2008 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 575 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 42 involved a crash and 16 involved a fire. 32 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Campaign 16V596000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherFeb 19, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Campaign 16V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 28, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Campaign 13V383000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 12V491000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 2, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 12V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 21, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.
INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 11V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
575 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 26, 2009
2008 RAV 4 AWD V6. WHEN SLOWING FOR A STOP LOST ALL BRAKES. WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER AND WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD FAILED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Oct 19, 2009
LOST BRAKING POWER AND THERE WAS A CRUNCHING SOUND, HAD BOTH FEET ON BREAKING PEDAL & TRUCK WOULDN'T STOP. IT WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND ABS/ANTI SKID LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
Power train, Oct 10, 2009
1ST OIL CHANGE MENTIONED WHINE IN TRANS. DEALER SAID NOTHING WRONG PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE AND 15,000 OIL CHANGE SAID SOMETHING AGAIN STILL; NOTHING WRONGTHIS WHINE NOISE IS BETWEEN 38/47 MPH. MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND CAR WAS TEST DRIVEN 10 MILES BY DISTRICT MANAGER AND DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER TO VERIFY CONDITION CONDITION HEARD IS NORMAL PLANETARY GEAR NOISE CONSIDERED NORMAL AND NO REPAIRS NECESSARY. 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 THE WHINE IS VERY ANNOYING I'M DISAPPOINTED WITH THE OUTCOME. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Sep 30, 2009
I HAVE ALREADY MADE A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ABOUT ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WITH MY RAV4 THAT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR WILL SUDDENLY JUMP WHILE BARELY PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. IT DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT WILL DO SO RANDOMLY WHICH IS EVEN WORSE BECAUSE ONE DOESN'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. IT IS SCARY DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT FROM MINUTE TO MINUTE YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. IT DID IT AGAIN JUST YESTERDAY AS I WAS TAKING OFF FROM AN INTERSECTION, I BARELY MISSED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WISHED TOYOTA WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THIS SITUATION AS SERIOUS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. I KNOW OF THE RECALL WITH FLOOR MATS BUT IT DOESN'T INCLUDE MY CAR. I HAVE READ THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. WHY IS TOYOTA NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THIS SITUATION? ARE THEY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE? *TR
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2009, fire
2008 TOYOTA RAV4 SELF-COMBUSTION IN DRIVEWAY IN THE EARLY A.M. OF MONDAY, SEPT 21, 2009. CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE SATURDAY NIGHT AT 11 P.M. AND ARSON HAS BEEN RULED OUT BY FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS. CAR WAS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD AND HAD BEEN RECENTLY SERVICED AND INSPECTED ON SEPT 5, 2009 BY AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALER. ALL OTHER WARRANTY SERVICE REQUIREMENTS WERE FULFILLED BY AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALER AT THE APPROPRIATE INTERVALS. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS NOTED BY OWNER DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT MENTIONS THAT THE MOST EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE OCCURRED AT OR NEAR THE VEHICLE BATTERY. *TR UPDATED 03/08/10
