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, Sep 17, 2014
OUR 2008 RAV4 OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND WE HAD JUST HAD OUR OIL CHANGED SO WE THOUGHT THE BUSINESS DIDN'T ADD ENOUGH OIL WHEN THEY DID THE OIL CHANGE. WE TOOK IT BACK AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM THAT THIS MODEL YEAR HAS. FIRST WE HEARD ABOUT IT. WE TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALER IN OMAHA AND THEY IMMEDIATELY SAID WE HAD NO WARRANTY FOR THIS WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT. RED FLAG. THEY THEN DID A TEST WHERE THEY DID ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AND WE DROVE IT FOR 1000 MILES THEN TOOK IT BACK. THEY SAID WE DID NOT HAVE AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. FAST FORWARD TO AUGUST 2014 AND THE OIL LIGHT AGAIN CAME ON. THE DIP STICK WAS DRY. WE TOOK IT AGAIN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD WE DID HAVE AN OIL CONSUMPTION. HE DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT IT. MY HUSBAND WAS FURIOUS SINCE WE HAD BEEN TOLD WE DIDN'T HAVE THAT PROBLEM 13 MONTHS EARLIER. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD IT WOULD TAKE $5000 TO $6000 TO FIX IT SINCE IT WOULD REQUIRE A NEW ENGINE. SINCE THEN WE HAVE FOUND OUT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EVEN THOUGH THEY PUT THE FAULTY ENGINES IN THESE VEHICLES. THE ARE TRYING TO SHIRK THEIR RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THIS RECALL COST A LITTLE MORE. WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE THE CONSUMER? IF WE TRADE IT WE JUST LOST $5000 TO $6000 IN VALUE. IF WE DON'T WE ARE STUCK WITH A FAULTY VEHICLE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT CAME RIGHT OUT OF THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY JUST ARGUED WITH HIM. NO HELP. *TR
Engine, Sep 9, 2014
THE 2008 RAV4'S SEEM TO HAVE A SERIOUS DEFECT WITH THE ENGINES BURNING A LOT OF OIL DUE TO BAD PISTON RINGS. THIS DEFECT IS COSTING RAV4 OWNERS QUITE A BIT OF MONEY AND TOYOTA ISN'T RECALLING THE ENGINES FOR REPAIR. TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD REASONABLE FOR THE DESIGN FLAWS AND GET THESE CARS FIXED RIGHT AWAY BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENS TO SOMEONE. *TR
Engine, Sep 2, 2014
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION I WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AS I DO EVERY 3000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS LITTLE OIL. THEY LOOKED FOR LEAKS ETC. NONE FOUND. THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. ABOUT 1500 MILES IN MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON MY BROTHER IN LAW WHO IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR 30 YEARS AND TAKES CARE OF MY CAR TELLS ME MY CAR IS CONSUMING OIL AND YOUR TALKING A BIG JOB ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO RUN A CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH I DID AND YES THAT IS WHAT I AM TOLD. THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO UNLESS I PAY TO HAVE IT FIXES WHICH IS VERY COSTLY I WAS ADVISED TO CHECK OIL EVERY 1000 MILES AND FILL. UPON RESEARCH THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY NUMEROUS TOYOTA OWNERS NOT ONLY ON RAVA4'S BUT OTHER MODELS AS WELL AROUND THE 2006/2008 TIME FRAME. TOYOTA ADMITS TO PROBLEM AND FIXES IN LATER MODELS BUT DOES NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX A KNOWN DEFECT!!!! I HAVE JOINED EVERY LAW SUIT, COMPLAINT BOARD, ETC. AND FOR THIS REASON WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2014
