2009 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 327 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 52 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
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
Visibility/wiperSep 18, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 15V577000 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
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
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V014000 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
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
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V017000 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: engine
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine at startup. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil caused by a gasket failure inside a piston in the engine. Due to the failure, the contact was frequently adding oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and an estimate was provided for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Engine, Oct 24, 2025
Engine timeing system rattle on startup. Even basic web research shows this is a common problem for select model years and acorss mulitple models. This issue has a high probility of causing catastrophic engine damage, where the timeing chain & VVT system fails to keep timing causing the valves to colide with the pistons. There is a TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE risk with each and every engine start. The fix on the 3.5L requires the engine to be removed, VVT and timing chain tensioner to be replaced. This is a $4000 to $5000 dollar repair. This is a clear manufacuting wide spread defect and should be repaired by toyota via recall!
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2023
Four incidents of unintended acceleration , in all instances foot was on break petal NOT on gas petal, 3 instances vehicle was stopped at traffic light, last incident was pulling into a parking space foot on brake, in all instances braked hard and shifted vehicle into neutral and turned vehicle off to avoid collisions, personal injury and property damage
Engine, Mar 19, 2023
Engine rattle on cold start ups.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 15, 2021
WHILE DECELERATING ON A FREEWAY OFF-RAMP AT APPROX. 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE CAR. GOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH, I LIFTED OFF SLIGHTLY THEN DEPRESSED THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR; THEY DIDN'T ENGAGE PROPERLY BUT FINALLY SLOWED THE CAR ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR KEPT WANTING TO GO FORWARD. I THREW THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION.
Engine, Oct 14, 2020
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON OCTOBER 12, 2020 BECAUSE THE OIL LIGHT WAS FLICKERING THOUGH I AM NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE UNTIL JANUARY. I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. UPON RESEARCHING ONLINE LEARNED THAT THIS IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE PISTON RINGS AND IN 2011, TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. AT THIS POINT, THEY ARE REFUSING TO CORRECT THE ERROR WITH THE DESIGN OF THE PISTONS.
Engine, Aug 20, 2020
ALL LIGHTS COME ON CHECK ENGINE,4WD,TRAC , COME AND GOES, GOING 6 TIMES ALREADY TO DEALER LAST 2 WEEKS.. RAV4 WITH LOW MILES .. TOYOTA VERY DISSATISFIED
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2020
AUTO BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL AND COOLANT BOX STAYS FULL TO TOP CAR IS STATIONARY
Engine, Aug 2, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP LEAKED FLUID WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF ORANGE (1400 N TUSTIN ST, ORANGE, CA 92867, 714-639-6750) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2018
JUST OVER 100,000 MILES ON THE 2009 RAV 4. WITHOUT ISSUE. NOT ORIGINAL OWNER. THIS WEEKEND IT TRIED 3 TIMES TO ACCELERATE US INTO THE VEHICLES OR PEOPLE IN FRONT OF IS. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I VERIFIED THAT OUR FLOORMATS ARE BOTH SECURED AND DO NOT EXTEND TO THE AREA OF THE PEDAL. INCIDENT 1. WHILE SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP AT RED LIGHT, HEARD AND FELT ENGINE START TO REV. CAR LURCHED FORWARD, AND I APPLIED LEFT FOOT IN ADDITION TO THE RIGHT WHICH WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE IN ATTEMPT TO STOP IT. HAD TO HIT SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL TO REGAIN CONTROL ONLY A FOOT OR 2 FROM THE CAR IN FRONT. MISTAKENLY THOUGHT IT WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. INCIDENT 2 TODAY-- WHILE SLOWING TO A RED LIGHT BY APPLICATION OF BRAKES WITH RIGHT FOOT, ENGINE REVVED UP TO APPROX. 3000 RPM AND TRIED ACCELERATING US INTO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF US. AGAIN- ONLY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL BROUGHT VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL.. INCIDENT 3 - APPROX 20 MIN AFTER INCIDENT 2 ON WAY HOME ( SUNDAY AFTERNOON)WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP AT RED LIGHT. NO VEHICLES IN FRONT BY PEOPLE ENTERING THE CROSSWALK. HEARD AND FELT ENGINE START TO ACCELERATE. IMMEDIATE ADDITION OF RIGHT FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND THE ACCELERATION STOPPED WITHOUT SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL THIS TIME. VEHICLE IS PARKED AWAITING REPLY FROM TOYOTA. CHECKED TOYOTA WEBSITE AND IT SAYS THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS OR SERVICE CAMPAIGNS FOR THIS VIN.
Engine, Jul 24, 2017
ENGINE HAS 164,000 MILES AND IS BURNING 1 QT. OF OIL PER 1000 MILES.
Engine, Jun 8, 2017
COLD START METALLIC RATTLE DUE TO FAULTY VVTI ACTUATOR(TSB-004-13 -A). BETWEEN $900 AND $1700 TO FIX AND IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE OWNER. ISSUE IS OCCURRING WITH MANY TOYOTA MODELS AND CAN BE TRACED BACK TO POOR QUALITY OF ENGINE COMPONENTS.
Engine, Feb 22, 2017
LOUD IDLE COMING FROM PASSENGER SIDE OF ENGINE. OCCURS AT START UP AND AT OPERATING TEMPERATURES. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILING WATER PUMP; WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. SEEMS PREMATURE FOR WATER PUMP TO BE FAILING GIVEN THE MILEAGE.
Engine, Sep 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING PINION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED THREE OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,300.
