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: service brakes
31 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Nov 8, 2022
My car was being seviced today for rear brakes and the Toyota dealer needed to unseal previous safety recall in order to perform the service. I'm being charged to undo the recall to perform the service and then to reapply the recall. I do not understand how this cost is not the responsibility of the manufacturer, Toyota. If there is a recall issued for an auto, shouldn't the recall correction allow for future auto maintenance where the recall doesn't need to undone and then reapplied?
Service brakes, Dec 26, 2021, crash
My mother had the exact same issue reported in Toyota Manufacturer case 1707311582 and NHTSA report 11396355 from Feb 15, 2021. My mother had not reported to me, until it happened while I was driving her around Dec. 24, 2021, that her Rav. rev'd and accelerated when she applied the brake while leaving a parking spot. Here's what I've reported to my Toyota dealership where we bought the vehicle. Until last month (Nov. 21), the vehicle had an immaculate operation and maintenance record. To the repair shop "Twice in the past month, we've had brake failure, accelerator failure issues. The first time, my mother was pulling forward at less than 5 miles per hour in a parking lot. She pushed the brake pedal when pulling forward, but the car did not slow, the brakes did not engage, and instead, the RAV revved and accelerated forward. She crashed into the parked vehicle and incurred damages that already have been fixed by USAA at a service location in Richmond. The airbag did not deploy. Dec. 24, here in Churchland, I was driving with her. While coasting to a stop light at less than 10 miles per hour, I attempted to stop by pressing the brake. The car revved and accelerated to the light, I pressed both feet again, and the car continued to accelerate and I ended up running a red light and luckily we did not have an accident or cause the person behind us to rear end us. It was not until after my driving on Dec. 24 that my Mom told me she had an accident a month earlier and it was because she couldn't get the car to stop. She assumed it was her. The vehicle has almost 90k miles. Looking for recalls, because this is not normal for brakes to malfunction this way, I found a consumer article describing to my Mom's and my description to almost exact detail captured in Manufacturer case number provided above. That vehicle had approximately 77k miles. I will be contacting USAA to report the issue, this is clearly a safety issue."
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.
Service brakes, Aug 5, 2019
BRAKE PEDAL GOES VERY LOW TO THE FLOOR BEFORE ENGAGING. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HEARD LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT FOR THIS MODEL. IN OTHER SIMILAR CASES TOYOTA HAS TOLD CUSTOMERS IS NORMAL. SINCE THIS HAS STARTED THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN BLED WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. ALSO (PROBABLY A SEPARATE PROBLEM) BOTH THE BACK BRAKE CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF LEAKING, FIRST THE RIGHT REAR AND LATER THE LEFT REAR. BRAKES WERE AGAIN BLED EACH TIME, LEAK WAS GONE BUT STILL A VERY LOW PEDAL.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 1, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVVED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND LANDED INTO A NEARBY POOL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TAKEN TO THE C&C DODGE TOYOTA DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY WERE INSTRUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER NOT TO TEND TO THE VEHICLE INVOLVING UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1707311582. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Service brakes, Mar 3, 2017
BOTH REAR ROTORS CRACKED.65000 MILE
Service brakes, Jan 17, 2016
PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE BECAME INOPERATIVE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT BOTH BRAKE CABLES HAD CORRODED SUCH THAT THEY NO LONGER HAD FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AT THE CABLE END WHERE THEY ENTERED THE BACKING PLATES. WHEN I PURCHASED REPLACEMENT CABLES TOYOTA SERVICE TECHNICIAN COMMENTED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON RAV 4, TACOMA, AND OTHER (DON'T REMEMBER) TOYOTA VEHICLES. WHEN I PURCHASED & EXAMINED REPLACEMENT CABLES DURING REPAIR IT WAS APPARENT THAT NEW CABLE DESIGN WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT IN EXACTLY THE PLACE WHERE OLD CABLES HAD FAILED. THIS WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM DURING TIME PERIOD WHEN BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE AND CLEARLY A SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FLAW. IT WAS ~ $400 IN PARTS + MY LABOR TP REPLACE THE CABLES AS PART OF REPAIRING THE EMERGENCY/PARKING.
