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, Aug 12, 2010
LAST NIGHT I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS WHILE STOPPING AND WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AFTER MY CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE ON A COLD ENGINE (ALTHOUGH THE TEMP OUTSIDE WAS IN THE 70S). THE AIR CONDITIONER MAY HAVE BEEN ON IN THE CAR. I WAS JUST COMING UP TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ROAR AND THOUGH I SAW A CAR COMING ON THE CROSS STREET, I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR SEEMED TO BE HARD TO RESTRAIN FROM MOVING FORWARD. I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC 2008 RAV4 V6 WITH ABOUT 15,000 MILES, AND I HAD MY FOOT SQUARELY ON THE BRAKE. THERE IS NO FLOOR MAT AS I REMOVED THAT THE FIRST WEEK OF THE NEWS THAT MATS COULD BE A CONTRIBUTING CAUSE TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE SLIGHT INCREASE IN RPMS THAT HAPPENS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING CYCLES, AND THIS WAS SEVERAL ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE BEYOND THAT. I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. AT THAT POINT, I SMELLED A VERY DISTINCTIVE CHEMICAL SMELL, PROBABLY FROM THE TIRES SINCE THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR WERE BOTH WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I STARTED THE CAR UP AGAIN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND IT WAS FINE FOR THE 10 MINUTE DRIVE HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I DROVE IT TO TOYOTA AND THEY RAN A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC ON IT AND THEY SAID IT SHOWED NOTHING. THEY TOLD ME TO "MONITOR THE CAR AND NOTE THE TACHOMETER READING IF IT EVER HAPPENS AGAIN." TO BE HONEST, I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT PEOPLE MADE TOO MUCH OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEN I NEVER EXPECTED IT TO HAPPEN TO ME. I AM RELUCTANT TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW, SO I WANT IT NOTED THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR OF RAV4 MAY ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF SO QUICKLY THAT THE COMPUTER DIDN'T REGISTER THE PROBLEM? I'M JUST GLAD THAT I WASN'T ON THE OPEN ROAD, BUT AT A STOP SIGN WHEN THIS HAPPENED SO I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Wheels, Aug 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BANG FROM THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT TWO BOLTS WERE FRACTURED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. IN ADDITION, ALL FOUR TIRE BOLTS WERE EXTREMELY UNSTABLE. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRE BOLTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 21, 2010, crash
DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 LIMITED, 6 CYL., PURCHASED NEW, NO PRIOR ISSUES, APPROXIMATELY 28,400 MILES, WHEN TRAFFIC BEGAN STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT. I APPLIED BRAKES WITHOUT RESPONSE. PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN, STANDING ON THE BRAKES, ABS, WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE AND COLLIDING INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO ER. OCCUPANTS OF OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED NO INJURIES. VIN NUMBER BEGINNING WITH "J". COLLISION SHOP REPORTS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE FAILURE. *TR
Air bags, Jul 19, 2010
2008 RAV 4 SIDE AIR BAGS INFLATE WHEN STARTING VEHICLE CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. VEHICLE IS IN REPAIR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 16, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING, WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND STEERED INTO A CURB IN AN ATTEMPT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND INSTEAD ACCELERATED OVER THE CURB, INTO A FENCE AND FINALLY STOPPED WHEN CRASHING INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED FOOT AND CRUSHED DENTURES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND WAS DECLARED TOTALLED. THIS WAS NOT THE CONTACT'S FIRST INSTANCE OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION . SHE WAS ADVISED BY HER DEALER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,415.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2010
