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
575 reports, newest first.
Engine, Mar 19, 2015
I FIRST HEARD KNOCKING NOISE UPON COLD START-UP. THIS HAS NOW BECOME A CHRONIC NOISE. WHEN GETTING TRUCK SERVICED FOR ANOTHER MATTER THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE VVT-I BOLTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR A CHARGE OF $3500-$5600. HE ALSO NOTED THIS WAS EXPENSIVE BECAUSE IT IS A LEXUS ENGINE. UPON RESEARCHING THIS MORE I DISCOVERED THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE 2GR-FE V6 INSTALLED IN THE LEXUS RX350S WITH SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR RECALL BY TOYOTA FOR LEXUS VEHICLES BUT NOT TOYOTAS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA BUT THEY REFUSE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THIS IS EXACT SAME DEFECT WHICH IS A RECALL FOR LEXUS MODELS. SEE ARTICLE //PARTS.OLATHEOYOTA.COM/GR-SERIES-ENGINE.HTML. THE RECALL IS LISTED ON NHTSA. ONCE BOLTS LOOSEN THE VVT-I GEAR HOUSING AND SPROCKET TO SEPARATE AND RESULT IN THE ENGINE STOPPING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. SEE ARTICLE: TOYOTA RECALLS VARIOUS LEXUS VEHICLES WITH ENGINE BOLT PROBLEMS THE BOLTS COULD BECOME LOOSE DUE TO ABNORMAL IMPACTS 09/10/2013 | CONSUMERAFFAIRS BY [XXX] I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THESE DEFECTIVE BOLTS UNDER A TOYOTA BODY STYLE, BUT ON THE SAME ENGINE ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS MAJOR RECALL. THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES REMAIN THE SAME REGARDLESS OF BODY STYLE SHOULD BOLTS LOOSEN DURING HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE ESCALATED THIS COMPLAINT TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL AT TOYOTA WITH NO RESULTS SO I AM COMPELLED TO FILE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT. WE HAVE A TODDLER ON BOARD EACH DAY DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT FUNDS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AND ARE NOW UNABLE TO SELL THE CAR. YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS APPRECIATED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Mar 13, 2015
RECEIVED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION (EXTENDED WARRANTY) FOR THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. FREE FIX. WHAT A JOKE. THEY TELL YOU TO COME IN FOR THE TEST, FILL YOUR OIL TO FULL AND TELL YOU TO COME BACK IN 1200 MILES. TWELVE HUNDRED MILES LATER YOU GO BACK YOUR CAR IS AT LOW/ADD LEVEL, THEY ADD 1 QT OIL AND STATE AND I QUOTE "FOUND THAT VEHICLE BURNED 1QT OF OIL IN 1,241 MILES. THAT IS OK TO TOYOTA STANDARDS". THAT LAST LINE TELLS IT ALL. IF YOU DO THE MATH, AT 5000 MILES, WHICH THEY TELL YOU TO COME IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THERE WOULD BE NO OIL LEFT TO CHANGE WITH A 4.8QT ENGINE OIL LIMIT. I COULDN'T BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS SUCH LOW STANDARDS. WE HAVE ALL TOYOTAS IN MY HOUSEHOLD. WITH THE WE DON'T CARE ATTITUDE BY TOYOTA, WE WILL BECOME A HONDA HOUSEHOLD. I EXPECTED BETTER, TOYOTA STANDARDS HAVE REALLY DETERIORATED. DONTBYTOYOTA.COM IS AVAILABLE. JUST MAY BUY IT TO WARN POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine, Mar 10, 2015
RAV4 2008 LIMITED V4 WATER PUMP LEAKING AT 78000 MILES. LEAKING MY $600 MONEY I AM LOOKING FOR USER TO FILE CLASS ACTION. HTTP://TOYOTA.PISSEDCONSUMER.COM/RAV-4-WATER-PUMP-FAILURE-CLASS-ACTION-20110719249797.HTML?COMPANY_ID=5467. *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
Air bags, Feb 27, 2015, crash