IN MARCH 2014 AFTER DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE I CHECKED MY OIL AND WAS DOWN ABOUT 1 1/2 QUARTS. THE OIL AND FILTER WERE THEN CHANGED. IN SEPTEMBER 2014 AFTER DRIVING 3000 MILES THE OIL LEVEL FELL 2 QUARTS SHORT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2014
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT, AND 4WD LIGHTS STAYED ON AFTER WE PURCHASED VEHICLE. WE WERE ADVISED TO DISCONNECT BATTERY TO RESET, IT WORKED UNTIL CAR WAS SHUT OFF. THEN THE LIGHTS CARE ON AGAIN, AND 4WD WOULD NOT WORK. OUR DRIVEWAY REQUIRES 4WD! TOOK IT TO TOYOTA SERVICE NEAR OUR HOME, HE CALLED WARRANTY COMPANY, THEY WOULD NOT PAY BECAUSE EVAP CANNISTER AND HOSES HAD PREVIOUS WATER DAMAGE, AND WERE RUSTED. MANLY HONDA IN SANTA ROSA HAS PUT US OFF FOR TWO AND A HALF WEEKS. THIS IS WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR FOR OUR DAUGHTER. THEY WILL NOT RETURN CALLS. WE WERE INFORMED TOYOTA ONLY COVERED THIS PROBLEM UP TO 70,000 MILES. TO TAKE IT TO DEALER!! THEY WILL NO LONGER RESPOND. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2014
MY CAR WOULD NOT START, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT REMAINED ON EVEN WHILE KEY WAS NOT IN IGNITION. ALSO, THERE WAS A HUMMING AND SLIGHT TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. IT SEEMED LIKE SOMETHING HAD SHORTED OUT AND SOMETHING ELECTRICAL WAS CAUSING SOMETHING TO STAY ON CONSTANTLY AND IT WAS DRAINING THE BATTERY. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET SOMEONE ELSE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND THEY FOUND THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SO I PULLED UP MY CARPET AND SURE ENOUGH THE ENTIRE FLOOR BOARD WAS COVERED WITH WATER AND THE PAD WAS COMPLETELY SOAKING WET. IT APPEARS THAT WATER HAS DAMAGED SOMETHING IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THIS MYSELF. THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE VOID OF LEAKS AND ABLE TO FUNCTION IN RAIN AND SNOW CONDITIONS. TOYOTA REALLY NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT. ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THIS IS THE LINK TO THE OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS EXPERIENCE: HTTP://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/96-4-3-GENERAL/93222-RANDOM-DASH-LIGHTS-GAUGES-EVEN-KEY-REMOVED-2.HTML. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2014
EVAPORATIVE CONTROL (EVAP) SYSTEM DESIGN FLAW. THIS DESIGN FLAW ALLOWS WATER/DEBRIS/ETC TO ENTER THE EVAP SYSTEM, RESULTING IN THE NEED TO REPLACE PIECES OF THE EVAP SYSTEM SUCH AS FILTER EMISSION HOSES, CHARCOAL CANISTER, CANISTER VENT VALVE, OR ACCORDING TO MY LAST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP VISIT THE WHOLE EVAP SYSTEM! NEWER RAV4 MODELS HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE A COVERING UNDER THE CAR AS TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS SUCH AS RAIN WITHOUT RISKING AN EMISSION HOSE OR CHARCOAL CANISTER GETTING DEBRIS IN IT OR GETTING CAUGHT ON SOMETHING. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 24, 2014
WATER PUMP STARTING MAKING INCREDIBLE DIESEL / MECHANICAL GRINDING SOUNDS. COOLANT LEAKING FROM WATER PUMP. WATER PUMP BEARING OVERHEATING - ODOR CLEARLY DISCERNIBLE FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. CHECKED INTERNET - THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG RAV4 V6 OWNERS - MANY OWNERS HAVING REPLACED WATER PUMP ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE AT 25,000K MILES! DEALERS CHARGING ANYWHERE FROM US $325.00 - $900.00. *TR