Power train, Engine, Aug 13, 2016
WHEN CAR IS AT 1500 RPM AT 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION VIBRATES AND THRUSTS. NOISE GOES AWAY IF ABOVE 2000 RPM OR ABOVE 40 MPH. IT'S TOYOTA OF MANCHESTER NH HAS BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE. WAITING TO SEE IF TOYOTA WILL DO ANYTHING.
Engine, Sep 18, 2015
WHENEVER WE ARE TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH AND 1500 RPM, THERE IS A RATTLE NOISE. THE VIBRATION HOLDS FOR AS LONG AS 1-2 SECONDS. AS SOON AS THE VIBRATION STARTS, YOU CAN LET OFF THE GAS OR STEP ON THE GAS TO CHANGE THE RPMS AND IT INSTANTLY STOPS. THE CAR HAS BEEN MAKING THIS SOUND SINCE SHORTLY AFTER WE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. NOW WE'RE BEING TOLD THAT IT'S A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS THE ROUTE IF THE PROBLEM. AT 1500 RPM AND 38-40 MPH THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE TRANSFER CASE IS VIBRATING, CAUSING THE HEAT SHIELD TO RATTLE BECAUSE OF THE TRANSFER OF VIBRATIONS. IT JUST SEEMS LIKE WE'VE HAD A FAULTY TRANSMISSION ALL ALONG.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 1, 2015, fire
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH THE ENGINE LOST POWER. MOVING TO THE RIGHT LANE TO PULL OVER, FLAMES BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE HOOD, HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. SHE TRIED STOPPING BUT BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, REQUIRING HER TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND SLIDE ON GRASS. SHE JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN 8 MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Jan 31, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING AND THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY WENT OFF, EXPLODING IN MY FACE. THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE, DUST, AND DEBRIS. BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE (AIRBAG IN MY FACE AND SMOKE/DEBRIS IN THE VEHICLE), I CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Engine, Jan 27, 2015
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT ON OUR FRONT DRIVEWAY FACING THE GARAGE. WHERE IT ALWAYS PARKED EVERYDAY. THE WEATHER WAS WARM AND CLEAR MY WIFE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND WAS PREPARING TO BUCKLE UP AND DRIVE TO CHURCH, I ENTERED THE VEHICLE INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT AND BUCKLED UP. SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED THROUGH THE ROOF. I YELLED AT HER TO GET HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND SHE YELLED AT ME THAT SHE WAS NO WHERE NEAR IT. I THEN TOLD HER TO PULL THE FLOOR MAT / CARPET BACK AND IT WAS ALREADY BACK AND LOCKED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I TOLD HER TO TURN IT OFF. THE CAR IDLED DOWN TO STOP ONCE KEY WAS TURNED OFF. WE SAT THERE FOR A FEW MOMENTS, I TOLD HER TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ONCE AND TRY TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY WE LET IT WARM UP FOR A MOMENT AND DROVE AWAY. SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS GLAD I WAS IN THE CAR TO SEE THE EVENT BECAUSE IT HAD HAPPENED 3 OTHER TIMES IN THE LAST 45 DAYS. FORTUNATELY SHE WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN IT OCCURRED OR ON A BUSY ROADWAY OR SCHOOL ZONE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 8, 2014
THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN TRAFFIC WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE. I APPLIED THE BRAKE MORE FIRMLY AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UNCONTROLLABLY IN A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE. I SWITCHED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED THE MOTOR AND IT THEN RAN NORMALLY. *TR
Engine, Feb 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Engine, Jul 10, 2013
BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL AND OIL CHANGE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF OVER $700. UPON RESEARCH, THIS EARLY WATER PUMP FAILURE APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH RAV4'S, ALTHOUGH NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED YET. *TR
Engine, May 7, 2013
I NOTICED A STRANGE RATTLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE WHEN STARTING MY CAR 1ST THING IN THE MORNING AND WHEN STARTING IT AFTER IT HAS SAT FOR A FEW HOURS; I RESEARCHED ONLINE FOR OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND FOUND THAT TOYOTA HAS DISCOVERED AN ISSUE WITH THE CAM SHAFT ON SOME VEHICLES. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF A 2ND RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, THIS ONE FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION AFTER VISITING THE TOYOTA WEBSITE, BUT I FOUND NOTHING ABOUT A RECALL REGARDING THE CAM SHAFT. I HAD PLANNED ON BRINGING THE CAM SHAFT ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE TECH WHEN I TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION RECALL BUT AM UNSURE IF ANYTHING WILL BE DONE. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 2, 2013
WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT WITH RIGHT FOOT ON BRAKE, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO VERY HIGH RPM. SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND ENGINE REVVED EVEN HIGHER. TURNED OFF IGNITION. SIGNAL TURNED GREEN AND SINCE I WAS IN TRAFFIC, DECIDED TO TRY TO START ENGINE AGAIN. ENGINE STARTED AND PERFORMED NORMALLY. IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO TOYOTA DEALER WHO SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. WE ARE NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE! THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE HAD WE BEEN MOVING IN TRAFFIC! *TR
Power train, Engine, Jan 12, 2013
I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS I SLOWED DOWN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SURGE. SINCE MY FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE I WAS ABLE TO PUSH DOWN HARDER ON IT TO STOP IT FROM HITTING THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. WITHIN A SECOND OR TWO, AS THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO SURGE, I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK. WHEN I DID THIS THE ENGINE SURGED EVEN MORE. I THEN TURNED OFF THE ENGINE BY TURNING THE KEY WHICH DID SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN. I THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT RAN NORMALLY. I WAS SOMEWHAT SHAKEN UP BY THE INCIDENT. NOTE THAT THIS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FLOOR MATS OR HITTING THE WRONG PEDAL. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE WHOLE TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED-IF IT HADN'T BEEN I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR