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
327 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2010
2009 RAV4 TOYOTA WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30-35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED. THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY AND A LOUD SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE REVVING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED FIRMLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. AFTER TURNING THE CAR BACK ON THERE WERE NO FURTHER INCIDENCES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE. AN INSPECTION WAS DONE BY TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVES AND THE INSPECTION CAME BACK WITH NO UNUSUAL REPORT. THE VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED IN NEW CONDITION IS UNSAFE AND I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING. IT HAS BEEN PARKED SINCE JANUARY AND IS NO LONGER BEING USED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 10, 2010, crash
LETTER FROM SENATOR BURR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT CONCERNING ACCELERATOR STICK PROBLEMS WITH HIS MOTHER'S TOYOTA RAV4 *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS MOTHER OWNED THE 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Sep 5, 2010
SUDDEN ACCELERATION 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. PULLING OUT OF A HOTEL PARKING LOT TOWARDS STOP SIGN, VERY LOW SPEED, TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL AND PLACED ON BRAKE PEDAL. RPM'S INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. SLAMMED GEAR TO NEUTRAL, KEPT FOOT HARD ON BRAKE PEDAL, SHUT OFF ENGINE. SITUATION REPEATED ONCE FOLLOWING DAY IN SIMILAR SCENARIO. BOTH EVENTS DURING FIRST LONG ROAD TRIP IN CAR (OVER 500 MILES DRIVING BEFORE INCIDENT). SECOND INCIDENT - FOOT RELEASED GAS PEDAL BUT RESTING ON GAS PEDAL - COULD SENSE GAS PEDAL PULLED DOWN LIKE WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATING AFTER RESUME WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL. I NEVER USE CRUISE CONTROL. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2010
I AM HAVING A SPORADIC, CONTINUING STARTING PROBLEM WITH A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO APPEAR AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN, THEN PARKED. ON ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE CAR, THE ACCESSORIES (RADIO, LIGHTS, ETC.) COME ON BUT THE ENGINE DOES NOTHING. THERE IS NO SOUND FROM THE STARTER. REPEATING THE STARTING SEQUENCE HAS NO EFFECT. ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE "START/STOP" BY USING THE METHOD DESCRIBED IN THE USER'S MANUAL ALSO HAS NO EFFECT. IT APPEARS THAT SOMETHING HAS TO COOL DOWN BEFORE THE CAR WILL RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES IN THE YEAR I HAVE HAD THE CAR, AND ALWAYS AT UNEXPECTED TIMES. MY DEALER HAS HAD NO LUCK RECREATING THE PROBLEM, OR FINDING A SOLUTION FOR IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 6, 2010
WHEN I LIFT MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL OF MY RAV4 TOYOTA, THERE IS A NOISE AND GRINDING THAT OCCURS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE, AFTER 3 LEVELS OF SERVICE DEPT. LOOKING AT IT, THE DETERMINATION WAS THAT THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE RAV4. NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT IT IS, BUT THAT THE CAR IF SAFE AND TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. WHY THEN, IF IT IS CHARACTERISTIC OF A RAV4, DO THEY NOT HAVE AN ACTUAL EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING WHEN THE NOISE OCCURS, WHY DID IT TAKE 3 MONTHS AND A SPECIAL TECHNICIAN TO DETERMINE THIS, YOU WOULD THINK THAT WITH ALL THE RAV4S THEY HAVE SOLD, THAT THEY WOULD BE SEEING NUMEROUS CARS DOING THIS. MY CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND THIS LITTLE CHARACTERISTIC HAD NEVER BEEN DISCUSSED, WHERE HAS IT BEEN FOR THE 9 MONTHS PRIOR? WHAT HAPPENS TO MAKE IT APPEAR, AND WHY CAN'T THEY FIX IT, WHETHER THEY THINK ITS DANGEROUS OR NOT? THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT MY ONLY RECOURSE AT THIS TIME, AS IF I SHOULD BE MY PROBLEM AT ALL, IS TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND HAVE THEM DRIVE IT, ANOTHER DEALER WHO MORE THAN