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 4, 2018
I'M EXPERIENCING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PEDAL FROM A STATIONARY POSITION.
Engine, Jul 29, 2018
ENGINE IS USING EXCESSIVE OIL AT THE RATE OF .9 QUARTS PER 1200 MILES. DEALER SAID THIS IS NORMAL AND TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER ANY WORK UNDER WARRANTY.
Engine, Jul 15, 2018
BURNING MOTOR OIL
Suspension, Jun 24, 2018
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN I HEARD A LOUD POP THEN A THUMP LIKE SOMETHING FALLING ON THE BACK FLOOR AND HITTING THE SIDE OF THE CAR. THOUGHT, AT FIRST IT WAS THE ITEMS IN MY BACK CARGO SPACE RISING UP AND FALLING AS IF I HIT A SPEED BUMP TOO FAST. I WAS ONLY TURNING ONTO ANOTHER ROAD WHEN I HEARD THE LOUD NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A PLACE THAT GAVE FREE ESTIMATES AND THEY DISCOVERED THE DRIVERS SIDE SWAY BAR BOLT HAD BROKE OFF. THEY SAID IT WAS FROM RUSTING AND IT FINALLY GAVE. WAS RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES. NOT HAPPY AS I ALREADY PUT MUCH MONEY INTO THIS CAR AFTER I BOUGHT IT 3 YEARS AGO.
Engine, Jun 21, 2018
IT WAS RECOMMENDED BY MY TECHNICIAN THAT I HAVE AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BECAUSE I GO THROUGH A LOT OF OIL. I TOOK IT TO NALLEY TOYOTA OF ROSWELL GA ON 11/7/17 AND MY CAR "PASSED" THE TEST, HOWEVER MY CAR STILL CONSUMES OIL AT RATES NOT HEALTHY FOR THE CAR. I WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER; MARIETTA TOYOTA IN GEORGIA ON 6/21/18. THEY TESTED THE CAR, ADDED 2 QUARTS OF OIL AND SAID THAT I HAVE AN ISSUE, HOWEVER 10 YEARS HAS PASSED SINCE 6/6/06, THE FIRST USE OF THE CAR. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE MANIFESTED ITSELF IN THAT AMOUNT OF TIME BETWEEN DEALER VISITS. I BELIEVE THAT I WAS IMPROPERLY DIAGNOSED BY THE FIRST DEALER BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WANT TO HAVE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2018
OVER OIL CONSUMPTION
Steering, May 25, 2018
I AM HAVING A STEERLING NOISE ISSUE WHEN BACKING UP OR MOVING FORWARD THERE'S A LOUD CLUNK FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA THAT I CAN FEEL IN THE WHEEL. I FEEL IT IN THE WHEEL WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY OR UNEVEN SURFACES AS WELL AS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED AND IDLING WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LOCKS. THIS VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED MY AN ASE CERTIFIED MASTER MECHANIC WHO FOUND NO ISSUES WITH THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM BUT DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS AN INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAILURE.
Suspension, May 14, 2018
HAD THE FIX FOR THE 3RD RECALL OF THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS IN JUNE 2014. BOTH SUSPENSION ARMS NOW ENCASED IN EPOXY AND WARNING LABELS APPLIED. RESULT OF POORLY ENGINEERED FIX IS THE INABILITY TO MAINTAIN REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITHOUT FULL REPLACEMENT OF BOTH SUSPENSION ARMS ON EVERY ALIGNMENT. TOYOTA'S FIX HAS CREATED UNDUE BURDEN OF COST ON OWNER TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT OR FOREGO ALIGNMENT AND HAVE RAPID WEAR OF TIRES DUE TO MISALIGNMENT RESULTING IN ADDED EXPENSE OF NEEDING TO REPLACE TIRES MORE OFTEN IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN SAFE DRIVING. SEARCH OF THE INTERNET IS FINDING OTHER OWNERS HAVING SAME PROBLEM, I.E., BEARING THE COST FOR TOYOTA'S POOR INITIAL DESIGN AND POORLY THOUGHT OUT RECALL FIX.
