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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 2, 2012
LETTER TO THE ADMINISTRATOR FROM RE BRAKE PEDAL ON HIS 2008 RG4 TOYOTA *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ALSO THE BRAKING DID NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE, UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED DOWN TO ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY COULD NOT ADJUST THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO PEDALS.
Air bags, Oct 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIRAL WIRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.
Steering, Oct 22, 2012
I HAVE EXPERIENCED A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW OR NO SPEEDS FOR MUCH OF THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. IT WAS REPORTED AND CHECKED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER MADE AN ADJUSTMENT BUT DID NOT RECORD IT IN THEIR SERVICE RECORDS. NOW, AT 42,159 MILES, THE NOISES HAVE BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND I CAN FEEL IT WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. TODAY, THE DEALER FOUND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE AND ARE RECOMMENDING REPLACEMENT OF THE SHAFT. CHECKING THE WEB I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS WITH 2006 - 2008 RAV4'S INCLUDING NUMEROUS REPORTS TO THE NHTSA. IT IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA TODAY AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR IT AND THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WILL HAVE TO PAY THE COST FOR THE SHAFT REPLACEMENT. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY PROBLEM, I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON IT AND TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE REPAIRS AT NO COST. *TR
Suspension, Oct 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE FOUR TIRES HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE PREVIOUSLY DUE TO PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FOUR TIRES BE REPLACED AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V373000 (SUSPENSION: REAR). THE VIN WAS ELIGIBLE; HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE A DEFECT WAS NOT PRESENT DURING THE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE DEFECTIVE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Wheels, Oct 12, 2012
REAR WHEEL SUPPORT FAILED. WHEEL BENT TO THE SIDE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND NEAR ACCIDENT. THE MECHANIC REPORTED THAT RIGHT REAR END LINK BENT. RIGHT REAR WHEEL TIE ROD HAVE COME OFF CENTER NUT AND NO THREAD REMAINING AND RIGHT REAR SHOCK LEAKING. THEY REPLACED RIGHT REAR-END LINK TIE ROD AND SHOCK. PERFORMED WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE SAME TOYOTA DEALER PERFORMED PRIOR ALIGNMENT NOVEMBER 20, 2009. WHEN I HAD THE NEW ALIGNMENT CHECKED (BUYING NEW TIRES) JUST FEW DAYS LATER I WAS TOLD THAT THE ALIGNMENT WAS STILL OFF. THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSE (BY RESCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS) TO RECHECK THE ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR IT. I WAS BILLED $729 AND TOYOTA REFUSED TO CONSIDER THAT THIS WAS SECONDARY TO DEFECT BUT CLAIMED IT WAS MY FAULT THAT I MUST HAVE HIT THE SUSPENSION EVEN THOUGH THAT NEVER HAPPENED. *TR
Power train, Engine, Oct 10, 2012
CAR IS HAVING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 57,00 MILES WHEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHENEVER I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER(KEYES TOYOTA) WHO TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE OIL PAN. DEALER CHANGED THE OIL BUT "NEGLECTED" TO TELL ME THAT THERE WAS A TSB PUT OUT BY TOYOTA FOR THIS PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER A FEW MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME I EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE OIL LOSS. DEALER DID NOT TAKE MY CONCERNS SERIOUSLY TILL AFTER MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WAS UP. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT COULD DOCUMENT THE OIL LOSS, WHICH THEY ALSO "FORGOT" TO MENTION WHEN THE WARRANTY WAS STILL IN EFFECT. MY CAR IS LOSING ABOUT 1.5 QUARTS PER 1000 MILES. TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THE DEALER DELIBERATELY MISLEAD ME INTO THINKING THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR TILL AFTER IT WAS PAST MY WARRANTY PERIOD. POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WAS GOOD FOR UP TO 60,000 MILES OR 5 YEARS. DEALER TRIED TO BLAME POOR MAINTENANCE BUT WHEN I OFFERED TO SHOW PROOF THAT I DID ALL THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, THEY STOPPED BLAMING THE PROBLEM ON THAT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 3, 2012