Suspension, Service brakes, Aug 7, 2015
IT APPEARS THAT A SOUND, SUSPENSION OF THE RAV 4 NEED SOME REPAIR.
Service brakes, Jul 21, 2015
THE ALLOY WHEELS OF MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 ARE RUSTED AND BUBBLING. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 10K MILES ON IT. I THINK THE RUSTING ON THE TIRES IS RUSTING THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. DESPITE HAVING LESS THAN 10K ON MY CAR, I'M TOLD THAT MY BRAKES AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I COULD NOT STOP BY 4 WHEEL DRIVE GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH ON AN INCLINE WITH LIGHT ICE WHEREAS OTHER CARS WERE ABLE TO STOP. THERE'S SOMETHING DEFECTIVE ABOUT TOYOTA'S MANUFACTURING OF THEIR WHEELS. LOTS OF PEOPLE ON VARIOUS FORUMS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE RUSTED WHEELS. I THINK ITS MAKING THE CARS LESS SAFE. PROBABLY CONTRIBUTING TO THE OTHER PROBLEMS THAT LED TO RECALLS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME LODGED TO THE FLOOR BOARD WHEN THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 11/20/14*LJ UPDATED 8/17/2015 *JS
Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 30, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES AT 45 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND SUSTAINED NUMEROUS SEVERE TO MODERATE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT END WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE WOULD BE DISPATCHED THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE REPRESENTATIVE STILL HAD NOT PERFORMED THE INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE REPAIRS HAD ALREADY BEGUN, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 10/28/2014*LJ UPDATED 7/14/2015*JS
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THREE TIMES WITH NO SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. ..UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF UPDATED 06/15/2012 *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2012
I HAVE HA THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THIS BRAKE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THIS IS NORMAL ,WHAT THE PROBLEM IS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SOFT AND WHEN BRAKING YOU FOOT CAN HIT THE GAS PEDAL THIS ALSO THE PEDAL WILL GO DOWN WHEN YOU ARE HOLDING AT A STOP,ALSO ITS NOT LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AS THE CAR WAS SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 10, 2011
STEERING STARTED CREATING OCCASIONAL MILD NOISE WHILE TURNING AT AROUND 49000. AT 53000 DURING MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT BURLINGTON TOYOTA, ONTARIO I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT ALONG WITH A METALLIC NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THEY MENTIONED NOT TO BE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND HENCE DID NOT MAKE ANY FIX. THEY REFUSED TO DEAL TO BRAKE NOISE AND MENTIONED THAT MY BRAKE PAD WILL LAST FOR MUCH LONGER TIME AND REASON MAY BE A LITTLE BIT OF RUST. THEY WILL HAVE TO CHARGE ME FOR ANY FURTHER DIAGNOSIS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. LATER I HAVE ESCALATED THIS TO TOYOTA CANADA, AS ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER FOUND THAT THE SHAFT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN IS CRACKED. TOYOTA CANADA CLAIMS THAT TO BE A WEAR AND TEAR AND REFUSED TO COVER THAT AS MY WARRANTY WAS OVER EVEN THOUGH I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. TODAY NOVEMBER 10TH, NEWSPAPERS PUBLISH THAT MORE THAN 500,000 RAV4 ARE RECALLED FOR STEERING. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY MENTIONED, THIS RECALL IS ONLY FOR 2006 RAV4 AND NOT FOR 2009. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT TOYOTA RAV4 2009 HAS THE SAME ISSUE. I COULD NOT FIND AN ONTARIO SITE. SO I COULD NOT ENTER MY PROVINCE AND ZIP CODE BELOW. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STARTED THE KEY-LESS IGNITION WITH THE BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOCATION WAS DESIGNED EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH RESULTED TO UNINTENDED APPLICATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 11/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. UPDATED 12/07/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Sep 24, 2011, crash