I'M TELLING WHAT HAPPENED WITH HELP OF PASSENGERS IN CAR WITH ME. I WAS THE DRIVER AND RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 3 INCH LACERATION TO BACK OF FOREHEAD WHICH REQUIRED 10 STAPLES. I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND DON'T REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THE PASSENGERS STATE I PULLED OUT AND TRUCK WAS COMING AND IT HIT ME. MY CAR IS TOTALED. I WAS HIT ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE (THE WHOLE FRONT OF CAR WAS TORN OFF. THEY SAY WE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS HIT AGAIN BY TRUCK OVER THE BACK TIRE AND BACK END. WAS TOLD BY TROOPER AND TOW GUY THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. IT WAS A REALLY BAD ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Feb 15, 2015
POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT,DEALER REPLACED STEERING COLUMN. PROBLEM WITH SENSOR LOCATED AT COLUMN. COST TO ME $1260.00. *TR
Engine, Feb 9, 2015
MY VIN NUMBER IS ON THEIR TSB LIST AND THEY KNEW THEIR PROBLEMS AND STILL TRYING TO PLAY GAMES. TOYOTA IS TRYING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO SCREW UP WITH CONSUMER. THEY WANT YOU TO TEST THE OIL CONSUMPTION EVEN YOU ALREADY TESTED THREE TIMES BEFORE. THEY ARE NOT ANSWERING YOUR PHONES. AUDI ALREADY LOST THEIR CASE. TOYOTA WILL BE THE SAME. THIS IS THE FIRST TOYOTA AND ALSO BE THE LAST ONE. *TR
Suspension, Feb 3, 2015
ALIGNMENT ON REAR WHEELS CANNOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE OF SAFETY RECALL PERFORMED BY TOYOTA ON MY 2008 RAV4. THE RECALL WAS TO CORRECT A SAFETY ISSUE ON THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS. THE REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ANY ADJUSTMENT TO CORRECT OUT OF ALIGNMENT ON THE REAR OF VEHICLE. THIS IS AN ABSURD CORRECTION OF A PROBLEM. WHY AREN'T ALL 2006-2011 RAV4 OWNERS UP IN ARMS ABOUT THE INABILITY TO ALIGN THE REAR OF THEIR VEHICLES? NO RAV4 OWNER SHOULD ACCEPT THE PREMATURE, UNEVEN WEARING OF TIRES BECAUSE TOYOTA CANNOT PROPERLY FIX THEIR MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. PREMATURE TIRE WEAR IS NOT ONLY COSTLY TO THE CONSUMER IT ALSO CREATES A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH TIRE FAILURE AND IMPAIRED ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE. *TR
Suspension, Feb 2, 2015
COMPLETED RECALL AT DEALERSHIP ON 11/11/14 FOR REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM AND THE LEFT WHEEL CAMBER WENT IN AT -0*50 (WELL WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS) AND CAME OUT AT -1*49 JUST BARELY WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS( JUST NOTICED TODAY BECAUSE IT FAILED AN ALIGNMENT TEST). TODAY, 2/2/15 (3 MONTHS AND 2100 MILES LATER) IT IS NOW NOT WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS AT -1*52. I COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FIX TO THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM WAS A PERMANENT FIX AND THE CAR'S REAR ALIGNMENT CAN NO LONGER BE CHANGED BECAUSE OF THE FIX. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE DEALERSHIP, AS WELL AS, TOYOTA WOULD ALLOW A PERMANENT FIX TO A VEHICLE THAT WAS BARELY WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS KNOWING THAT THE FIX WAS PERMANENT. NOW THERE IS A HIGH PROBABLY, THAT THE TIRES ON MY CAR WILL NOT WEAR PROPERLY AND THE TOE WILL BE OUT AS WELL. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 21, 2015
DRIVER DOOR, FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, AND TAILGATE DOOR LOCK MECHANISMS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED, NOT LOCKING OR UNLOCKING WITH THE REMOTE. HAD FRONT DRIVER DOOR LOCK AND REAR TAILGATE DOOR LOCKS REPAIRED EACH COSTING APPROX. $500. HOW CAN SO MANY LOCKS GO BAD? HAVE OTHER CAR OWNERS HAD THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Suspension, Jan 14, 2015
