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 and engine cooling, Air bags, Sep 5, 2013
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OWNER TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING. THE RAV4 ONLY HAS 86,000 MILES. OWNER HAS NOTICED THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTED COMPLAINTS ON THE AIRBAG SPIRAL CABLE DEFECT. HOW MANY MORE "DEFECTS" HAVE NOT BEEN REPORTED? THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE REPAIRS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. OWNER USED TO THINK TOYOTA MADE A RELIABLE CAR!! *JB
Engine, Aug 29, 2013
SIMILAR TO SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL, MY VEHICLE IS ALSO EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, 1 QT. WITHIN 1K MILES. PERHAPS EVEN MORE.( IM CURRENTLY DOING THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST), BASED ON MY OWN CONSUMPTION TESTS. THE DEALER HAS CHANGED THE OIL SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. THE CAR BEGIN TO BURN OIL AT AROUND 60K MILES. MANY TIMES I HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS - DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS "NORMAL" CONSUMPTION AND WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS . HOWEVER, TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (T-SB-0094-11) WHICH ACKNOWLEDGES A CONSUMPTION ISSUE ON MY MODEL AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHERS WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS. I FOUND DOING MY OWN RESEARCH DUE TO BEING FRUSTRATED. I HAVE READ ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE PISTON ASSEMBLY THAT IS CAUSING THIS, HOWEVER, TOYOTA REFUSES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM IF THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY.
Engine, Aug 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL TO EMPTY EVERY THREE THOUSAND MILES. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE OIL BE CHANGED EVERY FIVE THOUSAND MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL AT A NORMAL RATE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Steering, Engine, Aug 6, 2013
MY ALTERNATOR WENT IN MY VEHICLE BUT WAS DISCOVERED WAS DISTURBING. I HAD JUST HAD MY OIL CHANGED 4 WEEKS PRIOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST EMPTY OF OIL. IF THE ALTERNATOR HAD NOT FAILED MY ENGINE WOULD HAVE BLOWN DUE TO THE LACK OF OIL. THE LACK OF OIL IS DUE TO THE PISTON ASSEMBLY IN MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA SINCE THEY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON AUG. 11 KNOWN AS SB002411 AND SB009411. TOYOTA SAID THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO THE PISTON ASSEMBLY, YET I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THERE ISN'T ANY RECALL. THIS REPAIR IS ONLY COVERED FOR 60 MONTHS OR 60,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IN MY SITUATION, THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF THIS REPAIR IS ON MYSELF ($4-$5K). THIS IS THE SECOND ISSUE WITH TOYOTA RAV 4 WHERE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. MY PRIOR ISSUE WAS THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WHICH WAS MAKING A CLUCKING SOUND AND IF NOT ADDRESSED THE I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THAT FINANCIAL BURDEN WAS $800. BOTH SHOULD BE A RECALL BY TOYOTA. *TR
Engine, Aug 2, 2013
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4, 4 CYLINDER ENGINE, WHICH CURRENTLY HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ADVISING TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS THAT THE 4 CYLINDER ENGINE FOR THAT PARTICULAR YEAR IS DEFECTIVE. THE PISTON RINGS DO NOT PROPERLY REMOVE THE OIL AS THE PISTON TRAVELS UP AND DOWN, AND AS A RESULT THE ENGINE CONSUMES EXCESSIVE OIL. MY VEHICLE USES APPROXIMATELY A QUART AND A HALF OF OIL IN ONLY 1,500 MILES. TOYOTA SAID THAT THEY WOULD FIX IT UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY IF IT'S WITHIN 5 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES, WHICH MINE IS OVER THE MILES WITH 70,000+. SO, I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR NEW PISTONS AND RINGS, BECAUSE TOYOTA DOESN'T WANT TO DESIGNATE THIS AS A RECALL FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE ENGINE. TOYOTA PRIDES ITSELF ON ITS REPUTATION AND RELIABILITY OF THEIR VEHICLES, BUT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE A DEFECTIVE MOTOR, BUT WANT US TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OR IN SOME CASES A PORTION OF THE REPAIR, WHICH IS COSTLY......AROUND $5,000.00. *TR
