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.
Power train, Feb 4, 2010
ENGINE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE ON 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4 WHILE STOPPED AT STOPLIGHT BEHIND OTHER VEHICLES. DRIVER, STANDING ON BRAKES, QUICKLY PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN PARK AND ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE SPEED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 4, 2010, crash
GAS PEDAL STUCK ON MY 2009 RAV4 AND I HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT A 4 WAY STOP. I WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE DISTANCE/TIME WAS TOO SHORT FOR THE BRAKES TO OVER COME THE ACCELERATION. IN FRONT OF THE CAR THAT I HIT WAS A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING--IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME I WOULD HAVE STRUCK PEDESTRIANS. BEFORE THE ACCIDENT I DID NOT DETECT ANY EVIDENCE OF A PROBLEM. THE PEDAL FAILURE WAS A ONE TIME INCIDENT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT (BEFORE THE RECALL) IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM--I ASSUMED SOMEHOW THAT I HAD MY FOOT ON BOTH ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE. HOWEVER AFTER SPENDING MUCH TIME IN MY DRIVEWAY I COULD NOT REPLICATE HAVING MY FOOT PUSH BOTH THE GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE PEDAL. MY WIFE AND I AGREED THAT SHE WOULD DRIVE THE RAV4--AND I WOULD NOT. SOON AFTER MY ACCIDENT THE 2009 RAV 4 RECALL FOR STICKING GAS PEDAL WAS ANNOUNCED. I AM ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT THE STICKING GAS PEDAL CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. SINCE THE DATE OF THE RECALL (JANUARY 21) WE PARKED THE CAR IN OUR DRIVEWAY. WE WILL NOT DRIVE OUR RAV4 I CONTACTED MY DEALER (LOMBARD TOYOTA, LOMBARD IL)--THEY REPLIED THAT AS A DEALER THEY COULD ONLY RECOMMEND THAT I CALL TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE NUMBER AFTER A COUPLE DAYS I WAS ABLE TO GET THROUGH TO THE "TOYOTA EXPERIENCE" LINE--OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS I WAS PASSED UP THE LINE UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO SPEAK TO A CASE MANAGER. ON JANUARY 27THE A TOYOTA FIELD TECHNICIAN CAME TO MY HOUSE AND INSPECTED MY CAR. SINCE THEN I HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM TOYOTA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 4, 2010
SPORADIC BURNING SMELL WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON. EVENT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TIMES NOW AND IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON (VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DEC 2008 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 12,200). IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN RUNNING AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS - VERY SPORADIC. AND IT'S NOT THE AIR COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE OR FROM OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE WE'VE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED TO CHECK WHEN IT OCCURS AND IT'S NOT A SMELL FROM THE OUTSIDE OR FROM OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Feb 4, 2010, crash
AT ABOUT NOON ON 2/3/10- OUR 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4 SUDDEN ACCELERATION (OR STUCK GAS PEDAL) CAUSED ME TO REAR END ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY ABOUT 5-10MPH, JUST GLIDING BECAUSE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD BEEN STOPPED BY THE LIGHT AND IT WAS JUST STARTING TO SLOWLY MOVE AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND THE RAV 4 SEEMED TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING ME TO PRESS AS HARD AS I COULD ON THE BRAKES, BUT I COULD NOT STOP BEFORE HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT SEEMED AS IF THE RAV4 JUST ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. THE RAV 4 HAS BEEN TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. 4 HOURS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, WE HAD THE RAV 4 AT OUR TOYOTA DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT IT HAD ONE OF THE SUSPECT ASSEMBLIES. BUT THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING, AS THEY HAD NO INSTRUCTIONS OR PARTS YET FROM TOYOTA AND SAID WE WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE TIME CAME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 4, 2010