I WAS MAKING A SLOW SPEED TURN WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, AS IF THE POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING. AS I ACCELERATED THE STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. A FEW DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. BOTH TIMES THIS HAPPENED IT ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION. I ENDED UP TAKING IT TO THE DEALER AND LEARNED THE ALTERNATOR WAS GOING BAD. AN ALTERNATOR ON A FOUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH 60K MILES SHOULD LAST LONGER. I'VE SINCE LEARNED, FROM SAFETY SITES, THAT THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE RAV AS THE STEERING IS ELECTRICALLY POWERED. THERE IS ALSO SOME INDICATION THE ALTERNATORS ARE FAILING TOO SOON. *TR
Suspension, Oct 3, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND HEARD A SMALL THUD, AND, WITH NO OTHER SOUND OR WARNING, THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO STOP, AS I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKED, THE REAR WHEEL WAS HANGING OFF. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AND SURELY WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING AT A FASTER SPEED. TOYOTA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *TR
Suspension, Sep 12, 2012
LOUD NOISE FROM BACK OF CAR AND THEN RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED CAUSING ME TO LOOSE STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. NO OTHER CARS AROUND, ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND LEVEL WITH JUST GRASS TO THE SIDE. BRAKES STILL WORK SO CAR WAS BROUGHT TO STOP AS IT WENT BY ITSELF TO THE RIGHT. THIS IS A ONE OWNER CAR THAT WAS NEVER ABUSED OR OFF-ROADED. CAR WAS TAKEN BY FLATBED TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WHO REPLACED THE RIGHT REAR INNER/OUTER TIE RODS AT NO COST AND GAVE ME A FREE CAR WASH. *TR *JS
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Sep 5, 2012
SLIPPING BRAKES, REQUIRING FREQUENT CHECKUPS AND REPLACEMENT POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL ( WHICH AFTER TWO YEARS OF COMPLAINING, I WAS INFORMED IS A DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFT ) SUDDEN ACCELERATION INCREASING NOISE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE JUMPING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACE IN REVERSE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 20, 2012
CAR WAS PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE. SUDDENELY, ENGINE REVVED UP, ACCELERATED, AND JUMPED THE CURVE. WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WHEN APPLIED THE BRAKES. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2012, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A LOT IN FRONT OF A BUILDING. IN A SPLIT SECOND THE CAR HAD JUMPED THE CURB UP ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH THE BRICK WALL AND WINDOW IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND TRIED AND SUCCEEDED INTO SHIFTING IT INTO PARK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS NOT INJURED AND DID NOT HURT ANYONE ELSE - THANK GOODNESS. THE ONLY EXPLANATION OTHER THAN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS THAT I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD AND I DO NOT BELIEVE I DID THAT. I HAD NOT BEEN DISTRACTED BY ANYTHING AND HAD NO SENSE OF MY FOOT SLIPPING FROM THE BRAKE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2012, fire
APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER I STARTED UP MY CAR AND BEGAN DRIVING TODAY I BEGAN TO NOTICE A STRANGE AND STRONG ODOR. I HAD MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DOWN (POWER WINDOWS) AND INITIALLY ATTRIBUTED THE ODOR TO A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS SEVERAL CAR LENGTHS AHEAD OF ME. I NOTICED THAT THE ODOR PERSISTED EVEN ONCE THE TRUCK WAS NO LONGER VISIBLE TO ME OR IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. AT THAT POINT I THEN ENTERED ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY VIA THE ENTRANCE RAMP, AND GOT MY SPEED UP TO THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MILES PER HOUR. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING UP FROM MY POWER WINDOW SWITCHES ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. IN ADDITION TO THE SMOKE I COULD SEE AN ACTUAL FLAME BURNING UNDERNEATH THE SWITCHES. MY INITIAL RESPONSE WAS FEAR AND PANIC, BUT I WAS ABLE TO FIND A SAFE SPOT TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES. MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS TO DIAL 911, BUT I WAS AFRAID BY THE TIME SOMEONE ARRIVED THE CAR MIGHT BURST INTO FLAMES AND BLOW UP!! I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT THAT I NEEDED TO TRY TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE SOMEHOW AS MY CAR WAS FILLING WITH SMOKE AND THE ODOR WAS OVERWHELMING. I QUICKLY LOOKED AROUND TO SEE IF I HAD ANY BOTTLED WATER IN THE CAR-BUT I DID NOT. THE ONLY LIQUID I HAD ACCESSIBLE TO DOWSE THE FLAMES WAS MY ICED COFFEE-SO I POURED A SMALL AMOUNT OVER THE SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE SWITCHES TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO BURN. I THEN PROCEEDED TO POUR HALF OF MY ICED COFFEE OVER THE SWITCHES WHICH DID FINALLY EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE THE ONLY WINDOW THAT WILL ACTUALLY MOVE NOW IS THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE PASSENGER'S WINDOW WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL AND THE TWO REAR WINDOWS WILL ONLY MOVE IF USING THE SWITCHES ON THE BACK DOORS. AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE MY CAR NOW HAS A VERY DISTINGUISHABLE BURNT ODOR TO IT! NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST EXPERIENCES I HAVE HAD WHEN DRIVING MY CAR. *TR
Air bags, Aug 14, 2012
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. WE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A GENERAL RAV4 / HIGHLANDER RECALL FOR SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR ISSUES.AFTER RECEIVING FREE DEALERSHIP SERVICE FOR THE RECALL, THE WARNING LIGHT WAS STILL ON. WE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT. AND WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS JUST A GLITCH AND THEY WOULD RESET IT AT OUR NEXT SCHEDULED SERVICE (OIL CHANGE). 4 MONTHS LATER, AT THE OIL CHANGE, WE WERE TOLD THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT RELATED TO A SPIRAL CABLE AIRBAG SENSOR (B1801 OPEN IN SQUIB D) WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; ALSO TOLD THIS FAILURE WAS COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL FOR SIDE AIRBAG ISSUES. AFTER COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER, THEY OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE PART (APPROX. $275.00) AND WE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR CHARGE ($109.00) THE SERVICE AND DEALERSHIP MANAGERS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE ALTHOUGH MANY CAR FORUMS ARE RIFE WITH COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED WITH LITTLE COST TO ME, I AM COMPLAINING TO ADD TO THE DATABASE SO THAT OTHERS WILL KNOW THEY ARE AT RISK AND IN THE HOPE THAT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS WILL CAUSE TOYOTA TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN PUBLIC. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 11, 2012
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 AND IT HAS HAD A WHINING SOUND WHEN IDLING OR ACCELERATING FOR A WEEK. TODAY I WAS DRIVING IT AND THE POWER STEERING QUIT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. I COULD BARELY STEER IT, IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING, SHE COULD NOT HAVE TURNED THE VEHICLE. MANY OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON- BRAKE LIGHT (CHECKED THE PARKING BRAKE), ABS, SRS, BATTERY, VSC, MAINTENANCE, AND SLIP INDICATOR LIGHTS. ALSO THE RADIO QUIT WORKING, ALL AT ONCE. NEW BATTERY INSTALLED LAST MONTH. WE HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP, HAD 2 RECALLS FIXED FOR AIR BAG SENSOR AND FLOOR MATS, BUT NO OTHER PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 24, 2012
AT AROUND 9:30 AM ON JULY 8, I WAS ON I-15 IN S. UTAH WHEN MY RIGHT REAR TIE ROD FAILED. VERY SCARY AND I WAS LUCKY I DID NOT END UP ROLLED OVER IN THE DITCH, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, OR GET HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD NO IDEA WHY MY CAR WAS SO SUDDENLY OUT OF CONTROL. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT I HAD BLOWN A FRONT WHEEL. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING, SUCH AS A SHIMMY OR VIBRATION OR ANY STEERING ISSUES AT ALL. I ASKED THE TOW TRUCK TO TAKE ME TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHICH WAS ABOUT 50 MILES AWAY. HOWEVER, HE CONVINCED ME THAT IT WAS SIMPLE TO REPLACE THE TIE ROD AND SINCE MY RAV4 WAS A 2008, AFTERMARKET PARTS WOULD BE EASY TO GET FROM NAPA. IT WAS A SUNDAY, SO I ENDED UP GETTING THE CAR DROPPED OFF AT GOODYEAR IN CEDAR CITY, SINCE I WOULD NEED AN ALIGNMENT AFTER THE NEW TIE ROD WAS PUT IN. ON MONDAY MORNING I FOUND OUT YOU CAN ONLY GET THE TIE ROD PART FROM THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY IN STOCK, SO HAD TO WAIT UNTIL WEDNESDAY TO GET IT FIXED. AFTER IT WAS FIXED, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DO AN EXACT ALIGNMENT AND SAID IT WAS OFF BY A MM. FYI - THERE WAS NO RUST ON THE BROKEN TIE ROD. *TR
Steering, Jul 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECOME STIFF AND HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE UNTIL THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,500.