Visibility, Aug 14, 2009
DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CONTROL OPERATES IN THE UP MODE AND CONTINUES TO GO TO THE UP (CLOSED) POSITION AFTER YOUR FINGER IS REMOVED FROM THE CONTROL BUTTON..IN OTHERS AUTOS( US) MADE, THE WINDOW STOPS GOING TO THE CLOSE POSITION WHEN YOUR FINGER IS REMOVED FROM THE CONTROL BUTTON. *TR
Air bags, Aug 9, 2009
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2009
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MY NEW 2008 RAV4 WOULD NOT START. THE BATTERY IS BRAND NEW. WHEN I TURNED THE IGNITION, THERE WAS NO SOUND / SIGNAL AT ALL. SOMETIMES, WHEN I PUT DOWN THE HAND BRAKE, AND TRY TO START THE CAR AGAIN, IT WORKS. OTHER TIMES, IT DOESN'T. THERE ARE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT CAN TRIGGER IT TO START. HOW CAN A BRAND NEW CAR BE SO UNRELIABLE!? WE'VE GOTTEN IT TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 2 DAYS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Equipment, Jun 15, 2009
REAR TIRE COVER ON A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 18" WHEELS SPORT EDITION. REAR TIRE COVER OVER TIME (WITHIN 10 MONTHS) HAS BECOME LOOSE AND HAS BLOWN OFF SEVERAL TIMES, ONCE IN A CAR WASH AND THE OTHER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. BOTH TIMES, SERIOUS SCRATCH AND PAINT DAMAGE WAS RECEIVED. I VERIFIED THAT THE ZIPPER WAS FULLY ZIPPED AND ELASTIC WAS COVERING THE BOTTOM OF THE TIRE. I FIND THAT OVER TIME THE COVER SLOWLY WORKS ITSELF OFF UNTIL IT FALLS OFF. AS THIS IS A FACTORY INSTALLED OPTION COVER, THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. THIS SHOULD BE REDESIGNED AND REPLACED - COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR
Tires, Jun 8, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE VEHICLE HAS YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR G- 91A TIRES, SIZE 225/6.5/17 101H (NA). THESE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE AND MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE TIRE AND SHREDS OF RUBBER EVERYWHERE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 7,370.
Equipment, May 27, 2009
REAR TIRE COVER 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 18" WHEELS SPORT EDITION. REAR TIRE COVER OVER TIME (WITHIN 6 MONTHS) HAS BECOME LOOSE AND HAS BLOWN OFF TWICE, 1 IN A CAR WASH AND THE OTHER WHILE SIMPLY DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. ZIPPER WAS FULLY ZIPPED AND ELASTIC WAS COVERING THE BOTTOM OF THE TIRE. UNIT KEEPS SLOWLY WORKING ITSELF OFF UNTIL IT FALLS OFF. TOYOTA CASE# 200812200182. DEALER SAID THAT THIS IS COMMON FOR THE ELASTIC TO DETERIORATE AND EXPAND OVER TIME BUT THAT THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A DEFECT. ANYTHING THAT WILL FALL OFF OF YOUR VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY GIVEN SPEED SEEMS LIKE A DEFECT TO ME.. *TR
Structure, Apr 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT NOTICED MICE ENTERING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CLEAN AIR FILTER NOT EXHIBITING A SCREEN TO SHIELD THE MICE FROM ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT TRAPS BE SET TO CATCH THE MICE. THE TRAPS WERE SET, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,500.
Fuel system, Other, Mar 18, 2009, crash
I WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE, I STARTED MY RAV 4, PUT IT IN GEAR AND GENTLY, DUE TO EXPERIENCE WITH ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. IT SUDDENLY JUMPED AND ACCELERATED CAUSING THE SUV TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE HAD I NOT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND USED THE BRAKE. TOYOTA TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM, BUT NOT TO THE EXTENT IT WAS THIS TIME CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. HAD MY DAUGHTER NOT MOVED 2 MINUTES PRIOR,SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN PINNED BETWEEN CARS. SOMEONE IS GOING TO SERIOUSLY GET HURT IF SOMETHING ISN'T DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR
Equipment, Feb 26, 2009, crash
2008 TOYOTA RAV4 HAD A JAMMED GAS PEDAL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE FLOOR MATS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ONE QUARTER BLOCK OF A CITY BLOCK, VEERING TO THE LEFT AND DEMOLISHED ONE CAR. THE VEHICLE THEN CONTINUED ANOTHER QUARTER BLOCK AND DESTROYED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN TURNED IN THE OTHER DIRECTION AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER IT CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. *JB
Seat belts, Feb 25, 2009
*I AM NOT THE VEHICLE OWNER*I AM THE CPST WHO ASSISTED WITH THE INSTALLATION OF THE CHILD RESTRAINT* WHEN INSTALLING A RF INFANT SEAT, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SEAT BELT ANCHORS OVERLAP. I BROUGHT THE BELT DOWN FROM THE ROOF STORAGE TO CLIP INTO THE ANCHOR AND ROUTED THE BELT FOR THE INSTALLATION. THE BUCKLE FOR THE OUTBOARD SEATING POSITION WAS INTERFERING BECAUSE IT WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE. WHEN THE CR IS INSTALLED (WHICH IS SNUG), IT OCCUPIES 2 SEATING POSITIONS. THE SEAT BELTS OVERLAP. THERE IS NO WAY FOR AN OCCUPANT TO USE THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELT OR FOR ANOTHER CR TO BE INSTALLED. I FOLDED THE SEAT BACK DOWN, THINKING THAT THE ANCHOR COULD BE MOVED, BUT THE STALK WAS TOO SHORT AND IT WAS CONTAINED WITHIN A SORT OF POCKET. I ADVISED THE PARENTS TO KEEP THE CR INSTALLED IN THE CENTER AND CALLED TOYOTA. THEY ASSURED ME THAT THE CR IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND THEY WILL LOOK INTO THE OVERLAP. THEY ALSO AGREED WITH ME AS I TOLD THE VEHICLE OWNER TO NOT ALLOW AN OCCUPANT TO SIT IN THAT OUTBOARD SEATING POSITION. *TR
Visibility, Feb 18, 2009
DEFROSTER SYSTEM IS WEAK. WHEN THERE IS ICE/SNOW BUILD-UP ALONG EDGES OF WINDSHIELD OR WINDOWS, SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE TURNED TO AND KEPT ON HIGHEST SETTING TO AVOID FOGGING ON THE INSIDE. EVEN AT THIS SETTING, IT HAS TROUBLE CLEARING FOG FROM REAR SIDE WINDOWS. SYSTEM IS PRETTY LOUD AT HIGHEST SETTING SO IT'S HARD TO LISTEN TO RADIO OR CARRY ON A CONVERSATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2009
WHILE DRIVING UNDER 25 MPH THE VEHICLE WITHOUT REASON OR NOTICE SHUTS DOWN. IT IS ABLE TO START UP RIGHT AFTER, HOWEVER THE ONLY REASON THAT YOU KNOW IT HAS SHUT DOWN IS THAT ALL THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT FIVE TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN CHANGE IN ANYWAY. *TR
Visibility, Jan 18, 2009
THE DEFROSTER SYSTEM IS INADEQUATE AND WOULD NOT MELT ICE FROM THE WINDSHIELD UNDER MODERATE TEMPERATURES AND A VERY LIGHT FREEZING MIST. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 15, 2008, crash
WAS GOING THROUGH A DRIVE THROUGH CARWASH, AUTO IN NEUTRAL. REACHED THE END, PUT FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT AUTO INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN, GOING STRAIGHT OUT OF THE END OF THE CARWASH. HAD THE BRAKES ON BUT THEY DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE. TURNED THE CAR TO MISS A TELEPHONE POLE AND WENT OUT INTO 4-LANE HWY., CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, STOPPING MY VEHICLE FINALLY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OUR INS. CO. REPAIR/ESTIMATE SHOP. DO NOT HAVE A CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM AS YET, STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. *TR
Seat belts, Oct 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE SEAT BELT WRAPPED AROUND ONE OF THE PASSENGERS WAIST AND BECAME LOCKED IN PLACE. EACH TIME THE PASSENGER WOULD TAKE A BREATH OR MOVE, THE BELT WOULD LOCK TIGHTER AND TIGHTER AROUND THE PASSENGER. THE SEAT BELT WAS CUT TO REMOVE THE PASSENGER FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,500. UPDATED 11/14/08 *CN UPDATED 11/18/08.*JB
