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: service brakes
34 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Nov 11, 2017
REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE FINE BUT THERE IS A GRINDING AND SCRAPING FROM BACK END OF CAR. I KEEP UP WITH BRAKE MAINTENANCE. IT HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING OR STOPPING ON ALL ROADS,WHEN ITS WARMED UP OR NOT.
Service brakes, Dec 6, 2016
DEALER IS REPLACING BRAES 04465-42180 WITH 04465-AZ021-TM IS NOT SUPPORTED WITH RAV4 WITH 3RD ROW SEATS.
Service brakes, Dec 6, 2016
TOO CAR TO DEALER THEY SAID BRAE BOOSTER,MASTER CYLINDER,SID CONTROL NEED TO BE REPLACE MY CAR ONLY HAS 72379MILES
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Dec 17, 2015
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS CONSUMER 15 QUARTS OF OIL IN 36,000 MILES. ALSO, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WAS SOME RUST IN THE DRUM AREA THAT PROBABLY CAUSED THE NOISE. *JB
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Oct 20, 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 LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT THAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED. PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS INVESTIGATED THE INCIDENT ON 10/09/15. THEY FOUND C1249 OPEN STOP LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT, C1223 ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, MY VEHICLE HAD INTERMITTENT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. PIERCEY TOYOTA REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
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.
Service brakes, Apr 6, 2015
I PURCHASED MY RAV4 NEW IN 2008. OVER THE YEARS OCCASIONALLY WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN LIKE IT SHOULD AND A REALIZED THAT MY FOOT WAS DEPRESSING BOTH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME. I DIDN'T LIKE IT VERY MUCH THAT THIS COULD OCCUR BUT NEVER DID ANYTHING ABOUT IT. RECENTLY WHEN BRAKING AT A 4-WAY STOP SIGN IT HAPPENED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IT CAUGHT ME OFF-GUARD AND I NEARLY BROADSIDED A VEHICLE THAT HAD JUST PULLED OUT FROM THE OTHER DIRECTION. FORTUNATELY I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR IN TIME TO STOP. THIS TIME IT SCARED ME SINCE I WAS SO CLOSE TO HITTING THE OTHER VEHICLE. THIS TIME I WENT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT WAS TOLD I HAD TO CONTACT TOYOTA ABOUT THE ISSUE. I DID THIS AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE THE VEHICLES COMPUTER UPDATED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAD THIS DONE BUT IT DOES NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE UPDATE IS DESIGNED TO NOT ALLOW THE ENGINE TO OVERPOWER THE BRAKES BUT IT WILL STILL ALLOW THE ENGINE TO PUT POWER TO THE WHEELS WHEN BRAKING. I CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT THIS ISSUE AGAIN BUT WASN'T GIVEN ANY SATISFACTION AS TO HOW THIS ISSUE COULD BE CORRECTED. I SPOKE WITH MY BROTHER WHO HAS A 2009 RAV4 AND SAYS HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF THERE ARE 2 PEOPLE IN OUR FAMILY WITH THIS ISSUE, I'M SURE THERE ARE A LOT MORE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO ALSO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. ISN'T THERE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM??
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 6, 2015
ABS LIGHT, VSC LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING ALL SYSTEMS TO BE INOPERATIVE. AFTER TAKING CAR TO LOCAL DEALER PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE BAD LEFT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, HARNESS FOR SENSOR AND WHEEL HUB THAT HAD CORROSION ON IT POSSIBLY FROM LIVING IN AN AREA THAT DEICES ROADS WITH SALT. IN MY RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THROUGH SEVERAL TOYOTA BLOGS THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AROUND THE COUNTRY. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT AND THE ASSOCIATED COST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS EXPENSIVE. IF AN OWNER FAILS TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE OUTCOME COULD BECOME CATASTROPHIC IN INCLIMATE WEATHER. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Mar 19, 2014
WE HAVE HAD MORE THAN ONE INSTANCE WHEN OUR 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS FAILED TO MAINTAIN STABILIZATION WHEN HAVING TO DECREASE SPEED IN EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES. (USUALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS THAN 45 MPG) OUR VEHICLE'S REAR SUSPENSION MAKES THE DRIVE FEEL UNSAFE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. ATLANTA TOYOTA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THESE INSTANCES YET NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN OFFERED AS OF TODAY. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 10, 2014, crash
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER DROVE AT 5MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSED THE DRIVER LOSE CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ONTO THE ROOF. THE DRIVER BODY SUFFERED BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TOWYARD. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. LI
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 2, 2014
I DO OWN A TOYOTA RAV4 2008, IT DOES HAVE A WHINING NOISE WHICH COMES IN TO PLAY FROM 20-30 MILES AN HR. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA MANY TIMES FOR CHECK UP AND THEY CANT FIND THE ISSUE THEY ARE INSISTING IT IS THE BRAKES, I DID REPLACE THE BRAKES BUT THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. IS THERE ANY RESOLUTION ON THIS I AM AFRAID OF THIS NOISE. I WANT TO KNOW IF TOYOTA WILL HAVE A RECALL ON THIS NOISE. IF I PRESS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL THE NOISE STARTS AT 20 MILES PER HR AND IT STOPS AFTER 30 MILES PER HR BUT IF I LET GO OF THE ACCELERATION THE NOISE WILL STOP EVEN AT 20-30 MILES PER HR. I WONDER WHAT IT COULD BE? WILL THIS NOISE CAUSE ANY ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING? PLEASE HELP ON A RESPONSE ON THIS ISSUE, THANKS *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 24, 2013
I HAD JUST ARRIVED TO WORK WAS IN THE EMPLOYEE PARK LOT GETTING READY TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR BUT IT WILL NOT. I PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE RIGHT BEFORE I HIT THE WALL AT THE PARKING GARAGE WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND HAD THE CAR TOWED FOR INSPECTION. WENT TO TOYOTA AND WROTE A STATEMENT ON 10/23/13 AT 0900, THEY CALLED AGAIN TO ASK WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY THEN CALLED AGAIN AT 418PM AND LEFT MESSAGE THAT CAR WAS READY FOR PICK UP. WENT THERE TODAY AND I ASKED WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY TOLD ME TO CALL CORPORATE TO TELL ME. I CALLED CORPORATE AS TOLD AND THEY REFERRED ME BACK TO THE DEALER AS THEY DID THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY STATED MANAGER IS ON VACATION UNTIL MONDAY. I CALLED CORPORATE AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. I CALLED HIM AT 352PM AND HE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED AND I EXPLAINED MYSELF AGAIN. I ASKED WHAT TESTS WERE RUN ON THE CAR AND WHAT THEY FOUND. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT THE TECHNICIAN WHO TESTED THE CAR IS NOT AVAILABLE AND THEREFORE HE CANNOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION. I THEN CALLED CORPORATE AGAIN TO GET ANSWERS AND WAS TOLD SOMEONE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH ME IN 1 BUSINESS DAY. MY FEAR IS WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN AS THEY ARE NOT TELLING ME ANYTHING. I HAVE A 5 MONTH OLD BABY AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GET ANSWERS TO ENSURE THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. PLEASE CAN SOMEBODY HELP ME GET ANSWERS FROM TOYOTA IN REGARDS TO THE TESTS THEY DID ON THE CAR. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 9, 2013
BRAKE RELEASES ON ITS OWN. WE WERE AT THE STOP LIGHT, BRAKE PADDLE FLOORED AS IF IT WAS LOOSING PRESSURE. IMMEDIATELY RE APPLIED THE BRAKE AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. SUBSEQUENTLY IT STARTED HAPPENING SAME, AND IT NOW HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME, WE NEARLY AVOIDED COLLISION WITH THE FRONT VEHICLE. IF BREAK IS HELD FOR MORE THAN 10-15 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM IS UNABLE TO HOLD BRAKE PADDLE IN ITS POSITION AND STARTS FLOORING (HILL IS MORE PROBLEMATIC). IN PAST, WE TALKED TO THE DEALER DURING OIL CHANGE VISITS, THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH BRAKE SYSTEM. TALKED TO DEALER TODAY AGAIN THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $109 FOR DIAGNOSIS, AGREED AND INFORMED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM AND GAVE COPY OF SIMILAR EVENTS FROM THIS SITE DATABASE. THEY CAME BACK AND SAID TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT IT AND THEY ARE WORKING ON THE FIX, VEHICLE MAY NEED REPROGRAMMING, THEY DO NOT KNOW THE FIX YET. THEY WILL SEND PAPERWORK FOR THE RECALL. DEALER WAS NICE ENOUGH TO FORGO THE DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE. HOPE TOYOTA COMES OUT WITH THE FIX SOON ENOUGH... *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE FAILURE WAS ALSO EXPERIENCED A SECOND TIME AND THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE CYLINDER AND THE REAR PASSENGER CALIPER MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, BOTH PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,030. *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 2, 2012
LETTER TO THE ADMINISTRATOR FROM RE BRAKE PEDAL ON HIS 2008 RG4 TOYOTA *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ALSO THE BRAKING DID NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE, UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED DOWN TO ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY COULD NOT ADJUST THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO PEDALS.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Sep 5, 2012
SLIPPING BRAKES, REQUIRING FREQUENT CHECKUPS AND REPLACEMENT POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL ( WHICH AFTER TWO YEARS OF COMPLAINING, I WAS INFORMED IS A DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFT ) SUDDEN ACCELERATION INCREASING NOISE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE JUMPING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACE IN REVERSE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 5, 2011
AS I WAS BRAKING MY FOOT PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME I WAS BRAKING. I NOTICED THE ENGINE SPEEDING UP. I MOVED THE GEAR SHIFT TO NEUTRAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. I WAS THEN ABLE TO MOVE MY FOOT TO ONLY THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2011
MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS RECENTLY. ONE INSTANCE TOOK PLACE ON OR ABOUT JUNE 30, 2011, THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED ON OR ABOUT MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011. THE FIRST TIME, TOYOTA CLAIMED THAT THE NON-BRAKING/UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY FLOOR MATS I PUT IN THE CAR. I BOUGHT THESE FOR THE CAR BECAUSE I FELT THE ONES TOYOTA ORIGINALLY PROVIDED WERE NOT SAFE (HEELS ON MY SHOES, THOUGH FLAT, KEPT GETTING CAUGHT IN THE DEEP RIDGES OF THEIR MATS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER). AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE TOYOTA 'S MECHANICS, I THREW OUT MY MATS AND REPLACED THEM WITH NEW TOYOTA MATS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALERSHIP. ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN I APPLIED MY FOOT TO THE BRAKE, INSTEAD OF THIS ACTION STOPPING THE CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND MOVED FORWARD. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, MY CAR WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL LEADING TO MY COMPLEX'S EXIT. AS I NEARED THE STOP SIGN IN FRONT OF A VERY BUSY ROADWAY, I STARTED APPLYING MY BRAKES. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. ALTHOUGH I PUSHED DOWN HARDER & HARDER ON THE BRAKE IN A DESPERATE EFFORT TO STOP THE CAR, IT CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. MY RAV4 WENT ONTO THE ROADWAY, NARROWLY MISSING A TRUCK IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE SECOND TIME I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING SIGNIFICANTLY WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND DO NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE SAFE. THE MECHANIC AT TOYOTA, BEFORE EVEN EXAMINING THE CAR, CLAIMED IT WAS "HUMAN ERROR." I HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS IN MY LIFETIME AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME BEFORE. IT IS MY SINCERE HOPE THAT THE NHTSA & DOT WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS. IT APPEARS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS. I TRULY BELIEVE PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE IN DANGER. I'M AFRAID TO HAVE MY GRANDDAUGHTERS TRAVEL IN MY CAR! *KB
Service brakes, Electric, Apr 26, 2011
I OWN A TOYOTA RAV 4 FROM 2008. MY BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. IT HAVE THE PUMP THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP. I HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY COMPLAINING IT TO THE DEALERSHIPS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT THEY HAVE NOT FIXED IT YET. ALL THE TIME THE DEALERSHIP KEEPS TELLING THAT WE WILL GET BACK TO YOU OR REPORT IT TO THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TOYOTA. I AND MY WIFE HAVE BEEN SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITH OUR TWO CHILDREN ON BOARD. WE BOUGHT THIS SUV AS A FAMILY CAR BUT NOT ABLE TO DRIVE IT WITH PEACE OF MIND. WE NEED SOME HELP TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED. SOME OF THE DEALERS GET BACK TO ME SAYING "THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN THERE" EITHER SELL IT OR WE CANNOT DO ANYTHING. MAKE : TOYOTAYEAR:2008 MODEL : RAV 4 *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Mar 4, 2011
MY TOYOTA RAV 4, 2008 MODEL ACCELERATED WHILE I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE HARDER I WENT DOWN ON THE BRAKES THE MORE THE ENGINE REVVED. *TR
Service brakes, Air, Dec 30, 2010
BRAKES WERE REPORTED AS RUSTED OUT AND WERE REPLACED DURING A 10,000 MILE STANDARD SERVICE. COST WAS NEARLY $1000. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 27, 2010, crash
PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE AT WORK DOING ABOUT 5-10 MPH. SLOWED TO TURN INTO SPACE, GIVING CAR JUST ENOUGH GAS , WHEN CAR LAUNCHED FORWARD HITTING A CHAIN LINK FENCE. I DID NOT HAVE ANY BRAKES, SO I TRIED PUMPING BRAKES BEFORE IMPACT . BRAKE PEDAL WAS COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR, SO I USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP CAR BEFORE IT CAUSED FURTHER DAMAGE TO CAR AND FENCE. I DID NOT REPORT INCIDENT, BUT TOOK CAR TO LACEY COLLISION, AND THEY ESTIMATED DAMAGE AT $1500. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS..NOTHING WAS EVER DONE. THEY ONLY ADMITTED THAT YES, MY BRAKES WERE A BIT 'SOFT'. BUT CAR WAS NOT ON THEIR RECALL LIST.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 21, 2010, crash
DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 LIMITED, 6 CYL., PURCHASED NEW, NO PRIOR ISSUES, APPROXIMATELY 28,400 MILES, WHEN TRAFFIC BEGAN STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT. I APPLIED BRAKES WITHOUT RESPONSE. PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN, STANDING ON THE BRAKES, ABS, WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE AND COLLIDING INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO ER. OCCUPANTS OF OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED NO INJURIES. VIN NUMBER BEGINNING WITH "J". COLLISION SHOP REPORTS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 28, 2010, crash, fire
DRIVING 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 (19K MI) IN RAIN ON NY STATE HWY AT 30 MPH. DRIVER IN FRONT SLOWED. APPLIED BRAKES WHICH SOFTENED THEN WENT TO FLOOR. PUMPING DID NOT RETURN PRESSURE. HAND BRAKE SLOWED VEHICLE TO BELOW 15 MPH. CRASHED INTO OTHER VEHICLE AT @ 12 MPH. CAR BURST INTO FLAMES BENEATH AND CONSUMED VEHICLE WITHIN 12-14 MINUTES; *CN