Air bags, Jun 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A REPORT AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,201. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 08/16/12
Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED WITH EXTREME PRESSURE, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED DOWN A HILL AND CROSSED INTO A PATCH OF LARGE ROCKS. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES WHEN HER HEAD MADE CONTACT WITH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE FAILURE WOULD BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 33,000. UPDATED 06/12/12*LJ UPDATED 06/13/12
Steering, Apr 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BATTERY AND VARIOUS OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2012
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 LTD V6 WITH OUR 5 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER YESTERDAY. SHE WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 50 MPH THEN SUDDENLY, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE ENGINE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SHE ALMOST WAS REAR ENDED BY OTHER CARS. THE CAR DID NOT START AGAIN AFTER BEING TRIED AFTER EVERY 5 MINUTES. THE CAR WAS SERVICED A MONTH BACK FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND BREAKS. A COP CAME OVER AND GOT THE CAR TOWED. STILL HAVE NO IDEA. *TR
Tires, Apr 11, 2012
ON 04/09/2012, I TOOK MY TOYOTA RAV4 2008 FOR OIL CHANGE AT GIRARD TOYOTA, NEW LONDON. TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR G91A RADIAL TUBELESS M+S MADE IN JAPAN D7475L-11, 225/65R17-101H INSTALLED FROM FACTORY WHEN I BOUGHT THE RAV4 (AS NEW VEHICLE). I CALLED TOYOTA, WHICH ISSUED CASE #:[XXX], SAYING THAT TOYOTA'S WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE TIRES. TOYOTA REFERRED ME TO YOKOHAMA, FULLERTON, CA, TEL: (800) 722-9888. I CALLED YOKOHAMA WHICH ISSUED CASE #: [XXX]. YOKOHAMA REFERRED ME TO TIREPLUS, EAST LYME, CT. I TOOK THE RAV4 IMMEDIATELY TO[XXX] AT TIREPLUS. HE DETERMINED THAT THE THREADS OF THE 4 TIRES WERE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION (#19); HOWEVER, EACH OF THE TIRES (ALL 4 TIRES) ARE CRACKING BETWEEN THE THREADS. IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE FROM MANUFACTURING AS MY RAV4 HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN FOR 16,600 MILES. YOKOHAMA INDICATED THAT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TIRES COVERING 100% OF THE COST THAT THEY WILL ONLY COVER 70%. TOYOTA AND YOKOHAMA SHOULD HAVE SOLD ME THIS RAV4 WITH TIRES THAT ADHERED TO QUALITY STANDARDS - THAT DO NOT RISK THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY, RELATIVES, FRIENDS, THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL. DUE TO SAFETY, I WILL GO AHEAD PAYING TO REPLACE THE 4 TIRES. I WILL APPRECIATE THAT REGULATORS LOOK FURTHER INTO THIS ISSUE AS I KNOW THAT OTHER FAMILIES AND THE PUBLIC ARE AT RISK WITH THESE DEFECTIVE TIRES AS DOCUMENTED IN PUBLIC COMPLAINTS IN THE INTERNET ? I HAVE INCLUDED THE INTERNET LINK ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS FOR REFERENCE. I ALSO WILL APPRECIATE IF YOKOHAMA PAYS IN FULL FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE 4 TIRES. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR OUR TIME AND EFFORT. HTTP://WWW.VEHICLETIRE.COM/COMPLAINT/YOKOHAMA/GEOLANDAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO USE EXTREME FORCE ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.
Visibility, Mar 14, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW COULD NOT BE OPENED AND EXHIBITED A BURNING ODOR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Air bags, Feb 23, 2012
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL FOR CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG SENSOR *TGW WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THEY DO NOT PERFORM RECALLS ON SATURDAYS.