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, Dec 21, 2013
ON 12/18/2013 STARTED CAR IN THE MORNING AND AND ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING(4 CYLINDER). CHECKED OIL AND ADDED 2 QUARTS. THEN ON FRIDAY 12/20 DROVE 4 MILE ENGINE AND VALVES STARTED KNOCKING AND RATTLING. FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS IT SEEMS THAT THE ENGINE IN BLOWN. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE SERVED IT RELIGIOUSLY. HOW CAN AN ENGINE WITH 75000 MILES ON IT LOSE THAT MUCH OIL? I HAVE HAD CARS WITH OVER 125000 MILES ON THEM AND THEY DIDN'T LOSE THAT MUCH! APPARENTLY THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ENGINE AND SO FAR TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT. *TR
Engine, Dec 15, 2013
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN LOUD SOUND AND VEHICLE STARTED TO REDUCE SPEED. GOT OFF AT CLOSEST OFF RAMP AND FORTUNATELY MADE IT TO FIRESTONE. HAD TO HAVE RAV4 TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM. THEY CHECKED IT OVER AND INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS CRACKED. THERE WAS NO OIL IN IT. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM HALEY TOYOTA. SERVICE MANAGER RECOMMENDED THAT I CONTACT TOYOTA CORPORATE. MADE THE CALL. THEY WERE ABLE TO LEARN FROM ALL MY SERVICE RECORDS THAT I HAVE MADE SURE TO ALWAYS HAVE MY CAR SERVICED ON TIME. CORPORATE INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE ENGINE (A SHORT BLOCK), BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR AND RENTAL CAR (AT A DISCOUNT) - BUT STILL PAID OUT $1,505.67. ON SATURDAY DEC. 7, 2013 - DROVE MY CAR LESS THAN 2 MILES TO MY JOB AND CHUGGING SOUND STARTED. NO LIGHTS OR WARNING CAME ON. DROVE HOME THAT NIGHT - NO SOUNDS. SUNDAY DEC. 8, 2013 DROVE TO WORK AGAIN (LESS THAN 2 MILES) AND THIS TIME CHUGGING STARTS AGAIN AND THIS TIME ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT COME ON. PARKED AND TURNED OFF CAR. DROVE HOME LATER THAT NIGHT - NO LIGHTS THIS TIME, BUT CHUGGING STARTED ENTERING MY GARAGE. MONDAY DEC. 9, 2013 MONDAY MORNING HAD AAA TOW VEHICLE TO HALEY TOYOTA. BTW - MY RAV4 WAS AT 90,200 MILES. AFTER AN HOUR PLUS WAITING I WAS INFORMED (WRITTEN) "THAT NUMBER 2 COIL AND SPARK PLUG SATURATED WITH COOLANT. ALSO FOUND OIL MIXED WITH COOLANT. CYLINDER HEAD IS CRACKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AFTERMARKET CYLINDER HEAD AND LABOR - $2,700" CALLED TUES. 12/10/13 TO TOYOTA CORP. CALLED AGAIN 12/11/13 TO FOLLOW UP. WAS INFORMED "UPPER MANAGEMENT WILL NOT APPROVE ANY ASSISTANCE". CALLED AND SPOKE WITH A TOYOTA SUPERVISOR ON FRIDAY - AGAIN - WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO ASSIST ME. WAS TOLD "ITS NOT OUR PROBLEM. THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO." *TR
Engine, Dec 13, 2013
I PURCHASE MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 IN 2012 WITH 39,739 MILES, CURRENTLY IT HAS ABOUT 56,000 MILES. THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. I NOTICED THAT OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS THAT THE OIL LIGHT WILL SUDDENLY GO ON (CAR IS NOT DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE, UNDER MILEAGE AND UNDER DATE RANGE NEEDED) AND I WILL PULL INTO A GAS STATION AND I AM TOLD THAT THERE IS BARELY ANY OIL IN THE ENGINE. THIS IS SHOCKING...AS THE WARNING LIGHT ONLY WENT ON WHEN IT WAS PRACTICALLY EMPTY. THIS IS ALSO CONCERNING AS THE CAR IS USUALLY WAY UNDER THE NEED FOR AN OIL CHANGE. IT IS NOT LEAKING OIL, IT IS BURNING IT. I PLAN ON BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 12/21. HOPEFULLY I WILL HAVE SOME ANSWERS; HOWEVER, THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Engine, Nov 25, 2013
