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: other or unspecified
29 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2025
I purchased the vehicle on [XXX] after seeing the carfax report the dealer furnished. Now my car is no longer driveable due to the numerous repairs it needs. I looked at a real carfax report recently and found out thar dealer didn't give me the true report. It only showed 2 owners and mileage close to the odometer reading. However, there are 4 previous owners and the mileage is 172,000 just before it was sold and then purchased by dealer and then sold to me. Dealer hid the part of the report about the odometer tampering. I now have a very expensive lawn ornament that I still owe over $9,000 on. I can't afford to fix and now stuck with it since I can't sell it. I am having trouble uploading documents. I've tried calling but it just hangs up. I'm calling the number that's online but it doesn't work. Please contact me [XXX] Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 31, 2023
I have a toyota rav4 2008 2.4 the motor is no leaking oil, no blue smoke but i put 4 quarts oil on 1.000 miles,the comsuption oil is too much and the steering wheel column have problem and that is danger .i see on Google the problem on this car toyota rav4 2008 2.4 is came with factory problem on pistons and rings I call bernardi toyota framingham,ma on 08/27/2022 and i talk a service guy the problem and he say the recall for my car expires on 2018 but i read on Internet recall nver expires if the company o factory Still on ,I did call to service on toyota weslleyle,ma on 08/29/2023 and the service guy toll me the same My phone number [XXX] .. [XXX] my name Thank you.very much for help me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2022
Severe rust on frame and undercarriage. Other 2008 Toyota models were recalled due to the same rust issues. Unsure of when rust first started.
Air bags, Seats, Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2019
MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN FIXED AND THEN I STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE OCCUPATION DETECTOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT IS NOT REGISTERING THAT THERE IS AN OCCUPANT OVER 1/2 THE TIME. SINCE THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR (ABOUT 500$) I TAKE IT TO HEART KNOWING MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AT ALL TIMES. I DO HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND THIS IS OUR PRIMARY FAMILY VEHICLE. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A PART THAT AN OWNER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WILL FUNCTION BUT IT'S BEEN ON SOLID FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. HENCE MY EMAIL.
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2019
RAV 4 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT COMES ON HAD TO SPEND OVER $1000.00 TO GET IT TO STAY OFF CHARCOAL CANISTER HAD TO REPLACED, CAR ONLY HAS 92000 MILES, REPAIR TECH STATED THAT WHILE THIS LIGHT WAS ON, I COULD NOT USE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IF NEEDED
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 22, 2018
2008 TOYOTA RAV4 - EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ON 2AZ-FE ENGINE LSC ZE7 MY DAUGHTERS TOYOTA RAV4 WAS CONSUMING AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF OIL. WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THE CAR WAS BURNING OIL. AFTER DOING MORE RESEARCH, WE DISCOVERED IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS AND/OR 150,000 MILES FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE (ZE7). THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AUGUST 2008. WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2017 FROM A FAMILY MEMBER. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THEY THOUGHT THAT THE CAR JUST BURNED A LOT OF OIL. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SEPTEMBER 2018, ONE MONTH BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. TOYOTA AGREED TO START THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH REQUIRED THEM TO CEIL THE ENGINE AND OIL STICK. WE WERE TOLD TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR 1100 TO 1300 MILES. THE CAR HAD THE BE TOWED BACK TO TOYOTA AT 1600 MILES DUE TO THE OIL LIGHT FLASHING ON AND OFF. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE CAR MOST LIKELY HAS THE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE, BUT SINCE THE CAR WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 318 MILES OVER THE LIMIT, TOYOTA CLAIMS THAT THEY MUST RESTART THE TEST AND REFUSE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. A TUNE UP WAS DONE BY TOYOTA A FEW MONTHS PRIOR. WHEN WE DISCOVERED THAT THE OIL LEAK WAS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO A KNOWN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE, WE TOOK THE CAR IN TO START THE PHASE 1 TEST. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MARKED THE OIL AS SEVERELY LOW. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE CAR RUN LOW ON OIL, WHEN THE OIL WAS FILLED BY TOYOTA AND WAS DRIVEN ONLY 1600 MILES. SINCERELY, [XXX] MORE COMPLAINTS: HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM/THREADS/EXCESSIVE-OIL-CONSUMPTION-ON-2AZ-FE-ENGINE-LSC-ZE7.362/PAGE-2 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2018
OVER OIL CONSUMPTION
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2018
TOYOTA RAV4 2008 LIMITED SUNROOF EXPLODED GOING 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE (NO OTHER FACTORS, SUCH AS WE WERE NOT UNDER/HAD NOT JUST GONE UNDER AN INTERSTATE OVERPASS). I WAS DRIVING - SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. HUSBAND IN PASSENGER SEAT AND SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD POP. GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER US. WE PULLED OVER, PATCHED IT THE BEST THAT WE COULD AND TOOK STATE ROADS HOME (3 HR INTERSTATE DRIVE VS 5 1/2 HOUR, 55 MPH BARELY DRIVE HOME. TOOK TWO REPLACEMENT SUNROOF KITS TO GET IT RIGHT. INSURANCE PAID IN FULL UNDER GLASS POLICY.