LIKELY, SINCE THEY TRAVEL FROM ONE TOYOTA DEALER TO THE NEXT, WILL GIVE ME THE SAME RESULT. I AM OUTRAGED THAT THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND DEALING WITH THIS. IT IS NOT OKAY TO SELL SOMEONE A BRAND NEW CAR, HAVE SOMETHING GO WRONG WITHIN A YEAR, AND HAVE A LEGAL DOCUMENT, WHICH THEY KEEP THROWING IN MY FACE, SAYING BECAUSE THEIR VERY OWN TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC, I SHOULD JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS NOISE AND VIBRATION. MY 7 YEAR OLD IS AFRAID TO GET IN THE CAR. HOW DARE THEY TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THAT? IT MAKE NOISE, IT VIBRATES, WE CAN'T GIVE YOU AN ACTUAL EXPLANATION, WE CAN'T FIX IT, SO JUST GO BACK, GET INTO YOUR BRAND NEW CAR, AND DEAL WITH IT. *TR
Seats, Aug 6, 2010, crash
NECK NOT PROTECTED DURING SIDE-IMPACT CRASH. INJURED DRIVER TRAVELING APPROX 5 MPH AND OTHER DRIVER RAN RED LIGHT AT APPROX 40 MPH. DRIVER SUFFERED FORM CERVICAL HERNIATIONS AND CERVICAL BULGES EVEN THOUGH SAFETY RATINGS WERE QUITE HIGH FOR YR/MAKE/MODEL OF VEHICLE. AIR-BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HEADREST IS TILTED VERY FAR OUT. *TR
Equipment, Aug 5, 2010
CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN SET10V01 LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY *TGW
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HE CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE IN FRONT WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 7,600.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2010, fire
10 MONTH OLD TOYOTA RAV-4 CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE SITTING IN PARKING GARAGE AND BURNED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2010
2009 RAV4 TOYOTA WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30-35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED. THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY AND A LOUD SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE REVVING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED FIRMLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. AFTER TURNING THE CAR BACK ON THERE WERE NO FURTHER INCIDENCES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE. AN INSPECTION WAS DONE BY TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVES AND THE INSPECTION CAME BACK WITH NO UNUSUAL REPORT. THE VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED IN NEW CONDITION IS UNSAFE AND I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING. IT HAS BEEN PARKED SINCE FEBRUARY AND IS NO LONGER BEING USED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED TO THE FLOOR. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK POSITION, AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE FRONT END DAMAGES WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS IN THE PROCESS OF APPRAISING AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 24, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS AT A FULL STOP WITH HER FOOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO IDLE AT EXTREME RPMS AND WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE THREE TIMES AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000. UPDATED 08/11/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/17/10*JB
Vehicle speed control, Jun 21, 2010, crash
2009 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS DISCONTENT REGARDING TREATMENT RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A. INC. RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE ACCELERATOR PEDAL PROBLEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL AFTER HE HAD AN ACCIDENT WHICH INVOLVED DAMAGES TO HIS VEHICLE AND BACK INJURIES. *JB
Visibility, Jun 14, 2010
FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM ON A 2009 TOYOTA RAV-4 DURING A STORM ON JANUARY 30, 2010. OWNER WAS DRIVING ON MARYLAND INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 695. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SYSTEM WAS TURNED ON TO CLEAR PRECIPITATION FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE BLADES WERE NOT FROZEN TO THE WINDSHIELD. SUDDENLY, THE RIGHT WIPER BLADE INVERTED (LIKE AN UMBRELLA TURNING INSIDE OUT), STRIKING THE LEFT WIPER BLADE, CAUSING THE WIPER BLADE SYSTEM TO FAIL AND DAMAGING THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 13, 2010
