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.
Engine, Jul 31, 2016
HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN 2 TIMES TO GET THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST DONE AND BOTH TIMES THE DEALER SAYS IT'S WITHIN TOYOTA'S GUIDELINES. THE THIRD TIME I CALLED TO HAVE IT DONE THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY SO I JUST CONTINUE TO ADD OIL EVERY 600 MILES. I TOOK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC THEY SAID THIS IS NOT NORMAL TO BURN THIS MUCH OIL AND IT'S NOT LEAKING OIL,THEY SAID THEY COULD PULL THE ENGINE APART TO TELL ME WHY IT'S LEAKING FOR $500.00, BUT I WISH TOYOTA WOULD FIX THE ISSUE KNOWING THERE IS ONE, AND THEY HAVE AN ENHANCEMENT WARRANTY FOR THE PROBLEM GOOD UNTIL 10/2016, HOWEVER, THEY SAY I'M NOT WITHIN TOYOTA GUIDELINES, THE FIRST TIME I EVEN NOTICED THIS ISSUE WAS AFTER I HAD CAR SERVICED AT THE DEALER PRIOR TO A TRIP I WAS MAKING, MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON MY STICK HAD BURNT OIL ON IT AS IT WAS BONE DRY. I ADDED THINKING THE DEALER JUST DIDN'T DO A GOOD JOB, WELL COME TO FIND OUT, I HAVE BEEN CHECKING AND ADDING EVER SINCE. IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES LESS THAN 3,000 MILES OIL LIGHT HAS COME ON AND COMPLETELY DRY NO OIL REGISTERING ON THE DIP STICK.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE IN PARK, THE POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Suspension, Jul 5, 2016
A ROD IN THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME IT WAS PART REPLACED IN A SAFETY RECALL, AND THAT THE LEFT SIDE PART WAS NEAR FAILURE AS WELL. THIS RECALL OCCURRED IN 20124 AND IS LABELED CSJ. MY MECHANIC RECOMMENDED I CONTACT TOYOTA. TOYOTA TOLD ME THERE WAS NO FURTHER ACTION ON THIS RECALL AND THE RECALL REPLACEMENT WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEY HAD NO INTEREST IN THE SAFETY ASPECT; THEY DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED THAT PARTS ON BOTH SIDES HAD WERE FAILING AND THAT THIS MIGHT BE A SAFETY HAZARD FOR OTHERS.
Air bags, Jun 15, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR LONGER THAN TWO MONTHS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE SECOND NOTICE WOULD BE SENT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/28/16*LJ
Seat belts, Jun 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NOTIFICATION 16V096000, COMPONENT SEAT BELTS. THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Seat belts, Jun 7, 2016
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR BACK ROW SEAT BELTS. *SMD
Visibility/wiper, Jun 3, 2016
I HAVE A TOYOTA RAV4 THAT CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR SUDDENLY DROPPING OUT OF THE CEILING MOUNT. OF COURSE THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM DRIVING AND BECOMES A HUGE DISTRACTION WHILE TRYING TO GET IT BACK IN PLACE. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHER RAV4 OWNERS AND NEARLY EVERYONE HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE . IT SEAMS THAT THE VISOR STUB ARM THAT GOES INTO THE CEILING MOUNT WEARS OUR WHATEVER IS HOLDING IT INTO THE SOCKET . THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS AND DOES SEEM TO BE MORE OFTEN IN THE SUMMER TIME
Structure, May 30, 2016
DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT ABOUT THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH, PART OF THE PLASTIC WHEEL WELL COVER ON THE UNDERSIDE CAME LOOSE AND CAUGHT BETWEEN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE/WHEEL AND THE CAR BODY, AT FIRST SOUNDING LIKE WE MIGHT HAVE A FLAT TIRE. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE PLASTIC COVER WAS WEDGED BETWEEN THE TIRE AND THE CAR BODY. I HAD TO UNSCREW THREE SCREWS TO REMOVE THIS PIECE. IT EXPOSED SOME OF THE CAR BODY AND WHAT MIGHT BE OPENINGS INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WE TURNED AROUND TO HEAD HOME. AS WE PROCEEDED, DRIVING MORE SLOWLY BACK THE WAY WE CAME ON THE INTERSTATE, WE COULD HEAR SOME SCRAPING NOISE AROUND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, ANOTHER LARGE PLASTIC UNDERSIDE WHEEL WELL, (AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT?) COVERING FELL OUT BESIDE THE SIDEWALK AND STREET. UPON PARKING IN MY GARAGE, I COULD SEE THE UNDERSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL EXPOSED LIKE THE OTHER WHEEL AREA AND WHAT MIGHT BE UP INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SEVERAL PLASTIC PINS USED TO HOLD IT IN PLACE HAD FALLEN OFF BY THE SIDEWALK. FOR THIS SET OF PLASTIC PIECES TO COME LOOSE, CREATING A HAZARD, WAS VERY CONCERNING. PIECES POSSIBLY COULD HAVE FLOWN AWAY ON THE HIGHWAY, HARMING OTHER CARS OR DRIVERS. WE WERE GRATEFUL WE WERE NOT HURT AND DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. THIS APPEARED TO HAPPEN ON ITS OWN, WHICH REVEALS POTENTIALLY SHODDY MATERIALS AND ANCHOR MECHANISMS FOR THIS SET OF UNDERSIDE PIECES. THIS WAS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I WONDER IF OTHER RAV4 OWNERS HAVE HAD THESE PIECES COME LOOSE OR FALL OFF.
Air bags, May 30, 2016
TAKATA RECALL
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2016
ON SATURDAY MAY 21 2016 AT 11:00AM I WAS PARALLEL PARKING. I BACKED UP IN THE SPACE. I THEN PULLED UP A BIT AND STOPPED, EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. I THEN PUT IT IN REVERSE ONCE MORE TO CENTER THE VEHICLE. THAT'S WHEN THE ENGINE REVED UP. I LOOKED AT THE SHIFTER (IN REVERSE) AND MY FOOT(ON THE BREAK PEDAL). THE ENGINE REVED UP SO HARD THAT THE VEHICLE JOLTED TWICE! I THOUGHT I HAD HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. I WAS PUSHING ON THE BREAK REALLY HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL / FLOOR MAT ISSUE. THE ENGINE REVED UP PREVIOUSLY ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO IN MY DRIVEWAY BUT I WASN'T TOO CONCERNED ABOUT IT. NOW THIS HAPPENED A 2ND TIME AND MORE VIOLENTLY, I AM VERY CONCERNED.
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2016
THE PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE. GOING UPHILL ON A HIGHWAY AT AROUND FIFTY MPH WITH SPEED CONTROL ON. VEHICLE SPEED HAS DROPPED ABOUT 2 MPH BELOW THE SET POINT. I TAP THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER ONCE TO REDUCE THE SET POINT BY ABOUT 1 MPH. THE SPEED CONTROL INSTANTLY OPENS THE THROTTLE WIDE AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO A LOWER GEAR. THE RESULT IS AN ABRUPT INCREASE IN SPEED RATHER THAN THAN THE INTENDED DECREASE. IF, UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES, I PULL THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER TO TURN OFF THE CONTROL THE SAME THING HAPPENS BUT IS QUICKLY TERMINATED WHEN THE CONTROL DISCONNECTS, WITHOUT MUCH INCREASE IN SPEED.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2016
MY 2008 RAV4 WITH 69,548 MILES WAS IN MOTION (APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH) WHEN MY DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR BECAME DETACHED FROM THE HEADLINER. THE VISOR FELL ON MY LAP CAUSING ME TO BECOME VERY STARTLED. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL. I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0068-10 ISSUED FOR THIS DEFECT BUT NO RECALL. THE DEALER CHARGED ME $127.52 TO REPLACE THE VISOR AND THE BRACKET.
Seat belts, May 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Engine, May 4, 2016
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION.
