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, Mar 7, 2010
WHILE COMING TO AN INTERSECTION, I WAS BRAKING. DURING THE BRAKING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BOLTED (ACCELERATED) AHEAD FOR A PERIOD OF 5 SECONDS. (VEHICLE ACCELERATED DURING BRAKING PROCESS ) I CONTINUED TO KEEP FOOT ON BRAKE, PRESSING WITH A LOT MORE FORCE. DURING THE "INCIDENT", I WAS ABLE TO TURN WHEEL SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, TO AVOID HITTING A VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS VERY SHAKEN, AS WAS MY 100% DISABLED HUSBAND, ALSO IN THE FRONT SEAT. WE TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALER, ON EBRUARY 10, 2010, (2, 766 TOTAL MILEAGE) AND 30 MINUTES OF THEIR TIME WAS GIVEN TO MY TOYOTA. THEY CHECKED IT OVER, TRYING TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID "THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM"., AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. THEY GAVE ME AN "800" NUMBER TO CALL, AND OUR 2 PHONE CALLS TO THEM, WAS A WASTE OF TIME. THEY SAID THEY WOULD SEND ME ARBITRATION PAPERS, WHICH I HAVE NOT RECEIVED. I DON'T SEE WHY I HAVE TO GO TO ARBITRATION FOR THEM TO FIX MY VEHICLE, WHEN IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. * THEY RESET ECM/PCM TEST DROVE OP CODE 895994 3/99. CHECKED ECU FOR DTC SCAN TOOL CHECK DTC AND OPERATION. HOURS 0.50 DEALER REFUSES TO DO MORE TESTING BECAUSE TOYOTA WILL NOT AUTHORIZE IT. I FEEL THAT MY VEHICLE IS "A DEATH TRAP" AND I WILL NOT DRIVE IT. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM STILL MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON IT, AND CONSIDER IT A "DEAD HORSE PAYMENT" . *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
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010, crash
OUR RAV4 WAS APPARENTLY NOT INCLUDED IN THE LAST RECALLS BUT I NOW BELIEVE THIS IS INCORRECT. ON 2/27 I REAR-ENDED A TRUCK GOING ABOUT 30-35 MPH. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT I HAD MISSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BY THE TIME I REALIZED THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING I HAD TO SLAM MY BRAKES AND TRIED TO TURN TO MISS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER CHECKING FURTHER I'M NOT SURE HOW I WOULD HAVE EVEN BEEN ABLE TO ENTIRELY MISS THE PEDAL. I WAS VERY SHAKEN UP AND THOUGHT I HAD IMAGINED THAT THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING AFTER I HAD ORIGINALLY BRAKED UNTIL I OVERHEARD MY 8 YR OLD DAUGHTER TALKING TO SOMEONE ELSE AND SAYING SHE 'FELT LIKE WE WERE GOING FASTER INSTEAD OF STOPPING". IF NOT FOR THE URGING OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND AFTER RESEARCHING, I'M NOT SURE I WOULD HAVE EVEN THOUGHT IT WAS A TOYOTA PROBLEM. LUCKILY I WAS THE ONLY PERSON TO BE INJURED WITH A SPRAINED FOOT, BUT IF THIS CAN HELP TO SAVE SOMEONE ELSE FROM A POTENTIALLY FATAL CRASH I WOULD FEEL THAT I HAVE DONE MY PART. PLEASE PUSH TOYOTA TO FIND OUT THE REAL PROBLEM AND GET IT FIXED. I'M NOT SURE HOW I AM EVEN GOING TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THAT TRUCK AGAIN WITHOUT FEELING CONFIDENT THAT MY FAMILY AND I ARE SAFE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010
I OWN A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. MY CAR WAS NOT STOPPING PRIOR TO RECALL-SPOKE WITH TOYOTA AND THEY CONTACTED DEALER TO COME TO MY HOME AND PICK UP MY CAR, AS IT WAS NOT STOPPING FOR MY AND I WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR. RECALL (ACCELERATOR PEDAL REINFORCEMENT BAR) PERFORMED 2/5/2009. I CALLED DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT AS THE GAS PEDAL IS VERY TOUCHY AND MY CAR IS ACCELERATING WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE AND I CAN NOT STOP CAR. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT CAR AND TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM-THE STANDARD LINE "OUR SERVICE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CUSTOMER CONCERN". I AGAIN HAVE A CAR THAT HAS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT WILL NOT STOP AT TIMES AND TOYOTA IS UNWILLING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE FOR ME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2010, crash