IN AUGUST, OIL LIGHT FLASHES WHEN I MAKE A HARD STOP; TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY PUT A MONITOR ON IT AND TOLD ME TO RETURN AT 1200 MILES. I FORGOT AND ONLY REMEMBERED WHEN I STARTED TO SEE THE OIL LIGHT BLINK ON AGAIN WHEN I CAME TO A STOP. I CAME BACK IN TO DEALER IN NOVEMBER, THEY READ THE MONITOR AND TOLD ME I NEEDED TO HAVE MY ENGINE REBUILT; THE SERVICE TECH. MET WITH A MGR, RECHECKED READINGS AND SINCE THE MILEAGE WAS 4000 ON THE MONITOR, THEY THOUGHT THE READINGS WERE SKEWED. SO, THEY RESET THE MONITOR, ADDED OIL TO THE CAR AND I WILL ENSURE THAT I COME BACK AT 1200 MILES TO FIND OUT THE STATUS. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE (GOING ON A LONG DRIVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS). I AM SEEING MANY COMMENTS ONLINE SIMILAR TO MINE AND THEY RELATE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE RAV4 ENGINE. I CALLED TOYOTA USA AND REPORTED THE ISSUE TO THEM EARLIER THIS MONTH. THEY TOLD ME TO WAIT TO HEAR WHAT THE DEALER SAYS. I NOW DRIVE WITH 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN MY CAR AND WILL MONITOR MY OIL LEVELS THROUGHOUT MY TRIP TO AND FROM NY. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND BASED ON WHAT I SEEN WRITTEN ONLINE SO FAR, I EXPECT THAT THE DEALER IS GOING TO TELL ME THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR ENGINE REPAIRS BECAUSE RIGHT NOW THEY ARE SAYING THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE OCCURRING WITH THE VEHICLES THEY SERVICE. *TR
Engine, Nov 25, 2013
ENGINE BURNS OIL. NO OIL LIGHT WARNING COMES ON WHEN THERE IS VERY VERY LITTLE OIL IN THE PAN. TERRIBLE RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. TSB 0094 FOR 2AZ-FE ENGINE. *TR
Steering, Nov 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE WHILE TURNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND STEERING THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Engine, Nov 6, 2013
CHANGE OIL EVERY 3000 MILES. IN SEPT CHANGED OIL AND WAS TOLD OIL WAS LOW. TODAY HAD CAR INSPECTED ONLY 1500 MILES INTO OIL CHANGE AND MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON I WAS TOLD THE DIP STICK WAS CLEAN. SEEMS THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. I SEE MANY OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO TOYOTA DEALER BUT PLAN TO HAVE THEM CHECK THIS OUT, BUT I AM SENSING FROM THE OTHER SAME COMPLAINTS SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT. HOPE THIS GETS INVESTIGATED. *TR
Engine, Oct 31, 2013
MY FAMILY AND I WENT ON A TRIP TO GEORGIA AND BEFORE I MADE THE TRIP I CHANGED THE OIL I ALWAYS CHECK THE OIL BEFORE I CHANGE IT AND IT WAS DOWN 1/2 A QUART. WHEN I GOT HOME AFTER PUTTING 1800 MILES ON THE CAR IT WAS DOWN 1/2 A QUART AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR, AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR THAT ENGINE. I THEN RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME COMPLAINTS WITH THE TOYOTA 4.5 ENGINE. AS MILEAGE GETS HIGHER THE PROBLEM GETS WORSE, I AM AFRAID THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY MAY RUN OUT BEFORE IT GETS REPAIRED, AS A LOT OF TOYOTA CAR CUSTOMERS HAVE REPORTED. I AM A 100% DISABLED VETERAN THE VA GAVE ME A GRANT TO HELP PAY FOR THIS CAR AND A TRAILER HITCH TO CARRY MY SCOOTER WITH ME. IN THE YEARS PAST I HAVE WORKED ON CARS AND HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY MECHANICS AND THEY SAY THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I FEEL THIS CAR HAS TO BE RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. MY VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST STAGE, WE HAVE TO GO 2 1/2 HOURS TO THE DEALER JUST TO HAVE THE OIL CHECKED. OTHER PEOPLE SAY THIS IS TO PROLONG UNTIL EXTENDED WARRANTY RUNS OUT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 24, 2013