Seat belts, Apr 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC TIME FRAME THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT ONLY HAD AN OPTION TO PLACE A CHILD IN THE MIDDLE SEAT DUE TO THE REPAIRS NEEDED FOR THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Engine, Apr 24, 2016
MY OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON LESS THAN 1600 MILES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. I HAVE HAD THE "OIL CONSUMPTION" TEST THREE TIMES. EACH TIME, I HAVE BEEN TOLD MY CAR HAS "PASSED" THE TEST BECAUSE IT IS "NORMAL" FOR A CAR TO BE A QUART LOW ON OIL AFTER 1000 MILES.
Engine, Apr 13, 2016
MY VEHICLE WAS CHECKED FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN NOVEMBER 2015. THE DEALERSHIP STSTED MY VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE AN OIL PROBLEM. I AM STILL ADDING OIL TO MY VEHICLE LESS THAN 1,000 MILES.
Engine, Mar 24, 2016
MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY CONSUMING 4 QUARTS APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,000 MILES. THE TOYOTA DISTRICT PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER DECLINED MY REQUEST FOR A LOANER VEHICLE, HOWEVER, TOYOTA HAS APPROVED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR ANY EXTRA OIL PURCHASED. THEY DO NOT HAVE AN ESTIMATED TIME OF DELIVERY FOR YOUR PART AT THIS TIME AS IT IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER WITH TOYOTA.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 23, 2016
THIS WAS MY PROBLEM ONE YEAR AGO AND LISTED ON THIS PAGE UNDER THE DATE 3/6/2015 ABS LIGHT, VSC LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING ALL SYSTEMS TO BE INOPERATIVE. AFTER TAKING CAR TO LOCAL DEALER PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE BAD LEFT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, HARNESS FOR SENSOR AND WHEEL HUB THAT HAD CORROSION ON IT POSSIBLY FROM LIVING IN AN AREA THAT DEICES ROADS WITH SALT. IN MY RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THROUGH SEVERAL TOYOTA BLOGS THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AROUND THE COUNTRY. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT AND THE ASSOCIATED COST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS EXPENSIVE. IF AN OWNER FAILS TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE OUTCOME COULD BECOME CATASTROPHIC IN INCLIMATE WEATHER. EXACTLY ONE YEAR LATER THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL HUB ASSY. AND WIRING HARNESS WENT OUT. THIS TIME I CHANGED IT ALL MYSELF SAVING ALMOST $600 FROM HAVING IT DONE AT TOYOTA DEALER. THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE. WHILE WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO COME IN THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY WIFE DURING A RAINSTORM. ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HER AND SHE HAD TO BRAKE HARD. DUE TO THE ABS BEING INOP. IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE. I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE BUT I'M ALMOST POSITIVE IT HAS HAPPENED TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT'S A TERRIBLE DESIGN AND LIKE I SAID SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED DUE TO THE LACK OF CONCERN.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2016
SUDDEN ACCELERATION. CAR WAS STOPPED IN PARK AND SHIFTED TO DRIVE. TRANSMISSION MADE A LARGE CLUNK SOUND AS IT WENT INTO DRIVE AND THEN ACCELERATED TO WHAT SOUND LIKE FULL THROTTLE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE MUCH BUT WAS BUCKING AGAINST THE BRAKE. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. I THEN PUT IT INTO PARK. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDER THE DASH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOOKED LIKE IT WAS IN A NORMAL POSITION AND THE FLOOR MATS WERE SEVERAL INCHES FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS TOOK PLACE AT THE BEMIDJI HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I THEN RE-STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME WITH NO INCIDENT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND NO INJURIES.