I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT TOYOTA HAMPTON DEALERSHIP IN TOWN, LAFAYETTE, LA. 888-755-2961 (SERVICE). MY WIFE AND I HAVE CALLED THIS NUMBER MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED SEVERAL TIMES BUT REACHED NOWHERE. WE HAVE LEFT MULTIPLE MESSAGES BUT DON'T RECEIVE ANY PHONE CALL BACK FROM THEM. MY WIFE EVEN WENT THERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BUT THEY SIMPLY TOLD HER THAT THEY DON'T HAVE OPENING. THIS IS REGARDING A SAFETY RECALL FOR OUR CAR. I AM HOPING THAT THIS RECALL IS NOT AN EMERGENCY ISSUE BUT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE WE RECEIVED AT THIS DEALERSHIP WAS VERY STRANGE. ANSWERING SERVICE IS A JOKE AND PEOPLE WORKING THERE HAVE AN ISSUE WITH FOREIGNERS. ALL I AM CONCERNED WITH IS THAT I WANT THE RECALL ISSUE TO BE TAKEN CARE OF AND I AM NOT GOING THERE TO MAKE FRIENDS. I COULD CARE LESS IF THEY TREAT ME LIKE OUTSIDERS. I WOULD COMPLETELY AVOID THIS PLACE BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT IS THE ONLY ONE IN TOWN. *TR
Steering, Dec 22, 2014
CLUNKING NOISE FROM STEERING SHAFT THAT IS BOTH AUDIBLE AND FELT THROUGH STEERING WHEEL. OCCURS TURNING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, GOING FORWARD OR REVERSE, BUT NOT WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT. *TR
Suspension, Dec 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Engine, Dec 4, 2014
CAR RUNS THROUGH OIL BETWEEN 5000 RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGES. HAVE TO CONSTANTLY CHECK IF THERE IS ENOUGH OIL. NO LEAKS, JUST GOES THROUGH A LOT OF OIL. *TR
Engine, Nov 12, 2014
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, HOWEVER, THIS INQUIRY IS ABOUT THE ENGINE OIL. MY WIFE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW, THE ENGINE IS A 4 CYLINDER (2AZ-FE). THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND IT CONTINUES. EVERY 1400 TO 2000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, AND WHEN I THE ENGINE OIL, ITS ALWAYS TWO (2) QUARTS LOW. I NEVER SEE ANY EVIDENCE OF OIL BURNING IN THE EXHAUST; NO OIL LEAKS ON THE DRIVEWAY, NOTHING. IT'S AS IF THE OIL DISAPPEARS. THE DEALER WON'T DO ANYTHING, THEY SAY THAT IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SO THEY WON'T INVESTIGATE. MY WIFE HAS BEEN TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP AND THEY SAY THAT THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE. THIS SHOP SUGGESTS THAT WE ADD IN AMES OIL EVERY OTHER OIL CHANGE (EVERY 3500 TO 5000 MILES), AND THAT SHOULD MAKE THE OIL CHANGES GO FROM 1400 MILES TO APPROXIMATELY 3500 MILES. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING!!! THIS VEHICLE SHOULDN'T NEED OIL CHANGES UNTIL 7500 MILES!! COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS? *TR
Steering, Nov 11, 2014
REQUESTED STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT DURING INSPECTION (NEED ATTENTION SOON). THOUGHT THAT WAS ODD. WENT ONLINE AND APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES. CALLED TOYOTA 800 331-4331, THEY DIDN'T CARE. THOUGHT I FILE A COMPLAINT TO GET IT RECALLED. *TR
Suspension, Nov 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 RAV4 TOYOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Oct 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Power train, Engine, Oct 18, 2014
JUST LEARNED TODAY THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR A 2008 RAV4 WITH ONLY 74,000 MILES ON IT. HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT 72,000 MILES WHERE THEY DID THE 70K MI SERVICE TO INCLUDE MULTIPOINT/FLOOR MAT, REPLACED THE WATER PUMP, BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND "ENGINE MINOR". I THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE. MY 5 YEAR OR 100K PREPAID WARRANTY ENDED IN JUNE SO NO COVERAGE AVAILABLE. SHOULDN'T A TRANSMISSION LAST LONGER THAN 70K MILES? *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
