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, Jul 31, 2013
ENGINE IS BURNING TOO MUCH MOTOR OIL. HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING A LITER OF OIL IN THE CAR EVERY TWO WEEKS. THERE HAS BEEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RELEASED BY TOYOTA THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE R&R PISTON AND RING SET. MY VIN ID IS IMPACTED BY THIS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2013
I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAS BEEN GETTING LOUDER, LIKE A DIESEL. I'VE BEEN TOLD THE FAN IN THE WATER PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD WITH 25,000 MILES ON IT! THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND MUST BE A DEFECT. UNFORTUNATELY, MY DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED ONE MONTH AGO. NOW IT IS GOING TO COST ME $800 TO REPAIR. I HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY PROBLEM ONLINE, WHICH PROVES THERE IS A DEFECT INVOLVED, BUT TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. IF THE WATER PUMP GAVE OUT WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD, I COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY WITH POOR CELL SERVICE. THIS IS IRRESPONSIBLE ON TOYOTA'S PART AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Engine, Jul 28, 2013
BURNING OF ENGINE OIL!!! EVERY 1,000 MILES 1 QUART OF ENGINE OIL WOULD BURN. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 22, 2013
INSURANCE CLAIM # [XXX]/PROGRESSIVE POLICY # [XXX]MY FATHER-IN LAW WAS DRIVING BACK FROM THE VET OFFICE WITH HIS TWO DOGS AROUND 9:15 AM ON JUNE 20, 2013. HE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH IN A 50 MPH DRIVE ZONE WHEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR FLEW UP HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THE HOOD WAS BLOCKING HIS VIEW , HOWEVER HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD USING THE SIDE WINDOW. HE WAS ABLE TO SECURE THE HOOD AND DRIVE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP "KENNYS COLLISION CENTER" LOCATED IN MONREVILLE, AL. 36460, AT 352 HWY 136 , PHONE #251-575-9241. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE HOOD,ROOF, AND SIDE FRONT PANELS, REPAIR ESTIMATED AT $2,778.09, I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN ATHENS , GA. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT WHEN THE CAR HAD 70K MILES. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE NEEDED FOR THE CAR HAVING 70K MILES. I LIVE IN NICHOLSON, GA AND WAS VISITING MY IN-LAWS IN AL WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPEN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A "SAFETY" DEFECT IN THIS CAR. I ALSO REQUEST A RECALL INSPECTION FOR THESE RAV 4'S - I BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM MILTON MARTIN DEALERSHIP IN GAINESVILLE AROUND OCT 2010. I HAVE HAD THE CAR MAINTAINED AT THE ATHENS DEALERSHIP SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. INCLUDING OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE . UPDATED 7/31/13 *CN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 19, 2013
I PURCHASED MY TOYOTA RAV4 IN JANUARY 2008 AT TOYOTA OF FORT WORTH; MY WARRANTY EXPIRED ON JANUARY 19, 2012. THE CAR HAS AROUND 58,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I WOULD BRING IT IN, TO THE SAME AGENCY, EVERY 5,000 MILES FOR THE ROUTINE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. ON JUNE 9, 2011 I BEGAN TAKING MY TOYOTA TO FREEMAN TOYOTA IN HURST SINCE IT WAS CLOSER TO WHERE I LIVE. UNFORTUNATELY, I NOTICED THAT AFTER 2,500 MILES THE FLUID LEVELS WERE DANGEROUSLY LOW BEFORE THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WAS DUE. THEREFORE I WOULD BRING IN THE CAR EARLIER THAT EXPECTED. WITH EVERY VISIT THE RESPONSE THAT THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTING ME GAVE ME WAS, -DON'T WORRY, WE'LL TOP IT OFF. EVEN THOUGH MY RECORDS DO NOT EXPRESS MY CONCERN ABOUT THE FLUID LEVELS, I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE PROBLEM SINCE THEN. ON JUNE 27, 2013, I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO TOYOTA OF FORT WORTH DUE TO THE SAME CONCERN; I WAS TOLD THAT THERE MIGHT BE AN OIL LEAK THAT WOULD POSSIBLY BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS SUGGESTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THEY NEEDED TO CHECK THE ENGINE TO SEE WHY SO MUCH OIL WAS BEING ABSORBED, BUT THAT IT COULD COST ME UP TO $800. I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER AT THIS AGENCY STATING THAT I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT NOT SUGGESTING A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR WITHIN MY WARRANTY TIME FRAME WAS COMPLETELY UNETHICAL AND I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS FAIR TO ASK ME TO PAY SO MUCH MONEY NOW THAT THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED WHEN I HAD EXPRESSED THIS CONCERN WHILE I STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO.I AM A TEACHER AND JUST LIKE ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL, I EXPECTED TO HAVE A RELIABLE VEHICLE. I CANNOT AFFORD EXPENSIVE MAINTENANCE AND DO NOT SEE THAT IT IS FAIR TO HAVE TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL CHARGES THAT THE MANUFACTURER OR SERVICE AGENT DID NOT MAKE ME AWARE OF AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jul 19, 2013
I TOOK MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RACK AND PINION AND SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. RESEARCHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ONLINE, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT MANY RAV4 OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME SITUATION. THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY RAV4S. A SO CALLED DEPENDABLE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE REACHING 100,000 MILES. CERTAINLY, TOYOTA MUST CLEARLY KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD ADDRESS IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT WHICH CAN DISRUPT THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITIES. *TR
Engine, Jul 8, 2013
AT AROUND 75,000 MILES THE ENGINE STARTED USING OIL AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE I NEED TO ADD A QUART EVERY THOUSAND MILES. *TR
Steering, Jul 1, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING BECOMES TIGHT DOES NOT SMOOTHLY GO INTO A CURVE AS IF THE STEERING NEEDS TO BE LUBRICATED THROWS OFF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAVE TO JERK THE WHEEL.I AM AFRAID I'M GOING TO HAVE A CRASH DUE TO THIS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE HAD BUCKLED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ONE OF THE TIE ROD BOLTS WAS MISSING AND HAD CAUSED THE TIE ROD TO BECOME BENT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR
Engine, Jun 27, 2013
SIMILAR TO SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL, MY VEHICLE IS ALSO EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, UP TO 1 QT. WITHIN 1,000-1,500 MILES, 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 66,000 MILES. MANY TIMES I HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS - DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS "NORMAL" CONSUMPTION AND WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS AS DOES TOYOTA MOTOR SALES. 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. 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. I CONTEND THAT THIS ISSUE WAS LIKELY PRESENT WITHIN MY WARRANTY BUT, SINCE I DIDN'T DISCOVER IT UNTIL AFTERWARDS, I AM SIMPLY OUT OF LUCK WITH AN ENGINE THAT CONSUMES EXCESSIVE OIL. THE DEALER QUOTED ME $3,400 TO REPAIR. I PURCHASED A TOYOTA FOR ITS PERCEIVED RELIABILITY, BUT LIKE OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS, I TOO AM STUCK WITH A HIGH MAINTENANCE VEHICLE THAT I TOO WILL HAVE TO MONITOR CLOSELY AS LONG AS I OWN IT. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM WARRANTS A RECALL, DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM IN TERMS OF VEHICLES AFFECTED AND THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. SADLY, TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS! *TR
Engine, Jun 22, 2013
THE ENGINE IS BURNING TOO MUCH OIL TOO QUICK AND WOBURN TOYOTA SERVICES REFUSE TO RESEARCH DEEPER FOR THE PROBLEM, I HAVE ALL EXTRA WARRANTIES AND THEY SAY IT IS NORMAL. IT IS NOT NORMAL THE AMOUNT OF OIL THE CAR IS CONSUMING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2013