Engine, Aug 2, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY DIED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER THOUGH THE BATTERY FINALLY TURNED ON. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOOK THE ENGINE APART AND SAID A VALVE SPRING BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE VALVE TO DROP DOWN AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE #4 PISTON, BREAKING IT COMPLETELY APART. (IT ENDED UP IN THE OIL PAN.) MY ENGINE IS RUINED AND MUST BE REPLACED. THEY QUOTED A PRICE OF $7000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE SPRING TO BREAK LIKE THAT OR CAUSE THAT KIND OF DAMAGE. MY VEHICLE IS 9,000 MILES OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY (THOUGH STILL WITHIN 6-YEAR TIME FRAME OF WARRANTY). MY CAR HAS 69,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Engine, Jul 31, 2013
ENGINE IS BURNING TOO MUCH MOTOR OIL. HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING A LITER OF OIL IN THE CAR EVERY TWO WEEKS. THERE HAS BEEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RELEASED BY TOYOTA THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE R&R PISTON AND RING SET. MY VIN ID IS IMPACTED BY THIS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2013
I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAS BEEN GETTING LOUDER, LIKE A DIESEL. I'VE BEEN TOLD THE FAN IN THE WATER PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD WITH 25,000 MILES ON IT! THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND MUST BE A DEFECT. UNFORTUNATELY, MY DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED ONE MONTH AGO. NOW IT IS GOING TO COST ME $800 TO REPAIR. I HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY PROBLEM ONLINE, WHICH PROVES THERE IS A DEFECT INVOLVED, BUT TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. IF THE WATER PUMP GAVE OUT WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD, I COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY WITH POOR CELL SERVICE. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE ON TOYOTA'S PART AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Engine, Jul 28, 2013
BURNING OF ENGINE OIL!!! EVERY 1,000 MILES 1 QUART OF ENGINE OIL WOULD BURN. *TR
Engine, Jul 8, 2013
AT AROUND 75,000 MILES THE ENGINE STARTED USING OIL AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE I NEED TO ADD A QUART EVERY THOUSAND MILES. *TR
Engine, Jun 27, 2013
SIMILAR TO SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL, MY VEHICLE IS ALSO EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, UP TO 1 QT. WITHIN 1,000-1,500 MILES, BASED ON MY OWN CONSUMPTION TESTS. THE DEALER HAS CHANGED THE OIL SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. THE CAR BEGIN TO BURN OIL AT AROUND 66,000 MILES. MANY TIMES I HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS - DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS "NORMAL" CONSUMPTION AND WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS AS DOES TOYOTA MOTOR SALES. HOWEVER, TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (T-SB-0094-11) WHICH ACKNOWLEDGES A CONSUMPTION ISSUE ON MY MODEL AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHERS. I HAVE READ ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE PISTON ASSEMBLY THAT IS CAUSING THIS, HOWEVER, TOYOTA REFUSES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM IF THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I CONTEND THAT THIS ISSUE WAS LIKELY PRESENT WITHIN MY WARRANTY BUT, SINCE I DIDN'T DISCOVER IT UNTIL AFTERWARDS, I AM SIMPLY OUT OF LUCK WITH AN ENGINE THAT CONSUMES EXCESSIVE OIL. THE DEALER QUOTED ME $3,400 TO REPAIR. I PURCHASED A TOYOTA FOR ITS PERCEIVED RELIABILITY, BUT LIKE OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS, I TOO AM STUCK WITH A HIGH MAINTENANCE VEHICLE THAT I TOO WILL HAVE TO MONITOR CLOSELY AS LONG AS I OWN IT. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM WARRANTS A RECALL, DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM IN TERMS OF VEHICLES AFFECTED AND THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. SADLY, TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS! *TR
Engine, Jun 22, 2013
THE ENGINE IS BURNING TOO MUCH OIL TOO QUICK AND WOBURN TOYOTA SERVICES REFUSE TO RESEARCH DEEPER FOR THE PROBLEM, I HAVE ALL EXTRA WARRANTIES AND THEY SAY IT IS NORMAL. IT IS NOT NORMAL THE AMOUNT OF OIL THE CAR IS CONSUMING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2013
WATERPUMP LEAKING. WATER PUMP DID NOT MEET FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. WATER PUMP LEAKING ENGINE BLOCK VERY DAMP . *TR
Engine, Jun 20, 2013
