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.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2012
I WAS CROSSING A PARKING LOT AND PULLING OUT INTO A STREET. I STOPPED THEN PULLED FORWARD, SO I COULD SEE IF ANY CARS WERE APPROACHING. A CAR WAS APPROACHING SO I PRESSED THE BRAKES, THEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. IT FELT LIKE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATES. BECAUSE A CRASH WAS IMMINENT, I DECIDED MY BEST CHANCE WAS TO MOVE MY FOOT TO THE GAS PETAL AND SPEED UP. I DROVE THE CAR STRAIGHT AND THEN TO THE LEFT. THE OTHER DRIVER LAID ON HIS HORN, SLOWED DOWN AND DROVE ON. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN EARLY NOVEMBER 2011 FROM FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA. IT APPEARS TO NEVER HAVE BEEN WRECKED. IT HAD AROUND 23,300 MILES ON IT AT TIME OF PURCHASE. THAT NIGHT OF 02/21, I CHECKED CONSUMER REPORTS ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE NEXT MORNING, I REMOVED THE FLOOR MAT FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR. IT DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN MOVED BEFORE. THERE ARE 2 HOLES AT THE BACK OF THE MAT AND ONE OF THE HOLES HAD A BLACK RUBBER HOOK DEVICE HOLDING IT TO THE FLOOR. THE OTHER HOLE (BACK RIGHT SIDE) DID NOT HAVE A HOOK. WHEN I ENTERED THE VIN ON THE TOYOTA WEBSITE, IT SHOWED A REPAIR ORDER FOR A CAR WITH 30,599 MILES ON 11/08/2012. MY CAR STILL DOES NOT HAVE THAT MANY MILES. I DON'T THINK A REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE ON MY CAR. MY NOTES SHOW THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 11/05/2011. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2012
OIL CONSUMPTION IS TOO MUCH. IT USES ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL IN EVERY 500 MILES. FROM WHAT I AM HEARING, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND TOYOTA IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I BELIEVE A RECALL IS IN ORDER. THANK YOU *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 23, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 52 MPH WHEN A ROARING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER BEING DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED IN SPEED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FAILURE CAUSED ANOTHER VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE CONTACT FROM THE REAR. THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 54,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 20, 2012
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) *TT
Steering, Air bags, Jan 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT A COMPONENT IN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED, AND CAUSED THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,143 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Jan 12, 2012
CPSC#I1210211A. 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 93 ONE OF THE REAR TIE RODS FELL APART, CAUSING HIM TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH ACROSS FOUR LANES. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THE COST TO REPLACE THE TIE ROD WAS $500. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR.
Steering, Jan 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIE ROD FAILED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. BOTH REAR TIE RODS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ASSISTED WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000. UPDATED 04/27/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS REIMBURSED 1/4 OF THE PRICE AND WAS TOLD THE ISSUE WOULD NOT BE LOOK IN TO ANY FURTHER. UPDATED 04/27/12
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 30, 2011, crash
THE VEHICLE, A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4, WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT WITH OPERATOR'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE. INEXPLICABLY AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVVED TO A HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE COLLISION WAS LOW SPEED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO NOTICEABLE DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE. WE IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Dec 24, 2011, crash
WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A SIGNAL. HAD FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE SURGED TO APPROX 6500 RPM PLOWED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I CLIMBED ON THE OTHER VEHICLE. CAR WOULD NOT STOP MOVING UNTIL I TURNED AND PULLED OUT THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. REPORTED INCIDENT TO TARPON CITY OFFICER, WHILE THE ACCIDENT REPORT WAS WRITTEN UP. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE PRETTY BANGED UP. DON'T KNOW IF THE OTHER VEHICLE REPORTED INJURIES. THE RAV WAS NOT DRIVABLE. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO SUNTOYOTA FOR REPAIRS. REPORTED INCIDENT TO SUN TOYOTA SERVICE AND BODY SHOP DEC 22, THEY ASKED ME WHAT I WANTED DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. CALLED TOYOTA 800 331-4331 CASE #[XXX], 12/22/11 PROMISED TO CALL BACK IN 24 HRS CASE WORKER [XXX]. TALKED TO [XXX] AT TOYOTA HEADQUARTER IN CALIFORNIA. STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE NOW. I CAN'T SELL IT IN GOOD FAITH, BECAUSE OF THE PRODUCT LIABILITY. I AM THANKFUL THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE TARPON SPRINGS CHRISTMAS PARADE WAS IN PROGRESS AND THERE WERE A LEAST A DOZEN KIDS IN THE CROSSWALK IN FRONT OF US. WHAT A CHRISTMAS PRESENT MY RAV WOULD HAVE GIVEN SOME PARENTS IF MY CAR HAD HIT THESE KIDS. JUST AN FYI. I HAD A PERFECT DRIVING RECORD FOR 35 YEARS UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. THANK YOU TOYOTA! TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAN UP BEFORE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE KILLED. I FORGOT THIS IS BIG CORPORATION, THEY DON'T CARE, AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T EFFECT THEIR BOTTOM LINE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 19, 2011
DATE IS APPROXIMATE, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, NOT ALWAYS UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER BEING DRIVEN IN LIGHT RAIN & HEAVY RAIN & AFTER VEHICLE BEING PARKED & RESTARTED ALL OF THE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. INITIALLY WHILE DRIVING IN MODERATE RAIN, MULTIPLE VEHICLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED ON FREEWAY @ SET SPEED OF APPROX 60 MPH DUE TO RAINFALL. WHILE CONTINUING TO FUNCTION, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS ROLLING ON MARBLES & THE FEEL WAS A LITTLE UNNERVING, BUT YOU ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED MULTIPLE CODES, BUT ONCE RESET ALL LIGHTS WERE OUT & THE VEHICLE PERFORMED NORMALLY AGAIN, UNTIL DRIVEN IN RAINY CONDITIONS. INDEPENDENT GARAGE SAID TO TAKE IT TO TOYOTA WHEN THE RAIN INDUCED THE WARNING LIGHTS AGAIN & I'M HEADED TO A TOYOTA DEALER THIS MORNING AFTER A LIGHT RAIN ON SATURDAY MORNING ALL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN & THE CRUISE WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE. DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY ANY OTHER RAV 4 OWNERS, BUT INDEPENDENT GARAGE SO FAR HAS SAID "WE CAN'T FIND A FAILURE JUST A LOT OF CODES & ONCE WE CLEAR THE CODES IT IS OKAY." IF I UNDERSTAND THE PREMISE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS THEY ARE THERE TO INDICATE SOMETHING REQUIRES ATTENTION - SO MY FAITH IN "THERE'S NOTHING WRONG OR WE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING" IS A LITTLE SHAKEN. I SPOKE WITH TOYOTA & THEY DENY THAT THIS HAS EVER BEEN REPORTED BY ANY RAV 4 OWNERS & I WOULD HAVE TO BRING IT TO THEM WHEN THE FAILURE & WARNING LIGHTS COME ON - THEY WILL SEE THEM THIS MORNING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Steering, Dec 17, 2011
THE STEERING STARTED FEELING LOOSE AND THERE IS A PRONOUNCED CLUNK ANY TIME YOU TURN THE WHEEL EITHER WHEN STOPPED OR MOVING. DEALER SAYS THE STEERING COLUMN IS WORN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DEALER CLAIMS IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT I CAN NOT SEE HOW A STEERING ISSUE CAN NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ABNORMALLY BURNING TWO QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 04/10/12*LJ UPDATYED 04/23/12
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 5, 2011
AS I WAS BRAKING MY FOOT PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME I WAS BRAKING. I NOTICED THE ENGINE SPEEDING UP. I MOVED THE GEAR SHIFT TO NEUTRAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. I WAS THEN ABLE TO MOVE MY FOOT TO ONLY THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Dec 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE AND NOTICED A HESITATION IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 29, 2011
WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AROUND THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, MY CAR WOULD BE GOING AROUND 40-50 MPH AND IT WILL SUDDENLY STALL OR POWER DOWN AND THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING. ITS A GOOD THING I GO TO WORK EARLY AROUND 4-5 AM AND TRAFFIC IS LOW OR I WOULD BE IN MAJOR ACCIDENT AND AT FAULT TOO? THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. SOMETIMES HAPPENS WHEN I FLASH ON HIGH BEAM AND EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN LOW SPEED AROUND 15-25MPH OR TURNING AROUND A CORNER. THERE IS NEVER A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WHEN MY CAR GOES INTO STALL, ALL POWER DIES AND MY RADIO/CD/MP3 PLAYER STOP PLAYING MY DASHBOARD BECOMES ALL PITCH BLACK AND HEADLIGHTS ALL DIE AS WELL. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS ITS FRUSTRATING AND SCARY, I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND THE SNOW IS COMING AND TOYOTA REQUIRE ME TO LEAVE THE CAR WITH THEM FOR OVER A WEEK OR SO, NOT A PROBLEM CAUSE I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL ITS FIX. ITS NOW AFTER THANKSGIVING AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY BUT THEY WONT EVEN LOOK AT IT UNTIL I LEAVE IT WITH THEM FOR A WEEK. I CANT LEAVE IT THERE BECAUSE I NEED A CAR FOR WORK SO I HAD TO ARRANGE CAR RENTALS FIRST WITH MY OWN EXPENSE AND WILL BE DROPPING THE CAR OFF SATURDAY. THE ANSWERS THEY ALREADY GAVE ME WAS NO CLUE AND DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT WITH NO CHECK ENGINE CODE. I DON'T WANT TO BE ANOTHER KOUA FONG LEE. I JUST WANT TO POST THIS UP NOW SEE IF ANYONE FOUND A SOLUTION AND FOR MY REFERENCE IF THEY CANT FIX IT. I WANT SOMEONE TO HAVE MY BACK. THE CAR IS A RAV4 2008 WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES. *KB
Air bags, Oct 24, 2011
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL ABOUT MY WARNING LIGHT FOR MY AIR BAG. THE WARNING LIGHT FOR MY AIRBAG IS ALWAYS ON, AND IT CAN'T TURN OFF. I WENT TWICE TO MY DEALER (INTERSTATE TOYOTA) ON OCTOBER 8TH 2011 AND OCTOBER 12TH 2011 TO GET THE LIGHT FIXED, BUT THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. *TR
Air bags, Oct 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V245000 (AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS MADE AWARE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 19, 2011
ON 9/7/11 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER RAV 4 HOME FROM PINOLE TO HERCULES (LESS THAN 5 MIN) AND SHE HEARD A NOISE AND THE CAR STOPPED. ON 3/26/11, DURING A 66,138 MAINTENANCE SERVICE TOYOTA REPAIRED THE REAR CRANK SEAL. WE NORMALLY MAINTAIN THE SERVICE CLOSE TO 5,000, EXCEPT THIS TIME DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS WE WERE LATE. MY DAUGHTER HAD MADE AN APPT FOR 78,000 SERVICE FOR 9/8/11, DURING OUT OF TOWN TRIP FOR MY DAUGHTER'S WEDDING. SO NOW TOYOTA WILL ONLY REPAIR IT FOR $7,000.00 BECAUSE WE WERE LATE ONE TIME ON THE SERVICE, THE CRANK FROZE AND IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THEY FEEL IT HAD NOTHING TO DO W/THE CRANK SEAL. HOW CAN A BRAND NEW CAR, WHICH I'M STILL PAYING FOR, ENGINE BREAK DOWN JUST FROM BEING LATE ONE TIME. I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD STILL BE COVERED W/WARRANTY (EXP. 75,000), *KB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 12, 2011
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS I PASSED THROUGH A PUDDLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND DURING THIS EVENT, MY CHARCOAL FILTER ASSEMBLY WAS TORN OFF MY RAV4. IT WAS LEFT DANGLING BELOW THE CAR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT TOYOTA HAS DESIGNED A SHIELD FOR THIS FILTER ASSEMBLY ON NEWER MODELS, SO I FIGURED I WOULD LODGE A COMPLAINT, AS THIS IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL TO HAVE A PIECE OF YOUR CAR TEAR OFF DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. *TR
Air bags, Aug 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE AIR BAG SENSOR. THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS: SIDE/WINDOW). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,288. UPDATED 09/21/11 *BF UPDATED 09/30/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2011
MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS RECENTLY. ONE INSTANCE TOOK PLACE ON OR ABOUT JUNE 30, 2011, THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED ON OR ABOUT MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011. THE FIRST TIME, TOYOTA CLAIMED THAT THE NON-BRAKING/UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY FLOOR MATS I PUT IN THE CAR. I BOUGHT THESE FOR THE CAR BECAUSE I FELT THE ONES TOYOTA ORIGINALLY PROVIDED WERE NOT SAFE (HEELS ON MY SHOES, THOUGH FLAT, KEPT GETTING CAUGHT IN THE DEEP RIDGES OF THEIR MATS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER). AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE TOYOTA 'S MECHANICS, I THREW OUT MY MATS AND REPLACED THEM WITH NEW TOYOTA MATS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALERSHIP. ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN I APPLIED MY FOOT TO THE BRAKE, INSTEAD OF THIS ACTION STOPPING THE CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND MOVED FORWARD. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, MY CAR WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL LEADING TO MY COMPLEX'S EXIT. AS I NEARED THE STOP SIGN IN FRONT OF A VERY BUSY ROADWAY, I STARTED APPLYING MY BRAKES. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. ALTHOUGH I PUSHED DOWN HARDER & HARDER ON THE BRAKE IN A DESPERATE EFFORT TO STOP THE CAR, IT CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. MY RAV4 WENT ONTO THE ROADWAY, NARROWLY MISSING A TRUCK IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE SECOND TIME I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING SIGNIFICANTLY WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND DO NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE SAFE. THE MECHANIC AT TOYOTA, BEFORE EVEN EXAMINING THE CAR, CLAIMED IT WAS "HUMAN ERROR." I HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS IN MY LIFETIME AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME BEFORE. IT IS MY SINCERE HOPE THAT THE NHTSA & DOT WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS. IT APPEARS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS. I TRULY BELIEVE PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE IN DANGER. I'M AFRAID TO HAVE MY GRANDDAUGHTERS TRAVEL IN MY CAR! *KB
Structure, Jun 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT OBSERVED MICE ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE CLEAN AIR INTAKE AND STATED THAT SHE HAD CAUGHT FIFTY-SEVEN MICE TO DATE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO TO PREVENT THE MICE FROM ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC IN 2008, WHERE THEY PLACED SEALANT ONTO THE VEHICLE TO KEEP THE MICE FROM ENTERING BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 18, 2011
YESTERDAY, JUNE 16, 2011, AS I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA 2008 RAV4 (35,500 MILES), THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CAR WAS STILL COLD -- IT WAS LESS THAN 2 MILES AFTER START-UP. OUTDOOR TEMP WAS ABOUT 65. NO RAIN OR INCLEMENT WEATHER. I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT VERY SLOWLY, AT LESS THAN 10 MPH. AS I WAS BRAKING, I BECAME AWARE THAT THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING. I BRAKED HARDER AND COULD FEEL THE BREAKS ENGAGING, BUT UNDERNEATH THAT FEELING WAS THE FEELING OF THE CAR CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE AND FIGHT THE BRAKES. I GOT THE CAR STOPPED, BUT ONLY AFTER EXTREMELY HARD BRAKING. IF THERE HAD BEEN SOMEONE IN THE CROSS WALK IN FRONT OF ME, I'D HAVE HIT THEM. THE CAR WAS STILL TRYING TO TAKE OFF. I PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. BY NOW THE ENGINE WAS SCREAMING. I SAT THERE FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS, FOOT NEITHER ON THE BRAKE NOR THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR SOUNDING AS IF IT WOULD SOON EXPLODE, AND FINALLY JUST TURNED THE CAR OFF AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE WRITER WAS COLD AND DISTANT, NON-VERBALLY MAKING SURE I UNDERSTOOD THAT HE THOUGHT I WAS EITHER LYING OR BLOWING THE INCIDENT OUT OF PROPORTION, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME SAYING NOTHING THAT COULD ACTUALLY BE QUOTED AS RUDE. A SPECIAL TECHNICIAN IS SUPPOSED TO COME OUT FROM TOYOTA TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. BASED UPON WHAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED, I EXPECT THE DEALERSHIP TO DO NOTHING. THE CAR IS CLEARLY UNSAFE, AND KNOWING THAT, I CANNOT EVER DRIVE IT AGAIN. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2011
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER SENDS CORRESPONDENCE IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE.
Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2011
MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO HOLD SPEED DURING UP HILL CLIMB AND CAUSES ENGINE SURGES. *TR