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: vehicle speed control
92 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 22, 2023
Starting in June 2018, I have had seven episodes of unintended acceleration. (I have owned the car, purchased in private sale, since June of 2013.) There were common elements to each incident:1. gradually slowing; 2. foot on brake; 3. engine accelerates sharply, a moment before complete stop in first six, a moment after in seventh and last. In each incident able to maintain control as foot already was on brake; yet in three of the incidents, including the last two, the car bucked forward a few inches despite the pressure on the brake. Situation resolved when I turned off the ignition, a reflex developed after the first incident. This last incident was particularly upsetting as I was in a long line of slow moving cars on a relatively narrow road with pedestrians on each side of my car. Each incident has been reported to the local dealer with which I have been trading for many years. They did a thorough inspection when I reported the incidents to them in January of 2020 and again just today after the last incident that occurred on May 19, 2023. They could find nothing wrong and include on their report "TAS STATES SUSPECTED DRIVER ERROR, PEDAL MISS [sic] APPLICATION." I do NOT accept this conclusion. I note in the last incident I had come to complete stop momentarily before the engine accelerated and despite my heavy pressure on the brake bucked forward, with control established only when I shut the engine down. During the entire period of these incidents I also have been driving two other vehicles, a 2008 Camry and a 2023 Camry. I have had no such incidents while driving these two cars. I do NOT drive with two feet, always the first question asked when such an incident is reported. Finally, I believe my car dates from a period when Toyota was vehemently denying such a problem in their cars when they knew full well that such was the case, a deception for which they were found criminally liable. Such history does not instill confidence in corporate Toyota.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 4, 2018
I'M EXPERIENCING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PEDAL FROM A STATIONARY POSITION.
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.
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2016
THE PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE. GOING UPHILL ON A HIGHWAY AT AROUND FIFTY MPH WITH SPEED CONTROL ON. VEHICLE SPEED HAS DROPPED ABOUT 2 MPH BELOW THE SET POINT. I TAP THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER ONCE TO REDUCE THE SET POINT BY ABOUT 1 MPH. THE SPEED CONTROL INSTANTLY OPENS THE THROTTLE WIDE AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO A LOWER GEAR. THE RESULT IS AN ABRUPT INCREASE IN SPEED RATHER THAN THAN THE INTENDED DECREASE. IF, UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES, I PULL THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER TO TURN OFF THE CONTROL THE SAME THING HAPPENS BUT IS QUICKLY TERMINATED WHEN THE CONTROL DISCONNECTS, WITHOUT MUCH INCREASE IN SPEED.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2016
SUDDEN ACCELERATION. CAR WAS STOPPED IN PARK AND SHIFTED TO DRIVE. TRANSMISSION MADE A LARGE CLUNK SOUND AS IT WENT INTO DRIVE AND THEN ACCELERATED TO WHAT SOUND LIKE FULL THROTTLE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE MUCH BUT WAS BUCKING AGAINST THE BRAKE. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. I THEN PUT IT INTO PARK. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDER THE DASH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOOKED LIKE IT WAS IN A NORMAL POSITION AND THE FLOOR MATS WERE SEVERAL INCHES FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS TOOK PLACE AT THE BEMIDJI HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I THEN RE-STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME WITH NO INCIDENT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND NO INJURIES.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 30, 2015
THE RAV4 HAS EXHIBITED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THREE TIMES: LATEST OCCURRED ON 7/17/2015 AT 7:30 PM WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION; THE 2ND ON 7/06/15 WHILE IN PARK IN MY DRIVEWAY JUST AFTER STATING THE CAR; THE 1ST ON ABOUT 6/30/15 AROUND NOON WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FORTUNATELY, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK OR WAS IN PARK SO THAT THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED AT LOCAL DEALER ON 7/20 WITH DIAGNOSTIC DATA SENT TO TOYOTA CENTRAL, BUT THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM IN THE DATA - NO ERROR CODES. THE TECHNICAL CASE NUMBER IS [XXX]. AFTER CONTACTING TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE (CASE # [XXX]) I WAS TOLD THEY COULD DO NOTHING FURTHER THAT THE CAR "PERFORMED AS DESIGNED" PER SABINA CHARFAUROS, CASE MANAGER, 188-331-4331 EXT. 73846 UPDATED 9/28/15 *LN UPDATED 3/23/2016*JS
Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2015
WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT WAITING TO TURN LEFT THE RAV4 ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AND LURCHED FORWARD WITH DRIVER'S FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. DRIVER PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT THE CAR HURTLING INTO THE INTERSECTION. DRIVER THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR AND PUT GEAR SHIFT TO PARK. AFTER 30 SECONDS RESTARTED THE CAR WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AGAIN WITH CAR IN PARK. THE ENGINE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD. CAR WAS AGAIN TURNED OFF. CAR WAS RESTARTED AFTER ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES AND ENGINE BEHAVED NORMALLY. OWNERS TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER WITHIN AN HOUR OF THE INCIDENT. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP RAN DIAGNOSTIC AND MANAGER SAID DRIVER HAD FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN IT HAPPENED WHICH IS CERTAINLY NOT TRUE. DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE A COPY OF THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT. OWNERS HAVE HAD ALL RECALL WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE DONE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AS REQUIRED IN THE OWNER MANUAL. *TR
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
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 6, 2014
THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AROUND 65 MPH OR HIGHER THE THROTTLE CONTROL IS NOT RESPONDING VERY DANGEROUS . *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2014
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT, AND 4WD LIGHTS STAYED ON AFTER WE PURCHASED VEHICLE. WE WERE ADVISED TO DISCONNECT BATTERY TO RESET, IT WORKED UNTIL CAR WAS SHUT OFF. THEN THE LIGHTS CARE ON AGAIN, AND 4WD WOULD NOT WORK. OUR DRIVEWAY REQUIRES 4WD! TOOK IT TO TOYOTA SERVICE NEAR OUR HOME, HE CALLED WARRANTY COMPANY, THEY WOULD NOT PAY BECAUSE EVAP CANNISTER AND HOSES HAD PREVIOUS WATER DAMAGE, AND WERE RUSTED. MANLY HONDA IN SANTA ROSA HAS PUT US OFF FOR TWO AND A HALF WEEKS. THIS IS WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR FOR OUR DAUGHTER. THEY WILL NOT RETURN CALLS. WE WERE INFORMED TOYOTA ONLY COVERED THIS PROBLEM UP TO 70,000 MILES. TO TAKE IT TO DEALER!! THEY WILL NO LONGER RESPOND. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, May 22, 2014, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND WENT FOR THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD AND STRUCK A FOLDED DECK CHAIR WHICH WAS PUSHED THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2014
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED 2 SERVICE RECALLS WERE PERFORMED. AFTER THE SERVICES WERE PERFORMED, THE CONSUMER STATED A FRIEND PICKUP UP THE VEHICLE, AND EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING EVENTS: WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE VERY ROUGH WITH CONSIDERABLE VIBRATION, AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ON 3 CYLINDERS. THE DEALER CLAIMED WITH A LITTLE DRIVING THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WOULD WORK ITSELF OUT AND NO LONGER BE AN ISSUE. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THE ROUGH IDLE WOULD SOMETIME HAPPENS AFTER THE RECALL SOFTWARE UPDATE. OVER THE NEXT 3 WEEKS, THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE DAILY AND IT CONTINUED TO RUN ROUGH. AS SHE APPROACHED A RED LIGHT, SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PLACED HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE INSTEAD ACCELERATED, AND SHE BEGAN QUICKLY PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL. EVENTUALLY, THE VEHICLE DID COME TO A STOP WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AT A LOWER RATE, BUT STILL RUNNING ROUGH. *JB
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
Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2013
