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, Mar 9, 2010
AS I WAS COMING TO A RED LIGHT, I APPLIED MY BRAKES, BUT THEY WERE NOT WORKING AS USUAL- NOT STOPPING THE CAR QUICKLY. I HAD THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, FINALLY GOT THE CAR STOPPED, BUT THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING SO FAST AND LOUD. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, RPMS DROPPED MOMENTARILY, WENT BACK UP. I KEPT SWITCHING BACK TO DRIVE, THEN TO NEUTRAL, TILL THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN NORMALLY, NOT RACING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A HALT. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT HALT AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE 2 ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH SUCH FORCE IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE ACCELERATING VEHICLE THAT THE ACTUAL BRAKE PEDAL FRACTURED. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE ARRIVED TO THE SCENE AND OCCUPANTS FROM THE FOREGOING VEHICLE SUFFERED UNKNOWN INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS DUE TO FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE. ALL REPAIRS WERE COVERED BY HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CURRENTLY, SHE WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,500.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED AS SHE WAS PARKING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND SHE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE'S BUMPER AND ALMOST RAN INTO A WALL. SHE WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES AS HARD AS SHE COULD UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE POLICE WAS CALLED AND THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND THEY STATED THEY WILL RETURN HER CALL WITHIN TWO DAYS. HE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,800. UPDATED 04/15/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/10/*JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 5, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STARTED THE INGITION. THE VEHICLE WAS POSITIONED INTO THE SELECTED GEAR, FOLLOWED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE OF ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,963. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE HAD UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHICH OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO SLOW IT DOWN AND THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OF DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CALLED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VIN ON HER VEHICLE BEGINS WITH A "J" AND THEY HAVE STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS MADE IN JAPAN; THEREFORE, THE FAILURE SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. I HAD AN INCIDENT IN THE FALL OF 2009 WHERE, AS I WAS BRAKING AND SLOWING DOWN, MY ENGINE REVVED UP WITHOUT MY TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL, AND I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND PUT MY CAR IN NEUTRAL. DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED BUT THOUGHT IT WAS MAYBE MY FAULT SOMEHOW. IN EARLY DEC. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, FRONT END FORWARD, AND THERE WAS ANOTHER PARKED CAR OPPOSITE MY CAR, FACING MINE. AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND BRAKING, THE ENGINE REVVED AND I HAD TO SLAM MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY FROM MY CELL PHONE, RIGHT THERE IN MY CAR, AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. THEY ASKED ME IF I WAS WEARING "HEELS", DID I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR BY MISTAKE, DID THE FLOOR MAT GET CAUGHT?...AND I SAID NO TO ALL OF THAT. I WENT IN THE NEXT DAY TO SERVICE, AND THEY SPENT SEVERAL HOURS LOOKING AT MY CAR, CHECKING THINGS OUT. WHEN THEY WERE FINISHED, THEY SAID THEY "COULDN'T MAKE MY CAR DO WHAT I TOLD THEM IT DID". COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. ASKED AGAIN ABOUT SHOES, WRONG PEDAL, ETC. SINCE THEN, I HAD ONE MORE EXPERIENCE WITH ACCELERATION AT THE TOP OF A HILL WHERE TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THE MOTOR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. RIGHT ABOUT THAT TIME THE NEWS OF THE TOYOTA PROBLEMS WAS BEGINNING. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND ASKED WHY I HAD NOT RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT A RECALL. I WAS TOLD THAT MY TOYOTA HAD BEEN BUILT IN JAPAN AND THEREFORE IT DOES NOT HAVE THE ACCELERATOR PROBLEM AND IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. WHAT DO I DO NOW?? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 30-35 MPH, ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES, AND CRASHED INTO FOUR VEHICLES. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE LANDED IN AN UPWARD 90 DEGREE ANGLE POSITION. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2010
