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
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 30, 2011, crash
THE VEHICLE, A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4, WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT WITH OPERATOR'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE. INEXPLICABLY AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVVED TO A HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE COLLISION WAS LOW SPEED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO NOTICEABLE DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE. WE IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Dec 24, 2011, crash
WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A SIGNAL. HAD FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE SURGED TO APPROX 6500 RPM PLOWED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I CLIMBED ON THE OTHER VEHICLE. CAR WOULD NOT STOP MOVING UNTIL I TURNED AND PULLED OUT THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. REPORTED INCIDENT TO TARPON CITY OFFICER, WHILE THE ACCIDENT REPORT WAS WRITTEN UP. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE PRETTY BANGED UP. DON'T KNOW IF THE OTHER VEHICLE REPORTED INJURIES. THE RAV WAS NOT DRIVABLE. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO SUNTOYOTA FOR REPAIRS. REPORTED INCIDENT TO SUN TOYOTA SERVICE AND BODY SHOP DEC 22, THEY ASKED ME WHAT I WANTED DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. CALLED TOYOTA 800 331-4331 CASE #[XXX], 12/22/11 PROMISED TO CALL BACK IN 24 HRS CASE WORKER [XXX]. TALKED TO [XXX] AT TOYOTA HEADQUARTER IN CALIFORNIA. STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE NOW. I CAN'T SELL IT IN GOOD FAITH, BECAUSE OF THE PRODUCT LIABILITY. I AM THANKFUL THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE TARPON SPRINGS CHRISTMAS PARADE WAS IN PROGRESS AND THERE WERE A LEAST A DOZEN KIDS IN THE CROSSWALK IN FRONT OF US. WHAT A CHRISTMAS PRESENT MY RAV WOULD HAVE GIVEN SOME PARENTS IF MY CAR HAD HIT THESE KIDS. JUST AN FYI. I HAD A PERFECT DRIVING RECORD FOR 35 YEARS UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. THANK YOU TOYOTA! TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAN UP BEFORE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE KILLED. I FORGOT THIS IS BIG CORPORATION, THEY DON'T CARE, AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T EFFECT THEIR BOTTOM LINE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 19, 2011
DATE IS APPROXIMATE, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, NOT ALWAYS UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER BEING DRIVEN IN LIGHT RAIN & HEAVY RAIN & AFTER VEHICLE BEING PARKED & RESTARTED ALL OF THE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. INITIALLY WHILE DRIVING IN MODERATE RAIN, MULTIPLE VEHICLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED ON FREEWAY @ SET SPEED OF APPROX 60 MPH DUE TO RAINFALL. WHILE CONTINUING TO FUNCTION, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS ROLLING ON MARBLES & THE FEEL WAS A LITTLE UNNERVING, BUT YOU ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED MULTIPLE CODES, BUT ONCE RESET ALL LIGHTS WERE OUT & THE VEHICLE PERFORMED NORMALLY AGAIN, UNTIL DRIVEN IN RAINY CONDITIONS. INDEPENDENT GARAGE SAID TO TAKE IT TO TOYOTA WHEN THE RAIN INDUCED THE WARNING LIGHTS AGAIN & I'M HEADED TO A TOYOTA DEALER THIS MORNING AFTER A LIGHT RAIN ON SATURDAY MORNING ALL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN & THE CRUISE WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE. DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY ANY OTHER RAV 4 OWNERS, BUT INDEPENDENT GARAGE SO FAR HAS SAID "WE CAN'T FIND A FAILURE JUST A LOT OF CODES & ONCE WE CLEAR THE CODES IT IS OKAY." IF I UNDERSTAND THE PREMISE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS THEY ARE THERE TO INDICATE SOMETHING REQUIRES ATTENTION - SO MY FAITH IN "THERE'S NOTHING WRONG OR WE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING" IS A LITTLE SHAKEN. I SPOKE WITH TOYOTA & THEY DENY THAT THIS HAS EVER BEEN REPORTED BY ANY RAV 4 OWNERS & I WOULD HAVE TO BRING IT TO THEM WHEN THE FAILURE & WARNING LIGHTS COME ON - THEY WILL SEE THEM THIS MORNING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2011
MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS RECENTLY. ONE INSTANCE TOOK PLACE ON OR ABOUT JUNE 30, 2011, THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED ON OR ABOUT MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011. THE FIRST TIME, TOYOTA CLAIMED THAT THE NON-BRAKING/UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY FLOOR MATS I PUT IN THE CAR. I BOUGHT THESE FOR THE CAR BECAUSE I FELT THE ONES TOYOTA ORIGINALLY PROVIDED WERE NOT SAFE (HEELS ON MY SHOES, THOUGH FLAT, KEPT GETTING CAUGHT IN THE DEEP RIDGES OF THEIR MATS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER). AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE TOYOTA 'S MECHANICS, I THREW OUT MY MATS AND REPLACED THEM WITH NEW TOYOTA MATS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALERSHIP. ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN I APPLIED MY FOOT TO THE BRAKE, INSTEAD OF THIS ACTION STOPPING THE CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND MOVED FORWARD. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, MY CAR WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL LEADING TO MY COMPLEX'S EXIT. AS I NEARED THE STOP SIGN IN FRONT OF A VERY BUSY ROADWAY, I STARTED APPLYING MY BRAKES. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. ALTHOUGH I PUSHED DOWN HARDER & HARDER ON THE BRAKE IN A DESPERATE EFFORT TO STOP THE CAR, IT CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. MY RAV4 WENT ONTO THE ROADWAY, NARROWLY MISSING A TRUCK IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE SECOND TIME I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING SIGNIFICANTLY WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND DO NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE SAFE. THE MECHANIC AT TOYOTA, BEFORE EVEN EXAMINING THE CAR, CLAIMED IT WAS "HUMAN ERROR." I HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS IN MY LIFETIME AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME BEFORE. IT IS MY SINCERE HOPE THAT THE NHTSA & DOT WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS. IT APPEARS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS. I TRULY BELIEVE PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE IN DANGER. I'M AFRAID TO HAVE MY GRANDDAUGHTERS TRAVEL IN MY CAR! *KB
Vehicle speed control, Jun 18, 2011
YESTERDAY, JUNE 16, 2011, AS I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA 2008 RAV4 (35,500 MILES), THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CAR WAS STILL COLD -- IT WAS LESS THAN 2 MILES AFTER START-UP. OUTDOOR TEMP WAS ABOUT 65. NO RAIN OR INCLEMENT WEATHER. I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT VERY SLOWLY, AT LESS THAN 10 MPH. AS I WAS BRAKING, I BECAME AWARE THAT THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING. I BRAKED HARDER AND COULD FEEL THE BREAKS ENGAGING, BUT UNDERNEATH THAT FEELING WAS THE FEELING OF THE CAR CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE AND FIGHT THE BRAKES. I GOT THE CAR STOPPED, BUT ONLY AFTER EXTREMELY HARD BRAKING. IF THERE HAD BEEN SOMEONE IN THE CROSS WALK IN FRONT OF ME, I'D HAVE HIT THEM. THE CAR WAS STILL TRYING TO TAKE OFF. I PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. BY NOW THE ENGINE WAS SCREAMING. I SAT THERE FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS, FOOT NEITHER ON THE BRAKE NOR THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR SOUNDING AS IF IT WOULD SOON EXPLODE, AND FINALLY JUST TURNED THE CAR OFF AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE WRITER WAS COLD AND DISTANT, NON-VERBALLY MAKING SURE I UNDERSTOOD THAT HE THOUGHT I WAS EITHER LYING OR BLOWING THE INCIDENT OUT OF PROPORTION, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME SAYING NOTHING THAT COULD ACTUALLY BE QUOTED AS RUDE. A SPECIAL TECHNICIAN IS SUPPOSED TO COME OUT FROM TOYOTA TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. BASED UPON WHAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED, I EXPECT THE DEALERSHIP TO DO NOTHING. THE CAR IS CLEARLY UNSAFE, AND KNOWING THAT, I CANNOT EVER DRIVE IT AGAIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2011
MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO HOLD SPEED DURING UP HILL CLIMB AND CAUSES ENGINE SURGES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND CAME TO A STOP. AS HE SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN INCREASE IN RPMS UP TO 7000. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,500.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 25, 2011, crash
