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: power train
28 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2023
My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.
Power train, May 13, 2020
WHEN THE VEHICLE TRAVELS ABOVE 25 MPH, A LOUD WHINING NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE REAR-CENTER OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE PROGRESSIVELY INCREASES IN VOLUME AS THE VEHICLE INCREASES ITS SPEED. ONCE THE VEHICLE TRAVELS FAST ENOUGH, OR ENOUGH POWER IS FED THROUGH, POWER OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE AFFECTED. *TR
Power train, May 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD ABNORMAL NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Power train, Dec 11, 2018
HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. HAD GROWLING NOISE IN REAR IN 2017. HAD REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER SUB ASSEMBLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT. NOW 20000 MILES LATER IN NOVEMBER 2018 HAVE GROWLING NOISE AGAIN AND LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SAYS COUPLER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT EXPIRED OCTOBER 2018. TOYOTA WON'T STAND BY NEW PART AND DEALER SAYS WOULD COST ABOUT $1900 INCLUDING LABOR.
Power train, Jun 4, 2018
GROWLING NOISE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHILE DRIVING. 4 MONTHS PAST ENHANCED WARRANTY PERIOD. RECALL IS NEEDED. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR.
Power train, Apr 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED BEFORE AND DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTONATION TOYOTA WINTER PARK (225 N SEMORAN BLVD, WINTER PARK, FL 32792) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Power train, Dec 14, 2017
MY VEHICLE IS LISTED AS 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHEN DRIVING IN SNOWY CONDITIONS THE CAR WILL KICK OUT OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE IF I REACH 25 MILES AN HOUR. WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY SNOW AND THE CAR WAS CONSTANTLY KICKING OUT AS MY TIRES WERE SLIPPING WHICH WERE NEW TIRES. I WAS THEN DRIVING IN LIGHT SNOW AND HAD TURNED ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AS SOON AS GOT CLOSE TO 25 MPH IT KICKED OUT AGAIN.
Power train, Jul 27, 2017
AT 30-40 MPH THERE IS A NOISE WHICH WHEN TEST DRIVEN BY ME WITH A TOYOTA DEALER DESCRIBED IT AS A SHUTTERING NOISE. I AM SCHEDULED TO BRING MY RV4 FOR ANALYSIS TOMORROW 7/28/17.
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.
Power train, Jun 1, 2015
ON MAY 20, 2015 MY 2009 RAV 4 DEVELOPED A WHINING NOISE IN REAR AREA THAT GOT LOUDER THE FASTER I WENT. VEHICLE HAS 78,385 MILES ON IT AND IS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE VISCOUS COUPLER ASSEMBLY THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,806.75. I MENTIONED THE SERVICE BULLETIN PUT OUT IN 2013 AND THE MULTIPLE POSTS ON THE RAV 4 FORUM ONLINE BUT THEY STILL REFUSE TO COVER THE REPAIR.
Power train, May 6, 2015
(NO ACCIDENT) A WHINE STARTED IN THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT GOT PROGRESSIVELY MORE PROMINENT OVER THE COURSE OF A WEEK. MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING HUB ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA PARTS MANAGER -- AND MUCH INTERNET 'CHATTER' I LATER DISCOVERED -- THIS IS A WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM (THEY CAN'T KEEP THE PART IN STOCK) AND THERE HAS BEEN A TSB (0080-13/ SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT WAB 2190) ISSUED, YET TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER, OR EVEN PARTIALLY COVER, THIS KNOWN DEFECT. IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR, AND WHILE A 2009 ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE, IT'S FAR TOO NEW TO HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
Power train, Apr 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN UPDATED 9/15/2015*JS
Power train, Mar 2, 2015
DIFFERENTIAL GEAR BOX STARTED TO SLOWLY LEAK FLUID JUST OVER 100,000 MILES AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ASSY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Jan 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD UNKNOWN NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VISCOUS COUPLING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
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
Power train, Sep 4, 2014
I PURCHASED A USED 2009 RAV4 WITH ABOUT 78,000 MILES. IT WAS A ONE OWNER WITH A CLEAN CAR FAX. IT WAS GREAT DURING THE TEST DRIVE. ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED IT, IT STARTED TO MAKE A RATTLE/RUMBLE/VIBRATION AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH AND 1500 - 1800RPM. IT SEEMS LIKE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION AREA. THE NOISE PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. IT TYPICALLY HAPPENED WHEN ON AN INCLINE. I TOOK IT INTO A DEALER AND THEY FLASHED THE ECU SINCE THERE WERE MULTIPLE TSBS OUT WITH THIS PROBLEM RELATED THE ECU. THIS HELPED WITH THE PROBLEM FOR A WEEK. THEN THE RUMBLE CAME BACK WITH A VENGEANCE. THE DEALER WORKED ON DIAGNOSING FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE TOYOTA ENGINEERS ON THE TECHNICAL SERVICE LINE HAD THE DEALER'S TECHNICIAN TAKING HEAT SHIELDS, PLASTIC COVERS OFF, ETC THINKING SOMETHING WAS JUST HITTING RESONATE FREQUENCY AND VIBRATING LOUDLY. NOTHING HELPED. EVENTUALLY THE TECHNICIAN USED LISTENING EARS AND ISOLATED THE NOISE TO THE TRANSFER CASE. THE OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS WAS COMPONENTS IN THE TRANSFER CASE WERE FAILING. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THINKING TOYOTA STILL WERE HIGH QUALITY. I'VE DISCOVERED RAV4S ARE BASICALLY TIN CANS ON WHEELS. IT MAKES AN AMAZING AMOUNT OF CREAKS AND RATTLES. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ON THE PHONE I WAS BASICALLY INFORMED TOYOTAS ARE NOW DESIGNED TO GO THE 60,000 MILES (THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY). AFTER THAT IT'S ANYONE'S GUESS HOW LONG THE MECHANICAL COMPONENTS WILL LAST. *TR