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR INCREASES IDLE TO 1500 -2000 AND THE BRAKES SOMETIMES BECOME "SQUISHY" AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL FEEL LIKE THERE IS NO PRESSURE. THE CAR WILL STOP, BUT THE IDLE WILL CONTINUE TO REV UP. I HAVE TO ENSURE I DO NOT RELEASE THE BRAKE UNTIL THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IS A VERY SAFE DISTANCE AWAY. THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS CONTINUOUSLY OCCURRED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW, IT NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 17000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE, PER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2010
WE NOTICED THAT WE STARTED OUR 2009 RAV4 IN THE MORNING AFTER SITTING ALL NIGHT, THERE WAS A RATTLING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THIS NOISE ONLY OCCURS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IT FROM (TOYOTA) AND AFTER THEY CHECKED IT, DETERMINED IT WAS A BAD CAM SHAFT. I ASKED IF THIS WAS NORMAL ON A 2009 RAV4 AND IF IT WAS A RECALL. THE LADY STATED "IT IS A TYPE OF RECALL, BUT NOT ALL CARS ARE AFFECTED, SO THEY DID NOT SEND OUT NOTICE TO ALL OWNERS." REALLY? ISN'T THAT A "BACK DOOR RECALL"? THEY ARE ORDERING THE PARTS AND WILL REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 3, 2010
TOYOTA 2009 RAV 4. COMING OFF FREEWAY TO STOP LIGHT. I COASTED THEN APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ENGINE STARTED TO REV UP. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER THE ENGINE KEEP REVVING UP. BY PUSHING ON THE BRAKE WITH ALL MY FORCE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. IT WAS UP TO 7000 RPM'S. I SHOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO PARK AND THE AUTO WENT IMMEDIATELY WENT BACK TO NORMAL RPM'S. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I TOOK THE CAR TO TOYOTA AND DID A CLAIM FORM WITH NATIONAL TOYOTA. THE DEALER COULD FIND NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND NATIONAL TOYOTA SAID THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD OR WOULD DO. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND I HAVE NOT PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, May 31, 2010, crash
AS I DROVE INTO OUR PARKING LOT AT WORK AFTER LUNCH, I WAS IDLING ENGINE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. I WAS ALREADY MAKING MY TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND ENGINE IDLING WHEN MY CAR BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE. I RESPONDED BY APPLYING FOOT BRAKE AND GRABBING AND PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT ONLY HAD ABOUT 15 - 20 FEET BEFORE HITTING A CONCRETE WALL AT THE BAKE OF THE PARKING SPOT. I MANAGED TO NOT HIT HARD ENOUGH FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY BUT THERE IS DAMAGE TO MY FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME MY CAR HAS DONE THIS. I BOUGHT IT NEW LAST AUG. 09 AND IT HAS APPROX 12,432 MILES. TOYOTA TOOK IT TO QUALITY IMPORTS TOYOTA AND "INVESTIGATED" IT AND HAS FOUND NO DEFECT. I TALKED TO THE INSPECTOR OVER THE PHONE AND HE EXPLAINED THAT HE SPENT A FEW HOURS GOING THROUGH A SERIES OF TESTS ATTEMPTING TO FIND OR REPRODUCE A MALFUNCTION WITH NO SUCCESS. HE TOLD ME THAT WHILE MY REPORT IS QUITE COMMON HE HAS NEVER FOUND A DEFECT TO EXPLAIN SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND THAT HE THINKS MY CAR IS SAFE AND "HE WOULD LET HIS DAUGHTER DRIVE MY CAR." I ATTEST TO THE FACT THAT A STICKING ACCELERATOR AND/OR A SLOWLY RETURNING ACCELERATOR CANNOT EXPLAIN THIS EXPERIENCE AND IS NO "FIX" FOR MY ACCIDENT. MY EDUCATION IS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND I HAVE BEEN AN EQUIPMENT MECHANIC ON MACHINERY FOR 15 YEARS. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU CANNOT REPRODUCE AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM IN A MATTER OF HOURS THAT THE CONCLUSION SHOULD BE THAT THERE IS NO DEFECT. IT DOES NOT EXCUSE THE FACT THAT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND NOTHING SERIOUS IS BEING "INVESTIGATED." *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2010, crash