WHILE MY WIFE ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE HEAD FIRST, UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, AT THE STREET IN FRONT OF OUR HOME, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE ACCELERATION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY NEARLY STOPPED, AND CAUSED HER TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. EVEN AFTER OUR VEHICLE WAS STOPPED THE ENGINE KEPT ACCELERATING, THUS PUSHING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT WHICH WE HAD COLLIDED INTO. THE ENGINE ONLY STOPPED ACCELERATING AFTER MY WIFE TURNED OFF THE CAR. AT NO POINT DID MY WIFE STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL, THIS WAS NOT A CASE OF PEDAL CONFUSION. HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE (SLOWING DOWN TO PARK) BEFORE AND AFTER THE VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING. THE ACCELERATION WAS QUITE SEVERE, I AM NOT SURE THE CAR COULD ACCELERATE THAT FAST EVEN IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS PUSHED ALL THE WAY DOWN INTENTIONALLY. THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WE'VE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE THREE OTHER INCIDENTS OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY. WE COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA IN THE SUMMER OF 2010, BUT THEY TOLD US THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND WE COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE CLOSELY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. IN NO CASE WAS THE GAS PEDAL STUCK, OR THE FLOOR MAT WAS IN THE WAY. THE VEHICLE SIMPLY ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING AND AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES.THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED OVER $4000 IN DAMAGES IN JUST THE LATEST INCIDENT. WHEN WE REPORTED THE LATEST INCIDENT TO TOYOTA THEY CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS A CASE OF PEDAL CONFUSION AND DISMISSED OUR COMPLAINT. THIS WAS NOT A CASE OF PEDAL CONFUSION. MY WIFE ALREADY HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE SLOWING DOWN TO PARK THE VEHICLE. ONLY ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY PARKED DID THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE WHILE MY WIFE'S FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKES. OUR PROBLEM IS BEING DISMISSED BY TOYOTA. SURELY OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ARE SUFFERING THE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 21, 2010
GREETINGS, WE HAVE A 2008 RAV4 WHICH HAS TWICE EXHIBITED UNCONTROLLED ENGINE ACCELERATION. MY WIFE HAS CONTACTED TOYOTA TO NO AVAIL. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED OTHER MODELS BUT NOT THE RAV4. THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OUR COMPLAINTS AS A MORTAL SAFETY CONCERN. IT IS AS IF WE ARE TRYING TO CON THE COMPANY. AS A LIFELONG SAFETY PROFESSIONAL, THIS IS VERY DISTURBING. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO OUR POSSIBLE ACTIONS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 LTD (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 65 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THEN DRIVE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN SO THE CONTACT RUBBED THE TIRES ALONG THE CURB AND APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONTACT FAINTED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 16, 2010, crash
2008 TOYOTA RAV4 (35K MILES) PURCHASED IN 12/07. AFTER A 40 MILE DRIVE, WE WERE SITTING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC FOR APPROX 20 MINUTES. DURING A STOP, THE ENGINE BEGAN REVVING LOUDLY AND LUNGED FORWARD. WITH BOTH FEET STILL ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR CONTINUED TO CREEP FORWARD UNTIL HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. THEN THE CAR WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND IGNITION WAS SHUT OFF. THIS IS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. AFTER SETTLING DOWN, AND DISCUSSING THE ACCIDENT WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE, NO DAMAGE TO THEIR CAR, SO NO NEED TO FILE AN ACCIDENT REPORT. WE CALLED TOYOTA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. AND TOOK THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE NEAREST DEALER. AFTER A CHECKING OUT THE CAR, THEY FOUND NO ISSUES, AND SAID THE CAR WAS 'TO TOYOTA'S SPECIFICATIONS', AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY ALSO SAID THEY COULDN'T GUARANTEE HOW IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2010