WATERPUMP LEAKING. WATER PUMP DID NOT MEET FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. WATER PUMP LEAKING ENGINE BLOCK VERY DAMP . *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 20, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, HE THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE, AS STOPPED TRAFFIC WAS AHEAD. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. UPDATED 07/16/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED MOST OF THE DATA WAS DIFFICULT TO INTERPRET AS FAR AS IMPLICATIONS CONCERNING THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE TIME OF IMPACT. SPECIFICALLY, THE VEHICLE SPEED SHOWED VERY LITTLE REDUCTION IN MPH UNTIL LESS THAN ONE SECOND BEFORE IMPACT, ASSUMING TIME 0 REPRESENTS IMPACT. THE DATA SUPPORTED THE CONSUMERS CLAIM THAT THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT RESPONSE TO HIS BRAKING WHEN HE BECAME AWARE OF APPARENTLY STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD AFTER HE HAD COMPLETED A LANE CHANGE. ALSO, THE ACCELERATOR RATE AND ENGINE RPM DATA DID NOT SUPPORT THE COMMON EXPLANATION THAT HE WAS PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE. HIS REACTION AT THE TIME WAS TO BRAKE AS A PANIC STOP, BUT THERE WAS ENOUGH DISTANCE TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP BEFORE IMPACT OR AT LEAST GREATLY REDUCE HIS SPEED BEFORE IMPACT. UPDATED 10/21/13
Engine, Jun 20, 2013
THE ENGINE DIED ON OUR VEHICLE. DEALER SAID IT STOPPED WORKING BUT WOULD HAVE TO TAKE APART THE ENGINE TO FIND OUT WHY. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKS BUT IT RAN OUT OF OIL & CEASED THE ENGINE. IT WAS ONLY 4 MONTHS SINCE OUR LAST OIL CHANGE. PEOPLE ARE TELLING US IT SHOULD NOT HAVE RAN OUT THAT FAST WITHOUT THERE BEING A LEAK. TOYOTA SAID THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. BY ONLY 525 MILES!!!! THIS IS OUR SECOND TOYOTA & WE LOVED THEM. WE WERE INTENDING ON BEING LIFE LONG CUSTOMERS. BUT NOW WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA! ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE READ OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY NEED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES!! WE NOW HAVE $13,000 LEFT TO PAY ON THE VEHICLE & CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT & HAVE NO OTHER VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Jun 19, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, UP TO 1 QT. WITHIN 1,000-1,200 MILES, BASED ON MY OWN AND A TOYOTA DEALER'S CONSUMPTION TESTS. THE DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS "NORMAL" CONSUMPTION AS DOES TOYOTA MOTOR SALES. 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. 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. I CONTEND THAT THIS ISSUE WAS LIKELY PRESENT WITHIN MY WARRANTY BUT, SINCE I DIDN'T DISCOVER IT UNTIL AFTERWARDS, I AM SIMPLY OUT OF LUCK WITH AN ENGINE THAT CONSUMES EXCESSIVE OIL. THE DEALER QUOTED ME $3,400 TO REPAIR. I PURCHASED A TOYOTA FOR ITS PERCEIVED RELIABILITY, BUT AM NOW STUCK WITH A HIGH MAINTENANCE VEHICLE THAT I WILL HAVE TO MONITOR CLOSELY AS LONG AS I OWN IT. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM WARRANTS A RECALL, DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM IN TERMS OF VEHICLES AFFECTED AND THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF ENGINE PROBLEMS. *TR
Air bags, Jun 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *TR
Engine, Jun 14, 2013
WATER PUMP REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *TR
Air bags, Jun 11, 2013, crash
TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY, I CAME TO A STOP, THE SUV BEHIND ME DID NOT REALIZE WE WERE STOPPED. HE HIT ME AT ALMOST FULL SPEED, THIS PUSHED ME INTO THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, AND THEM INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM. BASICALLY A 4 CAR PILE UP, THE CAR THAT HIT ME AND THE CAR I WAS PUSHED INTO BOTH BLEW THEIR AIR BAGS. I WAS HIT THE HARDEST AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT BLOW, I HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP TWO WEEKS BEFORE FOR WARRANTY WORK AND RECALLS, NOTHING WAS EVER SAID ABOUT THE AIRBAGS. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I'M NOT SURE WHY MY AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF. *TR
Steering, Jun 10, 2013