Engine, Jun 18, 2014
THE CAR IS BURNING OIL. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS BURNING 1/2 QUART EVERY 1200 MILES & TO KEEP ADDING OIL. THAT THIS USAGE WAS WNL. AFTER AN ONLINE SEARCH I FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN DEALING WITH. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WILL BE RUNNING OUT SOON. I FEEL THE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THEY SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING. I HAVE FILLED A COMPLAINT WITH THE USA COOPERATE OFFICE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2014
THE MUFFLER HAS ALREADY SHOWN CORROSION TO THE POINT IT IS LOUD AND NOW MAY CAUSE HEAT ISSUES AND VAPOR ISSUES INTO THE CAR. *TR
Engine, May 20, 2014
I BEGAN TO NOTICE A BURNT OIL SMELL WHEN I WOULD RETURN HOME FROM SCHOOL IN THE EVENING, I CHECKED MY OIL, THE DIP STICK SHOWED NOT A TRACE OF OIL! THE VEHICLE WAS HALF WAY BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AT THE TIME, MY HUSBAND ADDED 4 QUARTS OF OIL (SO WE KNOW FOR CERTAIN IT WAS EMPTY) AND BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA. THEY "CHECKED IT", CHANGED THE OIL, AND SENT US ON OUR WAY TELLING US TO MONITOR THE OIL LEVEL. THIS WAS AT 68K MILES. IT WAS NEXT DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT 73,000MILES I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL YESTERDAY AT 71,000 MILES AND IT WAS NEARLY EMPTY. CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN, WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T GET ME IN FOR 10 DAYS!! I CALLED ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER WHO TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN. THE SERVICE MGR ACKNOWLEDGED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH "CERTAIN RAV 4 ENGINES" AND THAT A SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE (NOT A RECALL-HE MADE THAT CLEAR). HE EXPLAINED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FOLLOW THEIR PROCEDURE BEFORE IT CAN BE REPAIRED THOUGH BY DOING TWO OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS (THAT I HAVE TO PAY $24.95 FOR, AND DRIVE 1200 MILES EACH) THEN I WOULD HAVE TO AUTHORIZE THEM TO DO AN ENGINE REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY FOR $575 TO DETERMINE IT IS NOT SOMETHING I HAD DONE TO THE CAR. I HAVE BABIED THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY ONE! I NEVER GO BEYOND 4000 MILES FOR AN OIL CHANGE, EVER. NOW I HAVE TO DRIVE MY FAMILY AROUND IN A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS VEHICLE WHILE THEY DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO REPAIR THE ENGINE THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH FOR YEARS!! UNACCEPTABLE! THIS IS TERRIFYING KNOWING THAT MY ENGINE COULD SEIZE AT ANY MOMENT WHILE I AM ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING WITH MY CHILD. IT IS EQUALLY AS FRIGHTENING TO REALIZE THAT I MAY END UP HAVING TO PAY $6000+ FOR A NEW ENGINE FOR THIS PIECE OF DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE I AM STILL PAYING FOR BECAUSE TOYOTA BELIEVES THEY ARE ABOVE THE LAW. PLEASE HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
Engine, May 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL AND WOULD SMELL OF BURNING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Engine, Apr 10, 2014
