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.
Suspension, Apr 22, 2013
WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE REAR STABILIZER LINK ASSEMBLY (RH) BOLT DISCONNECTED FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM ASSEMBLY DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE BOLT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE FAILURE WAS ALSO EXPERIENCED A SECOND TIME AND THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE CYLINDER AND THE REAR PASSENGER CALIPER MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, BOTH PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,030. *TR
Air bags, Mar 18, 2013
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND THE LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF AFTER THAT. I HAD THIS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL IN 2011. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE SPIRAL CABLE. THE COST TO FIX THIS WAS $500.00. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE AIR BAG AND IS A FAULTY SYSTEM GIVEN THAT THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I SEE ON THE WEB THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THIS CAR ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS TOO. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A CAR WITH THAT MILEAGE. PLEASE HELP IN GETTING THIS THROUGH AS A RECALL. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Mar 4, 2013
THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR WILL NOT SNAP BACK UP TO THE VEHICLE'S HEADLINER AND STAY THERE. IT REMAINS IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT AND THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2013
WAS DRIVING 2008 RAV4 OUT OF TOWN WITH MY WIFE. CAME TO A STOPLIGHT AND QUICKLY APPLIED BRAKES AND ENGINE STARTED REVVING UPWARD. HAD TO PRESS ON BRAKE WITH FULL FORCE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING THROUGH THE RED LIGHT. SHIFTED TO PARK AND THE CAR "BUCKED" AND ENGINE ALMOST RED-LINED AT 6000 RPMS. SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND WENT THROUGH RED LIGHT AND PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE. TRIED TO REPLICATE IN NEUTRAL AND COULD ONLY GET TO 5000 RPMS. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME AND MY WIFE WASN'T DRIVING AS I DON'T THINK SHE WOULD HAVE KNOWN HOW TO REACT TO SUCH AN UNEXPECTED AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY PERFORMED HEALTH CHECK ANALYSIS AND SAID "ALL OK AT THIS TIME". UNHAPPY WITH THE RESULT OF THE "CHECK", CALLED DEALERSHIP BACK AND WAS TOLD TO CALL 800-331-4331 (TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN CA) TO FILE A REPORT. REP TOOK DOWN ALL OF THE INFORMATION AND PUT ME ON HOLD TO CHECK INTO THE MATTER. CREATED A CASE NUMBER AND NOTIFIED CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A FIELD TECH REP LOOK AT THE CAR. HOPING THEY CAN RECTIFY THE SITUATION (COMPUTER GLITCH?) AS MY WIFE IS NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR OF POSSIBLE DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH. SINCE THE 2008 WASN'T PART OF THE RECENT ACCELERATION/FLOOR MAT RECALL, IF YOU'VE HAD A SIMILAR SCARE WITH YOUR 2008 RAV4, PLEASE CALL THE 800 NUMBER AND REPORT IT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. *TR
Visibility, Feb 16, 2013
THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR STARTED SAGGING. FOR A WHILE I COULD PUSH IT BACK UP AND IT WOULD STAY. AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS, I COULD NOT USE IT ON THE SIDE WINDOW, IT JUST HUNG DOWN. IT FINALLY WAS UN-USABLE. TOYOTA HAS REPLACED IT, BUT IT TOOK 3 TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO GET IT REPLACED. I HAD TO DRIVE WITHOUT A VISOR FOR A WEEK WHILE THEY ORDERED PART. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE TO THE EXTENSIVE RUSTING OF THE FRAME, DRIVESHAFT, FRONT CONTROL ARMS, REAR SUSPENSION, REAR SHOCKS, AND THE PASSENGER REAR RIM. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT RUST WAS NOT A DEFECT BUT ENVIRONMENTAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 4, 2013
WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOPLIGHT, I PULLED INTO THE OPEN LEFT HAND LANE SO AS NOT TO BE BEHIND A TANKER TRUCK, AND WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES TRIED TO STOP THE CAR AT THE LIGHT, WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVVED AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL AND RATHER THAN COMING TO A FULL STOP AT THE LIGHT, I SLID THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. HAD I NOT BEEN IN A LANE WITHOUT TRAFFIC AND HAD THERE NOT BEEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ONCE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CAME TO A FULL STOP. THEN I DROVE TO A NEARBY GAS STATION AND DROVE AROUND THEIR PARKING LOT TO TEST THE BRAKES AND THEY SEEMED FINE. I ALSO CHECKED TO SEE IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS FREE FROM THE CARPET AND IT WAS. *TR
Air bags, Jan 20, 2013
AIR BAG LIGHT ON...CODE B1801 SEE ITS A COMMON FAILURE ON TOYOTA NOT COVERED ON ANY RECALLS, DRIVER AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Steering, Jan 9, 2013
RESISTANCE IS FELT AT INTERVALS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. STEERING FEELS LOOSE, UNRESPONSIVE AND DANGEROUS. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND AN UPGRADED PART EXISTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE. HAD COMPLAINT ESCALATED TO TOYOTA CORPORATE REGIONAL MANAGER. WAS ONLY OFFERED 15% OFF REPAIR AT DEALER. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE CREATED BY A DEFECTIVE PART. THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, Jan 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A WIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH UNTIL THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 18, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IDLE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS THE ENGINE RPMS ABNORMALLY INCREASED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A THIRD VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THEY WOULD SEND AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD LURCH INTO GEAR. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THIS WAS CALLED JACK RABBIT STARTS. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 03/29/2013 *JS
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO ACID LEAKING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED AND AS A RESULT, BATTERY ACID LEAKED ONTO THE ALTERNATOR, THE ENGINE COVER, AND THE HOSES. THE FAILURE CAUSED ALL OF THE PARTS TO CORRODE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 83,000. UPDATED 1/15/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED A THIRD BATTERY HAS LEAKED. UPDATED 1/23/2013 *JS
Steering, Dec 13, 2012
THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. *TR
Suspension, Dec 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUSPENSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Steering, Power train, Dec 8, 2012
2008 (STARTED AT 20,000 MILES, 1 YEAR OUT OF WARRANTY) TOYOTA RAV 4 STARTED A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE DRIVE SHAFT WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. WE TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT'S A CONSTANT SOUND! WHY THEY SAID THIS IS UNEXPLAINABLE. IT'S BEEN NON STOP SINCE AND GETTING WORSE. WE READ ON THE INTERNET THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM FOR RAV 4 OWNERS. WE WILL BE TAKING IT BACK IN AGAIN AND WILL PROBABLY BE TOLD THE SAME THING. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THERE IS A TAG ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM BY TOYOTA ALSO. THE REPAIR IS AVERAGED TO BE $800 AND SOME DEALERS ARE WILLING TO SHARE IN THE REPAIR COST. THIS SHOULD BE TOYOTA'S 100% RESPONSIBILITY! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 6, 2012