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2017
ABNORMAL ACCELERATION AT TIMES WHEN I'M IN THE FREEWAY OR SIDE STREET. AS IF PEDAL STICKS.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 24, 2017
VEHICLE IN MOTION ON STREET SUDDEN ACCELERATION.WAS GOING SLOW STEP ON BRAKE PUT IN PARK. HEARD ENGINE REUP FELT LIKE WANTING TO GO BY ITSELF. HAPPENED ONCE TO MY WIFE AND ONCE TO ME WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. CALL TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DEPT. ASKED ABOUT RECALL. WAS TOLD YES FOR RECALL. TOO VEHICLE IN WAS GIVING PRINTOUT OF RECALLS.SHOWING FLOOR INTERFERENCE PROBLEM TO ACCELERATOR. WAS NOT OFFERED A RECHECK ON ONGOING SAME ACCELERATOR PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2017
NHTSA SEARCH RESULTS FOR 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLES REPORTS THIS DATA: RECALLS 14, INVESTIGATION 4, COMPLAINTS 468. MY QUESTION IS, HOW MANY DEFECTS IN A VEHICLE IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE? IF I HAD BEEN INFORMED BEFORE PURCHASE OF ALL THESE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY AN SERVICEABILITY PROBLEMS, THERE IS NO WAY I WOULD EVER HAVE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. AT WHAT POINT DOES THE NHTSA JUST FACE THE REALITY AND DECLARE THE CAR UNFIT FOR THE ROAD AND THAT IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN OFFERED FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC IN THE FIRST PLACE, AND CONSEQUENTLY REQUIRE THE MANUFACTURER TO REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE AND SCRAP THE VEHICLE?
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
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2017
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MAKING LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN BACKING UP AND GOING FORWARD. AFTER FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH OTHER RAV4 OWNERS MANY EXPERIENCE THE SAMENESS ISSUE. MINE IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT HAD LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON I THINK WHEN IT STARTED.
Other or unspecified, May 26, 2017
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR WON'T STAY UP. APPARENTLY THIS IS WELL-KNOWN DEFECT THAT HAS AN EXPENSIVE FIX OF REPLACING THE VISOR AND THAT IT IS COMMON AND A DEFECT FROM TOYOTA.
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2017
OUR 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4 LIMITED 4 CYLINDER MODEL, BURNS TOO MUCH ENGINE OIL. THE ENGINE IS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE - IT DOES NOT SOUND HEALTHY. VERY WORRIED ABOUT THIS ENGINES LONGEVITY.
Other or unspecified, Feb 25, 2017
I HAVE SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES BUT THE DEALERS DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEMS, WHAT CAN I DO NOW?