AT AROUND 80K MILES MY MECHANIC NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS BURNING UP OIL TOO QUICKLY AND ADVISED I BRING IT IN MORE OFTEN FOR HIM TO CHECK THE OIL AND TO ADD IF NEEDED. HE DID THIS FOR ME UNTIL ONE DAY ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND HE TOLD ME MY ENGINE WAS SHOT. I PURCHASED A 100K WARRANTY AND WHEN I TOOK IT INTO TOYOTA THEY SAID THEY WOULD RUN A TEST AND TO COME BACK IN 1200 MILES. THE PARTS MANAGER EVEN ADMITTED THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2008 FLEET OF 4 CYLINDER ENGINES! AS SOON AS I LEFT THE ENGINE CUT OUT WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. TOWED THE CAR BACK TO TOYOTA, THEY KEPT IT THERE A MONTH WAITING FOR THE WARRANTY TECH TO COME INSPECT THE ENGINE. HE CLAIMED I DID NOT MAINTAIN MY ENGINE AND THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER ANY COSTS. I ENDED UP SELLING THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AT THE SHOP FOR 800$ THIS COVERED THE BILL TOYOTA SENT ME FOR HAVING THE VEHICLES ENGINE TAKEN APART, THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER BUT WAS OFFERED THE MONEY FROM AN EMPLOYEE TO TAKE IT OFF MY HANDS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2008 WITH THE 100K WARRANTY, I HATE TOYOTA AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE A VEHICLE FROM THEM EVER AGAIN AND I TELL EVERYONE I KNOW TO STAY CLEAR FROM THESE JERKS. *TR
Engine, Mar 19, 2014
ENGINE IS CONSUMING OIL. I BOUGHT THE RAV4 2.4 ENGINE 2008 BRAND NEW. VERY WELL MAINTAINED BY THE DEALER'S RECORDS. AT THE BEGINNING OF 2010, I START NOTICING THAT THE OIL LEVEL IS GETTING LOWER EVERY TIME BEFORE THE OIL CHANGE. I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO SOME LEAK. THE DEALER SAID THERE ARE NO LEAKS IN THE ENGINE OIL AND THE OIL CONSUMPTION RATE IS ACCEPTABLE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW IT WOULD BE, BUT THEY ARGUED THAT IT IS STATED IN THE OWNER MANUAL. IT GOT WORSE BY TIME, NOW I HAVE TO ADD A FULL QUART OR MORE BETWEEN OIL CHANGES JUST TO AVOID ENGINE DAMAGE. I OWNED MANY CARS BEFORE, OLDER MODELS, NONE OF THEM REQUIRED ADDING OIL BEFORE THE NEXT OIL CHANGE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE MATTER, I FOUND THAT IT IS NOT ONLY MY CAR. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT DOES NOT WANT TO FIX IT. I EVEN FOUND A DOCUMENT WITH VIN'S OF THE CARS AFFECTED BY THE ISSUE TSB-0094-11 (PISTON RING?) CONSUMING THAT MUCH OIL IS NOT NORMAL, AND I BELIEVE WILL SHORTEN THE ENGINE'S LIFE AND IS REALLY BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. I BOUGHT THE CAR BECAUSE OF IT'S REPUTATION OF BEING DEPENDABLE AND IT HAS A BIG NAME BEHIND IT. I HOPE SOMEONE ASK TOYOTA TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Feb 20, 2014
ENGINE BURNING OIL HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/9562/TOYOTA/RAV4/TOYOTA-RAV4-BURNS-OIL/P8 HTTP://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/URL?SA=T&RCT=J&Q=&ESRC=S&SOURCE=WEB&CD=2&VED=0CCKQFJAB&URL=HTTP%3A%2F%2FWWW.NEWSCIONXB.COM%2FATTACHMENTS%2F2ND-GEN-SCION-XB-TALK%2F278D1322767463-WILL-SCION-FOLLOW-TOYOTAS-TSB-RELEASE-OIL-CONSUMPTION-T-SB-0094-11.PDF&EI=JMRXTO2GMUGAIAL09PYUDG&USG=AFQJCNENAO8YTDVZLWCLJ6SJNZ8R0LLCNQ. *TR
Engine, Jan 7, 2014
EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. ADDING 1QUART EVERY 700 MILES AND GETTING WORSE. *TR
Engine, Dec 21, 2013
ON 12/18/2013 STARTED CAR IN THE MORNING AND AND ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING(4 CYLINDER). CHECKED OIL AND ADDED 2 QUARTS. THEN ON FRIDAY 12/20 DROVE 4 MILE ENGINE AND VALVES STARTED KNOCKING AND RATTLING. FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS IT SEEMS THAT THE ENGINE IN BLOWN. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE SERVED IT RELIGIOUSLY. HOW CAN AN ENGINE WITH 75000 MILES ON IT LOSE THAT MUCH OIL? I HAVE HAD CARS WITH OVER 125000 MILES ON THEM AND THEY DIDN'T LOSE THAT MUCH! APPARENTLY THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ENGINE AND SO FAR TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT. *TR