AT A LOCAL MALL I WAS STOPPED AND WAITING FOR A PARKING SPOT TO BECOME AVAILABLE. WHEN A PARKING SPOT BECAME OPEN, I WAS WITHIN 5' TO 10' FOOT OF THE PARKING SPOT ENTRANCE. WHILE MAKING 90% RIGHT SWING FROM A DEAD STOP I LIGHTLY PUT PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL OF OUR 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 IT LUNGED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED RAPIDLY I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO TOTALLY STOP THE CAR IN THE SHORT DISTANCE OF THE PARKING SPACE AND AT ABOUT 1 TO 2 MILES PER HOUR OUR AUTO HIT A CEMENT 'LLED YELLOW POST DIVIDER THAT SEPARATED MY PARKING AREA FROM THE ONE AHEAD, LEAVING US WITH A CRACKED LOWER GRILL AND SIGHTLY DENTED BUMPER. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT WE WERE VISIBLY SHAKEN. I TOOK OUR AUTO TO THE TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DEPT. AND THEY PERFORMED WHAT THEY CALLED A > HEALTH CHECK TEST< . IN THEIR REPORT THEY STATED > ALL SYSTEMS OPERATING PROPERLY -- NO ADVERSE OPERATION NOTED < . WE RECEIVED OUR 2009 RAV4 ON JULY 29, 2009. FROM THE BEGINNING TILL THE PRESENT WE HAVE HAD A LUNGING OR A RAPID START FROM {A COMPLETE STOP} TO {A START- -TAKE OFF } WITH VERY LITTLE PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR, WHEN THE PROBLEM MANIFESTS IT SELF THE ACCELERATION IS FAST ENOUGH TO THROW PEOPLE BACK IN THEIR SEATS, THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY ABOUT 20% OF THE TIME, {ETC} GIVEN OR TAKEN OF THE EST. TIME FRAME UNKNOWN, YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN OR HOW OFTEN IT MAY HAPPEN IN A ROW. TIME FRAME HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIED SO FAR. I HAVE HAD THIS CHECKED BY THE SAME SERVICE DEPT. THREE TIMES SO FAR, LAST TIME ON FEB. 17, 2010 AT THE SAME TIME THE RECALL A0A PEDAL REINFORCEMENT PLATE WAS INSTALLED. AGAIN REPORT OF > HEALTH CHECK TEST < PERFORMED > ALL SYSTEMS OPERATING PROPERLY -- NO ADVERSE OPERATION NOTED <. I HAVE ALSO CALLED TOYOTA AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS IN CALF. AND ADDRESSED THIS MATTER WITH THEM TO DATE I HAVE BEEN GIVEN NO RESOLVE. I BELIEVE, AND CAN IT ALSO BE POSSIBLE : MAYBE A SOFTWARE PROGRAM GLITCH: *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010
CURRENTLY, I OWN A 2009 RAV4 THAT WAS NOT APART OF THE RECALL DUE TO THE FACT THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. HOWEVER, I AM EXPERIENCING SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN MY VEHICLE AND TOYOTA IS DOING NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. ON A DAILY BASIS WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR AND I AM PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKS AND THE RPM'S JUMP AND JERKS ME FORWARD. I FIND THAT IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY ON A RAINY OR WET DAYS BUT DOES OCCUR EVERYDAY. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TOYOTA THAT IT IS THE WAY I AM DRIVING HOWEVER, MY HUSBAND DRIVES MY CAR AND EXPERIENCES THE SAME THING WHEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX MY PROBLEM. *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
Vehicle speed control, Mar 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AND HE IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS. THE CONTACT HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES AT THIS TIME; HOWEVER, HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK. THE DEALER SHOULD ALSO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,300.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HE WAS MAKING A U-TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY. WHEN HE PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND ALMOST CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 03/12/10. *LJ UPDATED 07/16/10*JB
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Electric, Feb 24, 2010
MY 09 TOYOTA RAV4 ( BOUGHT LAST AUGUST IN QUEENS NEW YORK) HAD THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEM THAT, THE CAR SPEED UP SUDDENLY AND ALMOST PUNCH THE FRONT CAR WHEN I WAS PUSHING BRAKE, STOPPING AND WAITING FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT FROM RED TO GREEN. IT WERE HAPPENED TWO TIMES LAST YEAR, AND ALSO, SOMETIMES, WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING ON THE WAY, THE SPEED SUDDENLY UP. I THINK THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY IT'S CONTROL SYSTEM LIKE SOFTWARE POOR DESIGN IN ANTI-INTERFERING/ELECTRONIC NOISES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED OR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED FROM A COMPLETE STOP. IN ONE INSTANCE, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH, HE HIT A CEMENT DIVIDER IN A PARKING LOT WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE LOWER GRILL. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE RANDOMLY OCCURRED ABOUT 20% OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ON 02/17/2010, THE DEALER INSTALLED A METAL PLATE BEHIND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THREE TIMES. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE WHO INSTRUCTED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED EVEN AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,100. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 400.
