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, Feb 8, 2010, crash
WAS PARKING THE CAR IN A SMALL CONGESTED COMMERCIAL PARKING AREA. I TURNED A CORNER AND SAW A SPACE, BUT HAD TO BACK UP TO PULL IN STRAIGHT. AS I PROCEEDED VERY SLOWLY, I WAS ONLY A FEW FEET FROM THE PARKED CAR FACING MY CAR. SUDDENLY, AS I WAS ABOUT TO STOP MY CAR, THE ENGINE RACED AND MY CAR JUMPED FORWARD INTO THE FRONT OF THE OTHER CAR. AS I WAS ONLY A VERY SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE CAR, MY CAR DID NOT HAVE TIME TO ACCELERATE TO ANY GREAT SPEED.
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Feb 6, 2010
LAST AUGUST I EXPERIENCED A STUCK ACCELERATOR ON MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. IT HAPPENED ONLY ONCE AND HASN'T REPEATED. IT WAS WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION RED LIGHT FORTUNATELY WITH NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ABLE TO OVERCOME THE ACCELERATION BY STANDING ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. WHEN TOYOTA CAME OUT WITH THE RECALL FOR FLOOR MATS MY CAR WAS NOT ONE OF THE MODELS WITH THOSE TYPR OF FLOOR MATS AND THE MATS IN THE CAR ARE FASTENED DOWN. TOYOTA'S CURRENT RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS MODEL AND A CHECK OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONFIRMS THAT THIS IS NOT ONE OF THE CURRENT PEDAL REPLACEMENTS. MY VEHICLE WAS PRODUCE IN JAPAN NOT THE USA. I SUSPECT THAT THIS WAS MORE OF AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM THAN A PEDAL PROBLEM. I'M CONCERNED THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. SINCE MY YEAR AND MODEL IS NOT ON THE RECALL HOW CAN I GET HELP BEFORE I OR MY WIFE EXPERIENCE IT AGAIN? *CN
Vehicle speed control, Feb 5, 2010
ACCELERATION INCIDENT PARKING. DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN CHELSEA MI, DOING A LITTLE UNDER 5 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. I APPLIED THE BRAKE EVEN HARDER AND THE ABS ENGAGED. FORTUNATELY I MISSED THE BMW PARKED IN FRONT. BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR FOR 19 MONTHS AND NOTHING LIKE IT OCCURRED BEFORE. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP I HAD JUST BEEN TO FOR A LUBE CHANGE SAID THAT MY MODEL WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL BUT TO BRING IT IN IF IT RECURRED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE ACCELERATION STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 14000.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK WHEN SHE DEPRESSED IT ON TWO OCCASIONS. SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH SEEMED TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER MODIFIED THE FLOOR MAT. SHE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE THAT FAILURE. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING TO ASSIST HER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,510.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2010
I PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA RAV4 (2008 LS) IN THE SUMMER OF 2008. I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THERE SEEMED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION. I REPORTED IT THEN AND THE FIRST SEVERAL TIMES IT WENT IN FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN THE SAME - THAT'S JUST WHAT TOYOTAS DO. THE PROBLEM - WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN IDLING, THE CAR HESITATES. THERE IS A SECOND OR 2 DURING WHICH THERE IS NO POWER. THEN, THE POWER KICKS IN AND THE CAR JUMPS FORWARD, NOT BECAUSE THE PEDAL IS STICKING BUT BECAUSE THE CAR SUDDENLY "CATCHES UP" WITH THE GAS PEDAL. THE EXPLANATION GIVEN BY TWO DEALERS IS THIS: IN THE TOYOTA, THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN WHEN THE PEDAL IS PRESSED DOWN AND WHEN THE CAR'S COMPUTER SENDS THE INFORMATION TO THE CARBURETOR, OR WHATEVER PASSES FOR IT IN NEW ENGINES. THAT CAUSES THE SEQUENCE - PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, HESITATION, THEN SURGE. THIS IS MOST DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO HEAVY, FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. OPENINGS IN THE TRAFFIC ARE USUALLY SMALL BUT ADEQUATE IF THE CAR RESPONDS. HOWEVER, WHEN THE CAR HESITATES, THEN SURGES, THE OPENING CAN BE MISSED AND THE CAR AND DRIVER ARE AT RISK FOR A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS ALSO INTERMITTENT SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD, EVEN WHEN EXPERIENCED WITH THE CAR. I'M FILING THIS BECAUSE I SEE THAT YOUR DEPARTMENT HAS GONE PAST THE STICKING PEDAL TO LOOK AT POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN THE CARS. SO I THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL. PS-I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN SITUATIONS WHERE A LITTLE LUCK AND A QUICK FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALL THAT PREVENTED ONE. PSPS-I WILL GLADLY PROVIDE THE VIN # BUT I DO NOT HAVE IT AVAILABLE NOW. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 2, 2010
SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF A TOYOTA RAV 4 ENGINE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, NO FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN DRIVE - THE ENGINE INCREASED SPEED RAPIDLY. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. THE OPERATOR SLAMMED BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED, THE OPERATOR PUT THE GEAR SHIFT IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED AT HIGH SPEED FOR ABOUT A WHILE, THEN WENT TO IDLE. AFTER THE ENGINE RETURNED TO IDLE, THE OPERATOR KEPT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CAUTIOUSLY SHIFTED THE GEAR SHIFT TO DRIVE, PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THE OPERATOR GOT OUT OF THE CAR. EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL. AFTER MEDITATION ON THE PROBLEM, THE OPERATOR TURNED THE ENGINE ON AND DROVE OFF. THERE HAVE BEEN NO PROBLEMS SINCE THEN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2010