I HAD JUST ARRIVED TO WORK WAS IN THE EMPLOYEE PARK LOT GETTING READY TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR BUT IT WILL NOT. I PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE RIGHT BEFORE I HIT THE WALL AT THE PARKING GARAGE WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND HAD THE CAR TOWED FOR INSPECTION. WENT TO TOYOTA AND WROTE A STATEMENT ON 10/23/13 AT 0900, THEY CALLED AGAIN TO ASK WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY THEN CALLED AGAIN AT 418PM AND LEFT MESSAGE THAT CAR WAS READY FOR PICK UP. WENT THERE TODAY AND I ASKED WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY TOLD ME TO CALL CORPORATE TO TELL ME. I CALLED CORPORATE AS TOLD AND THEY REFERRED ME BACK TO THE DEALER AS THEY DID THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY STATED MANAGER IS ON VACATION UNTIL MONDAY. I CALLED CORPORATE AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. I CALLED HIM AT 352PM AND HE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED AND I EXPLAINED MYSELF AGAIN. I ASKED WHAT TESTS WERE RUN ON THE CAR AND WHAT THEY FOUND. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT THE TECHNICIAN WHO TESTED THE CAR IS NOT AVAILABLE AND THEREFORE HE CANNOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION. I THEN CALLED CORPORATE AGAIN TO GET ANSWERS AND WAS TOLD SOMEONE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH ME IN 1 BUSINESS DAY. MY FEAR IS WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN AS THEY ARE NOT TELLING ME ANYTHING. I HAVE A 5 MONTH OLD BABY AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GET ANSWERS TO ENSURE THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. PLEASE CAN SOMEBODY HELP ME GET ANSWERS FROM TOYOTA IN REGARDS TO THE TESTS THEY DID ON THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Oct 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AFTER THE FAILURE WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Air bags, Oct 15, 2013
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON WHEN CAR STARTED. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO GET INDICATOR LIGHT OFF FAILED. CONTACTED DEALER FOR APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE ALL DAY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. BUT IT APPEARS THIS IS FREQUENT FAILURE WITH RAV4'S AND I NOW QUESTION SALES PERSON RELIABILITY AT DEALER. WILL UPDATE THIS AFTER DEALER APPOINTMENT. *TR
Engine, Oct 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF OIL AND THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2013
I WAS TURNING AROUND IN A PARKING LOT (360 DEGREE TURN) WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED...I HIT THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE AND I TRIED TO PUT THE ENGINE IN NEUTRAL. I WAS HEADING TOWARD A PARKED VEHICLE (I WOULD HAVE T-BONED IT BUT I SWERVED), FOOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR, NOTHING ON THE ACCELERATOR, ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE AND WHILE I TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL I OVERSHOT, THREW IT INTO REVERSE (ENGINE STILL RACING), THEN PARK. ENGINE RACING, I SHUT OFF THE CAR. NOTHING WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ORIGINAL FLOOR MAT REPLACED BY A DIFFERENT STYLE. I HAD THE ORIGINAL RECALL ISSUE FIXED SO THE ACCELERATOR IS THE NEW, SHORTENED VERSION. APPARENTLY THAT FIX DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SO NOW WHAT DO I DO? I CAN NO LONGER TRUST THIS VEHICLE TO OPERATE SAFELY. NOTHING SHOULD OVERRIDE THE BRAKE!! *TR