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2008 RAV4. I WAS TRAVELING WITH CRUISE CONTROL AT 50 MPH AS I APPROACHED A DOWN GRADE TOWARD A TRAFFIC LIGHT I MANUALLY TOOK THE CAR OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL EXPECTING TO SLOW SOME. I REALIZED THAT I NEEDED TO SLOW MORE AND APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL. HOWEVER, I COULD FEEL THE CAR FIGHTING THE BRAKES. I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP FOR THE LIGHTS. WHEN I DID THIS THE ENGINE WAS RACING WHILE STOPPED. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED I PUT THE RACING ENGINE INTO DRIVE. I JERKED FORWARD AND HAS BEEN OK SINCE. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT ANOTHER OWNER OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL REPORTED A SIMILAR EVENT THAT DAY. THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN THE RUNAWAY CARS REPORTED IN THE NEWS, AS THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE TO MAX SPEED. TOYOTA SEEMS NOT TO BE RESPONDING TO CARS MADE BEFORE 2009. I THINK THIS IS A COMPUTER PROBLEM WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT TURN OFF AND THE STEPPING ON THE BRAKES DID NOT TAKE IT OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL EITHER. ON FEB 19 I REPORTED THIS TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT ANOTHER PERSON HAD REPORTED THIS SAME TYPE OF THING THAT SAME DAY. THEY LOOK FOR ERROR CODES BUT FOUND NONE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2010
ON FEB. 13TH 2010 I EXPERIENCED A NEAR ACCIDENT DUE TO AN UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. I INITIALLY RELEASED BRAKE AND HIT IT AGAIN AND VEHICLE STOPPED JUST SHORT OF A TOLL BOOTH BARRICADE. I LATER INVESTIGATED AND UPON RELATED SEARCH ON INTERNET CAME ACROSS THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM. IN MY CASE I WAS PAYING A TOLL WHEN CAR ACCELERATED, I BELIEVE I HIT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRAKE AT SAME TIME. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE NHTSA HAS NOT MANDATED A BRAKE OVERRIDE FOR ALL SMALL VEHICLES WHERE PEDAL ERROR CAN EASILY OCCUR. I BELIEVE THE MAJORITY OF SUA INCIDENTS I HAVE LOOKED AT THAT SERIOUS (SUDDEN), THAT PEDAL ERROR IS BEING UNDER REPORTED AS MOST DRIVERS DENY IT. I AM NOT. BUT IS SERIOUS HUMAN FACTORS ISSUE IN ALL SMALL CARS DRIVEN BY LARGE AMERICANS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 2, 2010, crash
ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH, 2010, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 WHEN THE BRAKES WERE INEFFECTIVE AT SLOWING THE VEHICLE AS SHE APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT. ALTHOUGH SHE STOOD ON THE BRAKES SHE LEFT NO SKID MARKS BEFORE STOPPING IN THE INTERSECTION AS SHE COLLIDED WITH A VEHICLE WHO HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY. THE CAR HAD SLOWED SUFFICIENTLY THAT THERE WAS NO RELEASE OF THE AIR BAGS. SHE HAS OPERATED A CAR FOR 40 YEARS WITH OUT A MOVING VIOLATION, THE WEATHER WAS BRIGHT AND SUNNY AND THE ROADS WERE CLEAR AND DRY. IT WAS A FAMILIAR INTERSECTION AND SHE HAD STOPPED AT THE LIGHT ONE BLOCK AWAY. EARLIER IN THE DAY SHE HAD PRACTICED PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, BUT IT WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO HELP HER IN THIS SITUATION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH; APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP SIGNAL. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS NO POWER RESPONSE. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR SURFACE WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,519. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,600. UPDATED 4/7/2010 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE LIFTED HIS FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THERE WAS A SURGE OF ACCELERATION AND HE PLACED HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE HARD. THE VEHICLE THEN CAME TO A STOP. UPDATED 07/01/10.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 26, 2010
WHILE DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE RAV4 STARTED RACING VERY BADLY, AT THAT POINT I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND THE CAR ACTED NORMAL. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, AND THAT THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT I AM TERRIBLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, INTO HIS DRIVEWAY VERY SLOWLY AND AS HE APPLIED THE BRAKES HIS VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAD 1 OTHER PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER NOTIFIED THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,500.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010