Engine, Dec 15, 2013
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN LOUD SOUND AND VEHICLE STARTED TO REDUCE SPEED. GOT OFF AT CLOSEST OFF RAMP AND FORTUNATELY MADE IT TO FIRESTONE. HAD TO HAVE RAV4 TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM. THEY CHECKED IT OVER AND INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS CRACKED. THERE WAS NO OIL IN IT. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM HALEY TOYOTA. SERVICE MANAGER RECOMMENDED THAT I CONTACT TOYOTA CORPORATE. MADE THE CALL. THEY WERE ABLE TO LEARN FROM ALL MY SERVICE RECORDS THAT I HAVE MADE SURE TO ALWAYS HAVE MY CAR SERVICED ON TIME. CORPORATE INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE ENGINE (A SHORT BLOCK), BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR AND RENTAL CAR (AT A DISCOUNT) - BUT STILL PAID OUT $1,505.67. ON SATURDAY DEC. 7, 2013 - DROVE MY CAR LESS THAN 2 MILES TO MY JOB AND CHUGGING SOUND STARTED. NO LIGHTS OR WARNING CAME ON. DROVE HOME THAT NIGHT - NO SOUNDS. SUNDAY DEC. 8, 2013 DROVE TO WORK AGAIN (LESS THAN 2 MILES) AND THIS TIME CHUGGING STARTS AGAIN AND THIS TIME ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT COME ON. PARKED AND TURNED OFF CAR. DROVE HOME LATER THAT NIGHT - NO LIGHTS THIS TIME, BUT CHUGGING STARTED ENTERING MY GARAGE. MONDAY DEC. 9, 2013 MONDAY MORNING HAD AAA TOW VEHICLE TO HALEY TOYOTA. BTW - MY RAV4 WAS AT 90,200 MILES. AFTER AN HOUR PLUS WAITING I WAS INFORMED (WRITTEN) "THAT NUMBER 2 COIL AND SPARK PLUG SATURATED WITH COOLANT. ALSO FOUND OIL MIXED WITH COOLANT. CYLINDER HEAD IS CRACKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AFTERMARKET CYLINDER HEAD AND LABOR - $2,700" CALLED TUES. 12/10/13 TO TOYOTA CORP. CALLED AGAIN 12/11/13 TO FOLLOW UP. WAS INFORMED "UPPER MANAGEMENT WILL NOT APPROVE ANY ASSISTANCE". CALLED AND SPOKE WITH A TOYOTA SUPERVISOR ON FRIDAY - AGAIN - WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO ASSIST ME. WAS TOLD "ITS NOT OUR PROBLEM. THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO." *TR
Engine, Dec 13, 2013
I PURCHASE MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 IN 2012 WITH 39,739 MILES, CURRENTLY IT HAS ABOUT 56,000 MILES. THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. I NOTICED THAT OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS THAT THE OIL LIGHT WILL SUDDENLY GO ON (CAR IS NOT DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE, UNDER MILEAGE AND UNDER DATE RANGE NEEDED) AND I WILL PULL INTO A GAS STATION AND I AM TOLD THAT THERE IS BARELY ANY OIL IN THE ENGINE. THIS IS SHOCKING...AS THE WARNING LIGHT ONLY WENT ON WHEN IT WAS PRACTICALLY EMPTY. THIS IS ALSO CONCERNING AS THE CAR IS USUALLY WAY UNDER THE NEED FOR AN OIL CHANGE. IT IS NOT LEAKING OIL, IT IS BURNING IT. I PLAN ON BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 12/21. HOPEFULLY I WILL HAVE SOME ANSWERS; HOWEVER, THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Engine, Nov 25, 2013