GIVEN THE NEWS ABOUT TOYOTA ACCELERATOR PEDAL ISSUES AND NOW 2010 PRIUS ABS ISSUES, I FEEL IT'S IMPORTANT TO REPORT THE FOLLOWING: IN OCTOBER 2009, MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING ISSUE (THIS IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM TOYOTA DEALER'S SERVICE INVOICE): "CUSTOMER STATES BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND DOESN'T FEEL LIKE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING PROPERLY. PLEASE ADVISE. DEPRESSES ALL THE WAY HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. TECH VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN POOR BRAKE PEDAL CASE # TA092880189. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER/REPLACE ABS ACTUATOR. REPLACE ABS ACTUATOR PER TECH ASSIST REC OPN # 44050-42330." IN OTHER WORDS, WE HAD OBSERVED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT OFTEN DEPRESSED QUICKLY AND NEARLY ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE PROVIDING NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL RESISTANCE AND BRAKING ACTION SUFFICIENT TO SLOW AND STOP THE CAR'S FORWARD PROGRESS, AND AT THAT POINT WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKE PEDAL PHYSICAL DEPRESSION SPACE LEFT BEFORE REACHING THE PEDAL'S LIMIT. AFTER I ORIGINALLY BROUGHT THE ISSUE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (LEXINGTON TOYOTA, LEXINGTON, MA, 781.861.7400), THEY INFORMED ME THEY HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY SEEN THIS ISSUE AND HAD TO CONSULT WITH TOYOTA'S U.S. HEADQUARTERS FOR TROUBLESHOOTING AID. THEN FOR SEVERAL DAYS THE DEALERSHIP PROVIDED ME WITH ONGOING UPDATES, EXPLAINING THAT TOYOTA WAS ACTIVELY INVESTIGATING THE MATTER AND DID NOT HAVE AN IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDED SOLUTION. THIS WENT ON FOR NEARLY A WEEK, AND SO IT SEEMED TO ME THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM TOYOTA HQ HAD NOT PREVOUSLY ENCOUNTERED. FINALLY THE DEALERSHIP REPORTED THAT TOYOTA HQ HAD PROVIDED A RESOLULTION, THE REPAIR WORK WAS DONE, AND WE GOT OUR RAV4 BACK AND HAVE HAD NO BRAKE PEDAL PROBLEMS SINCE. ACCORDING TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, OUR RAV4 WAS MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN AND THEREFORE ISN'T SUBJECT TO THE CURRENT ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL BUT DOES REQUIRE THE FLOORMAT-RELATED RECALL FIX. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4 .THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND WHILE HAVING HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. IT WENT OVER A PARKING BLOCK AND A CURB AND THEN HIT A BUILDING WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP, THEN IT WAS PICKED UP BY HER INSURANCE COMPANY.THE WHOLE FRONT END AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WERE DAMAGED DUE TO THE CRASH. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES, THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THIS HAS ONLY OCCURRED ONCE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WILL INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE AND LET HER KNOW THE OUTCOME OF THIS INVESTIGATION. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS DONE TO THE VEHICLE TO DATE.THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6615.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2010
INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 WITHOUT FURTHER DEPRESSION OF THE GAS PEDAL WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD. THE GAS PEDAL IS NOT JAMMED OR SLOW TO RAISE NOR DOES IT STICK. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS SINCE MARCH 2009 WITH NO COMMON DENOMINATOR SUCH AS SPEED, ROAD CONDITIONS, ETC. THIS HAS EVEN HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED AT ALL, THE VEHICLE WILL RACE SUDDENLY AND JUST AS QUICKLY GO BACK TO IDLE. THE DATE OF THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THE MILEAGE LISTED BELOW ARE APPROXIMATIONS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2010
