 TO FIX IT. I WISH I COULD ATTACHED THE SERVICE BULLETIN. UPDATED 09/15/15*LJ UPDATED 11/08/2017*CN
Engine, May 17, 2015
MY ENGINE SEIZED ON A MOVING HIGHWAY. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC WHO IDENTIFIED THE VEHICLE HAD VERY LITTLE OIL IN IT DESPITE JUST HAVING HAD AN OIL CHANGE 3 WEEKS PRIOR. HE CHECKED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL LEAL AND ADVISED TO ME TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE HE FELT MY VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY ENGINE. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHO LIED FIRST ABOUT MY VEHICLE HAVING A FAULTY ENGINE AND THEN WHEN I PRESENTED TO THEM THE EXISTING LITERATURE ON THE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM, ONLY THEN DID THEY CONFIRM MY VEHICLE AS HAVING A FAULTY ENGINE. BASED ON MY VIN, I HAVE THE 2AZ-FE ENGINE WHICH POSES A SAFETY RISK TO CONSUMERS IN THAT IT CAUSES ENGINE PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILURE. TOYOTA KNEW OF THIS DEFECT WHEN I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS TO ME. THEY ALSO ISSUED A SAFETY BULLETIN IN 2011 BUT ONLY TO DEALERSHIPS AND NOT TO CONSUMERS. TOYOTA HAS NOT DISCLOSED OF THIS PROBLEM TO ITS CONSUMERS AND CONTINUES TO REGARD THEIR VEHICLES AS SAFE. MY SAFETY WAS COMPROMISED BECAUSE OF TOYOTA'S DISHONESTY AND DECEIT.
Engine, May 5, 2015
LOW ENGINE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AT 4200 MILES OF SCHEDULED 5000 MILE OIL CHANGE. DIPSTICK CHECKED AND NO OIL WAS IN ENGINE. TWO QUARTS ADDED AND BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. CAR FILLED WITH OIL DRIVEN 1200 MILES AND BROUGHT BACK. DEALER STATES APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART OF OIL CONSUMED AND IT DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION CORRECTION. *TR
Engine, May 1, 2015
4 CYLINDER ENGINE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - BETWEEN 5000 MILE OIL CHANGES WE ARE PUTTING IN 4 - 5 QUARTS OF OIL. THERE IS A WELL-KNOWN PISTON DESIGN FAULT ON THIS ENGINE WHICH REQUIRES THE FITTING OF NEW PISTONS AND THIS SHOULD BECOME A RECALL ISSUE NOT AN DISCRETIONARY MATTER DECIDED ARBITRARILY BY TOYOTA AND ITS DEALERS. WE RAISED THIS ISSUE WITH A DEALER ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO AND WAS FOBBED OFF WITH THE USUAL RESPONSE LIKE '' IT'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT'' WE INTEND GETTING THE OIL CONSUMPTION CHECKED AGAIN BY TOYOTA BUT IN THE MEANTIME PLEASE PUT PRESSURE ON TOYOTA TO DEAL WITH THIS MATTER IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY. SUCH A SERIOUS ENGINE DESIGN FAULT SHOULD NOT RESULT IN CONSUMERS LOSING OUT WITH A COLLAPSE IN CAR VALUE AND FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH OIL CONTAMINATION OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER DUE TO BURNING LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2015
VEHICLE STARTED PINGING WHEN GOING UP HILLS. CHECKED OIL AND IT DIDN'T EVEN REGISTER! HAD JUST HAD OIL CHANGED 2 WEEKS BEFORE. SINCE THIS TIME, I HAVE HAD TO ADD ABOUT 5 QUARTS OF OIL. NOW I'M TOLD TOYOTA CONSIDERS USING 1 QUART PER 1,000 DRIVING MILES IS "NORMAL". THE ENGINE COULD BURN UP BASED ON THIS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION LEAVING THE OCCUPANTS STRANDED. *TR
Engine, Apr 8, 2015