2009 TOYOTA RAV-4DRIVEN BY OWNER WITH WIFE AS PASSENGER. COMING DOWN OFF RAMP FROM TWO LANE ROAD TO STOP SIGN IN ORDER TO TURN ONTO A TOWN STREET. ALTHOUGH BRAKING HARD, CAR FAILED TO STOP AND ENGINE DECIDEDLY ACCELERATED. DRIVER ABLE TO TURN CORNER AND, SINCE NO CAR COMING IN HIS LANE, WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD. DRIVER DECIDED TO PROCEED 2-3 BLOCKS TO A GAS STATION. DROVE SLOWLY TO STATION, PULLED IN, CAR REFUSED TO STOP, IN FACT IT WAS JERKILY ACCELERATING, AND BUMPED INTO A CAR WHOSE DRIVER WAS PUTTING GAS INTO IT. NO DAMAGE TO EITHER CAR OR PERSONS. (PRESSED YES FOR CRASH, BUT WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 5 MPH OR LESS AND DRIVER'S CAR PUSHED OTHER CAR INTO A STREET.) DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND CAR STOPPED. DRIVER HAD CAR TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALER WHOSE SERVICE MANAGER, AFTER TELLING DRIVER HIS RAV-4 WAS MADE IN JAPAN AND NOT ELIGIBLE AS A RECALL CAR, FINALLY AGREED TO HAVE CAR TESTED. NOTHING FOUND AND TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS SAYING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR--TO THEM THE INCIDENTS DID NOT TRULY OCCUR. AFTER TESTING, TWICE, DRIVER PICKED UP CAR AND WAS DRIVING HOME, HAD TO STOP FOR A SCHOOL BUS AND WHILE STOPPED FELT ENGINE SURGING FORWARD AGAIN BUT WAS ABLE TO KEEP CAR STEADY BY PUTTING ON BRAKES AND PUT CAR IN TO NEUTRAL. ONLY DRIVES CAR ON BACK ROADS NOW. THESE THREE INCIDENTS ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED THUS FAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING AND THE RPMS JUMPED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE OFF BUTTON TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. WHEN HE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR RECALL 10V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 8,600.
Vehicle speed control, May 19, 2010
AS I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AS THERE WAS ONGOING TRAFFIC COMING ON THE ROAD I WAS ENTERING. THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO RACE AS I PUT INCREASING PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR DID MOVE FORWARD SLIGHTLY. THIS HAPPENED TWICE ON A CAR THAT HAD LESS THAN 900 MILES. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR, A TOYOTA 2009 RAV 4. IT WAS PICKED UP BY A TOYOTA DEALER JUST RECENTLY AND IS BEING TESTED. BASED ON THEIR COMMENT THAT IN THE PAST THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE MORE AND MORE REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM. I CURRENTLY HAVE 3 OTHER CARS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. IN FACT IN OVER 40 YEARS OF DRIVING THIS HAVE NEVER OCCURRED BEFORE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A CAR FAILURE NOT A DRIVER PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Structure, May 11, 2010
STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF ALL WELD POINTS ON HOOD OF 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4 V6 LIMITED WITH 27,000 MILES. HOOD LATCH ALLOWED 1/2" OF UPWARD PLAY WHILE BEING LATCHED. HOOD BEING REPLACED. CONTINUAL PROBLEM UNNOTICED UNTIL 3 MONTHS AGO. VERY FLIMSY AND HOOD WAVERED AND RIPPLED WHEN LARGE VEHICLE PASSED GOING BOTH WAYS ON THE HIGHWAY. WOULD NOT COMPLETELY CLOSE AT TIMES. HAD TO RECLOSE HOOD. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 10, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT DID NOT BECAUSE OF STEADY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 5,404.
Vehicle speed control, May 5, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UP TO 20 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE INCREASED ITS SPEED BEFORE IT FINALLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED ABOUT TWENTY FEET BEFORE IT WAS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 3, 2010, crash
2009 RAV-4 TOYOTA WAS TRAVELING UP A GRAVEL DRIVEWAY. AS IT PROCEEDED UP AN INCLINE THE CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER TRIED THE BRAKE TO NO AVAIL. FEARING THAT SHE WOULD BE UNABLE TO STOP, SHE VEERED OFF THE DRIVEWAY INTO THE WOODS. THE CAR HIT SEVERAL SMALL TREES AND THEN TURNED OVER ON ITS SIDE. THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. HIGHWAY PATROL REPORT WAS MADE. INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIRECTED THE CALL TO CALIFORNIA TOYOTA OFFICE. *TR