PURCHASED TOYOTA RAV 4 2008 [XXX] ON 12/07. 4 INCIDENTS OF THROTTLE OPENING. FIRST 2 OCCURRED WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF EACH OTHER WHEN CAR WAS NEW. ENGINE STARTED TO RACE AT HIGH RPM WHEN PLACING CAR IN PARK AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN ON AN OUTING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. NOT REPORTED TO TOYOTA. EARLY MAY 2010, IN CONGESTED CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC INCHING ALONG, THROTTLE OPENED AGAIN. STAYED HARD ON BRAKE BUT CAR KEPT INCHING FORWARD AND TAPPED A CAR IN FRONT BEFORE I PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL. REPORTED INCIDENT TO NATIONAL TOYOTA AND BROUGHT CAR TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. MAY 14 WITH WIFE IN CAR, FOOT ON BRAKE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THROTTLE OPENED UP COMPLETELY-RED LINE RPM. IMMEDIATELY PLACED CAR IN NEUTRAL AS ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE FOR 20-30 SECS. DEALER COULD FIND NO PROBLEM AS WELL AS NATIONAL COMPANY TECHNICIAN A WEEK LATER. WE OFFERED TO LET TECHNICIAN KEEP AND DRIVE OUR CAR FOR A MONTH OR TWO IN THE HOPE THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD MANIFEST ITSELF BUT TOYOTA DECLINED. CAR IS ESSENTIALLY NEW, NO SCRATCHES, DENTS ETC. 7200 MILES. WE TOLD TOYOTA THAT WE ARE A FAMILY FAR REMOVED FROM LITIGIOUS BEHAVIOR AND AGITATING TROUBLE. AS MY FAMILY IS NOW NOT COMFORTABLE WITH DRIVING THE CAR WE ARE BEING FORCED TO TRADE THIS CAR IN AT A DEALERSHIP (WE COULD NOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE SELL IT PRIVATELY) FOR A PRICE THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR ITS VALUE. WE HAVE EXPLAINED THIS TO TOYOTA. ALL WE WANT IS FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE RECOGNIZED AND FIXED ON OUR CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 6, 2010
ON MY WAY TO TUFTS MEDICAL IN BOSTON MASS. I PAID THE LAST TOLL IN AND NOT 200 FT FROM THE TOLL BOOTH, MY CAR STOPPED. MY RAV4 SHUT DOWN AND ROLLED BACK TOWARDS THE TOLL BOOTH (TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC). THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP DESPITE LIFTING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF, IT SLOWLY STOPPED BUT, DID CONTINUE TO ROLL. MASS STATE TROOPERS ARRIVED IN ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES AND PLACED HIS VEHICLE SO THAT IT WOULD NOT ROLL INTO ANYONE. MY CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHILE I RENTED A CAR TO GET BACK TO WESTERN MASS. THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THE CAR 3 DIFFERENT TIMES AND FOUND NOTHING. I CAN NO LONGER TRANSPORT MY ELDERLY MOTHER TO HER APPOINTMENTS IN BOSTON WITHOUT RENTING A CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 4, 2010
MY WIFE RETURNED TO HER 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 AT THE END OF THE WORKDAY. IT WOULD NOT CRANK. THE RADIO AND AIR CAME ON, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT CRANK OR TURN OVER. SHE PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK IN PARK. IT STILL WOULD NOT CRANK. FINALLY, SHE LOWERED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TRIED STARTING AGAIN. THIS TIME IT STARTED. WE TOOK IT TO AN ADVANCE AUTO PARTS STORE AND HAD THEM TEST THE BATTERY. THEIR EQUIPMENT STATED THE BATTERY NEEDS REPLACING, BUT THE CAR (AND BATTERY) ONLY HAS 18K MILES ON IT. THE REPORT ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS A POWER DRAIN THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED (WE HAD TURNED OFF ALL ACCESSORIES - RADIO, AIR, INTERIOR LIGHTS - AND REMOVED ALL 3RD PARTY POWER CORDS FROM POWER OUTLETS - CELL PHONE CAR CHARGER, ETC - BEFORE RUNNING THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST). WE WILL BE TAKING THE SUV INTO OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR INVESTIGATION, BUT WANTED TO REPORT THIS BASED ON ANOTHER CONSUMER COMPLAINT (ODI #10274904). *TR
Visibility, May 9, 2010