THE ENGINE DIED ON OUR VEHICLE. DEALER SAID IT STOPPED WORKING BUT WOULD HAVE TO TAKE APART THE ENGINE TO FIND OUT WHY. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKS BUT IT RAN OUT OF OIL & CEASED THE ENGINE. IT WAS ONLY 4 MONTHS SINCE OUR LAST OIL CHANGE. PEOPLE ARE TELLING US IT SHOULD NOT HAVE RAN OUT THAT FAST WITHOUT THERE BEING A LEAK. TOYOTA SAID THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. BY ONLY 525 MILES!!!! THIS IS OUR SECOND TOYOTA & WE LOVED THEM. WE WERE INTENDING ON BEING LIFE LONG CUSTOMERS. BUT NOW WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA! ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE READ OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY NEED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES!! WE NOW HAVE $13,000 LEFT TO PAY ON THE VEHICLE & CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT & HAVE NO OTHER VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Jun 19, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, UP TO 1 QT. WITHIN 1,000-1,200 MILES, BASED ON MY OWN AND A TOYOTA DEALER'S CONSUMPTION TESTS. THE DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS "NORMAL" CONSUMPTION AS DOES TOYOTA MOTOR SALES. HOWEVER, TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (T-SB-0094-11) WHICH ACKNOWLEDGES A CONSUMPTION ISSUE ON MY MODEL AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHERS. I HAVE READ ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE PISTON ASSEMBLY THAT IS CAUSING THIS, HOWEVER, TOYOTA REFUSES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM IF THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I CONTEND THAT THIS ISSUE WAS LIKELY PRESENT WITHIN MY WARRANTY BUT, SINCE I DIDN'T DISCOVER IT UNTIL AFTERWARDS, I AM SIMPLY OUT OF LUCK WITH AN ENGINE THAT CONSUMES EXCESSIVE OIL. THE DEALER QUOTED ME $3,400 TO REPAIR. I PURCHASED A TOYOTA FOR ITS PERCEIVED RELIABILITY, BUT AM NOW STUCK WITH A HIGH MAINTENANCE VEHICLE THAT I WILL HAVE TO MONITOR CLOSELY AS LONG AS I OWN IT. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM WARRANTS A RECALL, DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM IN TERMS OF VEHICLES AFFECTED AND THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. *TR
Engine, Jun 14, 2013
WATER PUMP REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *TR
Engine, Jun 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE ENGINE, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, TRACTION CONTROL AND ESC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED A LEAK IN THE EVAPORATION CANISTER WHICH WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WAS RESET TWICE ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,191.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 8, 2013
THE ONBOARD COMPUTER (ECM) PROGRAM IS DEFECTIVE IN THE 2008 RAV4, AND PROBABLY OTHER YEARS AND MODELS, CAUSING OWNERS TO UNNECESSARILY BRING CARS IN AND PAY FOR UNNEEDED SERVICE. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO BEGIN AN INTERSTATE DRIVE, 3 FAULT INDICATORS (CHECK ENGINE,VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, 4 WHEEL DRIVE) ILLUMINATED. FOLLOWING OWNERS MANUAL, MY WIFE CALLED THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER WHO TOLD HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALER IMMEDIATELY, AND TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL ROOM WHEN FOLLOWING OTHER VEHICLES, AND NOT TO ATTEMPT SUDDEN STOPS. ANOTHER FAULT INDICATOR (CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE) PRESENTED ITSELF ENROUTE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THE REASON FOR ALL 4 FAULT INDICATIONS WAS THE #6 CYLINDER MISFIRED 1 TIME A FEW SECONDS AFTER I STARTED THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THE ECM IS PROGRAMMED TO GIVE THESE 4 FAULT INDICATIONS FOR A CYLINDER MISFIRE, BUT HE DID NOT KNOW WHY. HE SAID THAT HE COULD FIND NO REASON FOR THE SINGLE MISFIRE, BUT THAT HE FOUND AND TIGHTENED A SLIGHTLY LOOSE AIR INTAKE HOSE THAT COULD NOT POSSIBLY HAVE CAUSED THE MISFIRE. HE TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE FOR ME TO MAKE MY INTERSTATE DRIVE WITHOUT COMING TO THE DEALERSHIP. I BELIEVE THAT THE ONBOARD COMPUTER PROGRAMMING THAT PROVIDED THESE 4 FAULT INDICATIONS IS DEFECTIVE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. 1. A SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE IS UNRELATED TO AND HAS NO EFFECT UPON THE THREE SYSTEMS POINTED TO BY THE FAULT INDICATIONS (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, CRUISE CONTROL) 2. A SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE AT STARTUP IS NOT AN EMERGENCY SITUATION REQUIRING IMMEDIATE SERVICE AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WITH EXTRAORDINARILY CAUTIOUS DRIVING ENROUTE. 3. DURING THE 1 HOUR DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CYLINDERS OF THE VEHICLE FIRED SUCCESSFULLY AROUND 360,000 TIMES, AND THE PROGRAMMING DID NOT RECOGNIZE THIS FAULTLESS OPERATION AND AUTOMATICALLY CLEAR THE FAULT INDICATORS.