Steering, Apr 25, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND THERE WAS ABNORMAL MOVEMENT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,600.
Engine, Apr 11, 2018
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION
Steering, Mar 29, 2018
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WORN OUT : MAKING CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING EITHER WAY ALSO WHEN REVERSING CAR TOYOTA TECHNICIAN FOUND THIS DEFECT/ISSUE
Power train, Mar 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT HEARD A REALLY LOUD GRINDING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DOWNEAST TOYOTA IN BREWER, MAINE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON JULY 6, 2017, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE THE NINE YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Engine, Mar 5, 2018
2008 TOYOTA RAV4 EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. AFTER REACHING 100,000 MILE ON MY VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO USE 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1,200-1,500 MILES. TOYOTA KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM (TSB TO DEALERS) BUT REFUSE TO OFFER ANY RESTITUTION TO CUSTOMERS IF THE VEHICLE HAS PASSED THE 60,000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. THIS IS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM AND TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE THESE REPAIRS FREE OF ANY CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER.
Steering, Feb 22, 2018
VERY BAD CLUNKING / POPPING SOUND WHEN I BACK UP AND TURN MY WHEELS. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOSTLY WHEN I FIRST DRIVE THE SUV IN THE MORNING. ONLY HAS 96,000 MILES ON IT.
Engine, Feb 18, 2018
IT HAS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND HAS FOR AT LEAST A YEAR THAT I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF. I HAVE TO ADD AT LEAST A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES OR LESS. I FEEL I HAVE TO CARRY OIL EVERYWHERE AND THAT I NEED TO CHECK THE DIP STICK FREQUENTLY. THE DEALER HAS CHARGED A FAIR AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THINGS THAT HAVE NOT FIXED IT YET AND NOW IS QUOTING ME $3800.00 FOR ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC/REPAIR. THEY NEVER ONCE MENTIONED TO ME THAT THERE IS A KNOWN CONSUMPTION PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE TYPE ON ANY OF MY OTHER EXPENSIVE VISITS TO THEM BACK WHEN MY MILEAGE WAS UNER 150,000 MILES. IT'S KNOW OVER 167,000 MILES AND SO IS NOT COVERED BY THEIR SO CALLED WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2018
TOYOTA RAV4 2008 LIMITED SUNROOF EXPLODED GOING 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE (NO OTHER FACTORS, SUCH AS WE WERE NOT UNDER/HAD NOT JUST GONE UNDER AN INTERSTATE OVERPASS). I WAS DRIVING - SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. HUSBAND IN PASSENGER SEAT AND SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD POP. GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER US. WE PULLED OVER, PATCHED IT THE BEST THAT WE COULD AND TOOK STATE ROADS HOME (3 HR INTERSTATE DRIVE VS 5 1/2 HOUR, 55 MPH BARELY DRIVE HOME. TOOK TWO REPLACEMENT SUNROOF KITS TO GET IT RIGHT. INSURANCE PAID IN FULL UNDER GLASS POLICY.