I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MY NORMAL OIL CHANGE IN SEPT 2013 AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE DIPSTICK, RAV HAD 85,000 MILES AT THE TIME. NO LIGHTS HAD COME ON THAT ALERTED ME TO AN ISSUE. THEY NOTED IT ON THE RECORDS AND SAID THEY WOULD KEEP AN EYE ON IT. I WENT FOR MY NEXT OIL CHANGE NOV 2013 AND SAME ISSUE OF NO OIL ON DIPSTICK AND AGAIN NO WARNING LIGHTS. THEY NOTED IT AGAIN ON PAPERWORK AND SAID WE MIGHT NEED TO LOOK INTO WHY IT IS USING OIL. WE MADE A PHONE CALL TO A FRIEND WHO IS A TOYOTA MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED TO THE DEALERSHIPS ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. DEALERSHIP DID NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THIS TO ME EITHER TIME. WE HAVE WATCHED THE OIL EVER SINCE AND HAVE TO ADD OIL BETWEEN CHANGES. IN JANUARY 2015 WE RECEIVED WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. IN FEBRUARY WE HAD OIL CONSUMPTION TEST PERFORMED AND WAS TOLD THE RAV WAS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS OF OIL USAGE. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LOGGED A CASE. THEY TOLD ME TO GO BACK TO DEALERSHIP BETWEEN 1100-1300 MILES AND HAVE OIL LEVEL CHECKED AGAIN. IT WAS 1500 MILES LATER BEFORE I COULD GET BACK IN TO DEALERSHIP. THEY NOTED THE RAV HAD USED 1 QUART OF OIL IN 1500 MILES. I AM BEING TOLD THAT IS NORMAL USAGE AND AT THIS TIME MY VEHICLE WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE "FIX". THE RAV ONLY HAS 120,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Engine, Apr 3, 2015
WHEN STARTING MY CAR MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT WOULDN'T GO OUT. WHEN TAKEN THIS TO MY MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT THE VACUUM SYSTEM. AFTER CHECKING EVERYTHING , THINGS SEEMED TO BE OK. WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT THE GAS CAP WAS PUT ON TO TIGHT. THE LIGHTS WHERE RESET. IN JANUARY IT BEGAN TO HAPPEN AGAIN. TOOK IT TO A NEW MECHANIC, I WAS TO TOLD THAT THE CHARCOAL FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH I NEEDED TO WAIT ABOUT 10 DAYS FOR IT TO COME IN. REPLACED THE ABOUT 25 MILES LATER LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. NEW CLAMPS WHERE PUT ON ALL HOSES. 50 MILES LATER LIGHTS BACK ON , NOW CODE IS SAYING THE CHARCOAL CANISTER FAULTY. NOW THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY MECHANIC DID RESEARCH, FOUND OUT THAT THEIR HAS BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS PART COST OVER 800$ I MYSELF HAVE READ OTHER RAV4 OWNERS THAT THIS ISN'T A NEW PROBLEM. HOW LONG OR HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE FOR SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. THEIR HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENS THE CAR SPUTTERS AND REALLY DOESN'T GO ANYWHERE. DOES MY LIFE HAVE END WHEN MY VEHICLE DOES THIS AND I GET HIT FROM BEHIND. OH DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE AMOUNT OF OIL THIS CAR USES. MAYBE MY ENGINE NEEDS TO BLOW UP FIRST. PLEASE FINALLY DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. OR IS THIS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN. *TR
Engine, Apr 2, 2015
TOYOTA OIL CONSUMPTION TEST CONDUCTED. USAGE OF ~3/4 QT PER 1,200 MILES. FIRST NOTED EXCESSIVE USAGE AT ~ 95,000 MI. TESTED AT 138,739 MI. 2.4L 4-CYL DOHC ENGINE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 22, 2015
WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT WAITING TO TURN LEFT THE RAV4 ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AND LURCHED FORWARD WITH DRIVER'S FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. DRIVER PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT THE CAR HURTLING INTO THE INTERSECTION. DRIVER THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR AND PUT GEAR SHIFT TO PARK. AFTER 30 SECONDS RESTARTED THE CAR WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AGAIN WITH CAR IN PARK. THE ENGINE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD. CAR WAS AGAIN TURNED OFF. CAR WAS RESTARTED AFTER ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES AND ENGINE BEHAVED NORMALLY. OWNERS TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER WITHIN AN HOUR OF THE INCIDENT. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP RAN DIAGNOSTIC AND MANAGER SAID DRIVER HAD FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN IT HAPPENED WHICH IS CERTAINLY NOT TRUE. DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE A COPY OF THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT. OWNERS HAVE HAD ALL RECALL WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE DONE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AS REQUIRED IN THE OWNER MANUAL. *TR