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10444712 COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING DETAILS: MY 2008 RAV 4 ALL WHEEL DRIVE BURNS ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. I BROUGHT THE SUV TO TOYOTA ON 01/19/2012 FOR OIL CONSUMPTION. TECH CHECKED OIL. OIL LEVEL WAS 1/2 QUART LOW. THE TECH TOPPED OFF OIL. I PICK UP RAV AT 1:30 P FROM DEALER AND CHECKED OIL LEVEL. THE TECH OVER FILLED THE OIL ABOUT 8 OZ. I VERIFIED THIS WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE HE SAID HE DID NOT KNOW WHY TECH WOULD OVER FILL IT. THE DEALER WOULD LIKE TO RECHECK OIL LEVEL IN 1000 MILES. HOWEVER, TECH OVER FILLED IT SO WHEN I BRING IT BACK THEY CAN SAY SEE IT DOESN'T BURN THAT MUCH OIL. I WONDER IF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. MILEAGE 71393. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)[XXX] OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 01/19/2012 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 1/20/2012 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Dec 3, 2012
I RECEIVED A "INTERIM" RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA STATING THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM AND THAT FAILURE OF THE REAR TIE ROD COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THEY INSTRUCTED OWNERS TO CALL ONLY IF THEY EXPERIENCED ANY STRANGE NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I DID NOTICE THAT RECENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN BACKING UP THAT I WOULD HEAR A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I CALLED AND THEY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE DAY AFTER I SCHEDULED MY VEHICLE TO BE LOOKED AT THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM NO. 1 SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY 4 LANE HIGHWAY. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO INITIALLY START TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH AND AS I TRIED TO PULL OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE I THEN LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH THEN SPUN AROUND IN THE DIRECTION OF ON COMING VEHICLES. FORTUNATELY WE DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST AT THE TOP OF AN EXIT OFF RAMP. NOW THAT I EXPERIENCED HOW SERIOUS THIS REALLY IS I HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS AS TO WHY TOYOTA DIDN'T ADVISE ME TO IMMEDIATELY BRING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS AND DEADLY CRASH. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 3, 2012
HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HANUKKAH! BOB BRIDGE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF MY AGE & BACKGROUND. THEY CHARGED ME $1280 OUT THE DOOR FOR TSB RECALL SERVICE. IT'S UNFAIR & ABSURD 4 ME PAYING TOYOTA'S DESIGN FLAWS. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME GET IN TOUCH WITH PORTLAND REGIONAL OFFICE SO THEY CAN START REIMBURSEMENT TO ME? BOB BRIDGE IS MILKING BOTH ME & TOYOTA DISTRICT MANAGERS. THEY TOOK 14 DAYS TO PUT IN NEW STEERING SHAFT AND OFFERED ZERO IN-DEPTH REPORT ON FAILURE & STEERING SHAFT'S WARRANTY. RUSHED THROUGH THE JOB AND LEFT ME DYING BATTERY & ALTERNATOR. T-SB-0318-08 (STEERING SHAFT RECALL) STEERING NOW FEELS HARD SINCE THEY DIDN'T REFILL POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. MY ALTERNATOR & BATTERY WAS LEFT AS IS WITH DIMINISHING CAPACITY. I WILL ONLY PAY $150 OUT THE DOOR LABOR FOR THIS TSB SERVICE, THE REST WILL BE PAID BY TOYOTA'S DISTRICT OFFICE. WHEN CAN YOU SEND ME MY CHECK? *TR
Steering, Dec 2, 2012
EVERY TIME I MAKE A TURN (RIGHT OR LEFT), I HEAR THIS KNOCKING SOUND ON MY STEERING WHEEL. IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO BREAK. I JUST NOTICED THIS RIGHT AFTER I REPLACED THE BATTERY. *TR
Air bags, Nov 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AS THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,132 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,136.
Power train, Nov 20, 2012