HELLO, ON JUN 26, 2009 MY WIFE AND I PURCHASE A CERTIFIED TOYOTA RAV4. WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: ABS LIGHT, BRAKE, AND EGF LIGHT REMAIN LITE. REPAIRS ARE: BRAKE SWITCH REPLACEMENT, IGY RELAY REPLACMENT. IN ADDITION THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT FUNCTION AND SOMETIMES THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BE STUCK IN REVERSE. UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF THIS GEAR POSITION. A LOCAL MECHANIC FOUND THE PROBLEM IN THAT THE CONNECTIONS IN THE WIRING HARNESS ARE FILLED WITH WATER. HE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW THE WATER GOT THERE. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM RETURNED.. I AM WRITING TO SHARE WITH YOU MY CONCERN OF THE ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS WITH THE 2008 RAV4 FROM TOYOTA. TOWN TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER, WENATCHEE, WA TOLD US NOT TO WORRY ABOUTIT AS IT IS STILL SAFE TO DRIVEWITH ABS, BRAKE, AND EGF LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I DID CONTACT TOYOTA (VIA EMAI) BUT NO RESPONSE. I QUESTION THE VALIDITY OF THAT STATEMENT IN LIGHT OF RECENT RECALL NEWS AND THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 RAV4, IT HAS BEEN ACCELERATING ON A SMALL SCALE FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS. I TOOK IT IN TO MY DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY PARTS WERE MADE IN JAPAN AND NOT NORTH AMERICA, AND THEY FOUND NOTHING. ABOUT A WEEK LATER MY HUSBAND, DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AND GRANDDAUGHTER WERE HEADED TO A HOCKEY GAME. I WAS DRIVING, WE WERE COMING UP ON A RED LIGHT WHEN I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, AT THE SAME TIME THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. THIS WAS MUCH MORE THAN HAD HAPPENED BEFORE. I STOOD ON THE BRAKE AND FLEW THROUGH THE REDLIGHT, I SCREAMED FOR MY HUSBAND TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, HE HAD TROUBLE DOING SO. I THOUGHT WE WERE ALL DEAD. THE PERSON THAT HAD THE GREEN LIGHT MUST HAVE SEEN WE WERE HAVING A PROBLEM, AS HE STOPPED TO LET US RACE THROUGH. IT SLOWED AFTER A BIT, AND WENT BACK TO NORMAL. WHEN WE WERE ACCELERATING I NOTICED THE RPMS TO BE OVER 3, I COULDN'T WATCH IT THAT CLOSELY FOR FEAR I WOULD COMPLETELY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO CALL CALIFORNIA AND PUT IN A COMPLAINT. WE DID THAT AND WERE GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. AFTER FOUR DAYS OF NO RETURN CALL WE CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED FOR AN UPDATE AS TO WHAT WOULD GO ON NOW. THEY SAID THAT SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TO COME AND INSPECT THE VEHICLE, I ASKED IF WE COULD HAVE A LOANER AND I WAS TOLD NOT UNTIL TOYOTA DECIDES THERE IS A PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERS HANDS FOR A WEEK TODAY AND WE HAVE NO CAR. ALTHOUGH TOYOTA REPS HAVE BEEN PLEASANT, WE DON'T FEEL THAT THEY REALLY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT WILL BE INSPECTED TOMORROW. WE WILL WAIT FOR THE CALL, BUT WILL NOT RECEIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT IS FIXED AND THERE IS A GUARANTEE THAT IT WON'T DO IT AGAIN. I WILL NOT KILL MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 22, 2010
IDLE SPEED KICKED UP UNEXPECTEDLY AT A STOP LIGHT. THE ENGINE WAS CLOSE TO FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, ABOUT 1.5 MILES FROM HOME. THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS NOT ON. THE DEFROSTER WAS ALSO NOT ON, SO THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE IDLE TO KICK UP. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AT AN INTERSECTION. IT LURCHED FORWARD, BUT WAS EASY TO HOLD BACK WITH THE BRAKE. I THEN PUT MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND RELEASED MY RIGHT FOOT TO BE SURE THAT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR WERE NOT BEING PRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE HIGH IDLE CONTINUED, ABOUT 1100 RPM IN DRIVE. I THEN PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND THE TACHOMETER READ 1300-1400 INITIALLY, THEN SLOWLY DROPPED TO ABOUT 1000. ONCE BACK IN DRIVE IT DROPPED TO ABOUT 800 RPM, WHICH IS NORMAL OPERATION. IT HAS NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE OR SINCE. THAT PARTICULAR INTERSECTION HAS POWER LINES AND/OR TRANSFORMERS THAT HAVE INTERFERED WITH MY AM RADIO IN OTHER VEHICLES, BUT NOT THIS ONE. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 22, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVE DOWN AS HE TRIED TO DEPRESS IT AND HE COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. HE CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD UNTIL THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT NO ONE COULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE BODY SHOP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 18,561.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 20, 2010
I WAS DRIVING UPHILL ON A SNOWY DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPEED UP. I APPLIED THE BRAKES (WHICH CAUSED THE ABS TO PULSE VERY RAPIDLY), BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED TO A FAIRLY HIGH RPM. I TURNED OFF THE KEY AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE WHICH NOW RAN NORMALLY. THIS RAV4 DOES NOT HAVE ANY OPTIONAL FLOOR MATS AND HAS ONLY 6000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A 2008 RAV4 AND, AS SUCH, IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Feb 20, 2010
PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND STAYS ON. OWNERS MANUAL SAYS TO TAKE TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY. I WAS TOLD BY ONE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT THIS MEANS THE AIR BAG IS DISABLED, BUT NO LOCAL DEALER WILL BE ABLE TO GET ME IN RIGHT AWAY. IF THIS IS AS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS AS IT SOUNDS, I WISH THEY WOULD TAKE IT MORE SERIOUSLY. I TOOK FIRST AVAILABLE APPT, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, LOOKING AT RAV-4 FORUMS. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 19, 2010