Engine, Mar 19, 2015
I FIRST HEARD KNOCKING NOISE UPON COLD START-UP. THIS HAS NOW BECOME A CHRONIC NOISE. WHEN GETTING TRUCK SERVICED FOR ANOTHER MATTER THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE VVT-I BOLTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR A CHARGE OF $3500-$5600. HE ALSO NOTED THIS WAS EXPENSIVE BECAUSE IT IS A LEXUS ENGINE. UPON RESEARCHING THIS MORE I DISCOVERED THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE 2GR-FE V6 INSTALLED IN THE LEXUS RX350S WITH SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR RECALL BY TOYOTA FOR LEXUS VEHICLES BUT NOT TOYOTAS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA BUT THEY REFUSE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THIS IS EXACT SAME DEFECT WHICH IS A RECALL FOR LEXUS MODELS. SEE ARTICLE //PARTS.OLATHEOYOTA.COM/GR-SERIES-ENGINE.HTML. THE RECALL IS LISTED ON NHTSA. ONCE BOLTS LOOSEN THE VVT-I GEAR HOUSING AND SPROCKET TO SEPARATE AND RESULT IN THE ENGINE STOPPING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. SEE ARTICLE: TOYOTA RECALLS VARIOUS LEXUS VEHICLES WITH ENGINE BOLT PROBLEMS THE BOLTS COULD BECOME LOOSE DUE TO ABNORMAL IMPACTS 09/10/2013 | CONSUMERAFFAIRS BY [XXX] I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THESE DEFECTIVE BOLTS UNDER A TOYOTA BODY STYLE, BUT ON THE SAME ENGINE ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS MAJOR RECALL. THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES REMAIN THE SAME REGARDLESS OF BODY STYLE SHOULD BOLTS LOOSEN DURING HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE ESCALATED THIS COMPLAINT TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL AT TOYOTA WITH NO RESULTS SO I AM COMPELLED TO FILE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT. WE HAVE A TODDLER ON BOARD EACH DAY DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT FUNDS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AND ARE NOW UNABLE TO SELL THE CAR. YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS APPRECIATED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Mar 13, 2015
RECEIVED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION (EXTENDED WARRANTY) FOR THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. FREE FIX. WHAT A JOKE. THEY TELL YOU TO COME IN FOR THE TEST, FILL YOUR OIL TO FULL AND TELL YOU TO COME BACK IN 1200 MILES. TWELVE HUNDRED MILES LATER YOU GO BACK YOUR CAR IS AT LOW/ADD LEVEL, THEY ADD 1 QT OIL AND STATE AND I QUOTE "FOUND THAT VEHICLE BURNED 1QT OF OIL IN 1,241 MILES. THAT IS OK TO TOYOTA STANDARDS". THAT LAST LINE TELLS IT ALL. IF YOU DO THE MATH, AT 5000 MILES, WHICH THEY TELL YOU TO COME IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THERE WOULD BE NO OIL LEFT TO CHANGE WITH A 4.8QT ENGINE OIL LIMIT. I COULDN'T BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS SUCH LOW STANDARDS. WE HAVE ALL TOYOTAS IN MY HOUSEHOLD. WITH THE WE DON'T CARE ATTITUDE BY TOYOTA, WE WILL BECOME A HONDA HOUSEHOLD. I EXPECTED BETTER, TOYOTA STANDARDS HAVE REALLY DETERIORATED. DONTBYTOYOTA.COM IS AVAILABLE. JUST MAY BUY IT TO WARN POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine, Mar 10, 2015