BOUGHT '08 TOYO RAV4 NEW FROM SERRA TOYO IN B'HAM AL. NOW WITH 54K MILES AND NO PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. ABOUT 10 DAYS AGO WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND UPON BRAKING FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL, AS WE CAME TO A NEAR STOP, WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND LUNGED FORWARD ABOUT 8-10 FT STOPPING ONLY INCHES SHORT OF THE CAR AHEAD OF US. I HAD MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE ENTIRE TIME AND THE CAR HAD DECELERATED TO A NEAR STOP, SO THIS IS NOT A STUCK ACCELERATOR. FLOOR MATS WERE NOT NEAR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. EVEN SO, I DECIDED THAT I MUST HAVE ERRED IN SOME WAY AND MOVED ON. ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER AS WE WERE PULLING INTO A BUSINESS, WE HAD AN IDENTICAL REPEAT, THIS TIME COMING WITHIN INCHES OF HITTING THE FRONT OF THE BUSINESS. THERE WAS NO DOUBT THIS TIME THAT THIS WAS NOT OPERATOR ERROR. IT IS THE DISTINCT FEELING OF THE ACCELERATOR BEING PUSHED DOWN AND OVERRIDING THE BRAKE. EACH TIME, THE STOP WAS NOT AS A RESULT OF MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IT WAS SIMPLY RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE ACCELERATION STOPPED BEFORE WE HIT ANYTHING. I CALLED FOR A FLATBED AND PAID $160 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED 60 MILES TO THE DEALERSHIP AS DRIVING WAS NOT AN OPTION. SERRA ASSURED ME THAT THEY WOULD TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLY AND WOULD HAVE INVESTIGATORS COME IN AND CHECK THE CAR OUT. THEY CALLED ME TODAY TO TELL ME THAT EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND WE COULD PICK IT UP. I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN. WE LIVE ON A MAJOR HWY AND IF THIS HAD OCCURRED AT THE END OF OUR DRIVEWAY IT COULD HAVE PRODUCED TRAGIC RESULTS. I NEED HELP! WHAT DO I DO? I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERV. AND THEY SAID IF THE INVESTIGATORS SAY NOTHING IS WRONG, THERE IS NOTHING FOR THEM TO DO. THE '08 RAV4 IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS AND I SUSPECT THAT TOYOTA IS SIMPLY GOING TO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO ADDRESS YET ANOTHER MODEL YEAR. IF YOU HAVE OTHER REPORTS OF THIS IN A '08 RAV4, PLEASE TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY. PLEASE ADVISE! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2010
LAST NIGHT I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS WHILE STOPPING AND WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AFTER MY CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE ON A COLD ENGINE (ALTHOUGH THE TEMP OUTSIDE WAS IN THE 70S). THE AIR CONDITIONER MAY HAVE BEEN ON IN THE CAR. I WAS JUST COMING UP TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ROAR AND THOUGH I SAW A CAR COMING ON THE CROSS STREET, I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR SEEMED TO BE HARD TO RESTRAIN FROM MOVING FORWARD. I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC 2008 RAV4 V6 WITH ABOUT 15,000 MILES, AND I HAD MY FOOT SQUARELY ON THE BRAKE. THERE IS NO FLOOR MAT AS I REMOVED THAT THE FIRST WEEK OF THE NEWS THAT MATS COULD BE A CONTRIBUTING CAUSE TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE SLIGHT INCREASE IN RPMS THAT HAPPENS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING CYCLES, AND THIS WAS SEVERAL ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE BEYOND THAT. I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. AT THAT POINT, I SMELLED A VERY DISTINCTIVE CHEMICAL SMELL, PROBABLY FROM THE TIRES SINCE THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR WERE BOTH WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I STARTED THE CAR UP AGAIN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND IT WAS FINE FOR THE 10 MINUTE DRIVE HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I DROVE IT TO TOYOTA AND THEY RAN A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC ON IT AND THEY SAID IT SHOWED NOTHING. THEY TOLD ME TO "MONITOR THE CAR AND NOTE THE TACHOMETER READING IF IT EVER HAPPENS AGAIN." TO BE HONEST, I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT PEOPLE MADE TOO MUCH OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEN I NEVER EXPECTED IT TO HAPPEN TO ME. I AM RELUCTANT TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW, SO I WANT IT NOTED THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR OF RAV4 MAY ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF SO QUICKLY THAT THE COMPUTER DIDN'T REGISTER THE PROBLEM? I'M JUST GLAD THAT I WASN'T ON THE OPEN ROAD, BUT AT A STOP SIGN WHEN THIS HAPPENED SO I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 16, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING, WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND STEERED INTO A CURB IN AN ATTEMPT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND INSTEAD ACCELERATED OVER THE CURB, INTO A FENCE AND FINALLY STOPPED WHEN CRASHING INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED FOOT AND CRUSHED DENTURES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND WAS DECLARED TOTALLED. THIS WAS NOT THE CONTACT'S FIRST INSTANCE OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION . SHE WAS ADVISED BY HER DEALER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,415.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2010
PURCHASED TOYOTA RAV 4 2008 [XXX] ON 12/07. 4 INCIDENTS OF THROTTLE OPENING. FIRST 2 OCCURRED WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF EACH OTHER WHEN CAR WAS NEW. ENGINE STARTED TO RACE AT HIGH RPM WHEN PLACING CAR IN PARK AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN ON AN OUTING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. NOT REPORTED TO TOYOTA. EARLY MAY 2010, IN CONGESTED CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC INCHING ALONG, THROTTLE OPENED AGAIN. STAYED HARD ON BRAKE BUT CAR KEPT INCHING FORWARD AND TAPPED A CAR IN FRONT BEFORE I PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL. REPORTED INCIDENT TO NATIONAL TOYOTA AND BROUGHT CAR TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. MAY 14 WITH WIFE IN CAR, FOOT ON BRAKE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THROTTLE OPENED UP COMPLETELY-RED LINE RPM. IMMEDIATELY PLACED CAR IN NEUTRAL AS ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE FOR 20-30 SECS. DEALER COULD FIND NO PROBLEM AS WELL AS NATIONAL COMPANY TECHNICIAN A WEEK LATER. WE OFFERED TO LET TECHNICIAN KEEP AND DRIVE OUR CAR FOR A MONTH OR TWO IN THE HOPE THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD MANIFEST ITSELF BUT TOYOTA DECLINED. CAR IS ESSENTIALLY NEW, NO SCRATCHES, DENTS ETC. 7200 MILES. WE TOLD TOYOTA THAT WE ARE A FAMILY FAR REMOVED FROM LITIGIOUS BEHAVIOR AND AGITATING TROUBLE. AS MY FAMILY IS NOW NOT COMFORTABLE WITH DRIVING THE CAR WE ARE BEING FORCED TO TRADE THIS CAR IN AT A DEALERSHIP (WE COULD NOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE SELL IT PRIVATELY) FOR A PRICE THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR ITS VALUE. WE HAVE EXPLAINED THIS TO TOYOTA. ALL WE WANT IS FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE RECOGNIZED AND FIXED ON OUR CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 6, 2010
ON MY WAY TO TUFTS MEDICAL IN BOSTON MASS. I PAID THE LAST TOLL IN AND NOT 200 FT FROM THE TOLL BOOTH, MY CAR STOPPED. MY RAV4 SHUT DOWN AND ROLLED BACK TOWARDS THE TOLL BOOTH (TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC). THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP DESPITE LIFTING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF, IT SLOWLY STOPPED BUT, DID CONTINUE TO ROLL. MASS STATE TROOPERS ARRIVED IN ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES AND PLACED HIS VEHICLE SO THAT IT WOULD NOT ROLL INTO ANYONE. MY CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHILE I RENTED A CAR TO GET BACK TO WESTERN MASS. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THE CAR 3 DIFFERENT TIMES AND FOUND NOTHING. I CAN NO LONGER TRANSPORT MY ELDERLY MOTHER TO HER APPOINTMENTS IN BOSTON WITHOUT RENTING A CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 3, 2010