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010
NEW TOYOTA ELECTRONICS PROBLEMS MY RAV4 SOMETIMES DOES HAVE INTERMITTENT ACCELERATOR 'STICKING' PROBLEMS, EVEN THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS FULLY RETURNED TO IDLE CONDITIONS. DURING THE WINTER I OFTEN WHERE SORELS. I THOUGHT THAT BECAUSE OF MY BOOTS I WAS HITTING BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR. ONE TIME I EVEN HAD TO PUSH THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL TO MAKE A STOP, CURSING THE TOYOTA DESIGNER WHO PUT THE BRAKE PEDAL SO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR (ANOTHER PEDAL DESIGN FLAW?). FROM THEN ON I WAS VERY CAREFUL TO KEEP MY FOOT ON JUST ONE PEDAL. HOWEVER, I STILL NOTICED PROBLEMS SOMETIMES, AND NOW THIS "PSEUDO RECALL" HAS SOLVED A DILEMMA I HAD. THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, IT IS WITH IMPAIRED DECELERATION. THE ENGINE IS FIGHTING AGAINST THE BRAKING SYSTEM BECAUSE THE ENGINE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE SOON ENOUGH. WITH THE OLD MANUAL ACCELERATOR LINKAGE SYSTEMS, YOU COULD FEEL WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS. NOW INSTEAD THE COMPUTER IS DECIDING HOW TO SLOW THE ENGINE. THIS IS WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES. WHAT "BONE HEADED" TOYOTA ENGINEER ALLOWED BOTH THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE TO WORK AT THE SAME TIME ON A "DRIVE BY WIRE" SYSTEM? THERE IS NO MECHANICAL LINKAGE TO UNDO, SO HITTING THE BRAKE SHOULD DEFEAT THE ACCELERATOR (I.E. QUICKLY RETURN THE ENGINE TO IDLE MODE). THAT IS ALL THAT WAS NEEDED TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS AT LEAST ONE PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTA ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM. IT IS A TOYOTA 'MYTH' TO INSIST THERE IS(ARE) NO ELECTRONIC PROBLEM(S). WHAT OTHER MORE COMPLEX PROBLEMS ARE THERE IN THE ELECTRONICS, IF THIS BASIC PROBLEM WAS NOT ACCOUNTED FOR? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2010
I PURCHASED MY 09 RAV4 IN JUNE 2009. I NOTICED AN ODD ODOR A FEW TIMES WHILE RUNNING THE AIR CONDITIONER & ASSUMED IT WAS FROM THE EXHAUST FORM THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I BEGAN USING THE HEAT IN THE FALL, I STARTED SMELLING A BAD, BURNING, ALMOST CHEMICAL SMELL COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. ON DEC 29, 2009, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP & TOYOTA TOLD THEM TO REPLACE THE EVAPORATOR, CABIN AIR FILTER & DISINFECT/DEODORIZE THE VENTS & THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH THEY SAID WAS MOLD IN THE SYSTEM. IT IS NOW FEB. 23, 2010 & THE SMELL IS BACK & MY CAR IS SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT MAKES ME SICK TO DRIVE IT. THE SERVICE MANAGER IS WAITING TO HEAR FROM TOYOTA WHAT TO DO NEXT & SAYS IT IS A PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF TOYOTAS. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN AN INVESTIGATION &/OR RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? IT IS A HEALTH ISSUE FOR ANYONE INHALING THAT DISGUSTING AIR FROM THOSE VENTS. I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO SINCE I HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ON-LINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES. IS THE HEALTH/SAFETY OF TOYOTA OWNERS NOT IMPORTANT TO TOYOTA? OTHER THAN THIS ISSUE, I LOVE MY RAV & I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO BE DRIVING IT INSTEAD OF THE YARIS THEY LOANED ME UNTIL MINE IS FIXED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 22, 2010
SINCE I BOUGHT MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 (6CYL) IN JULY 2009, I HAVE EXPERIENCED CONSISTENT JACKRABBIT STARTS. THE DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT, I DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE SALESMAN WHO HANDLED MY TRANSACTION. HE SEEMED UNCONCERNED AND TOLD ME TO DISCUSS IT WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE 5000 MILES CHECK. VIRTUALLY EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO SMOOTHLY ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, I AM THROWN BACK INTO MY SEAT AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES RAPIDLY. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS I NEARLY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. ON FEB 1, 2010, I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MICHAEL'S TOYOTA IN BELLEVUE, WA, WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CHECKED - MINE WAS A DENSO AND DID NOT REQUIRE MODIFICATION. THEY REPORTED "NO DEFECT," AND THAT MY VEHICLE DRIVES LIKE EVERY OTHER RAV4. IF THAT IS THE CASE, THERE IS NO DOUBT A RISK THAT THIS JACKRABBIT TENDENCY WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS. I AM CONVINCED THAT THE COMBINATION OF TOYOTA'S ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR PEDALS AND THE HARDWARE/SOFTWARE TOYOTA USES TO CONTROL THE ENGINES ARE FAULTY. I HAVE LISTED THE DATE OF INCIDENT AS THE DAY I BOUGHT THE RAV4, BUT THE JACKRABBIT ACCELERATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 20, 2010
