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: power train
37 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Mar 5, 2021
REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS MAKING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE IN THE BEGINNING OF 1ST, AND 2ND GEAR. BROUGHT IT IN TO TOYOTA AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT LEAKING AND I WENT INTO THE SHOP AND ALSO LOOKED AT IT MYSELF AND IT WASN'T LEAKING. DID THE REAR DIF SERVICE LIKE TOYOTA RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THE CAR HAS BEEN SUPER RELIABLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IT THAT WAY. I HAVE DONE 2 REAR DIF SERVICES BEFORE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS. RIGHT WHEN THEY DID THE SERVICE A COUPLE DAYS LATER IT STARTED MAKING THE RUMBLING NOISE AGAIN AND IS NOW LEAKING AND MADE A PUDDLE IN MY DRIVEWAY. I TOOK A LOOK AT IT MYSELF AND ALL PLUGS ARE TIGHTENED BUT IT IS NOW LEAKING FROM THE COUPLING WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT CONNECTS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AXLE SEAL. THEY WANT ME TO PAY 1000 DOLLARS FOR A WHOLE NEW COUPLING ASSEMBLEY THAT IS REFURBISHED NOT INCLUDING THE DS AXLE SEAL AND LABOUR. I WILL POST PICTURE BELOW OF THE PROBLEM.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 5, 2020
VEHICLE BEGAN BRIEF HESITATION AT MODERATE SPEEDS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE IDLE SEEMS TO STAY HIGH RPM FOR LONGER THAN IT DID. THEN JUST TWO DAYS AGO, THE ENGINE BRIEFLY QUIT COMPLETELY WHILE ACCELERATING TO CLIMB A HILL. ALL THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE FIRST USE OF THE DAY FOR A 10 OR 15 MINUTE PERIOD. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT.
Power train, Jan 1, 2020
RAV4 HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PER TOYOTA'S RECOMMENDATIONS. AT APPROX 86K MILES IT STARTED USING UP EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. OIL IS NOT LEAKING, NOR BURNING (CAN'T SEE ANYTHING IN THE TAIL PIPES), AND THERE'S NO BURN OIL SMELL ANYWHERE. AFTER RESEARCHING, I FOUND THAT IN 2011, TOYOTA ISSUED TSB-0094-11 THAT ACKNOWLEDGED EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN MY YEAR VEHICLE. TOYOTA ALSO ISSUED A LSC ZE7 WHICH OFFERED FREE REPAIR FOR QUALIFIED VEHICLES DURING THE CAMPAIGN (11/24/2017 OR 150K MILES WHICHEVER CAME FIRST). UNFORTUNATELY MY CAR JUST HIT 86K MILES. I'M THE 2ND OWNER AND NEVER GOT ANY NOTIFICATION. MY CAR IS BURNING ABOUT 1 QUART PER 1,000 MILES. AFTER SPEAKING TO TOYOTA CUST NO-SVC, THEY'RE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. EVEN THOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THERE'S AN ISSUE!!! MY CASE WITH TOYOTA IS 1912311193. FROM MY ONLINE RESEARCH I'VE SEEN MANY PEOPLE IMPACTED THAT HAVE NOT BEEN HELPED BY TOYOTA. THIS IS JUST NOT RIGHT. TOYOTA HAS KEPT THIS VERY QUIET.
Power train, Dec 16, 2019
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING THAT MAY CAUSE THE CAR TO LOCK UP AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE REPAIR COST IS RIDICULOUS AND TOYOTA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCT. THE CAR MAKES TERRIBLE BUMPING NOISES AT LOW SPEEDS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL LOCK UP.
Power train, May 27, 2019
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 AND AT THE TIME OF THE ISSUE IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 150K MILES. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING A GROWLING/WHIRRING NOISE STARTED TO COME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT INCREASED IN FREQUENCY AND VOLUME OVER TIME. AFTER REPLACING BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS IT WAS DETERMINED BY A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER/BEARING. I WAS NOTIFIED THAT A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE EXPIRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2017. THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE WAS NOTICED IN OCTOBER OF 2018. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT THOUSANDS OF RAV4 OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET. THE DEFECTIVE BEARING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED UNDER A RECALL AS THEY WILL NOT GET ANY BETTER AND TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ADMITTED THE PART IS FAULTY BY ISSUING THE WARRANTY REPLACEMENT. TOYOTA MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PARTS AND A RECALL MUST BE ISSUED.