MY FIANCEE AND I WERE DRIVING, 2008 RAV4/LIMITED/V6/4WD. WE WERE AT A STOP LIGHT. I WAS DRIVING, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS WAITING FOR LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. IT WAS A BUSY INTERSECTION HERE IN DENVER AND THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF US. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ACCELERATOR TOOK OFF AND I COULD FEEL THE CAR TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD. LUCKILY, I ALREADY HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND I PRESSED DOWN EVEN HARDER ON THE BRAKE AS I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. WHEN I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL THE ACCELERATOR CONTINUED TO REV HIGHER THAN IT WAS BEFORE. I SLAMMED THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WE WERE OBVIOUSLY SHAKEN FROM THIS AND JUST SAT THERE FOR A MINUTE AS WE REALIZED WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. MY FIANCEE WANTED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. I WANTED TO TRY AND START THE CAR AGAIN BUT LEAVE IT IN PARK AND TEST IT OUT. I STARTED THE CAR WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE AND IT DID IT AGAIN. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. WE WERE IN PARK SO THE CAR COULD NOT MOVE BUT THE RPM'S WERE ON THE WAY TO REDLINING AND I TURNED OFF THE CAR AGAIN. THE LIGHTS AROUND THE SPEEDOMETER HAD NEVER LIT UP LIKE THAT BEFORE. SERIOUSLY EVERY DUMMY LIGHT ON THE CAR WAS LIT AND FLASHING. WE WERE COMPLETELY SCARED AT THIS POINT AND WE JUST TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND JUST SAT THERE IN SHOCK. WE SAT THERE FOR TEN MINUTES AT THIS BUSY INTERSECTION TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. I DECIDED TO TRY IT AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY. MY FIANCEE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BUT I ASSURED HER IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN I COULD JUST PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND WE COULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THE WOULD CHECK IT OUT. THEY CALLED LATER THAT DAY AND SAID ALL THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WERE NORMAL. THEY TOLD ME IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE FLOOR MATS. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE THE FLOOR MATS WEREN'T EVEN TOUCHING ACCELERATOR. UPDATED 05/12/10 *BF UPDATED 07/16/10.*JB *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED THE SPEED FAILED TO INCREASE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2010
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH ENTERING A PARKING SPACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REVV HIGH. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE BODY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 6,230.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 4, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 AND I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I TURNED LEFT AND THE CAR STARTED TO RACE AND ACCELERATED TO 40 MPH AND STUCK THERE. I TRIED PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I SWERVED TO MISS TWO CARS AND THE CAR KEPT GOING. I TRIED PUTTING IT INTO NEUTRAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED AGAIN. I THEN CALLED MY FATHER WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH CARS AND TOLD HIM THE STORY AND HE TOLD ME TO TRY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THAT DIDN'T WORK EITHER. HE INSTRUCTED ME TO TRY IT AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE CAR JOLTED FORWARD AND SLOWED DOWN. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE IGNITION FF AND WAS VERY SHAKEN AND QUITE UPSET. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO LIA NORTHAMPTON TOYOTA AND INFORMED THEM I WOULD NOT BE DRIVING THIS LEASED CAR AGAIN UNLESS THEY LOOKED AT IT THOROUGHLY AND REPAIRED IT. THE TECH VERIFIED A HIGH IDLE . THE TECH FOUND A THROTTLE PLATE WAS MECHANICALLY STICKING. THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. I ALSO HAD THEM DOCUMENT IT AND GIVE ME PAPERWORK. I DID CONTACT THEM WHEN THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT 2007 WAS NOT PART AND THEY WOULD NOT LOOK AT MY CAR AGAIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2010, crash
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING RE INCIDENT OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FM OWNER OF A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 ON 1/17/2009. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WENT 150 FEET, BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO BRING IT A STOP. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AGAIN AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON AN INSPECTION, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 25, 2010