I HAD JUST DROPPED OFF MY FIANCE AT WORK AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN AROUND IN THE PARKING LOT WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL DROPPED ROUGHLY 8 INCHES HITTING MY LEG. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN BE MOVED 8 TO 12 INCHES UP AND DOWN WITH LITTLE RESISTANCE. IT CAN ALSO MOVE BE MOVED 6 TO 8 INCHES LEFT TO RIGHT WITH NO RESISTANCE. IT'S NOT GUIDED IN ANY WAY, YOU CAN MOVE IT AROUND IN A LARGE CIRCULAR MOTION. THE CAR AMAZINGLY ENOUGH STILL STEERS. THE STEERING ASSEMBLY IS STILL ATTACHED TO THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AS WELL AS THE RACK AND PINION. THOUGH WHEN YOU DO ATTEMPT TO STEER, IT MAKES A HORRIBLE POPPING SOUND, WHICH MAKES SENSE BECAUSE THE SHAFT IS NO LONGER IN A FIXED POSITION. UPON INVESTIGATION IT LOOKS LIKE A FACTORY WELD HAS FAILED. FOR A 2008 RAV4, THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY IS MOUNTED TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REINFORCEMENT BAR. THIS IS A LARGE BAR THAT RUNS THE LENGTH OF YOUR DASHBOARD. THIS BAR HAS A FEW WELDED MOUNTS ON IT THAT ALLOW YOU TO BOLT ON THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY, WHICH HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE, IT IS THESE WELDS WHICH HAVE FAILED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, IF THE STEERING WHEEL HAD DROPPED 5 MINUTES EARLIER WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD HAVE EASILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAD 65,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. *TR
Engine, Jun 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE ENGINE, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, TRACTION CONTROL AND ESC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED A LEAK IN THE EVAPORATION CANISTER WHICH WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WAS RESET TWICE ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,191.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 8, 2013
THE ONBOARD COMPUTER (ECM) PROGRAM IS DEFECTIVE IN THE 2008 RAV4, AND PROBABLY OTHER YEARS AND MODELS, CAUSING OWNERS TO UNNECESSARILY BRING CARS IN AND PAY FOR UNNEEDED SERVICE. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO BEGIN AN INTERSTATE DRIVE, 3 FAULT INDICATORS (CHECK ENGINE,VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, 4 WHEEL DRIVE) ILLUMINATED. FOLLOWING OWNERS MANUAL, MY WIFE CALLED THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER WHO TOLD HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALER IMMEDIATELY, AND TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL ROOM WHEN FOLLOWING OTHER VEHICLES, AND NOT TO ATTEMPT SUDDEN STOPS. ANOTHER FAULT INDICATOR (CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE) PRESENTED ITSELF ENROUTE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THE REASON FOR ALL 4 FAULT INDICATIONS WAS THE #6 CYLINDER MISFIRED 1 TIME A FEW SECONDS AFTER I STARTED THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THE ECM IS PROGRAMMED TO GIVE THESE 4 FAULT INDICATIONS FOR A CYLINDER MISFIRE, BUT HE DID NOT KNOW WHY. HE SAID THAT HE COULD FIND NO REASON FOR THE SINGLE MISFIRE, BUT THAT HE FOUND AND TIGHTENED A SLIGHTLY LOOSE AIR INTAKE HOSE THAT COULD NOT POSSIBLY HAVE CAUSED THE MISFIRE. HE TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE FOR ME TO MAKE MY INTERSTATE DRIVE WITHOUT COMING TO THE DEALERSHIP. I BELIEVE THAT THE ONBOARD COMPUTER PROGRAMMING THAT PROVIDED THESE 4 FAULT INDICATIONS IS DEFECTIVE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. 1. A SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE IS UNRELATED TO AND HAS NO EFFECT UPON THE THREE SYSTEMS POINTED TO BY THE FAULT INDICATIONS (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, CRUISE CONTROL) 2. A SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE AT STARTUP IS NOT AN EMERGENCY SITUATION REQUIRING IMMEDIATE SERVICE AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WITH EXTRAORDINARILY CAUTIOUS DRIVING ENROUTE. 3. DURING THE 1 HOUR DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CYLINDERS OF THE VEHICLE FIRED SUCCESSFULLY AROUND 360,000 TIMES, AND THE PROGRAMMING DID NOT RECOGNIZE THIS FAULTLESS OPERATION AND AUTOMATICALLY CLEAR THE FAULT INDICATORS.
