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, May 20, 2014
I BEGAN TO NOTICE A BURNT OIL SMELL WHEN I WOULD RETURN HOME FROM SCHOOL IN THE EVENING, I CHECKED MY OIL, THE DIP STICK SHOWED NOT A TRACE OF OIL! THE VEHICLE WAS HALF WAY BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AT THE TIME, MY HUSBAND ADDED 4 QUARTS OF OIL (SO WE KNOW FOR CERTAIN IT WAS EMPTY) AND BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA. THEY "CHECKED IT", CHANGED THE OIL, AND SENT US ON OUR WAY TELLING US TO MONITOR THE OIL LEVEL. THIS WAS AT 68K MILES. IT WAS NEXT DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT 73,000MILES I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL YESTERDAY AT 71,000 MILES AND IT WAS NEARLY EMPTY. CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN, WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T GET ME IN FOR 10 DAYS!! I CALLED ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER WHO TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN. THE SERVICE MGR ACKNOWLEDGED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH "CERTAIN RAV 4 ENGINES" AND THAT A SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE (NOT A RECALL-HE MADE THAT CLEAR). HE EXPLAINED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FOLLOW THEIR PROCEDURE BEFORE IT CAN BE REPAIRED THOUGH BY DOING TWO OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS (THAT I HAVE TO PAY $24.95 FOR, AND DRIVE 1200 MILES EACH) THEN I WOULD HAVE TO AUTHORIZE THEM TO DO AN ENGINE REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY FOR $575 TO DETERMINE IT IS NOT SOMETHING I HAD DONE TO THE CAR. I HAVE BABIED THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY ONE! I NEVER GO BEYOND 4000 MILES FOR AN OIL CHANGE, EVER. NOW I HAVE TO DRIVE MY FAMILY AROUND IN A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS VEHICLE WHILE THEY DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO REPAIR THE ENGINE THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH FOR YEARS!! UNACCEPTABLE! THIS IS TERRIFYING KNOWING THAT MY ENGINE COULD SEIZE AT ANY MOMENT WHILE I AM ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING WITH MY CHILD. IT IS EQUALLY AS FRIGHTENING TO REALIZE THAT I MAY END UP HAVING TO PAY $6000+ FOR A NEW ENGINE FOR THIS PIECE OF DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE I AM STILL PAYING FOR BECAUSE TOYOTA BELIEVES THEY ARE ABOVE THE LAW. PLEASE HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
Air bags, May 19, 2014, crash
SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE RECALL ON 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 (AIRBAG). *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Suspension, May 14, 2014
TOYOTA RAV 4 (2)- CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR SUSPENSION ARM RECALLS. *SMD 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE SUSPENSION. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ASTONISHED THAT BOTH VEHICLES NEEDED TO HAVE THE SAME PART REPLACED. ESPECIALLY ON THE 2008 MODEL, WHICH WAS 2 YEARS NEWER THAN HER OTHER VEHICLE. *JB
Engine, May 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL AND WOULD SMELL OF BURNING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Suspension, May 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE PULLED INTO A DIFFERENT DIRECTION IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE ALIGNMENT WAS ADJUSTED AFTER EPOXY WAS ADDED. ADDITIONALLY, THE TIRES BECAME WORN PREMATURELY AND DAMAGED WITHIN FIVE WEEKS. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE EPOXY HAD TO BE REMOVED PRIOR TO MAKING THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED A GOODWILL REPAIR BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE REAR ARMS HOWEVER, SHE WOULD ASSUME THE REPAIR COST OF THE ALIGNMENT AND THE EPOXY KIT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL FOUR NEW TIRES WERE PURCHASED. ALSO, NO REPAIRS COULD BE MADE TO THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE EPOXY WAS REMOVED. A SECOND RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR ARMS WERE REPLACED AS WELL AS EPOXY BEING ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,448.