Power train, May 9, 2019
MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 CONSUMES TOO MUCH OIL. IT CONSUMES 4 QUARTS OF OIL UNDER 2000 MILES.
Power train, Mar 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT HEARD A REALLY LOUD GRINDING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DOWNEAST TOYOTA IN BREWER, MAINE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON JULY 6, 2017, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE THE NINE YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Power train, Jan 24, 2018
I FOUND OUT TOO LATE ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN THE 2AZ-FE ENGINE. MY PROBLEM STARTED AFTER THE WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT. MY CAR BURNS A LOT OF OIL AND I HAVE TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE OR ADD OIL FREQUENTLY (EVERY FEW WEEKS OF ADDING OIL). I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THIS PROBLEM AND DIDN'T FIND OUT THAT THEY WERE FIXING THIS UNTIL I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THE PROBLEM. I SEE CLASS ACTION SUITS AND OTHERS THAT WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. I EVEN HAVE HAD MY CAR INTO TOYOTA FOR REPAIRS AND WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SO NOW I HAVE A CAR WITH ONLY 147,000 MILES THAT NEEDS FREQUENT OIL THAT TOYOTA WON'T STAND BEHIND. IF IT WAS JUST MY CAR I MIGHT NOT BOTHER REPORTING IT, BUT ITS NOT
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 18, 2017
1. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION UP TO 1QT EVERY 1200 MILES, UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS NOTICED DECEMBER OF 2013. 2. ECM FAILS TO HOLD REVERSE GEAR. GEAR FREQUENTLY SLIPS IN REVERSE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED, WON'T BACK UP HILLS. NOTICED DECEMBER OF 2013, NO POWER WHEN FIRST STARTING UP FOR FIRST 10 TO 15 MINUTES OF DRIVE. OCTOBER OF 2013 IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING 3. HEAD GASKET FAIL BETWEEN NUMBER 2 AND 3 CYLINDERS DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKET. REPLACED HEAD GASKET JUNE 2016 4. VERY LOW FUEL ECONOMY DECEMBER 2013. 5. NO OIL PRESSURE VERY RUFF IDLE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ON, WITH OIL LEVEL READING FULL. SEPTEMBER 2017
Power train, Jun 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (VIC'S AUTO SERVICE LOCATED AT 3400 SOUTH PARK AVE, BUFFALO, NY 14219; (716) 822-3404) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
Power train, May 2, 2017
OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. MY TOYOTA RAV 4 HAS 74,000 MILES ON IT AND IS USING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 400 TO 500 MILES. THERE IS CURRENTLY A LAWSUIT AGAINST TOYOTA FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY DO HAVE A VEHICLE "OIL CONSUMPTION TEST." HOWEVER TOYOTA'S TEST SEEMS BIASED IN THEIR FAVOR, AS THEY FILL THE CRANKCASE AND SEAL THE DIP STICK AND CRANKCASE FILL HOLE. YOU THEN BRING THE VEHICLE BACK AFTER 1,200 MILES. THEY THEN CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AND NOTIFY YOU IF YOUR VEHICLE PASSED THE TEST. BUT, WHOSE TO SAY THAT YOU LOST THE OIL OVER THE ENTIRE 1,200 MILES OR LOST IT BY 400 OR 1000 MILES. WHEN I HAD THE TEST DONE ON MY VEHICLE, IT PASSED. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE TEST I CHECKED THE OIL. THE OIL PROBLEM SEEMED TO DISAPPEAR. THREE WEEKS LATER THE OIL PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. I FOUND OUT, ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET, THAT SUPPOSEDLY THE TOYOTA DEALERS ARE OVERFILLING THE CRANKCASE AND USING A HEAVIER WEIGHT OIL, SO THE OIL CONSUMPTION WILL BE NORMAL AFTER THE TEST IS RUN. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE OIL WARNING LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON WHEN THE OIL IS LOW, THEREFORE IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO DAMAGE YOUR ENGINE IF YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM.
Power train, Electrical system, Seat belts, Engine, Mar 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND 4WD WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000(SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 19, 2016
2008 TOYOTA RAV4. 1006,000 MILEAGE. SUDDENLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. TAKEN TO NEWARK TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES SINCE JUNE THIS YEAR UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ON A CITY STREET.