I WAS DRIVING UP MY DRIVEWAY, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND DID NOT STOP, BUT WAS FORCED FORWARD UNTIL I HIT MY HOUSE. I SEARCHED FOR THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT FIND THEM, BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STUCK TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS NO BRAKE LIGHT ON. BEFORE THAT THE ODOMETER WAS JUMPING BETWEEN NUMBERS (20,17, 54, ECT.). I HAD MY CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. I HAD 5 BOYS IN MY HOUSE AND HIT MY SON'S BEDROOM, SOMEONE COULD OF BEEN INJURED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 1, 2011
I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 66,500 MILES ON MY VEHICLE; HOWEVER, WHEN I STOP, THE BRAKES MAKE A WHUSHING SOUND AS IF THEY ARE FULL OF AIR. AS WELL, THE TRANSMISSION/MUFFLER IS MAKING A WHIRRING NOISE AS WELL. I HAVE KEPT UP TO DATE WITH EACH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR MAINTENANCE, THE BRAKES WERE MAKING THIS NOISE AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE TRYING TO AVOID WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS AN ANIMAL IN THE ROAD, BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE PAPER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD UNTIL CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,900. UPDATED 08/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER SUFFERED A SHOULDER INJURY TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/22/12
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATING THAT IN THE EVENT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD POSSIBLY ACCELERATE ABNORMALLY, THAT THE BRAKES SHOULD BE APPLIED WITH THE FORCE OF TWO FEET TO PREVENT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BECAUSE THE PEDAL WAS ENTIRELY TOO SMALL AND HE WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BOTH OF HIS FEET TO THE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE IF IT DID ACCELERATE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT COULD USE AN AFTERMARKET PEDAL TO INSTALL IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 15, 2011
2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES THE BRAKES WARE OUT EVERY 7000 TO 9000 MILES *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE BRAKES WEARING OUT PREMATURELY WAS DUE TO AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A SECOND OPINION AND WAS INFORMED IT WAS DUE TO POOR DESIGN WORK. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 6, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP . THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500. UPDATED 06/22/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR NUMEROUS TIMES, BEFORE REACHING THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONSUMER IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKES TO GO THE FLOOR WHEN STOPPING. THE CONSUMER STATED EVENTUALLY, THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE VEHICLE AND THERE HAS BEEN NO PROBLEMS SINCE. UPDATED 07/14/10.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 10, 2010
ON MY '09 TWO WHEEL DRIVE RAV4 I HAVE A RECURRING CYCLE OCCURRING APPROXIMATE EVERY 700 TO 1000 MILES. I HAVE TOO MUCH BRAKING. THE ABS SYSTEM FEELS AS IF IT GRADUALLY IS APPLIED TO A CERTAIN POINT. AT THAT POINT I HAVE THE WHEELS PULLED AND THE ABS INSPECTED ALONG WITH THE MANUAL EMERGENCY BRAKE. USUALLY, NOTHING IS FOUND. HOWEVER, WHEN THE WHEELS ARE REMOUNTED AND THE VEHICLE IS BACK ON THE GROUND, THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY. THE VEHICLE IS IN ALIGNMENT. WHILE THE PROBLEM EXISTS, ON COMING TRAFFIC PULLS AWAY FROM ME TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THEIR LANE. AND TRAFFIC GOING THE SAME DIRECTION AS I AM PULLS TO THE LEFT OF THEIR LANE. MY FAMILY HAS FOLLOWED ME AND TOLD ME THE VEHICLE TRACKS TO THE LEFT IN THE FRONT OR "DOGLEGS" DOWN THE ROAD. IT TAKES MORE GAS PEDAL TO MAINTAIN THE SAME SPEED WHEN THE CYCLE OCCURS. WHEN YOU LIFT YOUR FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL (WHICH I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH) THE VEHICLE SLOWS QUICKLY. THERE IS A RUBBING IN THE WHEELS WHILE THE CYCLE IS OCCURRING. THE DELIVERING TOYOTA DEALER WILL NOT CHECK OUT THE VEHICLE; THE SERVICE MANAGER INDICATING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE YET THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WARRANTY REPAIRS HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTED. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE GIVEN UP AS THE PROBLEM IS SIMPLY OVER THEIR HEADS. IF OTHER DRIVERS CONTINUE TO SEE THE VEHICLE IS NOT TRACKING STRAIGHT WHY CAN REPAIRS BE MADE BY TOYOTA? THE VEHICLE HAS APPX 12,6010 AND THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 4661 MILES. I NOW TAKE THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT TIRE & BRAKE CENTER DURING EACH CYCLE AND PAY MYSELF SINCE THE DEALER IS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN THE REPAIRS AND HAS INDICATED NEITHER IS THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2010
TO BEGIN, MY CAR HAS ALREADY HAD THE TOYOTA RECALL "FIX" AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN FINE. I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA RAV4 (2009) AND APPROACHING A FOUR WAY STOP. WHEN I WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES, THERE WAS A SLIGHT GRINDING NOISE. THE CAR SLOWED A BIT BUT DID NOT STOP AND KEPT ON MOVING THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. I ENDED UP GOING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION (LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING) AND COMING TO A STOP ALMOST 50 FEET PAST. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR HOME AND WE LATER TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (NO OTHER INCIDENTS THEN). THE DEALER INSPECTED THE BRAKES AND ACCELERATION BUT COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS BUT ENDED UP RETURNING IT TO US AND SAYING IT IS FINE, AS THEY COULD NOT FIND A SPECIFIC CAUSE TO THIS INCIDENT. I AM 8 MONTHS PREGNANT, AND CURRENTLY WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I CAN BE REASSURED THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 7, 2010
MY 2009 RAV4 HAS AN INEFFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS BRAKING SYSTEM. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE, AT TIMES, RUNS AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL SPEED WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. OFTEN I FEEL THAT I MUST MOVE THE TRANSMISSION LEVER INTO NEUTRAL TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE REVS AT ABOUT 1500 OR 2000RPM WHEN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. KEEPING THE SHIFT LEVER IN 'D' SOMETIMES CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVELY LONG STOPS. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AND I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. THIS PROBLEM STARTED SOON AFTER, WITHIN A WEEK, OF DELIVERY OF THE RAV4. THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW WITH 8 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENT TO CORRECT THE IDLE SPEED. I HOPED THAT THE IDLE ISSUE WOULD RESOLVE ITSELF IN TIME. IT HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE FROM THE FREQUENCY PROSPECTIVE. I AM A REALTOR AND NEED TO TAKE MY CLIENTS TO SEE HOMES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ANYONE WHO MAY IN THE VICINITY OF THIS DANGEROUS VEHICLE AND HAVE STOPPED USING IT FOR MY REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE ACCELERATOR "SHIM" REPAIR ON 2/26/10 WITHIN 15 MILES OF THE SERVICE "FIX" THE EXCESSIVE IDLE SPEED PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 2, 2010
I BOUGHT A 2009 RAV 4 WITH 12 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP WITH 1500 MILES BECAUSE OF GRINDING IN ROTORS, THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS RUST ON IT. I ASKED FOR PAPERWORK STATING THIS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT DO ANY. I THEN TOOK IT BACK WITH 3200 MILES ON IT AND THE SAME ANSWER TO RUST AND NO PAPERWORK AGAIN BECAUSE THEY GROUNDED IT OFF. IT NOW HAS 8000 MILES ON IT AND THE ROTORS ARE GRINDING SO BAD THAT METAL SHAVINGS ARE COMING OUT AND I AM AFRAID TO LET ME WIFE DRIVE IT. I CALLED PRESTON MOTORS THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT AT AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD PUT ME ON THE WAITING LIST BECAUSE THEY HAVE SO MANY RECALLS THEY ARE HANDLING NOW. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE A SEVERE WRECK TO GET THIS FIXED? *TR