Suspension, Oct 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering, Oct 1, 2014
AFTER BEING TOLD I NEEDED A STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, I STARTED INVESTIGATING ON THE INTERNET AND COME TO REALIZE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2007. WHEN STEERING I HEAR A CRACKING SOUND AND FEEL THAT IT IS A DEFECT. ALL OF THE RAV 4'S ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THIS CAN REALLY CAUSE INJURY. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2014
A LITTLE AFTER ITS REGULAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE MY 2008 RAV4 STARTED TO MAKE AN ODD NOISE (RATTLING) WHEN REACHING 40 MPH AT 1500 RPM. CHECKED FLUIDS AND NOTICED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS DRY (BURNT OIL ON STICK) AND BLACK ATF. IMMEDIATELY REPLACED FLUIDS (ENGINE AND WS ATF). TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T NOTICED ANYTHING UNUSUAL. DROVE WITH TECH AND SHOWED HIM THE NOISE AT SPECIFIED CONDITIONS. HE SAID MORE TESTS NEEDED TO BE DONE. UP UNTIL TODAY THEY ARE NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE AND SUGGESTED A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT "FIX" THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR MYSELF. FOUND A TSB ONLINE FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE (T-SB-0094-11). TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND FIX THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO USERS. *TR
Engine, Sep 17, 2014
OUR 2008 RAV4 OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND WE HAD JUST HAD OUR OIL CHANGED SO WE THOUGHT THE BUSINESS DIDN'T ADD ENOUGH OIL WHEN THEY DID THE OIL CHANGE. WE TOOK IT BACK AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM THAT THIS MODEL YEAR HAS. FIRST WE HEARD ABOUT IT. WE TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALER IN OMAHA AND THEY IMMEDIATELY SAID WE HAD NO WARRANTY FOR THIS WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT. RED FLAG. THEY THEN DID A TEST WHERE THEY DID ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AND WE DROVE IT FOR 1000 MILES THEN TOOK IT BACK. THEY SAID WE DID NOT HAVE AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. FAST FORWARD TO AUGUST 2014 AND THE OIL LIGHT AGAIN CAME ON. THE DIP STICK WAS DRY. WE TOOK IT AGAIN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD WE DID HAVE AN OIL CONSUMPTION. HE DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT IT. MY HUSBAND WAS FURIOUS SINCE WE HAD BEEN TOLD WE DIDN'T HAVE THAT PROBLEM 13 MONTHS EARLIER. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD IT WOULD TAKE $5000 TO $6000 TO FIX IT SINCE IT WOULD REQUIRE A NEW ENGINE. SINCE THEN WE HAVE FOUND OUT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EVEN THOUGH THEY PUT THE FAULTY ENGINES IN THESE VEHICLES. THE ARE TRYING TO SHIRK THEIR RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THIS RECALL COST A LITTLE MORE. WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE THE CONSUMER? IF WE TRADE IT WE JUST LOST $5000 TO $6000 IN VALUE. IF WE DON'T WE ARE STUCK WITH A FAULTY VEHICLE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT CAME RIGHT OUT OF THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY JUST ARGUED WITH HIM. NO HELP. *TR
Suspension, Sep 10, 2014
TOYOTA DEALER NOT BEING SUPPLIED WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS. DEALER HAS NO IDEA HOW MUCH LONGER IT WILL TAKE TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIR. I HAVE WAITED 9 MONTHS AND STILL GETTING THE SAME STORY ABOUT NO AVAILABLE PARTS AND NO TIMETABLE FOR REPAIR. THIS IS FOR RECALL CSJ. CHUCK PATTERSON TOYOTA IN CHICO, CA IS MY TOYOTA DEALER. *TR