MY WIFE WAS SITTING AT A SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION IN OUR 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4 ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2010 WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD. SHE WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM TRAVELING FURTHER BY APPLYING MORE PEDAL PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AND THEN SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. WHILE IN NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE REVVED LOUDLY FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL IDLE. SHE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE HOME BUT WAS VISIBLY SHAKEN UP FROM THIS EXPERIENCE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THEM TO CHECK. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THIS CONDITION AND THUS SAID THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE AT THIS TIME. THIS IS ONE OF THE VEHICLES THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE SO-CALLED FAULTY STICKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND FLOOR MATS DID NOT CAUSE THIS ISSUE, SO THIS LEADS ME TO SUSPECT THAT AN ELECTRONICS PROBLEM IS THE CAUSE AND THAT TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO COME UP WITH A VIABLE FIX FOR THE SITUATION. I CALLED THE TOYOTA MAIN OFFICE THIS MORNING, BUT WAS NOT GIVEN ANY SATISFACTION REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MEANWHILE, WE ARE STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT WE ARE BOTH AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE AND WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED DURING THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERABLE; HOWEVER, IT WAS TAKEN TO A BODY COLLISION CENTER FOR REPAIR. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL;ACCELERATOR PEDAL). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DEFECT SINCE THE MANUFACTURER WAS LOCATED IN JAPAN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Equipment, Jan 26, 2010
MY 2009 RAV 4 HAS A FLOOR MAT THAT CREEPS FORWARD AND GETS CAUGHT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT TOOK SOME TIME FOR IT TO START DOING THIS, BUT NOW I CAN'T KEEP IT IN PLACE, IT HAS NO HOOKS. THE RAV IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FROM TOYOTA FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, BUT IT HAS IT. IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY, IF I PUT IT BACK IN POSITION AND DRIVE THE CAR BY THE TIME I GET HOME IT'S UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS; PROCEEDING TO A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. THERE WAS AN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER APPLIED AN AGGRESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND IMMEDIATELY, THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO THE "NEUTRAL" POSITION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE WHICH THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,083. UPDATED 02/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/19/10.*JB
Electrical system, Dec 23, 2009
VEHICLE FAILS TO START OCCASIONALLY, LIGHTS TURN ON WITH NORMAL BRIGHTNESS INDICATING IT IS PROBABLY NOT A BATTERY ISSUE,BUT NO CRANKING . DEALER CHECKED THE CAR, BUT COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DATE BELOW IS THE APPROX LAST INCIDENT DATE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2009
OCCASIONALLY THE CAR WILL TRY TO ACCELERATE, WHEN THE FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE OFF THE ACCELERATOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THIS NEW VEHICLE IN SEPT. OF 2009. *TR
Structure, Tires, Dec 5, 2009
I BOUGHT A TOYOTA RAV-4 SPORT IN JANUARY 2009. IT IS A V-6 WITH THE RUN FLAT TIRES. IN JULY, I PURCHASED A NEW, VERY EXPENSIVE COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINE--ONE THAT I HAD HOPED TO BE ABLE TO BUY FOR A LONG, LONG TIME. IT WAS JUST OVER $1400.00. I PLACED IT IN THE BACK OF MY RAV AND DROVE HOME. I SWUNG OPEN THE TAILGATE, NOT THINKING I HAD TO PEAK INSIDE FIRST. THE SEWING MACHINE FELL RIGHT OUT OF THE CAR UNTO THE CEMENT GARAGE FLOOR. I WAS DEVASTATED. THEN I THOUGHT HOW LUCKY I WAS THAT MY FOOT OR MY SMALL DOG WAS NOT INJURED. A TODDLER OR AN INFANT IN AN INFANT SEAT WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I REMAIN CONCERNED ABOUT THE COMPUTER IN MY SEWING MACHINE. MY HUSBAND, KNOWING HOW UPSET I WAS, AND SEEING THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, CUT A 2X4 AND WEDGED IT IN ALONG THE EDGE, THUS PREVENTING MY GROCERIES AND EVERYTHING ELSE FROM FALLING RIGHT OUT OF THE CAR AS I OPENED THE DOOR. THE OTHER CONCERN I HAVE ABOUT THIS CAR IS THAT THERE ARE NO RUN-FLAT SNOW TIRES AVAILABLE AND WE LIVE IN AN AREA THAT IS HILLY, WITH A LOT OF SNOW. THE SO-CALLED, "ALL-WEATHER," DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH TREAD FOR OUR TERRAIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH , THERE WAS UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. AFTER BRAKE APPLICATION HE WAS ABLE TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2009