Power train, Jan 10, 2016
REAR U JOINT SEIZED AT 100519 MILES. NOTED VIBRATION AND REAR WHEEL INSTABILITY STARTING APPROX 30 MPH.
Power train, Oct 22, 2015
VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AT MY REGULAR SERVICE LOCATION. MECHANIC NOTED LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND I WAS HEARING A "WHIRING" NOISE WHILE DRIVING, TOLD TO CONTACT TOYOTA. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP, VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY NOTED IT WAS THE DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER. WOULD NOT COVER THE $1400 REPAIR EVEN THOUGH TSB-0080-13 AND SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT NO 960 WAS IN PLACE AT THAT DATE/TIME. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, PURCHASED PART THROUGH TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND HAD INSTALLED BY REGULAR REPAIR SHOP DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. CONTACTING TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE VIA LETTER TO REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER THAT I HAD TO HAVE INSTALLED SINCE SO MANY RAV4 OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE AND OTHERS HAVE HAD THEIRS REPAIRED AT NO COST TO THEM. I HAVE ATTACHED A FELLOW RAV4 OWNERS INVOICE THAT SHOWS COUPLER REPLACED UNDER THE SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT THAT IS ALSO ATTACHED.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Oct 13, 2015
ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6, 2015 MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS IN FOR SERVICE AT PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES, FRONT/BACK BRAKES AND FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS, A TOTAL OF $2,000. ON OCTOBER 8, 2015, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BACK FROM STANFORD LUCILE PACKARD OVER DUMBARTON BRIDGE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN MY CAR. JUST BEFORE THIS EVENT, THE ABS, VSC, AND SLIP WARNING LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT VERY STIFF AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO DO ANY REPETITIVE PUMPING OF THE BRAKE. I CALLED 911 AND REQUESTED ASSISTANCE. WHEN THE FRONT TRAFFIC CAME TO A HOLD I HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MY ENTIRE CAR SLIPPED TO THE LEFT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THE BUS BEHIND US. SOME GOOD SAMARITANS SAW WHAT HAPPENED AND HELPED ME TO GET MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. THAT DAY, MY 9 YRS. OLD SON AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I REQUEST THAT TOYOTA INVESTIGATES/RECALLS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES FOR TOYOTA RAV4 2008. IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SYSTEM CONTAINS A BRAKE ACTUATOR THAT ADJUSTS THE FLUID PRESSURE OF EACH WHEEL CYLINDER. WITHIN THE ACTUATOR IS AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL THAT CONNECTS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR MOTOR AND THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE SKID CONTROL ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU). DUE TO MANUFACTURING VARIATION, THERE COULD BE A REDUCTION IN CONTACT FORCE BETWEEN THE TWO COMPONENTS OF THE TERMINAL, CAUSING OXIDE FILM TO INCREASE RESISTANCE. A LARGER THAN NORMAL INCREASE IN RESISTANCE CAN CAUSE THE ILLUMINATION OF VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS, INCLUDING THOSE FOR THE SKID CONTROL (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL OR VSC) SYSTEM, ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. LFTHIS OCCURS, THESE SYSTEMS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Power train, Apr 13, 2015
WATER PUMP HAS FAILED, DESPITE TIMELY AND COMPLETE MAINTENANCE AND NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. A GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS WIDESPREAD, PREMATURE WATER PUMP FAILURE ON 2008 V6 RAV4 VEHICLES AT EVEN EARLIER MILEAGES. *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
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
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
Power train, Jun 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 RAV4 TOYOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A HUMMING NOISE AS UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 114,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Suspension, Power train, May 5, 2014
REAR DIFFERENTIAL STARTED MAKING A WHIRRING NOISE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE NOISE INCREASED IN PITCH AND VOLUME WITH SPEED. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A BAD MAGNETIC COUPLING BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND REPLACED IT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jul 19, 2013
I TOOK MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RACK AND PINION AND SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. RESEARCHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ONLINE, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT MANY RAV4 OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME SITUATION. THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY RAV4S. A SO CALLED DEPENDABLE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE REACHING 100,000 MILES. CERTAINLY, TOYOTA MUST CLEARLY KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD ADDRESS IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT WHICH CAN DISRUPT THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITIES. *TR