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT NORTH ON I-95 IN VIRGINIA AT EXIT 161 WHEN WE HEARD AN EXPLOSION SOUND ON THE TOP OF THE CAR. I SLID BACK THE MOONROOF COVER ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR AND COULD SEE THE MOONROOF GLASS WAS BROKEN, IT HAD A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE AND THE REST WAS SHATTERED. WE WERE NOT NEAR A BRIDGE OR A TOWER OR A TRUCK WHERE SOMETHING COULD HAVE FALLEN ON TOP OF THE CAR. THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE ON THE TOP OF THE CAR. THE GLASS AROUND THE HOLE WAS PUSHED UP LIKE IT HAD EXPLODED. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED IF THEY HAD HEARD OF THIS BEFORE AND IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT. THEY SAID NO AND IT WOULD COST OVER $1,000 TO REPLACE. I TOOK IT TO WHERE MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD ME TO GET IT FIXED. I FOUND THIS LINK WHERE SOMEBODY ELSE REPORTED THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2007/TOYOTA/RAV4/?Q=&PAGE=7. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 7, 2010
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 LIMITED HAS HAD HANDLING ISSUES ON THE FREEWAY WITH STABILITY. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. DEALER SAYS THAT "NOTHING IS WRONG." PREVIOUS TIME THIS OCCURRED, VEHICLE RETURNED HANDLING DIFFERENTLY. CONSIDERING THE COMPUTER BRAIN RUNNING THIS CAR, WE BELIEVE THEY RESET THE COMPUTER. THIS IS HAPPENING AGAIN. WE ARE TAKING IT IN AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 3, 2010
MY FIANCEE AND I WERE DRIVING, 2008 RAV4/LIMITED/V6/4WD. WE WERE AT A STOP LIGHT. I WAS DRIVING, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS WAITING FOR LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. IT WAS A BUSY INTERSECTION HERE IN DENVER AND THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF US. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ACCELERATOR TOOK OFF AND I COULD FEEL THE CAR TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD. LUCKILY, I ALREADY HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND I PRESSED DOWN EVEN HARDER ON THE BRAKE AS I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. WHEN I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL THE ACCELERATOR CONTINUED TO REV HIGHER THAN IT WAS BEFORE. I SLAMMED THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WE WERE OBVIOUSLY SHAKEN FROM THIS AND JUST SAT THERE FOR A MINUTE AS WE REALIZED WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. MY FIANCEE WANTED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. I WANTED TO TRY AND START THE CAR AGAIN BUT LEAVE IT IN PARK AND TEST IT OUT. I STARTED THE CAR WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE AND IT DID IT AGAIN. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. WE WERE IN PARK SO THE CAR COULD NOT MOVE BUT THE RPM'S WERE ON THE WAY TO REDLINING AND I TURNED OFF THE CAR AGAIN. THE LIGHTS AROUND THE SPEEDOMETER HAD NEVER LIT UP LIKE THAT BEFORE. SERIOUSLY EVERY DUMMY LIGHT ON THE CAR WAS LIT AND FLASHING. WE WERE COMPLETELY SCARED AT THIS POINT AND WE JUST TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND JUST SAT THERE IN SHOCK. WE SAT THERE FOR TEN MINUTES AT THIS BUSY INTERSECTION TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. I DECIDED TO TRY IT AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY. MY FIANCEE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BUT I ASSURED HER IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN I COULD JUST PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND WE COULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THE WOULD CHECK IT OUT. THEY CALLED LATER THAT DAY AND SAID ALL THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WERE NORMAL. THEY TOLD ME IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE FLOOR MATS. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE THE FLOOR MATS WEREN'T EVEN TOUCHING ACCELERATOR. UPDATED 05/12/10 *BF UPDATED 07/16/10.*JB *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED THE SPEED FAILED TO INCREASE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2010
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH ENTERING A PARKING SPACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REVV HIGH. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE BODY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 6,230.