IN AUGUST, OIL LIGHT FLASHES WHEN I MAKE A HARD STOP; TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY PUT A MONITOR ON IT AND TOLD ME TO RETURN AT 1200 MILES. I FORGOT AND ONLY REMEMBERED WHEN I STARTED TO SEE THE OIL LIGHT BLINK ON AGAIN WHEN I CAME TO A STOP. I CAME BACK IN TO DEALER IN NOVEMBER, THEY READ THE MONITOR AND TOLD ME I NEEDED TO HAVE MY ENGINE REBUILT; THE SERVICE TECH. MET WITH A MGR, RECHECKED READINGS AND SINCE THE MILEAGE WAS 4000 ON THE MONITOR, THEY THOUGHT THE READINGS WERE SKEWED. SO, THEY RESET THE MONITOR, ADDED OIL TO THE CAR AND I WILL ENSURE THAT I COME BACK AT 1200 MILES TO FIND OUT THE STATUS. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE (GOING ON A LONG DRIVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS). I AM SEEING MANY COMMENTS ONLINE SIMILAR TO MINE AND THEY RELATE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE RAV4 ENGINE. I CALLED TOYOTA USA AND REPORTED THE ISSUE TO THEM EARLIER THIS MONTH. THEY TOLD ME TO WAIT TO HEAR WHAT THE DEALER SAYS. I NOW DRIVE WITH 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN MY CAR AND WILL MONITOR MY OIL LEVELS THROUGHOUT MY TRIP TO AND FROM NY. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND BASED ON WHAT I SEEN WRITTEN ONLINE SO FAR, I EXPECT THAT THE DEALER IS GOING TO TELL ME THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR ENGINE REPAIRS BECAUSE RIGHT NOW THEY ARE SAYING THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE OCCURRING WITH THE VEHICLES THEY SERVICE. *TR
Engine, Nov 25, 2013
ENGINE BURNS OIL. NO OIL LIGHT WARNING COMES ON WHEN THERE IS VERY VERY LITTLE OIL IN THE PAN. TERRIBLE RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. TSB 0094 FOR 2AZ-FE ENGINE. *TR
Engine, Nov 6, 2013
CHANGE OIL EVERY 3000 MILES. IN SEPT CHANGED OIL AND WAS TOLD OIL WAS LOW. TODAY HAD CAR INSPECTED ONLY 1500 MILES INTO OIL CHANGE AND MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON I WAS TOLD THE DIP STICK WAS CLEAN. SEEMS THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. I SEE MANY OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO TOYOTA DEALER BUT PLAN TO HAVE THEM CHECK THIS OUT, BUT I AM SENSING FROM THE OTHER SAME COMPLAINTS SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT. HOPE THIS GETS INVESTIGATED. *TR
Engine, Oct 31, 2013
MY FAMILY AND I WENT ON A TRIP TO GEORGIA AND BEFORE I MADE THE TRIP I CHANGED THE OIL I ALWAYS CHECK THE OIL BEFORE I CHANGE IT AND IT WAS DOWN 1/2 A QUART. WHEN I GOT HOME AFTER PUTTING 1800 MILES ON THE CAR IT WAS DOWN 1/2 A QUART AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR, AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR THAT ENGINE. I THEN RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME COMPLAINTS WITH THE TOYOTA 4.5 ENGINE. AS MILEAGE GETS HIGHER THE PROBLEM GETS WORSE, I AM AFRAID THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY MAY RUN OUT BEFORE IT GETS REPAIRED, AS A LOT OF TOYOTA CAR CUSTOMERS HAVE REPORTED. I AM A 100% DISABLED VETERAN THE VA GAVE ME A GRANT TO HELP PAY FOR THIS CAR AND A TRAILER HITCH TO CARRY MY SCOOTER WITH ME. IN THE YEARS PAST I HAVE WORKED ON CARS AND HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY MECHANICS AND THEY SAY THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I FEEL THIS CAR HAS TO BE RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST STAGE, WE HAVE TO GO 2 1/2 HOURS TO THE DEALER JUST TO HAVE THE OIL CHECKED. OTHER PEOPLE SAY THIS IS TO PROLONG UNTIL EXTENDED WARRANTY RUNS OUT. *TR
Engine, Oct 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF OIL AND THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Equipment adaptive/mobility, Engine, Sep 6, 2013
CHECK ENGINE OIL LIGHT CAME ON; WENT O DEALER TO HAVE CHECKED; LOST 3 QUARTS OF OIL SINCE LAST SCHEDULES OIL CHANGE. DEALER SAYS IT WAS WITHIN THEIR ACCEPTABLE RANGE. TODAY CALLED AND SAID I NEED NEW ENGINE WHICH THEY SAY WILL COST ME THOUSANDS