Air bags, Sep 25, 2013
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AT APPROXIMATELY 71000 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY A RECALL. *JS
Suspension, Sep 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION) PERFORMED ON HER VEHICLE IN 2012. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS ADVISED ABOUT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION ) ON THE NEWS. SHE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE FACT THAT TOYOTA FAILED TO FULFILL THE FIRST RECALL REPAIR AND THAT SHE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED A SECOND TIME DUE TO A MANUFACTURERS ERROR. THE CONTACT ALSO WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RECALL REPAIR BEING DRAWN OUT OVER A SIX MONTH PERIOD. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Wheels, Sep 9, 2013
REAR SUSPENSION ARM BROKEN WHILE TRAVELING APPROX. 70 MPH. THERE WAS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF A ROLLOVER WITH THIS INCIDENT. THREE SEPARATE TIMES THE VEHICLE MADE A VERY SHARP JERKS TOWARD THE DITCH/MEDIAN. THE ONLY REASON WE DID NOT ROLLOVER WAS THE DRIVER AT THE TIME WAS VERY EXPERIENCED AND HAD TO FIGHT TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Equipment adaptive/mobility, Engine, Sep 6, 2013
CHECK ENGINE OIL LIGHT CAME ON; WENT O DEALER TO HAVE CHECKED; LOST 3 QUARTS OF OIL SINCE LAST SCHEDULES OIL CHANGE. DEALER SAYS IT WAS WITHIN THEIR ACCEPTABLE RANGE. TODAY CALLED AND SAID I NEED NEW ENGINE WHICH THEY SAY WILL COST ME THOUSANDS
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Sep 5, 2013
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OWNER TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING. THE RAV4 ONLY HAS 86,000 MILES. OWNER HAS NOTICED THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTED COMPLAINTS ON THE AIRBAG SPIRAL CABLE DEFECT. HOW MANY MORE "DEFECTS" HAVE NOT BEEN REPORTED? THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE REPAIRS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. OWNER USED TO THINK TOYOTA MADE A RELIABLE CAR!! *JB
Engine, Aug 29, 2013
SIMILAR TO SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL, MY VEHICLE IS ALSO EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, 1 QT. WITHIN 1K MILES. PERHAPS EVEN MORE.( IM CURRENTLY DOING THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST), BASED ON MY OWN CONSUMPTION TESTS. THE DEALER HAS CHANGED THE OIL SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. THE CAR BEGIN TO BURN OIL AT AROUND 60K MILES. MANY TIMES I HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS - DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS "NORMAL" CONSUMPTION AND WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS . HOWEVER, TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (T-SB-0094-11) WHICH ACKNOWLEDGES A CONSUMPTION ISSUE ON MY MODEL AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHERS WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS. I FOUND DOING MY OWN RESEARCH DUE TO BEING FRUSTRATED. I HAVE READ ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE PISTON ASSEMBLY THAT IS CAUSING THIS, HOWEVER, TOYOTA REFUSES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM IF THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY.