ON 10/21/09 I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION IN MY 2008 RAV4 WHILE WAITING FOR TWO CARS TO GO BY. MY FOOT WAS FULLY PLANTED ON THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVVED UNCONTROLLABLY AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. I PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD ON THE BRAKE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. I BARELY MANAGED TO KEEP THE CAR OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITHOUT ANOTHER INCIDENT. THE FLOOR MATS WERE FIRMLY CLIPPED INTO PLACE CAUSING NO INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR. I HAD THE REPAIR SHOP AT MY DEALER CHECK IT OVER. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH IT AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. I WROTE A LETTER TO MY DEALER DOCUMENTING MY SAFETY CONCERNS. THE DEALER THEN BROUGHT A TOYOTA FIELD SPECIALIST IN TO LOOK AT IT. HE TOO WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY PROBLEM. SINCE THEN TOYOTA HAS ANNOUNCED TWO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE AND FAULTY GAS PEDALS. I'VE FOUND OUT THAT MY RAV4 WAS BUILT IN JAPAN AND, THEREFORE, NOT SUBJECT TO THE FAULTY GAS PEDALS. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO AN ELECTRONIC GLITCH MOST LIKELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPUTERIZED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM. I BELIEVE TOYOTA NEEDS TO ROLL-OUT A "BRAKE OVERRIDE SYSTEM" TO TRULY RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT HAD ANOTHER "SUDDEN ACCELERATION" EVENT SINCE 10/21/09. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED WITH EXCESSIVE PRESSURE AND THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE CAME TO COMPLETE STOP AFTER PRESSING HER FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHIFTING GEARS INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE MALFUNCTION AND THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS HAS ONLY OCCURRED ONE TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25738. UPDATED 03/01/10. *LJ THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/14/10. *JB
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, HE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE. THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND WHEN HE TRIED TO SLOW DOWN WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO THE ROCKS OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT THAT POINT, THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE AND HE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED MINOR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT IS WAS TAKEN. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT HE WAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2010
IN DECEMBER OF 2009, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR LEASED TOYOTA RAV4 ('08) AND IT ACCELERATED ON HIM UNEXPECTEDLY. THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN JAN OF 2010 WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE SAME VEHICLE AND I ALMOST CRASHED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS CHECKED AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. THIS CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECENT TOYOTA RECALL BUT IT SHOULD BE! I AM NOW IN A LEASE DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR AND I WANT TO EITHER TRADE THIS CAR IN FOR A SAFE CAR OR I WANT OUT OF MY LEASE! *CN
Vehicle speed control, Dec 23, 2009
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 WHICH I PURCHASED NEW. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I HAVE HAD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOME STUCK FULLY OPEN WHEN ACCELERATING TO MERGE ONTO AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD SEVERAL MONTHS AGO THAT AN AFTERMARKET FLOOR MAT WAS SLIPPING FORWARD AND TRAPPING THE PEDAL. RECENTLY WHEN THIS EVENT HAPPENED I STOPPED AND LOOKED AT THE MAT MYSELF. IT WAS AT LEAST 4 TO 6 INCHES FROM CONTACTING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL OR ANY PART OF THE DRIVE BY WIRE SWITCH. I FEEL LIKE THE DEALERSHIP IS JUST TRYING TO GET AROUND ACTUALLY INVESTIGATING MY COMPLAINT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS OVER THE LAST 6 TO 9 MONTHS. I FINALLY DECIDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT AFTER IT HAPPENED TO ME THIS MORNING (12/22/2009). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 11, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT INTENTION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200. UPDATED 1/11/09 *CN UPDATED 01/13/10.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Nov 11, 2009
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT THE END OF A HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP, I WAS BRAKING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 - 10 MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME I NOTICED THE CAR WAS NOT RESPONDING AS IT NORMALLY DOES TO A SLIGHT DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. MY CAR SEEMED TO KEEP MOVING AND NOT SLOW DOWN IN IT'S NORMAL BRAKING CHARACTERISTIC. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL MUCH FIRMER AND THE CAR SLOWED BUT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO INCREASE IN RPMS (AS NOTED BY THE ENGINE SOUND AND VISUALLY BY TACHOMETER INDICATION). MY FOOT WAS OFF THE ACCELERATOR AT THIS TIME. I PUSHED THE BREAK PEDAL DOWN A HARD AS I COULD AND THE CAR STILL MOVED FORWARD. FINALLY, I PUT THE TRANSMISSION (AUTOMATIC) IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE RACED AWAY. I FINALLY PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE AND THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN TO NORMAL AND THEN THE CAR STALLED. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE EVERYTHING WORKED AS IT SHOULD. I DROVE IT THE TWO MILES TO WORK WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEM AND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 10 HOURS DROVE IT 7 MILES TO MY HOME WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. OCCASIONALLY AFTER BRAKE APPLICATION, THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WILL NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 38000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Oct 19, 2009
LOST BRAKING POWER AND THERE WAS A CRUNCHING SOUND, HAD BOTH FEET ON BREAKING PEDAL & TRUCK WOULDN'T STOP. IT WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND ABS/ANTI SKID LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 15, 2008, crash
WAS GOING THROUGH A DRIVE THROUGH CARWASH, AUTO IN NEUTRAL. REACHED THE END, PUT FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT AUTO INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN, GOING STRAIGHT OUT OF THE END OF THE CARWASH. HAD THE BRAKES ON BUT THEY DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE. TURNED THE CAR TO MISS A TELEPHONE POLE AND WENT OUT INTO 4-LANE HWY., CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, STOPPING MY VEHICLE FINALLY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OUR INS. CO. REPAIR/ESTIMATE SHOP. DO NOT HAVE A CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM AS YET, STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. *TR