RAV4 2008 LIMITED V4 WATER PUMP LEAKING AT 78000 MILES. LEAKING MY $600 MONEY I AM LOOKING FOR USER TO FILE CLASS ACTION. HTTP://TOYOTA.PISSEDCONSUMER.COM/RAV-4-WATER-PUMP-FAILURE-CLASS-ACTION-20110719249797.HTML?COMPANY_ID=5467. *TR
Engine, Feb 9, 2015
MY VIN NUMBER IS ON THEIR TSB LIST AND THEY KNEW THEIR PROBLEMS AND STILL TRYING TO PLAY GAMES. TOYOTA IS TRYING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO SCREW UP WITH CONSUMER. THEY WANT YOU TO TEST THE OIL CONSUMPTION EVEN YOU ALREADY TESTED THREE TIMES BEFORE. THEY ARE NOT ANSWERING YOUR PHONES. AUDI ALREADY LOST THEIR CASE. TOYOTA WILL BE THE SAME. THIS IS THE FIRST TOYOTA AND ALSO BE THE LAST ONE. *TR
Engine, Dec 4, 2014
CAR RUNS THROUGH OIL BETWEEN 5000 RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGES. HAVE TO CONSTANTLY CHECK IF THERE IS ENOUGH OIL. NO LEAKS, JUST GOES THROUGH A LOT OF OIL. *TR
Engine, Nov 12, 2014
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, HOWEVER, THIS INQUIRY IS ABOUT THE ENGINE OIL. MY WIFE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW, THE ENGINE IS A 4 CYLINDER (2AZ-FE). THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND IT CONTINUES. EVERY 1400 TO 2000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, AND WHEN I THE ENGINE OIL, ITS ALWAYS TWO (2) QUARTS LOW. I NEVER SEE ANY EVIDENCE OF OIL BURNING IN THE EXHAUST; NO OIL LEAKS ON THE DRIVEWAY, NOTHING. IT'S AS IF THE OIL DISAPPEARS. THE DEALER WON'T DO ANYTHING, THEY SAY THAT IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SO THEY WON'T INVESTIGATE. MY WIFE HAS BEEN TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP AND THEY SAY THAT THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE. THIS SHOP SUGGESTS THAT WE ADD IN AMES OIL EVERY OTHER OIL CHANGE (EVERY 3500 TO 5000 MILES), AND THAT SHOULD MAKE THE OIL CHANGES GO FROM 1400 MILES TO APPROXIMATELY 3500 MILES. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING!!! THIS VEHICLE SHOULDN'T NEED OIL CHANGES UNTIL 7500 MILES!! COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS? *TR
Power train, Engine, Oct 18, 2014
JUST LEARNED TODAY THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR A 2008 RAV4 WITH ONLY 74,000 MILES ON IT. HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT 72,000 MILES WHERE THEY DID THE 70K MI SERVICE TO INCLUDE MULTIPOINT/FLOOR MAT, REPLACED THE WATER PUMP, BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND "ENGINE MINOR". I THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE. MY 5 YEAR OR 100K PREPAID WARRANTY ENDED IN JUNE SO NO COVERAGE AVAILABLE. SHOULDN'T A TRANSMISSION LAST LONGER THAN 70K MILES? *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 6, 2014
THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AROUND 65 MPH OR HIGHER THE THROTTLE CONTROL IS NOT RESPONDING VERY DANGEROUS . *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2014
A LITTLE AFTER ITS REGULAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE MY 2008 RAV4 STARTED TO MAKE AN ODD NOISE (RATTLING) WHEN REACHING 40 MPH AT 1500 RPM. CHECKED FLUIDS AND NOTICED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS DRY (BURNT OIL ON STICK) AND BLACK ATF. IMMEDIATELY REPLACED FLUIDS (ENGINE AND WS ATF). TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T NOTICED ANYTHING UNUSUAL. DROVE WITH TECH AND SHOWED HIM THE NOISE AT SPECIFIED CONDITIONS. HE SAID MORE TESTS NEEDED TO BE DONE. UP UNTIL TODAY THEY ARE NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE AND SUGGESTED A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT "FIX" THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR MYSELF. FOUND A TSB ONLINE FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE (T-SB-0094-11). TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND FIX THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO USERS. *TR