Engine, Aug 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL TO EMPTY EVERY THREE THOUSAND MILES. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE OIL BE CHANGED EVERY FIVE THOUSAND MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL AT A NORMAL RATE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Wheels, Aug 13, 2013
ALLOY WHEEL RIMS STARTED TO BECOME RUSTY 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASING AND ARE GETTING WORSE. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 9, 2013
BRAKE RELEASES ON ITS OWN. WE WERE AT THE STOP LIGHT, BRAKE PADDLE FLOORED AS IF IT WAS LOOSING PRESSURE. IMMEDIATELY RE APPLIED THE BRAKE AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. SUBSEQUENTLY IT STARTED HAPPENING SAME, AND IT NOW HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME, WE NEARLY AVOIDED COLLISION WITH THE FRONT VEHICLE. IF BREAK IS HELD FOR MORE THAN 10-15 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM IS UNABLE TO HOLD BRAKE PADDLE IN ITS POSITION AND STARTS FLOORING (HILL IS MORE PROBLEMATIC). IN PAST, WE TALKED TO THE DEALER DURING OIL CHANGE VISITS, THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH BRAKE SYSTEM. TALKED TO DEALER TODAY AGAIN THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $109 FOR DIAGNOSIS, AGREED AND INFORMED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM AND GAVE COPY OF SIMILAR EVENTS FROM THIS SITE DATABASE. THEY CAME BACK AND SAID TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT IT AND THEY ARE WORKING ON THE FIX, VEHICLE MAY NEED REPROGRAMMING, THEY DO NOT KNOW THE FIX YET. THEY WILL SEND PAPERWORK FOR THE RECALL. DEALER WAS NICE ENOUGH TO FORGO THE DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE. HOPE TOYOTA COMES OUT WITH THE FIX SOON ENOUGH... *TR
Steering, Engine, Aug 6, 2013
MY ALTERNATOR WENT IN MY VEHICLE BUT WAS DISCOVERED WAS DISTURBING. I HAD JUST HAD MY OIL CHANGED 4 WEEKS PRIOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST EMPTY OF OIL. IF THE ALTERNATOR HAD NOT FAILED MY ENGINE WOULD HAVE BLOWN DUE TO THE LACK OF OIL. THE LACK OF OIL IS DUE TO THE PISTON ASSEMBLY IN MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA SINCE THEY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON AUG. 11 KNOWN AS SB002411 AND SB009411. TOYOTA SAID THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO THE PISTON ASSEMBLY, YET I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THERE ISN'T ANY RECALL. THIS REPAIR IS ONLY COVERED FOR 60 MONTHS OR 60,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IN MY SITUATION, THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF THIS REPAIR IS ON MYSELF ($4-$5K). THIS IS THE SECOND ISSUE WITH TOYOTA RAV 4 WHERE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. MY PRIOR ISSUE WAS THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WHICH WAS MAKING A CLUCKING SOUND AND IF NOT ADDRESSED THE I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THAT FINANCIAL BURDEN WAS $800. BOTH SHOULD BE A RECALL BY TOYOTA. *TR
Engine, Aug 2, 2013
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4, 4 CYLINDER ENGINE, WHICH CURRENTLY HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ADVISING TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS THAT THE 4 CYLINDER ENGINE FOR THAT PARTICULAR YEAR IS DEFECTIVE. THE PISTON RINGS DO NOT PROPERLY REMOVE THE OIL AS THE PISTON TRAVELS UP AND DOWN, AND AS A RESULT THE ENGINE CONSUMES EXCESSIVE OIL. MY VEHICLE USES APPROXIMATELY A QUART AND A HALF OF OIL IN ONLY 1,500 MILES. TOYOTA SAID THAT THEY WOULD FIX IT UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY IF IT'S WITHIN 5 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES, WHICH MINE IS OVER THE MILES WITH 70,000+. SO, I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR NEW PISTONS AND RINGS, BECAUSE TOYOTA DOESN'T WANT TO DESIGNATE THIS AS A RECALL FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE ENGINE. TOYOTA PRIDES ITSELF ON ITS REPUTATION AND RELIABILITY OF THEIR VEHICLES, BUT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE A DEFECTIVE MOTOR, BUT WANT US TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OR IN SOME CASES A PORTION OF THE REPAIR, WHICH IS COSTLY......AROUND $5,000.00. *TR
Engine, Aug 2, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY DIED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER THOUGH THE BATTERY FINALLY TURNED ON. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOOK THE ENGINE APART AND SAID A VALVE SPRING BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE VALVE TO DROP DOWN AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE #4 PISTON, BREAKING IT COMPLETELY APART. (IT ENDED UP IN THE OIL PAN.) MY ENGINE IS RUINED AND MUST BE REPLACED. THEY QUOTED A PRICE OF $7000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE SPRING TO BREAK LIKE THAT OR CAUSE THAT KIND OF DAMAGE. MY VEHICLE IS 9,000 MILES OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY (THOUGH STILL WITHIN 6-YEAR TIME FRAME OF WARRANTY). MY CAR HAS 69,000 MILES ON IT. *TR