Air bags, Seat belts, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 15, 2016
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE EMERGENCY BREAK CABLE ON 1/13/16. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING REMOVED FROM THE REPAIR STALL THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A FLAT FLOOR AT THE TIME OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON1/27/16, THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS OPERATING PROPERLY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. A SAFETY RECALL BOE-CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG SENSOR WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE ON 1/19/12 ACCORDING TO THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA AFTER THERE INSPECTION. I REALIZE THAT TOYOTA ONLY READ THE EVENT RECORDER. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS WOULD INADVERTENTLY BLINK AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES BUT NEVER WHEN THERE WAS A CHANCE TO GET A DIAGNOSIS FROM A COMPUTER READING AT A SERVICE FACILITY.
Engine, Mar 2, 2016
CAR STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISE, COMING FROM THE ENGINE, WHEN DRIVING. THE NOISE OCCURS AT ANY SPEED ONCE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I BROUGHT IT INTO AN AUTO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP AND BEARING. THE CAR ONLY HAS 47,093 MILES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 22, 2016
PRIOR TO 2015, 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE COMPANIES ON 2 SEPARATE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAD NO OIL. IN 2015,RECEIVED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM RELATED TO EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION FROM TOYOTA. SINCE BEING TOLD ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THAT THE CAR HAD NO OIL DURING OIL CHANGE SERVICE, I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO SCHEDULE FOR THE CONSUMPTION TEST. BROUGHT THE CAR ON 7/7/15 THEN RETURNED ON 9/2/15 BETWEEN 1100-1300 MILES AS INSTRUCTED AND WAS TOLD IT PASSED. HOWEVER, ON 1/20/16 BROUGHT CAR TO ANOTHER SERVICE COMPANY FOR SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE (FIRST OIL CHANGE AFTER IT SUPPOSEDLY PASSED TEST) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO OIL MARKING ON DIP STICK. THEREFORE,WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT BACK TO TOYOTA. NO OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED BUT SERVICE COMPANY ADDED OIL (APPROX 3.5 QUARTS)PER MY REQUEST. SPOKE WITH A LADY MANAGER AT TOYOTA VIA PHONE TO REPORT THE FINDINGS AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT FOR RE-TEST. I BROUGHT CAR TO TOYOTA ON 1/29/16 AS SCHEDULED AND WAS TOLD BY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT A RE-TEST WILL NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE IT ALREADY PASSED THE TEST IN SEPT. 2015 DESPITE THE LATEST FINDING OF A DRY DIP STICK IN JAN. 2016. TOYOTA SUGGESTED TO CHANGE THE OIL AT MY EXPENSE AND TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A LEAK. I DECLINED IT BECAUSE I EXPECTED THE APPOINTMENT TO BE A RE-TEST FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AS INDICATED BY A TOYOTA MANAGER. I EVENTUALLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE ON 2/17/16 PERFORMED BY A NON-TOYOTA SERVICE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THE OIL DRAINED WAS 2.5 QUARTS WHICH IS 2 QUARTS BELOW FACTORY STANDARDS.
Suspension, Feb 10, 2016
I LOOKED AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS ALREADY FILED AND I HAVE THE SAME THING. MY MECHANIC AT A PRIVATE CAR SERVICE PLACE COULD NOT ALIGN MY TIRES BECAUSE THERE WAS A PERMANENT FIX PUT IN PLACE DURING A RECALL NOTICE THAT I RECEIVED BACK IN 2014. MY MECHANIC CALLED TOYOTA DEALER AND ASKED WHAT COULD BE DONE AND WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA COULD REPLACE THE ARMS FOR $1,500. MY MECHANIC SAID HE COULD DO A RETRO FIT FOR $100 WHICH IS WHAT I TOLD HIM TO DO. MY MECHANIC WAS REALLY DISGUSTED ABOUT THE WAY THIS WAS HANDLED. HE SAID I WAS REALLY LUCKY THAT THE WEAR ON MY TIRES HAD NOT CAUSED ME AN ACCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY THAT I HAPPENED TO NOTICE THAT THE INSIDE RIM OF MY TIRES WAS WORN ON ALL 4 TIRES AND WENT TO THE SERVICE DEALER.
Steering, Feb 1, 2016
I HEAR A " THUD NOISE " WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, ESPECIALLY WHEN GETTING IN AND OUT OF A PARKING SPACE.