Air bags, Apr 17, 2010
I GOT IN MY VEHICLE, SHUT THE DOOR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 4, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 AND I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I TURNED LEFT AND THE CAR STARTED TO RACE AND ACCELERATED TO 40 MPH AND STUCK THERE. I TRIED PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I SWERVED TO MISS TWO CARS AND THE CAR KEPT GOING. I TRIED PUTTING IT INTO NEUTRAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED AGAIN. I THEN CALLED MY FATHER WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH CARS AND TOLD HIM THE STORY AND HE TOLD ME TO TRY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THAT DIDN'T WORK EITHER. HE INSTRUCTED ME TO TRY IT AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE CAR JOLTED FORWARD AND SLOWED DOWN. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE IGNITION FF AND WAS VERY SHAKEN AND QUITE UPSET. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO LIA NORTHAMPTON TOYOTA AND INFORMED THEM I WOULD NOT BE DRIVING THIS LEASED CAR AGAIN UNLESS THEY LOOKED AT IT THOROUGHLY AND REPAIRED IT. THE TECH VERIFIED A HIGH IDLE . THE TECH FOUND A THROTTLE PLATE WAS MECHANICALLY STICKING. THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. I ALSO HAD THEM DOCUMENT IT AND GIVE ME PAPERWORK. I DID CONTACT THEM WHEN THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT 2007 WAS NOT PART AND THEY WOULD NOT LOOK AT MY CAR AGAIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2010, crash
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING RE INCIDENT OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FM OWNER OF A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 ON 1/17/2009. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WENT 150 FEET, BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO BRING IT A STOP. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AGAIN AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON AN INSPECTION, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 28, 2010, crash, fire
DRIVING 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 (19K MI) IN RAIN ON NY STATE HWY AT 30 MPH. DRIVER IN FRONT SLOWED. APPLIED BRAKES WHICH SOFTENED THEN WENT TO FLOOR. PUMPING DID NOT RETURN PRESSURE. HAND BRAKE SLOWED VEHICLE TO BELOW 15 MPH. CRASHED INTO OTHER VEHICLE AT @ 12 MPH. CAR BURST INTO FLAMES BENEATH AND CONSUMED VEHICLE WITHIN 12-14 MINUTES; *CN
Vehicle speed control, Mar 25, 2010
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS A SEMI ON AN UPHILL IN MY NEW 2008 RAV4 WHEN THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK. I HAD FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL SINCE I WAS GOING UPHILL AND PASSING, BUT WHEN I EASED MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL REMAINED PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. I HAD ENTERED A SINGLE LANE CONSTRUCTION ZONE AND WAS ACCELERATING RAPIDLY. I STOMPED ON THE ACCELERATOR HOPING TO SPRING IT LOOSE AND TRIED THE BRAKES, TO NO AVAIL. AS I WAS REACHING SPEEDS WELL INTO THE 90'S AND WITHIN SECONDS OF PLOWING INTO THE TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME I REACHED DOWN AND GRABBED THE GAS PEDAL AND PULLED UP ON IT. IT DID COME UP THEN AND I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN IN TIME TO AVOID CRASHING. I WAS TERRIFIED AND THOUGHT I WOULD DIE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WE HAD PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY INSISTED IT WAS CAUSED BY MY FLOOR MAT AND THAT IT WAS MY FAULT SINCE IT WAS NOT A TOYOTA FLOOR MAT. I TOLD THEM THERE WAS NOTHING OBSTRUCTING THE PEDAL WHEN I REACHED DOWN FOR IT, IT WAS SIMPLY STUCK. THEY CONTINUE TO BLAME THE FLOOR MAT, MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN PUT ON THE RECALL LIST AND IT SCARES ME EVERY DAY TO DRIVE IT. I NEVER, EVER FLOOR IT AND NOW KNOW TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL SHOULD IT HAPPEN AGAIN---ALTHOUGH I HAVE HEARD SOME PEOPLE CRASHED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. I AM VERY UPSET THAT TOYOTA BLAMESHIFTS AND DODGES THE ISSUE BY BLAMING THE MATS AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEIR RECALL HOTLINE TOLD ME IT IS MY PROBLEM SINCE MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I DID BUY THEIR MAT AFTER THE INCIDENT, ONLY TO BE TOLD LATER THAT I SHOULD REMOVE IT SINCE IT COULD CAUSE ACCELERATOR ENTRAPMENT. MY DEALER STILL BLAMES THE WHOLE PROBLEM ON MY NON COMPLIANT MAT EVEN THOUGH THEY RECALLED THEIR OWN MATS, TOO. IT IS VERY DISTURBING TO FIND OUT THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO SO MANY OTHERS AND GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME. SO MANY DEATHS AND ACCIDENTS, AND I EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN ONE. WE HAVE BOUGHT 5 TOYOTAS FROM THIS DEALER AND HAVE HAD NO SUPPORT AND HAVE BEEN TREATED RUDELY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2010
FAX FWD LTR FM RE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4, REPLY TO UTICA, NY OFC. *TGW EACH TIME THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, SHE WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH SEVERAL CARS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WAS BY TURNING IT OFF. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 15, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 55-65 MPH. THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED TO THE AUXILIARY POSITION AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AFTER TWO SECONDS; THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2010
2008 TOYOTA RAV-4 SURGES. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2008, MY VEHICLE HAS SPORADICALLY SURGED WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND ALSO WHEN DRIVING WITH FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. I WILL HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WILL SURGE AS IF I AM PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I AM DRIVING, IT SURGES AS IF I AM PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL UP AND DOWN, ALTHOUGH MY FOOT REMAINS STEADY. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS THE FIRST TIME THAT I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN AND EACH TIME I HAVE AN OIL CHANGE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THERE MUST BE MORE TO THE TOYOTA RECALL BECAUSE MY VEHICLE THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL APPEARS TO BE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS LONG BEFORE THIS RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 12, 2010
APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH, WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED, THE ENGINE OF MY 2008 RAV4 (VIN [XXX] ) ACCELERATED FOR 3-4 SECONDS. BECAUSE MY FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL DURING THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THIS HAS OCCURRED ONLY ONCE, 3 WEEKS AGO. AFTER TAKING THE RAV4 TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, THE DEALER FOUND NO COMPUTER CODES STORED, TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ACCELERATION CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY ANY OF THE EXISTING ACCELERATION RECALLS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE HER VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND PROCEEDED ONTO A NEARBY CURB, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A BRICK BUILDING. THE ENGINE CONTINUED IDLING AS THE PASSENGER PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO THE PARK POSITION AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER ALSO GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE AS IF IT WANTED TO CONTINUE ACCELERATING. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BOTH SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 10, 2010
DATED: MARCH 10, 2010 I OWN A 2008 RAV 4WD. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR ENGINE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE BADLY, WE TOOK THE CAR FOR SERVICE TO THE INTERSTATE TOYOTA, IN MONSEY, NY ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, FIRST ON FEBRUARY 17TH AND THEN ON FEBRUARY 23RD, 2010. INTERSTATE TOYOTA CLAIMS THAT THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX OUR RACING SITUATION. THE DEALER INFORMED US THAT THEY OBTAINED A CASE NUMBER FOR US AND THAT WE SHOULD CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER AT 1 800 331 4331. OUR COMPLAINT IS THAT IN AS MUCH AS WE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WE COULD NOT GET THRU TO ANY ONE. THE DEALER WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS UNLESS THEY ARE ORDERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. WHAT SHOULD WE DO? IN ANTICIPATION FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE, WE THANK YOU. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN REVERSE UP A HILL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO IDLE EXCESSIVELY AND THE RPMS INCREASED BETWEEN 1,500 TO 2,000. WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED, THE OVER DRIVE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING OR ASSISTANCE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURES SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER TOLD HER NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THAT WHENEVER SHE DROVE IN REVERSE, THE NORMAL RPM SHOULD BE BETWEEN 700 AND 900. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT SINCE THERE WAS NO SOFTWARE CREATED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 943 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.