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: suspension
81 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Sep 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WHEEL BEARING/HUB ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE NUT THAT GOES ONTO THE AXLE, WHICH HOLDS THE WHEEL BEARING IN PLACE ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING, WAS CROOKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT COMPLETED PROPERLY. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE RECALL REMEDY INSTRUCTION FAILED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Aug 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V37000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIRS FAILED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Suspension, Jul 17, 2014
ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO I RECEIVED A SECOND URGENT RECALL LETTER FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM, MEANING THEY DIDN'T FIX IT THE FIRST TIME ABOUT A YEAR AGO. HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT LOCAL DEALERS AND TOYOTA USA SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. *TR
Suspension, Jul 1, 2014
I RECEIVED AN "URGENT SAFETY RECALL" FROM TOYOTA SOMETIME JAN - APRIL 2014, REGARDING "REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS (NO 1), ONE OF SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES I'VE RECEIVED SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WHERE I CANNOT GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE THE AFFECTED PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE WHEN I CALLED IN LATE MAY AND AGAIN TODAY. AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL GET THE PART AND ADVISED TO CALL BACK AT END OF THE SUMMER. WHAT IS THE POINT OF SENDING OUT THESE URGENT SAFETY RECALL NOTICES IF THE DEALERSHIPS DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THEM FOR SUCH A LONG TIME? IT SHOULDN'T BE TITLED "URGENT" IF NO REMEDY CAN BE DONE TO FIX THE CAR. IF IT IS TRULY AN URGENT SAFETY ISSUE, TOYOTA SHOULD BE WORKING HARDER TO HAVE THE PARTS READY. *TR
Suspension, Jun 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V383000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PARTS DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Jun 16, 2014
REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 TOYOTA NOTIFIED ME OF THIS RECALL IN APRIL, 2014, AS I WAS IN THE LAST GROUP NOTIFIED. SINCE THEN, REPEATED CONTACTS TO MY DEALER RESULTED IN BEING TOLD THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. TODAY, JUNE 16, THEY STATED THEY COULD INSPECT THE CAR LATER THIS MONTH, AND IF PARTS ARE NEEDED [PARTS HAVE BEEN NEEDED IN NEARLY ALL CASES], I WOULD THEN BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST, AND IT COULD BE MANY MONTHS, IF EVER, THE PARTS WOULD ACTUALLY ARRIVE. TODAY, CUSTOMER SERVICE AT TOYOTA HQ TOLD ME THAT PARTS CAN ONLY BE ORDERED AT THE RATE OF 1 PER WEEK. A CHECK OF YOUR RECORDS INDICATES THAT LESS THAN 10% OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED IN THE FIRST 6 MONTHS OF THE RECALL. IS THIS GOOD PERFORMANCE, OR JUST A DODGE BY THE MANUFACTURER TO LIMIT THE COST OF ACTUALLY PERFORMING THE RECALL, BY MOVING SO SLOWLY THAT FEW VEHICLES ARE IN FACT REPAIRED? IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO, SHORT OF GARAGING THE CAR FOR THE NEXT YEAR; OR DRIVING A POSSIBLY UNSAFE VEHICLE? *TR
Suspension, May 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V383000(SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. DR
Suspension, May 14, 2014
TOYOTA RAV 4 (2)- CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR SUSPENSION ARM RECALLS. *SMD 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE SUSPENSION. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ASTONISHED THAT BOTH VEHICLES NEEDED TO HAVE THE SAME PART REPLACED. ESPECIALLY ON THE 2008 MODEL, WHICH WAS 2 YEARS NEWER THAN HER OTHER VEHICLE. *JB
Suspension, May 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE PULLED INTO A DIFFERENT DIRECTION IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE ALIGNMENT WAS ADJUSTED AFTER EPOXY WAS ADDED. ADDITIONALLY, THE TIRES BECAME WORN PREMATURELY AND DAMAGED WITHIN FIVE WEEKS. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE EPOXY HAD TO BE REMOVED PRIOR TO MAKING THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED A GOODWILL REPAIR BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE REAR ARMS HOWEVER, SHE WOULD ASSUME THE REPAIR COST OF THE ALIGNMENT AND THE EPOXY KIT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL FOUR NEW TIRES WERE PURCHASED. ALSO, NO REPAIRS COULD BE MADE TO THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE EPOXY WAS REMOVED. A SECOND RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR ARMS WERE REPLACED AS WELL AS EPOXY BEING ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,448.
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
Suspension, Structure, Apr 9, 2014
AFTER MY CAR RECEIVED THE FIRST RECALL SERVICE (EARLY 2014) FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION, ABOUT 5000 MILES LATER I BEGAN TO HEAR NOISES AT FREEWAY SPEEDS FROM THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE AREA. NOT LONG AFTER THIS NOISE STARTED, I RECEIVED THE (MAILED FROM TOYOTA) SECOND RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE BACK SUSPENSION. THIS WAS IN SEPT 2013. EACH MONTH I CALL TOYOTA FOR THE SECOND RECALL SERVICE AND THEY NEVER "HAVE THE PARTS NECESSARY" FOR THE SECOND RECALL SERVICE. EACH TIME THERE IS NO "IDEA" WHEN THESE PARTS WILL BE IN. THE NOISE IS CONTINUALLY GETTING WORSE AND NOW APPEARS AT MUCH LOWER SPEEDS. FOR THE FIRST SERVICE, I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA MY CAR WAS TOTALLY RUSTED (EVEN THO THE CAR WAS FROM THE SOUTH US) AND HAD BEEN "DANGEROUS". I SEE THIS SAFECAR SITE MENTIONS THESE SECOND STAGE RECALL ARE TO BE COMPLETED BETWEEN SEPT 2013 AND APRIL 2014. TODAY IS 4/9/2014 AND THE TOYOTA DEALERS IN THIS AREA STILL CLAIM THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. ALSO TODAY THERE NOW ARE NEW RECALLS FOR THIS SAME CAR HOW LONG WILL WE WAIT FOR THOSE PARTS? *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
Suspension, Feb 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,372.