Engine, May 28, 2013
I HAVE OWNED THIS 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 SINCE I BOUGHT BRAND NEW. I DID ALL THE OIL CHANGES MYSELF ON TIME. AFTER APPROX 2 1/2 YEARS AND 30,000 MILES I NOTICE CONSIDERABLY LESS OIL IN DRAIN PAN AT OIL CHANGES. I STARTED PULLING THE DIP STICK BETWEEN CHANGES AND SAW THAT IT NEEDED SUBSTANTIAL OIL ADDED BETWEEN CHANGES. NOT UNTIL CLOSE TO MY WARRANTY EXPIRING DID I FIND OUT THAT THEIR IS A TSB FROM TOYOTA ON THIS VERY 2.4 LITER ENGINE FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT TOYOTA ADMITS IS THEIR FAULT. I WENT TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. I MADE THE MISTAKE OF NOT CHECKING THEIR TOPPED OFF OIL LEVEL ON MY DIP STICK BEFORE THEY APPLIED A SECURITY SEAL. THE DEALER HAD ME RETURN AFTER 1K MILES, WHICH BY THE TSB THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD ME RETURN IN 1200 MILES. THEY PULLED THE DIPSTICK WHILE I WAS NOT PRESENT AND STATED THAT IT WAS WELL WITHIN RANGE. I HAVE SINCE PERFORMED MY OWN CONSUMPTION TEST 7,000 MILES AFTER THE DEALER DID , AND MY ENGINE IS CONSUMING 1.2 QUARTS IN 1080 MILES. THIS IS A FAIL BY TOYOTAS' OWN TSB GUIDE LINES. TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP CUSTOMERS WITH THIS SITUATION THEY HAVE PUT THEM IN. *TR
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 4, 2013
WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOPLIGHT, I PULLED INTO THE OPEN LEFT HAND LANE SO AS NOT TO BE BEHIND A TANKER TRUCK, AND WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES TRIED TO STOP THE CAR AT THE LIGHT, WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVVED AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL AND RATHER THAN COMING TO A FULL STOP AT THE LIGHT, I SLID THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. HAD I NOT BEEN IN A LANE WITHOUT TRAFFIC AND HAD THERE NOT BEEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ONCE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CAME TO A FULL STOP. THEN I DROVE TO A NEARBY GAS STATION AND DROVE AROUND THEIR PARKING LOT TO TEST THE BRAKES AND THEY SEEMED FINE. I ALSO CHECKED TO SEE IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS FREE FROM THE CARPET AND IT WAS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 6, 2012
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10444712 COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING DETAILS: MY 2008 RAV 4 ALL WHEEL DRIVE BURNS ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. I BROUGHT THE SUV TO TOYOTA ON 01/19/2012 FOR OIL CONSUMPTION. TECH CHECKED OIL. OIL LEVEL WAS 1/2 QUART LOW. THE TECH TOPPED OFF OIL. I PICK UP RAV AT 1:30 P FROM DEALER AND CHECKED OIL LEVEL. THE TECH OVER FILLED THE OIL ABOUT 8 OZ. I VERIFIED THIS WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE HE SAID HE DID NOT KNOW WHY TECH WOULD OVER FILL IT. THE DEALER WOULD LIKE TO RECHECK OIL LEVEL IN 1000 MILES. HOWEVER, TECH OVER FILLED IT SO WHEN I BRING IT BACK THEY CAN SAY SEE IT DOESN'T BURN THAT MUCH OIL. I WONDER IF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. MILEAGE 71393. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)[XXX] OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 01/19/2012 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 1/20/2012 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 16, 2012
MY 2008 RAV 4 IS BURNING OIL AT AN UNUSUALLY HIGH RATE. THIS BEGAN LAST DECEMBER WHEN MY OIL LIGHT FLICKED ON WHEN I WAS BRAKING. WHEN I BROUGHT IT INTO A SERVICE STATION THEY SAID I HAD NO OIL. I HAVE SINCE BROUGHT IT BACK TO MY DEALER A FEW TIMES FOR THE LIGHT COMING ON AND BEING OUT OF OIL. I HAVE ALREADY DONE THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BACK IN MAY BUT TOYOTA FELT THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR MY CAR TO HAVE LOST OIL IN 1569 MILES (PER THE OWNERS MANUAL). I JUST HAD IT BACK AT THE DEALER BECAUSE AFTER DRIVING ONLY 3,200 MILES SINCE MY LAST OIL CHANGE, MY OIL LIGHT FLICKED ON