DURING NORMAL DRIVING, MY WIFE AND FATHER-IN-LAW HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OR SURGING ON OUR 2008 RAV4 (AWD, 6-CYLINDER). THIS IS TYPICALLY OCCURRING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR LIGHT ACCELERATION ABOVE ~25MPH. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE RIGHT AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN OCTOBER 2008. DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY PROBLEM AND NO ERROR CODES WERE FOUND. THE ANTI-SKID CONTROL COMES ON RANDOMLY AND APPLIED THE BRAKES ALSO, USUALLY WHILE VEHICLE IS STOPPED. WHEN FOOT IS REMOVED FROM BRAKE, VEHICLE STAYS STOPPED UNTIL ACCELERATOR IS PUSH AND THEN SYSTEM RELEASES THE BRAKES AND ANTI-SKID LIGHT GOES OUT. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY ERROR CODES FOR THIS EITHER. THIS IS A VEHICLE WITH A VIN NUMBER BEGINNING WITH J, WHICH HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM RECENT RECALLS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2010
MY 2008 RAV4 SUV SUDDENLY GOES TO FULL THROTTLE ON ITS OWN. I HAVE TO PUT BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRYING TO GET THE CAR OUT OF GEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE PURCHASING THIS SUV NEW. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT THEY NEED TO SEE THE CAR WHILE IT IS RACING UP, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AND I CAN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN ON WILL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHENEVER HE DROVE THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE SPEED AND THE RPM'S WOULD NOT DECREASE FOR 10 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 19,754.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2010, crash
MOTHER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN HER 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 SUDDENLY VEERED LEFT AND ACCELERATED HEAD ON INTO A TREE. WITNESS STATEMENT THAT SHE WAS DRIVING NORMALLY PREVIOUS TO ACCIDENT. NO HEALTH ISSUES TO EXPLAIN EVENTS. *TR UPDATED 9/21/2011*CW
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 17, 2010, crash
I WAS DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM AT APPROXIMATELY 20MILES/HR.THE ROAD HAD NOT BEEN PLOWED RECENTLY, SO THERE WAS SOME SNOW THAT HAD ACCUMULATED, BUT IT WAS CERTAINLY PASSABLE AND I WAS DRIVING A 4 WHEEL,TOYOTA, RAV 4, 2008, IN EXCELLENT UPKEEP. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT, WHEN I TRIED TO SLOWLY CORRECT THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. I COULD NOT MOVE THE WHEEL, THE BRAKSE DID NOT WORK, EVERYTHING IN THE CAR FROZE. I WAS HELPLESS AND HAD TO WATCH AS THE CAR SLOWLY DROVE ITSELF OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD INTO A DEEP DITCH. HALF WAY THROUGH THIS HARROWING TIME SPAN A BEEPING NOISE CAME ON(THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM?), BUT ONLY AFTER THE CAR WAS INCAPACITATED FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE MINUTES. I WAS ON A STRAIGHT AWAY AND THERE WERE NO HILLS AT THIS LOCATION. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 300+ FEET, AS EVIDENCED BY THE TRACK MARKS LEFT IN THE SNOW. LUCKILY THE DITCH WAS FILLED WITH SNOW, SO I DID NOT CRASH INTO A TREE OR ROLL OVER. THE SNOWPACK STOPPED THE CAR AND IT ENDED UP TILTED ON ITS RIGHT SIDE, BURIED ALMOST TO THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER WINDOW. WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE RIGHT WINDOW TO CRAWL OUT, IT WAS INOPERABLE. I WAS TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH AND BECAUSE OF THE SOFT SNOW COVER THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO HAD 1 OTHER STEERING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WHEN IT DID NOT RESPOND AS EXPECTED(ALTHOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT FROZEN) AND I SUBSEQUENTLY SIDE SWIPED A CAR I WAS PASSING WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING GARAGE. I AM AN EXCELLENT NEW ENGLAND DRIVER WITH A STELLAR DRIVING RECORD. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A DISASTER THE INFREQUENT TIMES I IT. IT USUALLY SITS IN THE GARAGE, SINCE I PREFER MY 109,000 MILE, RELIABLE, 2001, MERCURY MOUNTAINEER; AFTER EXPERIENCING THE FIRST STEERING EVENT WITH THE RAV4, WHICH I KNOW WAS NOT MY FAULT. I DROVE THE RAV 4 DURING THE SECOND INCIDENT BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE SAFER, BEING A NEW CAR! HA *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH WHEN SHE ACCELERATED TO GET ON TO ANOTHER LANE THE ACCELERATOR PETAL BECAME STUCK. SHE PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN A BIT, THEN SHE PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. SHE THEN PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AND THE PETAL CAME BACK UP. THIS FAILURE HAD OCCURRED 2 TIMES AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THERE HAD BEEN NO REPAIRS DONE TO THE VEHICLE TO DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46628.