Air bags, May 7, 2014
WAS PARKED AT A REST STOP, WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND HAS NEVER TURNED OFF. HAVE NOT RECEIVED A LETTER WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SENT IN APRIL, 2014 FOR THE MOST RECENT RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Power train, May 5, 2014
REAR DIFFERENTIAL STARTED MAKING A WHIRRING NOISE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE NOISE INCREASED IN PITCH AND VOLUME WITH SPEED. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A BAD MAGNETIC COUPLING BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND REPLACED IT. *TR
Seats, May 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEATS BECAME WORN, FRAYED AND DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE DAMAGED REAR SEATS AT NO EXPENSE TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Apr 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,140 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2014
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED 2 SERVICE RECALLS WERE PERFORMED. AFTER THE SERVICES WERE PERFORMED, THE CONSUMER STATED A FRIEND PICKUP UP THE VEHICLE, AND EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING EVENTS: WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE VERY ROUGH WITH CONSIDERABLE VIBRATION, AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ON 3 CYLINDERS. THE DEALER CLAIMED WITH A LITTLE DRIVING THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WOULD WORK ITSELF OUT AND NO LONGER BE AN ISSUE. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THE ROUGH IDLE WOULD SOMETIME HAPPENS AFTER THE RECALL SOFTWARE UPDATE. OVER THE NEXT 3 WEEKS, THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE DAILY AND IT CONTINUED TO RUN ROUGH. AS SHE APPROACHED A RED LIGHT, SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PLACED HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE INSTEAD ACCELERATED, AND SHE BEGAN QUICKLY PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL. EVENTUALLY, THE VEHICLE DID COME TO A STOP WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AT A LOWER RATE, BUT STILL RUNNING ROUGH. *JB
Engine, Apr 10, 2014
AT AROUND 80K MILES MY MECHANIC NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS BURNING UP OIL TOO QUICKLY AND ADVISED I BRING IT IN MORE OFTEN FOR HIM TO CHECK THE OIL AND TO ADD IF NEEDED. HE DID THIS FOR ME UNTIL ONE DAY ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND HE TOLD ME MY ENGINE WAS SHOT. I PURCHASED A 100K WARRANTY AND WHEN I TOOK IT INTO TOYOTA THEY SAID THEY WOULD RUN A TEST AND TO COME BACK IN 1200 MILES. THE PARTS MANAGER EVEN ADMITTED THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2008 FLEET OF 4 CYLINDER ENGINES! AS SOON AS I LEFT THE ENGINE CUT OUT WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. TOWED THE CAR BACK TO TOYOTA, THEY KEPT IT THERE A MONTH WAITING FOR THE WARRANTY TECH TO COME INSPECT THE ENGINE. HE CLAIMED I DID NOT MAINTAIN MY ENGINE AND THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER ANY COSTS. I ENDED UP SELLING THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AT THE SHOP FOR 800$ THIS COVERED THE BILL TOYOTA SENT ME FOR HAVING THE VEHICLES ENGINE TAKEN APART, THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER BUT WAS OFFERED THE MONEY FROM AN EMPLOYEE TO TAKE IT OFF MY HANDS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2008 WITH THE 100K WARRANTY, I HATE TOYOTA AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE A VEHICLE FROM THEM EVER AGAIN AND I TELL EVERYONE I KNOW TO STAY CLEAR FROM THESE JERKS. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Apr 9, 2014
I READ ON YOUR WEBSITE RECALLS RELATED TO WEIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY WHEELS & TIRES APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE. PLEASE INFORM WHETHER DEALER FIXED IT WHILE I WAS THERE FOR OTHER RECALLS. PLEASE INFORM ME IF I NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 9, 2014
AFTER MY CAR RECEIVED THE FIRST RECALL SERVICE (EARLY 2014) FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION, ABOUT 5000 MILES LATER I BEGAN TO HEAR NOISES AT FREEWAY SPEEDS FROM THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE AREA. NOT LONG AFTER THIS NOISE STARTED, I RECEIVED THE (MAILED FROM TOYOTA) SECOND RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE BACK SUSPENSION. THIS WAS IN SEPT 2013. EACH MONTH I CALL TOYOTA FOR THE SECOND RECALL SERVICE AND THEY NEVER "HAVE THE PARTS NECESSARY" FOR THE SECOND RECALL SERVICE. EACH TIME THERE IS NO "IDEA" WHEN THESE PARTS WILL BE IN. THE NOISE IS CONTINUALLY GETTING WORSE AND NOW APPEARS AT MUCH LOWER SPEEDS. FOR THE FIRST SERVICE, I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA MY CAR WAS TOTALLY RUSTED (EVEN THO THE CAR WAS FROM THE SOUTH US) AND HAD BEEN "DANGEROUS". I SEE THIS SAFECAR SITE MENTIONS THESE SECOND STAGE RECALL ARE TO BE COMPLETED BETWEEN SEPT 2013 AND APRIL 2014. TODAY IS 4/9/2014 AND THE TOYOTA DEALERS IN THIS AREA STILL CLAIM THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. ALSO TODAY THERE NOW ARE NEW RECALLS FOR THIS SAME CAR HOW LONG WILL WE WAIT FOR THOSE PARTS? *TR
Engine, Mar 19, 2014
ENGINE IS CONSUMING OIL. I BOUGHT THE RAV4 2.4 ENGINE 2008 BRAND NEW. VERY WELL MAINTAINED BY THE DEALER'S RECORDS. AT THE BEGINNING OF 2010, I START NOTICING THAT THE OIL LEVEL IS GETTING LOWER EVERY TIME BEFORE THE OIL CHANGE. I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO SOME LEAK. THE DEALER SAID THERE ARE NO LEAKS IN THE ENGINE OIL AND THE OIL CONSUMPTION RATE IS ACCEPTABLE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW IT WOULD BE, BUT THEY ARGUED THAT IT IS STATED IN THE OWNER MANUAL. IT GOT WORSE BY TIME, NOW I HAVE TO ADD A FULL QUART OR MORE BETWEEN OIL CHANGES JUST TO AVOID ENGINE DAMAGE. I OWNED MANY CARS BEFORE, OLDER MODELS, NONE OF THEM REQUIRED ADDING OIL BEFORE THE NEXT OIL CHANGE. AFTER RESEARCHING THE MATTER, I FOUND THAT IT IS NOT ONLY MY CAR. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT DOES NOT WANT TO FIX IT. I EVEN FOUND A DOCUMENT WITH VIN'S OF THE CARS AFFECTED BY THE ISSUE TSB-0094-11 (PISTON RING?) CONSUMING THAT MUCH OIL IS NOT NORMAL, AND I BELIEVE WILL SHORTEN THE ENGINE'S LIFE AND IS REALLY BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. I BOUGHT THE CAR BECAUSE OF IT'S REPUTATION OF BEING DEPENDABLE AND IT HAS A BIG NAME BEHIND IT. I HOPE SOMEONE ASK TOYOTA TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Mar 19, 2014
WE HAVE HAD MORE THAN ONE INSTANCE WHEN OUR 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS FAILED TO MAINTAIN STABILIZATION WHEN HAVING TO DECREASE SPEED IN EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES. (USUALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS THAN 45 MPG) OUR VEHICLE'S REAR SUSPENSION MAKES THE DRIVE FEEL UNSAFE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. ATLANTA TOYOTA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THESE INSTANCES YET NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN OFFERED AS OF TODAY. *TR
Suspension, Feb 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,372.