Power train, Oct 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING A DOWNWARD TURN, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000. ..UPDATED 12-30-13 *BF
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
Power train, Sep 5, 2012
WHILE BRAKING (AT ABOUT 5 MPH) TO MAKE A TURN INTO OUR CARPORT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITH A RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK (TRIED TO SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL, BUT ENDED UP IN PARK). CAR RETURNED TO IDLE. IMMEDIATELY CHECK THE FLOOR MAT TO FIND IT WAS NOT A FACTOR. CALLED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN THE AREA AND MADE APPOINTMENT FOR FOLLOWING WORK DAY. AFTER 1-1/2 WEEKS AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SAID NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG WITH IT. HE NOTED THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE AFTER MARKET FLOOR MATS AND NOT RECOMMENDED. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS CHECKED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CAR RETURNED TO IDLE AND WAS NOT A FACTOR. HE ASSURED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS CHECKED AND NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Dec 15, 2010, crash
MY WIFE WAS PARKING HER 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. AFTER BACKING UP INTO A SPACE SHE PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT TOOK OFF, CRASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. MY WIFE WAS PETRIFIED BEING MY DAUGHTER ,WHO IS SIX MONTHS PREGNANT WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT. THE OWNER OF THE OTHER CAR WAS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELL BEING OF MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER THEN THE DAMAGE TO HIS CAR. TO BAD TOYOTA DIDN'T FEEL THE SAME. CALLED TOYOTA FINANCIAL AND REPORTED THE INCIDENT. ASKED TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER AND DID NOT WANT CAR ANYMORE BEING MY WIFE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT , BEING IT WAS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THATS WHEN THE FUN STARTED. TALKING TO A RUDE REP. I WAS INFORMED THAT WHETHER I WANTED THE CAR OR NOT I WAS LIABLE FOR THE PAYMENTS IF THE DEALER HAD IT OR NOT. I THEN ASKED HIM IF HE GAVE THE SAME RESPONSE TO THE FAMILY'S OF THE 34 PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED WITH THIS ACCELERATOR PROBLEM OR THE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED. HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT IF I DID NOT MAKE THE PAYMENTS THEY WOULD SCREW MY CREDIT RATINGS FOR THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS. HUNG UP. CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER PROTECTION CENTRER. MORE FUN. WAS TOLD I WOULD HERE FROM A CASE MGR. THE NEXT DAY. WOULD HAVE CAR TOWED TO DEALER AND WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A LOANER CAR WHILE SAID CAR WAS BEING INSPECTED. 3 DAYS LATER AND 5 PHONE CALLS I WAS ABLE TO GET CASE MGR. NO LOANER CAR WOULD BE PROVIDED, 7 TO 10 DAY BEFORE SOMEONE WOULD CALL TO MAKE AN APPT. TO LOOK AT CAR, AND APPROX. 30 DAYS TO GET RESPONSE. THE TOYOTA HAS BEEN IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR TWO WEEKS PLENTY OF CALLS WHICH ARE ALL DOCUMENTED AND SOME ONE WILL CALL YOU SOON. MADE PAYMENT IN GOOD FAITH. TODAY IS DEC 15., TEN DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS. I CAN SEE THE HOLIDAY EXCUSES COMING. MAYBE I MGHT SEE SOME ONE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, BUT REMEMBER THEY WANT THEIR MONEY. *TR
Power train, Dec 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN MAKING AN ABNORMAL CLANKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS PERFORMED A DIAGNOSIS BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,900. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN UPDATED 06/20/11
Power train, Nov 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE FROM PARK AND WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 23,789.
Power train, Mar 17, 2010
TOYOTA RAV 4 DESIGN DEFECT COMPLAINT: 1. FRONT PASSENGER MAY ACCIDENTALLY SHIFT THE GEAR STICK CAUSES IT TO MOVE TO NEUTRAL POSITION, SUCH RESULT IN THE CAR LOSE OF POWER. IF A PASSENGER ACCIDENTALLY PUSH THE STICK AND CAUSE IT TO REVERSE POSITION, THE CAR GET GO OUT OF CONTROL AND SPIN INTO ACCIDENT. 2. THE ACCIDENTALLY SHIFTING HAPPENED ONCE FOR ME IN THE FIRST 3 MONTH I OWN THE CAR. 3. EDUCATE PASSENGER NOT TO TOUCH THE GEAR STICK. *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2010
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 SEEMS TO SLIP. WHEN I PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKS 2 OR 3 TIMES BEFORE IT TAKES OFF. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME, BUT IT HAPPENS AT LEAST 3 TIMES A DAY. *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2010
ENGINE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE ON 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4 WHILE STOPPED AT STOPLIGHT BEHIND OTHER VEHICLES. DRIVER, STANDING ON BRAKES, QUICKLY PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN PARK AND ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE SPEED. *TR