Suspension, Feb 20, 2014
COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS IS 3RD TIME I HAVE GOT A NOMINATION! DON'T HAVE THE PARTS! REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS (NO.1). *TR
Suspension, Feb 12, 2014
BEFORE THE START OF A 2000 MILE ROAD TRIP, I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND COMPLAINED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER ABOUT A KNOCKING COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION. I WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE. WHILE DRIVING ALONG A HIGHWAY, I LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SWERVING IN ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND ENDED UP DRIVING OFF THE ROAD - LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND OR I WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER, WHO INFORMED ME A RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION PIN HAD BROKEN, AND THIS WAS PART OF A TOYOTA SAFETY RECALL. TO DATE (2/12/14) TOYOTA HAS NOT TAKEN STEPS TO CORRECT THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Jan 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER'S REAR SUSPENSION ARM WAS FRACTURED. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Suspension, Oct 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AFTER THE FAILURE WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Suspension, Sep 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION) PERFORMED ON HER VEHICLE IN 2012. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS ADVISED ABOUT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION ) ON THE NEWS. SHE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE FACT THAT TOYOTA FAILED TO FULFILL THE FIRST RECALL REPAIR AND THAT SHE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED A SECOND TIME DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS ERROR. THE CONTACT ALSO WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RECALL REPAIR BEING DRAWN OUT OVER A SIX MONTH PERIOD. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Wheels, Sep 9, 2013
REAR SUSPENSION ARM BROKEN WHILE TRAVELING APPROX. 70 MPH. THERE WAS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF A ROLLOVER WITH THIS INCIDENT. THREE SEPARATE TIMES THE VEHICLE MADE A VERY SHARP JERKS TOWARD THE DITCH/MEDIAN. THE ONLY REASON WE DID NOT ROLLOVER WAS THE DRIVER AT THE TIME WAS VERY EXPERIENCED AND HAD TO FIGHT TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE HAD BUCKLED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ONE OF THE TIE ROD BOLTS WAS MISSING AND HAD CAUSED THE TIE ROD TO BECOME BENT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR
Suspension, Apr 22, 2013
WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE REAR STABILIZER LINK ASSEMBLY (RH) BOLT DISCONNECTED FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM ASSEMBLY DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE BOLT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE TO THE EXTENSIVE RUSTING OF THE FRAME, DRIVESHAFT, FRONT CONTROL ARMS, REAR SUSPENSION, REAR SHOCKS, AND THE PASSENGER REAR RIM. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT RUST WAS NOT A DEFECT BUT ENVIRONMENTAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Suspension, Dec 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUSPENSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Suspension, Dec 3, 2012
I RECEIVED A "INTERIM" RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA STATING THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM AND THAT FAILURE OF THE REAR TIE ROD COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THEY INSTRUCTED OWNERS TO CALL ONLY IF THEY EXPERIENCED ANY STRANGE NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I DID NOTICE THAT RECENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN BACKING UP THAT I WOULD HEAR A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I CALLED AND THEY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE DAY AFTER I SCHEDULED MY VEHICLE TO BE LOOKED AT THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM NO. 1 SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY 4 LANE HIGHWAY. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO INITIALLY START TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH AND AS I TRIED TO PULL OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE I THEN LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH THEN SPUN AROUND IN THE DIRECTION OF ON COMING VEHICLES. FORTUNATELY WE DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST AT THE TOP OF AN EXIT OFF RAMP. NOW THAT I EXPERIENCED HOW SERIOUS THIS REALLY IS I HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS AS TO WHY TOYOTA DIDN'T ADVISE ME TO IMMEDIATELY BRING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS AND DEADLY CRASH. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 3, 2012
HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HANUKKAH! BOB BRIDGE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF MY AGE & BACKGROUND. THEY CHARGED ME $1280 OUT THE DOOR FOR TSB RECALL SERVICE. IT'S UNFAIR & ABSURD 4 ME PAYING TOYOTA'S DESIGN FLAWS. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME GET IN TOUCH WITH PORTLAND REGIONAL OFFICE SO THEY CAN START REIMBURSEMENT TO ME? BOB BRIDGE IS MILKING BOTH ME & TOYOTA DISTRICT MANAGERS. THEY TOOK 14 DAYS TO PUT IN NEW STEERING SHAFT AND OFFERED ZERO IN-DEPTH REPORT ON FAILURE & STEERING SHAFT'S WARRANTY. RUSHED THROUGH THE JOB AND LEFT ME DYING BATTERY & ALTERNATOR. T-SB-0318-08 (STEERING SHAFT RECALL) STEERING NOW FEELS HARD SINCE THEY DIDN'T REFILL POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. MY ALTERNATOR & BATTERY WAS LEFT AS IS WITH DIMINISHING CAPACITY. I WILL ONLY PAY $150 OUT THE DOOR LABOR FOR THIS TSB SERVICE, THE REST WILL BE PAID BY TOYOTA'S DISTRICT OFFICE. WHEN CAN YOU SEND ME MY CHECK? *TR