I WAS TOLD MY 2009 RAV4 WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THE TOYOTA RECALL. YET I HAVE EXPERIENCED INVOLUNTARY ACCELERATION ON TWO OCCASIONS. BOTH TIMES I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN, HAVING ALMOST SLOWED TO A STOP WHEN THE RPM'S ACCELERATED TO 5,000 - 6,000. THE FIRST TIME I WAS SLOWING DOWN FROM 30 MPH TO ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN THE CAR SPED FORWARD AS I WAS TURNING. I ALMOST HIT A SIGN ON A MEDIAN BUT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES. THIS WAS IN NOVEMBER 2009 OVER THREE MONTHS AFTER THE RAV4 WAS PURCHASED BUT BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO THE KOLOSSO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THE FIX A FEW WEEKS AGO. I WAS NOT TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL BUT WAS TOLD I WAS "ALL SET" FOR THE TIME BEING BUT THAT THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL FIXES REQUIRED IN THE FUTURE THAT WERE STILL BEING EVALUATED. TODAY, THIS INVOLUNTARY ACCELERATION OCCURRED AGAIN. I HAD BEEN TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. SPEED LIMIT WAS 50 MPH. I HAD SLOWED DOWN, ALMOST TO A STOP IN PREPARATION TO TURN LEFT. THE CAR WAS GOING LESS THAN 10 MPH, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE RPM'S SUDDENLY SHOT UP TO 5,000 - 6,000. I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE HARDER AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO STOP IT FROM PROPELLING FORWARD. IT TOOK MANY SOME TIME FOR THE ENGINE TO STOP REVVING. THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA ABOUT THIS, AS I WAS AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR, I LEARNED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE I HAD A DENSO GAS PEDAL. TOYOTA TRIED TO MINIMIZE THE INCIDENT AND INDICATED I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING IT TO A DEALERSHIP ABOUT 25 MILES AWAY. I REFUSED TO DO SO AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AT MY DEALER'S EXPENSE BACK TO MY CITY OF RESIDENCE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. SUDDENLY, EXTREME FORCE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN FOUR TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A DENSO ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,900.
Structure, Feb 17, 2010
HELLO. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD AN ISSUE TO THE TOYOTA INVESTIGATIONS. I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THIS MODEL/YEAR IS INCLUDED IN SEVERAL OF THE RECALLS. UPON CALLING THE TOYOTA DEALER I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALLS. IF THE PROBLEMS ARE INDEED DESIGN PROBLEMS, WHY ARE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALLS? THANK YOU. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 17, 2010
ON 2 OCCASIONS I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES ON MY TOYOTA RAV4 GO AWAY. I PUT ON THE BRAKE AND THERE IS NOTHING THERE. IT GOES DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. IF YOU REAPPLY THE BRAKES THEY COME BACK WITH THE PEDAL STRONGER THAN BEFORE. I WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY APPEAR TO KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT DISCOURAGED ME FROM PUTTING THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR. FIRST THEY LOST MY "APPOINTMENT" THEN THEY TOLD ME I HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS. NOW I WORRY WHENEVER I HAVE TO STOP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 15, 2010, crash
HI, MY FRIEND HAS A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DRIFTS TO THE FLOOR IN UNDER 3 MINUTES AND UNDER 1 MINUTE IN MOST INSTANCES. IN NOVEMBER OF 2009 I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A 2009 RAV4 IN PHILADELPHIA, PA THAT HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE OTHER DRIVER CLAIMED HE WAS BRAKING BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND HE HAD THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS NO SOUND OF SCREECHING TIRES BEFORE BEING REARENDED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 13, 2010