AGAIN. WHEN I CHECKED IT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. I KNOW THERE IS A TSB OUT FOR THIS ISSUE WITH MY CAR, AND SEVERAL OTHER MODELS OF TOYOTA, BUT SINCE I DON'T HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE THE DEALER/SERVICE DEPT TOLD ME TO CONTACT TOYOTA DIRECTLY. TOYOTA DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE AN ISSUE AND CONTINUED TO QUOTE ME PAGE 314 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL AND THE OIL CONSUMPTION CRITERIA ON THE PAGE. FOR SOME REASON THEY COULD NOT SEE THE NOTES FROM MY DEALER FROM EARLIER IN THE DAY THAT I HAD RUN OUT OF OIL AFTER 3,200 MILES. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ACTUALLY SAID TO ME "WHAT IS IT YOU WANT US TO DO?" I TOLD HIM I WANT YOU TO FIX MY CAR THAT YOU KNOW HAS A PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE TSB. I WAS TOLD TO ONCE AGAIN DO THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WITH MY DEALER. I AGREE WITH OTHERS, IF MY CAR IS SET TO GO 5000 MILES WITHOUT AN OIL CHANGE, BUT I ONLY WENT 3200 AND HAD NO OIL, HOW CAN THEY NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE OR BE FORCED TO FIX THIS KNOWN ISSUE?!! TOYOTA, I FEEL, IS JEOPARDIZING MINE AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY BY NOT CORRECTING THIS ISSUE. WHAT DISTURBS ME GREATLY IS THAT THE LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON AND STAY ON, IT FLICKS ON WHEN YOU ARE BREAKING SO IF YOU MISS IT, YOU WILL NOT KNOW YOU ARE OUT OF OIL. A RECALL IS IN ORDER AND I HOPE IT OCCURS BEFORE MY ENGINE IS BLOWN!! *TR
Power train, Engine, Oct 10, 2012
CAR IS HAVING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 57,00 MILES WHEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHENEVER I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER(KEYES TOYOTA) WHO TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE OIL PAN. DEALER CHANGED THE OIL BUT "NEGLECTED" TO TELL ME THAT THERE WAS A TSB PUT OUT BY TOYOTA FOR THIS PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER A FEW MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME I EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE OIL LOSS. DEALER DID NOT TAKE MY CONCERNS SERIOUSLY TILL AFTER MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WAS UP. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT COULD DOCUMENT THE OIL LOSS, WHICH THEY ALSO "FORGOT" TO MENTION WHEN THE WARRANTY WAS STILL IN EFFECT. MY CAR IS LOSING ABOUT 1.5 QUARTS PER 1000 MILES. TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THE DEALER DELIBERATELY MISLEAD ME INTO THINKING THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR TILL AFTER IT WAS PAST MY WARRANTY PERIOD. POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WAS GOOD FOR UP TO 60,000 MILES OR 5 YEARS. DEALER TRIED TO BLAME POOR MAINTENANCE BUT WHEN I OFFERED TO SHOW PROOF THAT I DID ALL THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, THEY STOPPED BLAMING THE PROBLEM ON THAT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2012
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 LTD V6 WITH OUR 5 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER YESTERDAY. SHE WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 50 MPH THEN SUDDENLY, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE ENGINE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SHE ALMOST WAS REAR ENDED BY OTHER CARS. THE CAR DID NOT START AGAIN AFTER BEING TRIED AFTER EVERY 5 MINUTES. THE CAR WAS SERVICED A MONTH BACK FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND BREAKS. A COP CAME OVER AND GOT THE CAR TOWED. STILL HAVE NO IDEA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2012
OIL CONSUMPTION IS TOO MUCH. IT USES ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL IN EVERY 500 MILES. FROM WHAT I AM HEARING, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND TOYOTA IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I BELIEVE A RECALL IS IN ORDER. THANK YOU *TR