Air bags, Jun 3, 2013
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON AND SCAN SHOWS THAT IT IS A "SPIRAL CABLE" THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UNKNOWN TO ME WAS THAT AIRBAG WOULDN'T DEPLOY WHILE THIS LIGHT IS ON. CAR HASN'T BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT AND THIS APPEARS TO BE LOW MILEAGE TO HAVE THIS EVENT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND DUE TO HIGH FREQUENCY OF THIS EVENT BEING REPORTED...IT SHOULD BE A RECALL! *TR
Engine, May 28, 2013
I HAVE OWNED THIS 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 SINCE I BOUGHT BRAND NEW. I DID ALL THE OIL CHANGES MYSELF ON TIME. AFTER APPROX 2 1/2 YEARS AND 30,000 MILES I NOTICE CONSIDERABLY LESS OIL IN DRAIN PAN AT OIL CHANGES. I STARTED PULLING THE DIP STICK BETWEEN CHANGES AND SAW THAT IT NEEDED SUBSTANTIAL OIL ADDED BETWEEN CHANGES. NOT UNTIL CLOSE TO MY WARRANTY EXPIRING DID I FIND OUT THAT THEIR IS A TSB FROM TOYOTA ON THIS VERY 2.4 LITER ENGINE FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT TOYOTA ADMITS IS THEIR FAULT. I WENT TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. I MADE THE MISTAKE OF NOT CHECKING THEIR TOPPED OFF OIL LEVEL ON MY DIP STICK BEFORE THEY APPLIED A SECURITY SEAL. THE DEALER HAD ME RETURN AFTER 1K MILES, WHICH BY THE TSB THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD ME RETURN IN 1200 MILES. THEY PULLED THE DIPSTICK WHILE I WAS NOT PRESENT AND STATED THAT IT WAS WELL WITHIN RANGE. I HAVE SINCE PERFORMED MY OWN CONSUMPTION TEST 7,000 MILES AFTER THE DEALER DID , AND MY ENGINE IS CONSUMING 1.2 QUARTS IN 1080 MILES. THIS IS A FAIL BY TOYOTAS' OWN TSB GUIDE LINES. TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP CUSTOMERS WITH THIS SITUATION THEY HAVE PUT THEM IN. *TR
Visibility/wiper, May 25, 2013
DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION. INSTEAD, WHEN NOT NEEDING TO USE IT, IT HANGS DOWN AT LEAST 3 INCHES FROM THE CEILING, CREATING A VISIBILITY AND SAFETY HAZARD! THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO TOYOTA BY MANY TOYOTA OWNERS, INCLUDING BOTH UNDER WARRANTY OR OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MIRROR VISOR, COSTING AROUND $150, WHICH IS OUTRAGEOUS. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Air bags, May 17, 2013
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THOUGHT THIS WAS DUE TO THE RECALL ABOUT WHICH TOYOTA SENT OUT A RECALL NOTICE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO HAVE THE 5 RECALL NOTICES ADDRESSED, IT WAS STATED THAT THE LIGHT WAS ON DUE TO A AIRBAG SPIRAL CABLE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. TOYOTA WANTED @ $500 TO REPLACE THE CABLE. *TR