I PURCHASED MY 2009 RAV4 ON JUNE 19, 2009. WITH ONLY A FEW HUNDRED MILES (LESS THAN 1000) ON THE VEHICLE, I TRAVELED TO ANNAPOLIS, MD ON JULY 20, 2009. AFTER DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY FOR MOST OF THE AROUND 200 MILES, I EXITED AND UPN STOPPING FOR TRAFFIC, I EXPERIENCED THE ACCELERATOR STICKING (DID NOT COME BACK UP UPON DECELERATION). I LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BEFORE A COLLISION, USING CONSIDERABLE FORCE ON THE BRAKES. THE ACCELERATOR DID RETURN TO A NORMAL POSITION AFTER 2-3 SECONDS. I NEVER DID EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM AFTERWARDS AND I NOW HAVE AROUND 5400 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I DID DISCUSS THE PROBLEM WITH THE DEALER MONTHS AFTER THIS INCIDENT AND THEY DID INSTALL THE RECALL DEVICE ON THE ACCELERATOR. I HAVE NOT NOTICED ANY PROBLEMS SINCE. I AM REPORTING THIS SINCE MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR SEEMS TO BE DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS. MY ACCELERATOR STUCK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY NEW AND HAD VERY LITTLE WEAR. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 9, 2010
I WAS TRAVELING ON I-94 FROM MADISON, WI TO MINNEAPOLIS, MN IN LATE DECEMBER. THE INTERSTATE WAS IN GOOD DRIVING CONDITION -- NO ICE, SNOW, OR RAIN. IT WAS A NICE DAY WITH LITTLE WIND AND TEMPERATURE IN THE MID-20'S. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE, PASSING A SLOWER CAR IN THE RIGHT LANE. I WAS TRAVELING AT 75 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. JUST AS I PULLED AHEAD OF THE OTHER CAR, MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT. I THOUGHT WE MIGHT ROLL, BUT THEN THE CAR STABILIZED AND I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS EXTERNAL CAUSE FOR THE LURCH TO THE LEFT. IT FELT LIKE A BLOWOUT, BUT WE STOPPED TO CHECK THE TIRES AND THEY WERE FINE. IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN WIND SHEER BECAUSE THERE WAS VERY LITTLE WIND. THERE WERE NO POTHOLES IN THE ROAD. AT THE TIME I THOUGHT THE CAR TO MY RIGHT MIGHT HAVE HIT A ROCK OR SOMETHING AND SENT IT SLIDING INTO MY PATH. I SUPPOSE THAT'S A POSSIBILITY, BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING BEHIND ME IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, SO I THINK IT'S UNLIKELY. I'M WONDERING IF A MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL OCCURRED THERE HAS BEEN NO RECURRENCE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 5, 2010
1. AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE IN A PARKING LOT, MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND DROVE UP ON THE SIDEWALK. I IMMEDIATELY SLAMMED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR JUST BEFORE IT WOULD HAVE RUN INTO THE WALL AHEAD OF ME. BEFORE TURNING INTO THE PARKING PLACE, I HAD SLOWED WAY DOWN TO MAKE THE 90 DEGREE TURN AND I APPLIED ONLY GENTLE PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PULL INTO THE PARKING SPOT. 2. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE SEPTEMBER 2009 AND HAVE NEVER HAD AN EXPERIENCE LIKE THIS BEFORE. 3. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY TOYOTA DEALER NEXT TUESDAY, FEB 9, TO INSERT A PIECE OF METAL TO STOP THE ACCELERATOR FROM STICKING. BUT I'M AFRAID THIS MAY NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM, SINCE THIS DID NOT SEEM TO BE THE RESULT OF THE ACCELERATOR STICKING; THE ACCELERATOR WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED WHEN THE CAR SPEEDED UP BY ITSELF. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2010
1. PURCHASE OF 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED EDITION 2. POOR RESPONSE IN BRAKING. REQUIRES ALMOST TWICE THE DISTANCE TO STOP. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT YOU ALMOST INEVITABLY PANIC AS IF YOU WERE GOING TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. 3. RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO SAID BRAKES WERE WORKING PROPERLY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 4, 2010
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET @ 70MPH. AND ENTERING A REDUCED SPEED AREA, I DISABLE CRUISE BY TAPPING BRAKES. AFTER TRAVELING A FEW MILES THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE AT A FAST RATE ON ITS OWN. I WOULD THEN EITHER TAP THE BRAKES AGAIN OR TURN OFF THE CRUISE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TO 8 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. LAST USE OF CRUISE WAS IN NOVEMBER. *TR