Seats, Sep 3, 2008
THIS IS MY EFFORT TO SUBMIT A COMMENT ON YOUR REGULATIONS, NOT A COMPLAINT OF AN INCIDENT. I WAS DIRECTED TO THIS FORM BY LOU MOLINA AT NHTSA. I AM A DRIVER WHO FOR HEALTH REASONS WISHES TO SIT ERECT. I AM NOT FAT, AND OF NORMAL HEIGHT (5'6"). THIS LAST WEEKEND I PURCHASED A RAV4. THE HEADRESTS INTRUDE INTOLERABLY INTO MY HEAD SPACE. IN ORDER TO SIT AT MY PREFERRED ANGLE AND KEEP MY BACK TO THE SEATBACK, MY HEAD IS TILTED DOWN SO THAT I MUST RAISE MY EYES TO LOOK OVER MY EYEGLASSES, OR MY STRAIGHT VISION IS DIRECTED TO THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I TRUST THAT THESE HEADRESTS MEET YOUR STANDARDS. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT YOU HAVE ENGINEERED THIS STANDARD FOR AN OBESE, FAT-SHOULDERED PERSON WITH TIGHT HAMSTRINGS, SOMEONE WHO PREFERS TO DRIVE RECLINED TO ACCOMMODATE HIS BELLY AND IS HELD AWAY FROM THE SEATBACK BY HIS OWN PADDING. MY PRESENT APPROACH TO BEING ABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR IS TO TURN THE HEADREST BACKWARDS, AND I AM FULLY AWARE THAT THIS DEPRIVES ME OF THE NECK SAFETY I WOULD HAVE HAD FROM AN OLDER DESIGN OF HEADREST. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE COMMENTS IN SECTION VII OF RIN 2127-AH09, "SPECIFICALLY, THEY MAINTAINED THAT SMALLER FEMALE OCCUPANTS TEND TO UTILIZE STEEPER SEAT BACK ANGLES. ACCORDING TO THESE COMMENTERS, A BACKSEAT OF 50 MM MAY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INTRUSIONS INTO THE SPACE WHERE THESE OCCUPANTS TYPICALLY PLACE THEIR HEADS, FORCING THEIR HEADS INTO AN UNNATURAL FORWARD-TILTING POSITION" IS DESCRIPTIVE OF MY SITUATION. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE NHTSA TO CONSIDER MINORITY AS WELL AS MAJORITY NEEDS IN DRAFTING SUCH REGULATIONS. AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO DRIVERS WHOSE COMFORT AND SAFETY HAS BEEN DIMINISHED BY YOUR DECISIONS. THANK YOU, MELISSA READING *TR
Structure, Jul 30, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 35 TO 45 MPH WITH BOTH REAR WINDOWS OPENED, THE AIR PRESSURE IS VERY STRONG AND UNBEARABLE ON THE CONTACT'S EARS. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY STATED THAT NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,300. UPDATED 09/13/08.*LJ UPDATED 09/17/08. *JB
Visibility, Jun 2, 2008
UNDER CERTAIN WEATHER CONDITIONS (WET SNOW, ICE & FREEZING TEMPS) THE DEFROST SYSTEM WILL NOT KEEP ICE FROM FORMING OVER ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER 10 TO 12 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT IS NECESSARY TO STOP AND SCRAPE ICE FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND WIPERS. IT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA TO STOP ON NARROW MOUNTAIN ROADS IN A BLIZZARD! *TR
Power train, May 28, 2008, crash, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STRUCK A DEER WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH. SHE PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE SOON BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE BEING RUPTURED. THE COOLANT DRIPPED ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CAUSED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. TOYOTA IS NOT ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS THE ONE WHO STRUCK THE DEER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Visibility, Jan 31, 2008
WINDOW FOGGING - 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED WITH CLIMATE CONTROL. WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW A CERTAIN DEGREES, THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES ALL THE WINDOWS TO FOG UP IMMEDIATELY WHEN DRIVING. THE FRONT WINDOW DEFROSTER CONTROL IS INSUFFICIENT TO CLEAR THE WINDOWS, INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD SINCE IT NO LONGER BLOWS "CONDITIONED" DRY AIR ONTO THE SURFACES. *TR