Engine, Feb 1, 2018
ECSESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION OVER LAST YEAR INCREASING OVER TIME NOW USING 5-6 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGE... TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGES OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT REPAIR'
Power train, Jan 24, 2018
I FOUND OUT TOO LATE ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN THE 2AZ-FE ENGINE. MY PROBLEM STARTED AFTER THE WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT. MY CAR BURNS A LOT OF OIL AND I HAVE TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE OR ADD OIL FREQUENTLY (EVERY FEW WEEKS OF ADDING OIL). I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THIS PROBLEM AND DIDN'T FIND OUT THAT THEY WERE FIXING THIS UNTIL I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THE PROBLEM. I SEE CLASS ACTION SUITS AND OTHERS THAT WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. I EVEN HAVE HAD MY CAR INTO TOYOTA FOR REPAIRS AND WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SO NOW I HAVE A CAR WITH ONLY 147,000 MILES THAT NEEDS FREQUENT OIL THAT TOYOTA WON'T STAND BEHIND. IF IT WAS JUST MY CAR I MIGHT NOT BOTHER REPORTING IT, BUT ITS NOT
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COULD NOT PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-331-4331 AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Jan 3, 2018
I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 RAV 4 AND I MADE A TURN & ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL LITERALLY BECAME FREE FLOATING. I CAN MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL 8 TO 12 INCHES UP AND DOWN WITH NO RESISTANCE. I CAN ALSO MOVE IT 6 TO 8 INCHES LEFT TO RIGHT WITH NO RESISTANCE. IT'S NOT GUIDED IN ANY WAY, YOU CAN MOVE IT AROUND IN A LARGE CIRCULAR MOTION. I WAS ABLE TO STILL STEER SOMEWHAT. THE COLUMN STILL SEEMS TO BE ATTACHED TO SOMETHING. WHEN YOU DO STEER, IT MAKES A HORRIBLE POPPING SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP SAID: A FRAME WELD DID GIVE OUT FOR THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY IS EVERYTHING BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE STEERING ASSEMBLY IS MOUNTED TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REINFORCEMENT BAR. THIS IS A LARGE BAR THAT RUNS THE LENGTH OF YOUR DASHBOARD. THIS BAR HAS A FEW WELDED MOUNTS ON IT THAT ALLOW YOU TO BOLT THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY INTO, IT IS THESE WELDS WHICH FAILED. THE AIR DUCT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FELL ONTO MY FEET/PEDALS WHILE I WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY IT DIDNT GET CAUGHT BEHIND MY PEDALS. I SOFT DRIVE APPROX 8000-9000 MILES A YEAR. I'VE HAD NO ACCIDENTS. TOYOTA IS CHARGING ME $2200 TO REPLACE THIS & WILL NOT COER THE COSTS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE & I DID RESERCH & THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES! CHECK IT OUT HERE: HTTP://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/99-4-3-MECHANICAL/115306-STEERING-ASSEMBLY-FRAME-WELD-BROKE.HTML
Suspension, Dec 10, 2017
AN "URGENT SAFETY RECALL" WAS ISSUED FOR MY CAR IN AUGUST 2016 FOR THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM WHICH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. MY DEALER IS STILL UNABLE TO GET THE PARTS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THERE IS A REMEDY BUT A SHORTAGE OF PARTS, AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BE PUT ON THE WAITING LIST. REALLY? I'VE ALREADY WAITED 18 MONTHS. I DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE EVERY DAY AND HEAR GRINDING NOISES COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY CAR.
Engine, Dec 8, 2017
I HAVE A TOYOTA RAV 4 (2008), WHICH I LOVE. IT HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL CAR. NO REAL PROBLEMS TO SPEAK OF. BUT AT AROUND 146,000 MILES I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE MY OIL LIGHT COME ON 1/4 OF THE WAY THROUGH MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. I ADDED OIL AND MADE A MENTAL NOTE TO BRING IT UP TO MY MECHANIC. ANOTHER 1/4 OF THE WAY THE OIL LIGHT COMES BACK ON. I HAD TO ADD MORE OIL. MY CAR HAS 149,000 MILES ON IT NOW. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN FOR MAINTENANCE EVERY 5,000 MILES SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW. IT IS NOW BURNING ABOUT 1 QUART EVERY 1200 MILES. THIS JUST HAPPENS TO BE THE AMOUNT THAT TOYOTA CALLS A PROBLEM AND EXCESSIVE, BUT MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS HOPING TO KEEP MY CAR FOR SEVERAL MORE YEARS. THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING, ESPECIALLY SINCE PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS SAID 'GET A TOYOTA, THEY LAST FOREVER'.
Air bags, Nov 27, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AVONDALE TOYOTA (10005 PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323, PHONE: (877) 554-6890) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2017
ABNORMAL ACCELERATION AT TIMES WHEN I'M IN THE FREEWAY OR SIDE STREET. AS IF PEDAL STICKS.
Suspension, Seat belts, Nov 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (RIVERTOWN TOYOTA, 1661-A WHITTLESEY RD, COLUMBUS, GA 31904, (706) 322-8891) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.