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2014
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE AIG BAG LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSE THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.LJ
Suspension, Feb 20, 2014
COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS IS 3RD TIME I HAVE GOT A NOMINATION! DON'T HAVE THE PARTS! REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS (NO.1). *TR
Engine, Feb 20, 2014
ENGINE BURNING OIL HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/9562/TOYOTA/RAV4/TOYOTA-RAV4-BURNS-OIL/P8 HTTP://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/URL?SA=T&RCT=J&Q=&ESRC=S&SOURCE=WEB&CD=2&VED=0CCKQFJAB&URL=HTTP%3A%2F%2FWWW.NEWSCIONXB.COM%2FATTACHMENTS%2F2ND-GEN-SCION-XB-TALK%2F278D1322767463-WILL-SCION-FOLLOW-TOYOTAS-TSB-RELEASE-OIL-CONSUMPTION-T-SB-0094-11.PDF&EI=JMRXTO2GMUGAIAL09PYUDG&USG=AFQJCNENAO8YTDVZLWCLJ6SJNZ8R0LLCNQ. *TR
Suspension, Feb 12, 2014
BEFORE THE START OF A 2000 MILE ROAD TRIP, I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND COMPLAINED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER ABOUT A KNOCKING COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION. I WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE. WHILE DRIVING ALONG A HIGHWAY, I LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SWERVING IN ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND ENDED UP DRIVING OFF THE ROAD - LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND OR I WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER, WHO INFORMED ME A RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION PIN HAD BROKEN, AND THIS WAS PART OF A TOYOTA SAFETY RECALL. TO DATE (2/12/14) TOYOTA HAS NOT TAKEN STEPS TO CORRECT THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 10, 2014, crash
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER DROVE AT 5MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSED THE DRIVER LOSE CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ONTO THE ROOF. THE DRIVER BODY SUFFERED BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TOWYARD. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. LI
Engine, Jan 7, 2014
EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. ADDING 1QUART EVERY 700 MILES AND GETTING WORSE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 2, 2014
I DO OWN A TOYOTA RAV4 2008, IT DOES HAVE A WHINING NOISE WHICH COMES IN TO PLAY FROM 20-30 MILES AN HR. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA MANY TIMES FOR CHECK UP AND THEY CANT FIND THE ISSUE THEY ARE INSISTING IT IS THE BRAKES, I DID REPLACE THE BRAKES BUT THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. IS THERE ANY RESOLUTION ON THIS I AM AFRAID OF THIS NOISE. I WANT TO KNOW IF TOYOTA WILL HAVE A RECALL ON THIS NOISE. IF I PRESS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL THE NOISE STARTS AT 20 MILES PER HR AND IT STOPS AFTER 30 MILES PER HR BUT IF I LET GO OF THE ACCELERATION THE NOISE WILL STOP EVEN AT 20-30 MILES PER HR. I WONDER WHAT IT COULD BE? WILL THIS NOISE CAUSE ANY ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING? PLEASE HELP ON A RESPONSE ON THIS ISSUE, THANKS *TR
Suspension, Jan 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER'S REAR SUSPENSION ARM WAS FRACTURED. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Air bags, Dec 23, 2013
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAULT LITE ON. I WAS TOLD IT REQUIRES A NEW SENSOR AND A SPRING. I OWN A 2002 TOYOTA COROLLA NO TROUBLE SO FAR. THE CAR HAS OVER 200000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ASKED OVER 65 PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA RAV.4/ YEARS 2008 -2009 AND -2011 CARS, IF THEY HAVE HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH THERE CARS. THEY ALL SAID NOT SO FAR. *TR