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2017
OIL CONSUMPTION !! SEEMS TO BE BURNING OIL . I HAD A SMALL OIL LEAK FIXED SO IT'S NOT LEAKING AT ALL !!! I TOOK A TRIP AND DROVE 400 MILES AND I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL BEFORE I STARTED AND AFTER 400 MILES . I NEEDED TO ADD ABOUT A 1/3 OF A QUART !!
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2017
I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL NO.16V-596, I CALLED TOYOTA TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS, WHEN THEY CALL ME TO TELL ME THEY HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE, WE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT UNFORTUNATELY I DIDN'T MAKE IT BECAUSE I HAD TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO THE HOSPITAL, I WENT DIRECTLY TO TOYOTA TWO WEEKS LATER JUST TO HEAR THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABE AGAIN IS BEEN ABOUT 4 WEEKS AND I STILL HAVEN'T HEAR BACK FROM THEM. HOW LONG DO THEY HAVE TO FIX THE RECALL?
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.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2016
ON SATURDAY MAY 21 2016 AT 11:00AM I WAS PARALLEL PARKING. I BACKED UP IN THE SPACE. I THEN PULLED UP A BIT AND STOPPED, EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. I THEN PUT IT IN REVERSE ONCE MORE TO CENTER THE VEHICLE. THAT'S WHEN THE ENGINE REVED UP. I LOOKED AT THE SHIFTER (IN REVERSE) AND MY FOOT(ON THE BREAK PEDAL). THE ENGINE REVED UP SO HARD THAT THE VEHICLE JOLTED TWICE! I THOUGHT I HAD HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. I WAS PUSHING ON THE BREAK REALLY HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL / FLOOR MAT ISSUE. THE ENGINE REVED UP PREVIOUSLY ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO IN MY DRIVEWAY BUT I WASN'T TOO CONCERNED ABOUT IT. NOW THIS HAPPENED A 2ND TIME AND MORE VIOLENTLY, I AM VERY CONCERNED.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2016
MY 2008 RAV4 WITH 69,548 MILES WAS IN MOTION (APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH) WHEN MY DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR BECAME DETACHED FROM THE HEADLINER. THE VISOR FELL ON MY LAP CAUSING ME TO BECOME VERY STARTLED. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL. I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0068-10 ISSUED FOR THIS DEFECT BUT NO RECALL. THE DEALER CHARGED ME $127.52 TO REPLACE THE VISOR AND THE BRACKET.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 22, 2016
PRIOR TO 2015, 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE COMPANIES ON 2 SEPARATE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAD NO OIL. IN 2015,RECEIVED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM RELATED TO EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION FROM TOYOTA. SINCE BEING TOLD ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THAT THE CAR HAD NO OIL DURING OIL CHANGE SERVICE, I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO SCHEDULE FOR THE CONSUMPTION TEST. BROUGHT THE CAR ON 7/7/15 THEN RETURNED ON 9/2/15 BETWEEN 1100-1300 MILES AS INSTRUCTED AND WAS TOLD IT PASSED. HOWEVER, ON 1/20/16 BROUGHT CAR TO ANOTHER SERVICE COMPANY FOR SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE (FIRST OIL CHANGE AFTER IT SUPPOSEDLY PASSED TEST) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO OIL MARKING ON DIP STICK. THEREFORE,WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT BACK TO TOYOTA. NO OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED BUT SERVICE COMPANY ADDED OIL (APPROX 3.5 QUARTS)PER MY REQUEST. SPOKE WITH A LADY MANAGER AT TOYOTA VIA PHONE TO REPORT THE FINDINGS AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT FOR RE-TEST. I BROUGHT CAR TO TOYOTA ON 1/29/16 AS SCHEDULED AND WAS TOLD BY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT A RE-TEST WILL NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE IT ALREADY PASSED THE TEST IN SEPT. 2015 DESPITE THE LATEST FINDING OF A DRY DIP STICK IN JAN. 2016. TOYOTA SUGGESTED TO CHANGE THE OIL AT MY EXPENSE AND TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A LEAK. I DECLINED IT BECAUSE I EXPECTED THE APPOINTMENT TO BE A RE-TEST FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AS INDICATED BY A TOYOTA MANAGER. I EVENTUALLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE ON 2/17/16 PERFORMED BY A NON-TOYOTA SERVICE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THE OIL DRAINED WAS 2.5 QUARTS WHICH IS 2 QUARTS BELOW FACTORY STANDARDS.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2015
PREMATURE EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURE BEFORE 80,000 MILES OR 8 YEARS. TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH THE DEALER AND TOYOTA CORP (CASE #1508262478 @ 800-331-4331) BUT THEY WILL NOT REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS CONNECTED TO AN IN-LINE RESONATOR AND MUFFLER ASSEMBLY. THE MUFFLER SEAM HAS SPLIT. MY CLAIM TO THE DEALER AND TOYOTA CORP IS THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WORKS HAND IN HAND AND THE WAY TOYOTA HAS DESIGNED THE SYSTEM IT CAN NOT BE SEPARATED FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS REQUIRED TO REDUCE EMISSIONS AND INCREASE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND THEREFORE COVERED UNDER THE EMISSION WARRANTY. NOT SURE IF IT IS A DESIGN OR MATERIAL DEFECT BUT SOMETHING COSTING OVER $1,400 TO REPAIR IS MORE THAN A SIMPLE MUFFLER REPLACEMENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 52,000 MILES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2015
THE HOSE CONNECTING THE CANISTER FILTER TO THE CANISTER BROKE OFF DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND I DIDN'T SEE UNTIL NEXT DAY WHILE 8 HRS AWAY FROM HOME. CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOWN.I GOT HOME AND HAVE THE CANISTER FILTER REPLACED WITH THE DEALER AND NEXT DAY CHECK ENGINE, VSC AND 4WD LIGHT CAME ON, DEALER SAYS IT COST $1800 TO FIX IT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND LOT OF 2006 AND UP RAV 4 OWNER HAVE SAME ISSUE. CANNISTER HOSE BROKEN OR FILTER DROPPED AND WATER GETTING INTO THE SYSTEM. I GOT TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0098-09 WHICH WAS UPDATED TO T-SB0161-11 ON OCTOBER 20,2011 FOR THIS ISSUE. TOYOTA HAD COVERED WARRANTY FOR 2GR-FE ENGINE FROM 2006-2011 SOLD ON CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM,VT,WA, RI UNDER CALIFORNIA LONG TERM EMISSION WARRANTY OF 64 MONTHS OR 70,000 MILES WHICH EVER OCCURS FIRST. TOYOTA KNEW THE ISSUE AND EVEN ADDED A NEW COVER (PART NO 77641-0R020) THE PROTECT THE CANISTER FILTER AND THE HOSES BUT THEY DIDN'T ISSUE THE RECALL. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME ISSUE. THE FILTER AND HOSE ARE UNPROTECTED UNDERNEATH THE CHASSIS AND IT CAN BREAK OR FALL DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING IN A RAIN OR SNOW. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY REVIEW MY CASE AND GAVE ME CASE # BUT THEY WON'T FIX IT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AND SOLD ON THE AFOREMENTIONED STATES. TOYOTA HAS COVERED THE WARRANTY ON THE STATES WITH HEAVY SNOW AND RAIN ONLY. BUT THESE THINGS ARE TRUE FOR THE STATE I AM IN TOO. REMAINING STATE STANDARD 36 MONTHS 36,000 WARRANTY. BUT THIS THING CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE AT ANY MILEAGE. TOYOTA KNEW IT AND HAD A FIX BY PUTTING THE NEW COVER BUT DIDN'T ISSUE A RECALL . THE SERVICE BULLETIN EVEN STATES THE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE CERTAIN VIN NUMBER AND MINE DOES FALL UNDER IT. I PAID $220 TO REPLACE FILTER AND $62.5 TO DIAGNOSE. NOW THEY WANT ANOTHER $1800 TO FIX IT. I WISH I COULD ATTACHED THE SERVICE BULLETIN. UPDATED 09/15/15*LJ UPDATED 11/08/2017*CN
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