FOR A WHILE I RECALL A LIGHT FLASHING ON MY DASH BUT IT WOULD DISPPEAR BEFORE I COULD ACTUALLY SEE WHAT IT WAS. ON MAY 31, '12, I WAS ABLE TO SEE IT WAS THE OIL LIGHT. APPARENTLY MY RAV4 WAS RUNNING "LOW" ON OIL AND I DIDN'T KNOW. SO ON JUNE 1 (61,469MILES) I TOOK IT IN AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR COULDN'T "ELABORATE" WHAT HAPPENED, SO THEY TOPPED OFF THE OIL UNTIL I WAS DUE FOR ANOTHER MAINTENANCE. (I DID HAVE ANOTHER SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE BEFORE MY NEXT INCIDENT) WELL, DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF NOV '12 I NOTICED THE FLASHING AGAIN AND I COULDN'T CONFIRM WHAT WAS FLASHING UNTIL NOV 17 WHEN I HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES AND BAM, THE OIL LIGHT AGAIN! WHEN WE GOT HOME & RAV WAS COOLED OFF WE CHECKED THE OIL.....AND GUESS WHAT, I HAD NO OIL AGAIN! I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE DEP'T (AFTER DOING RESEARCH AS TO THIS HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTRY) AND SINCE A TSB DOESN'T MEAN CRAP TO THEM, I HAVE TO DO THIS OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BECAUSE I AM OVER THE 60,000MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE "LIFE TIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY" THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE LOT. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND OPENED A CASE, BUT THEY WILL NOT EVEN BEGAN TO REVIEW IT UNTIL THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST COMES BACK "ABNORMAL". SO IN THE MEAN TIME I HAVE TO WORRY IS MY "ENGINE" GOING TO BLOW UP DUE TO LACK OF OIL. THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. WHEN WILL TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND MAKE THIS A RECALL RATHER THAN A TSB....IS IT BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO FRONT THE BILL? DOES THE CONSUMERS SAFETY NOT MATTER TO THEM? AND DON'T FORGET THE TSB CAME OUT IN 2011 AND YET THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIDN'T EVEN THINK TO TELL ME THAT THIS COULD "POSSIBLY" BE THE ISSUE! *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 16, 2012
MY 2008 RAV 4 IS BURNING OIL AT AN UNUSUALLY HIGH RATE. THIS BEGAN LAST DECEMBER WHEN MY OIL LIGHT FLICKED ON WHEN I WAS BRAKING. WHEN I BROUGHT IT INTO A SERVICE STATION THEY SAID I HAD NO OIL. I HAVE SINCE BROUGHT IT BACK TO MY DEALER A FEW TIMES FOR THE LIGHT COMING ON AND BEING OUT OF OIL. I HAVE ALREADY DONE THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BACK IN MAY BUT TOYOTA FELT THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR MY CAR TO HAVE LOST OIL IN 1569 MILES (PER THE OWNERS MANUAL). I JUST HAD IT BACK AT THE DEALER BECAUSE AFTER DRIVING ONLY 3,200 MILES SINCE MY LAST OIL CHANGE, MY OIL LIGHT FLICKED ON AGAIN. WHEN I CHECKED IT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. I KNOW THERE IS A TSB OUT FOR THIS ISSUE WITH MY CAR, AND SEVERAL OTHER MODELS OF TOYOTA, BUT SINCE I DON'T HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE THE DEALER/SERVICE DEPT TOLD ME TO CONTACT TOYOTA DIRECTLY. TOYOTA DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE AN ISSUE AND CONTINUED TO QUOTE ME PAGE 314 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL AND THE OIL CONSUMPTION CRITERIA ON THE PAGE. FOR SOME REASON THEY COULD NOT SEE THE NOTES FROM MY DEALER FROM EARLIER IN THE DAY THAT I HAD RUN OUT OF OIL AFTER 3,200 MILES. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ACTUALLY SAID TO ME "WHAT IS IT YOU WANT US TO DO?" I TOLD HIM I WANT YOU TO FIX MY CAR THAT YOU KNOW HAS A PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE TSB. I WAS TOLD TO ONCE AGAIN DO THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WITH MY DEALER. I AGREE WITH OTHERS, IF MY CAR IS SET TO GO 5000 MILES WITHOUT AN OIL CHANGE, BUT I ONLY WENT 3200 AND HAD NO OIL, HOW CAN THEY NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE OR BE FORCED TO FIX THIS KNOWN ISSUE?!! TOYOTA, I FEEL, IS JEOPARDIZING MINE AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY BY NOT CORRECTING THIS ISSUE. WHAT DISTURBS ME GREATLY IS THAT THE LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON AND STAY ON, IT FLICKS ON WHEN YOU ARE BREAKING SO IF YOU MISS IT, YOU WILL NOT KNOW YOU ARE OUT OF OIL. A RECALL IS IN ORDER AND I HOPE IT OCCURS BEFORE MY ENGINE IS BLOWN!! *TR
Steering, Nov 14, 2012
STEERING COLUMN CLUNKING SOUND WHEN EVER YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT OR GOING AT SPEEDS OF 25-35 AND 55-70. THE NOISE WAS NARROWED DOWN TO THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. *TR