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS A SEMI ON AN UPHILL IN MY NEW 2008 RAV4 WHEN THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK. I HAD FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL SINCE I WAS GOING UPHILL AND PASSING, BUT WHEN I EASED MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL REMAINED PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. I HAD ENTERED A SINGLE LANE CONSTRUCTION ZONE AND WAS ACCELERATING RAPIDLY. I STOMPED ON THE ACCELERATOR HOPING TO SPRING IT LOOSE AND TRIED THE BRAKES, TO NO AVAIL. AS I WAS REACHING SPEEDS WELL INTO THE 90'S AND WITHIN SECONDS OF PLOWING INTO THE TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME I REACHED DOWN AND GRABBED THE GAS PEDAL AND PULLED UP ON IT. IT DID COME UP THEN AND I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN IN TIME TO AVOID CRASHING. I WAS TERRIFIED AND THOUGHT I WOULD DIE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WE HAD PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY INSISTED IT WAS CAUSED BY MY FLOOR MAT AND THAT IT WAS MY FAULT SINCE IT WAS NOT A TOYOTA FLOOR MAT. I TOLD THEM THERE WAS NOTHING OBSTRUCTING THE PEDAL WHEN I REACHED DOWN FOR IT, IT WAS SIMPLY STUCK. THEY CONTINUE TO BLAME THE FLOOR MAT, MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN PUT ON THE RECALL LIST AND IT SCARES ME EVERY DAY TO DRIVE IT. I NEVER, EVER FLOOR IT AND NOW KNOW TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL SHOULD IT HAPPEN AGAIN---ALTHOUGH I HAVE HEARD SOME PEOPLE CRASHED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. I AM VERY UPSET THAT TOYOTA BLAMESHIFTS AND DODGES THE ISSUE BY BLAMING THE MATS AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEIR RECALL HOTLINE TOLD ME IT IS MY PROBLEM SINCE MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I DID BUY THEIR MAT AFTER THE INCIDENT, ONLY TO BE TOLD LATER THAT I SHOULD REMOVE IT SINCE IT COULD CAUSE ACCELERATOR ENTRAPMENT. MY DEALER STILL BLAMES THE WHOLE PROBLEM ON MY NON COMPLIANT MAT EVEN THOUGH THEY RECALLED THEIR OWN MATS, TOO. IT IS VERY DISTURBING TO FIND OUT THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO SO MANY OTHERS AND GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME. SO MANY DEATHS AND ACCIDENTS, AND I EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN ONE. WE HAVE BOUGHT 5 TOYOTAS FROM THIS DEALER AND HAVE HAD NO SUPPORT AND HAVE BEEN TREATED RUDELY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2010
FAX FWD LTR FM RE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4, REPLY TO UTICA, NY OFC. *TGW EACH TIME THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, SHE WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH SEVERAL CARS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WAS BY TURNING IT OFF. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 15, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 55-65 MPH. THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED TO THE AUXILIARY POSITION AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AFTER TWO SECONDS; THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2010
2008 TOYOTA RAV-4 SURGES. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2008, MY VEHICLE HAS SPORADICALLY SURGED WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND ALSO WHEN DRIVING WITH FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. I WILL HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WILL SURGE AS IF I AM PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I AM DRIVING, IT SURGES AS IF I AM PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL UP AND DOWN, ALTHOUGH MY FOOT REMAINS STEADY. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS THE FIRST TIME THAT I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN AND EACH TIME I HAVE AN OIL CHANGE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THERE MUST BE MORE TO THE TOYOTA RECALL BECAUSE MY VEHICLE THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL APPEARS TO BE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS LONG BEFORE THIS RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED. *TR