I WAS TURNING AROUND IN A PARKING LOT (360 DEGREE TURN) WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED...I HIT THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE AND I TRIED TO PUT THE ENGINE IN NEUTRAL. I WAS HEADING TOWARD A PARKED VEHICLE (I WOULD HAVE T-BONED IT BUT I SWERVED), FOOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR, NOTHING ON THE ACCELERATOR, ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE AND WHILE I TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL I OVERSHOT, THREW IT INTO REVERSE (ENGINE STILL RACING), THEN PARK. ENGINE RACING, I SHUT OFF THE CAR. NOTHING WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ORIGINAL FLOOR MAT REPLACED BY A DIFFERENT STYLE. I HAD THE ORIGINAL RECALL ISSUE FIXED SO THE ACCELERATOR IS THE NEW, SHORTENED VERSION. APPARENTLY THAT FIX DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SO NOW WHAT DO I DO? I CAN NO LONGER TRUST THIS VEHICLE TO OPERATE SAFELY. NOTHING SHOULD OVERRIDE THE BRAKE!! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 20, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, HE THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE, AS STOPPED TRAFFIC WAS AHEAD. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. UPDATED 07/16/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED MOST OF THE DATA WAS DIFFICULT TO INTERPRET AS FAR AS IMPLICATIONS CONCERNING THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE TIME OF IMPACT. SPECIFICALLY, THE VEHICLE SPEED SHOWED VERY LITTLE REDUCTION IN MPH UNTIL LESS THAN ONE SECOND BEFORE IMPACT, ASSUMING TIME 0 REPRESENTS IMPACT. THE DATA SUPPORTED THE CONSUMERS CLAIM THAT THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT RESPONSE TO HIS BRAKING WHEN HE BECAME AWARE OF APPARENTLY STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD AFTER HE HAD COMPLETED A LANE CHANGE. ALSO, THE ACCELERATOR RATE AND ENGINE RPM DATA DID NOT SUPPORT THE COMMON EXPLANATION THAT HE WAS PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE. HIS REACTION AT THE TIME WAS TO BRAKE AS A PANIC STOP, BUT THERE WAS ENOUGH DISTANCE TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP BEFORE IMPACT OR AT LEAST GREATLY REDUCE HIS SPEED BEFORE IMPACT. UPDATED 10/21/13
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 8, 2013
THE ONBOARD COMPUTER (ECM) PROGRAM IS DEFECTIVE IN THE 2008 RAV4, AND PROBABLY OTHER YEARS AND MODELS, CAUSING OWNERS TO UNNECESSARILY BRING CARS IN AND PAY FOR UNNEEDED SERVICE. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO BEGIN AN INTERSTATE DRIVE, 3 FAULT INDICATORS (CHECK ENGINE,VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, 4 WHEEL DRIVE) ILLUMINATED. FOLLOWING OWNERS MANUAL, MY WIFE CALLED THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER WHO TOLD HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALER IMMEDIATELY, AND TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL ROOM WHEN FOLLOWING OTHER VEHICLES, AND NOT TO ATTEMPT SUDDEN STOPS. ANOTHER FAULT INDICATOR (CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE) PRESENTED ITSELF ENROUTE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THE REASON FOR ALL 4 FAULT INDICATIONS WAS THE #6 CYLINDER MISFIRED 1 TIME A FEW SECONDS AFTER I STARTED THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THE ECM IS PROGRAMMED TO GIVE THESE 4 FAULT INDICATIONS FOR A CYLINDER MISFIRE, BUT HE DID NOT KNOW WHY. HE SAID THAT HE COULD FIND NO REASON FOR THE SINGLE MISFIRE, BUT THAT HE FOUND AND TIGHTENED A SLIGHTLY LOOSE AIR INTAKE HOSE THAT COULD NOT POSSIBLY HAVE CAUSED THE MISFIRE. HE TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE FOR ME TO MAKE MY INTERSTATE DRIVE WITHOUT COMING TO THE DEALERSHIP. I BELIEVE THAT THE ONBOARD COMPUTER PROGRAMMING THAT PROVIDED THESE 4 FAULT INDICATIONS IS DEFECTIVE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. 1. A SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE IS UNRELATED TO AND HAS NO EFFECT UPON THE THREE SYSTEMS POINTED TO BY THE FAULT INDICATIONS (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, CRUISE CONTROL) 2. A SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE AT STARTUP IS NOT AN EMERGENCY SITUATION REQUIRING IMMEDIATE SERVICE AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WITH EXTRAORDINARILY CAUTIOUS DRIVING ENROUTE. 3. DURING THE 1 HOUR DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CYLINDERS OF THE VEHICLE FIRED SUCCESSFULLY AROUND 360,000 TIMES, AND THE PROGRAMMING DID NOT RECOGNIZE THIS FAULTLESS OPERATION AND AUTOMATICALLY CLEAR THE FAULT INDICATORS.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2013
WAS DRIVING 2008 RAV4 OUT OF TOWN WITH MY WIFE. CAME TO A STOPLIGHT AND QUICKLY APPLIED BRAKES AND ENGINE STARTED REVVING UPWARD. HAD TO PRESS ON BRAKE WITH FULL FORCE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING THROUGH THE RED LIGHT. SHIFTED TO PARK AND THE CAR "BUCKED" AND ENGINE ALMOST RED-LINED AT 6000 RPMS. SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND WENT THROUGH RED LIGHT AND PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE. TRIED TO REPLICATE IN NEUTRAL AND COULD ONLY GET TO 5000 RPMS. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME AND MY WIFE WASN'T DRIVING AS I DON'T THINK SHE WOULD HAVE KNOWN HOW TO REACT TO SUCH AN UNEXPECTED AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY PERFORMED HEALTH CHECK ANALYSIS AND SAID "ALL OK AT THIS TIME". UNHAPPY WITH THE RESULT OF THE "CHECK", CALLED DEALERSHIP BACK AND WAS TOLD TO CALL 800-331-4331 (TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN CA) TO FILE A REPORT. REP TOOK DOWN ALL OF THE INFORMATION AND PUT ME ON HOLD TO CHECK INTO THE MATTER. CREATED A CASE NUMBER AND NOTIFIED CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A FIELD TECH REP LOOK AT THE CAR. HOPING THEY CAN RECTIFY THE SITUATION (COMPUTER GLITCH?) AS MY WIFE IS NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR OF POSSIBLE DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH. SINCE THE 2008 WASN'T PART OF THE RECENT ACCELERATION/FLOOR MAT RECALL, IF YOU'VE HAD A SIMILAR SCARE WITH YOUR 2008 RAV4, PLEASE CALL THE 800 NUMBER AND REPORT IT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 18, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IDLE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS THE ENGINE RPMS ABNORMALLY INCREASED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THEY WOULD SEND AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD LURCH INTO GEAR. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THIS WAS CALLED JACK RABBIT STARTS. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 03/29/2013 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2012
CAR WAS PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE. SUDDENELY, ENGINE REVVED UP, ACCELERATED, AND JUMPED THE CURVE. WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WHEN APPLIED THE BRAKES. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2012, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A LOT IN FRONT OF A BUILDING. IN A SPLIT SECOND THE CAR HAD JUMPED THE CURB UP ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH THE BRICK WALL AND WINDOW IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND TRIED AND SUCCEEDED INTO SHIFTING IT INTO PARK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS NOT INJURED AND DID NOT HURT ANYONE ELSE - THANK GOODNESS. THE ONLY EXPLANATION OTHER THAN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS THAT I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD AND I DO NOT BELIEVE I DID THAT. I HAD NOT BEEN DISTRACTED BY ANYTHING AND HAD NO SENSE OF MY FOOT SLIPPING FROM THE BRAKE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED WITH EXTREME PRESSURE, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED DOWN A HILL AND CROSSED INTO A PATCH OF LARGE ROCKS. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES WHEN HER HEAD MADE CONTACT WITH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE FAILURE WOULD BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 33,000. UPDATED 06/12/12*LJ UPDATED 06/13/12
Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO USE EXTREME FORCE ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2012
I WAS CROSSING A PARKING LOT AND PULLING OUT INTO A STREET. I STOPPED THEN PULLED FORWARD, SO I COULD SEE IF ANY CARS WERE APPROACHING. A CAR WAS APPROACHING SO I PRESSED THE BRAKES, THEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. IT FELT LIKE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATES. BECAUSE A CRASH WAS IMMINENT, I DECIDED MY BEST CHANCE WAS TO MOVE MY FOOT TO THE GAS PETAL AND SPEED UP. I DROVE THE CAR STRAIGHT AND THEN TO THE LEFT. THE OTHER DRIVER LAID ON HIS HORN, SLOWED DOWN AND DROVE ON. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN EARLY NOVEMBER 2011 FROM FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA. IT APPEARS TO NEVER HAVE BEEN WRECKED. IT HAD AROUND 23,300 MILES ON IT AT TIME OF PURCHASE. THAT NIGHT OF 02/21, I CHECKED CONSUMER REPORTS ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE NEXT MORNING, I REMOVED THE FLOOR MAT FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR. IT DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN MOVED BEFORE. THERE ARE 2 HOLES AT THE BACK OF THE MAT AND ONE OF THE HOLES HAD A BLACK RUBBER HOOK DEVICE HOLDING IT TO THE FLOOR. THE OTHER HOLE (BACK RIGHT SIDE) DID NOT HAVE A HOOK. WHEN I ENTERED THE VIN ON THE TOYOTA WEBSITE, IT SHOWED A REPAIR ORDER FOR A CAR WITH 30,599 MILES ON 11/08/2012. MY CAR STILL DOES NOT HAVE THAT MANY MILES. I DON'T THINK A REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE ON MY CAR. MY NOTES SHOW THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 11/05/2011. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 23, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 52 MPH WHEN A ROARING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER BEING DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED IN SPEED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FAILURE CAUSED ANOTHER VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE CONTACT FROM THE REAR. THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 54,000.