CONSUMER WANTS THE EVENT DATA RECORDER REMOVED OR DISABLED ON HIS 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HAVING A DEVICE INSTALLED ON A VEHICLE HE PAID CASH FOR IS A POTENTIAL THREAT TO HIS CIVIL RIGHTS. *JB
Power train, Nov 8, 2009
TOYOTA 2001 RAV4, TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, DOESN'T WANT TO GO WHEN YOU STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, DUE TO A BAD ECM. *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2009
TOYOTA 2001 RAV4, TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, DOESN'T WANT TO GO WHEN YOU STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. *TR
Power train, Oct 13, 2009
IT TRANSMISSION GEARS SEEMS SLIPPING WHEN GOING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND. SOMETIMES IT WAS LIKE HORSE RIDING JUMPING. IT HAPPENED TWICE WHEN I WAS DOING A LEFT TURN AND ALMOST GOT INTO ACCIDENT WITH THE COMING VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE ECU AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 RAV4. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL SHE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION. SHE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO THE NEUTRAL GEAR IN ORDER TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE CAUSED THE FAILURE. AN ENGINEER SENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER WILL RE-INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 10,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Oct 1, 2009, crash
AN EMERGENCY STOP FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS (65 MPH) ON HOT (85+F) DRY PAVEMENT RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN EXPECTED BRAKING CAPACITY. BEST GUESS IS THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM THROTTLED BACK AVAILABLE BRAKING CAPACITY. BRAKE PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR AT WILL BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TAKES OVER BRAKING. THE BRAKES CANNOT BE IMMEDIATELY RELEASED AND ADDITIONAL PRESSURE (BRAKING) CANNOT BE APPLIED. *TR
Air bags, Sep 30, 2009, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTI-CAR COLLISION. MY DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE ALTHOUGH THOSE IN THE OTHER CARS DID. THIS RESULTED IN MORE SERIOUS INJURY TO ME THAN SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 25, 2009
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES AND THE POSITION OF THE BRAKE SWITCH IN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PEDAL INTERFERED IN BRAKING WHENEVER HE STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. CONTACT STATED HE ALMOST HAD TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKES. CONTACT CALL THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURE BECAUSE HE JUST PURCHASE THE VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER 4, 2009 THEY INFORM HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER SO THEY CAN CHECK IF THERE WAS ANY ALTERING OF THE BRAKES OR ARE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. CONTACT STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM OF THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 650....MW
Wheels, Sep 17, 2009
2009 RAV4 1700 MI. HAD A TIRE PATCH REPAIRED AT A VERY REPUTABLE ,EXCLUSIVELY TIRES BUSINESS. WHEN THE SERVICEMAN ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE LAST LUG AT THE RECOMMENDED 80 FT LB TORQUE, THE WHEEL STUD SNAPPED OFF. THE AFFECTED STUD WAS/ IS NOT MIS-THREADED AND SHOWS A SHINY WEAK SPOT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE STUD. *TR
Tires, Aug 16, 2009
WE PURCHASED A NEW RAV4, IN MAY 2009. YESTERDAY WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED THE LEFT REAR TIRE EXPLOSIVELY BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL, THE CAR HAS 2400 MILES ON IT. THE PERSON WHO WITNESSED THE FAILURE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST. I ALSO FOUND THIS IN OUR TOYOTA VEHICLE OWNER SERVICE RECORDS: BY DEALER 05/05/09TOYOTA OF MCDONOUGH 5 0092548REPAIR FLAT TIREVIEW DETAILS BASICALLY THIS CAR HAS HAD TWO TIRE FAILURES IN LESS THAN 3000 MILES. A RELATIVE OF OURS, THE ONE WHO RECOMMENDED THE RAV 4 TO US, HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH HIS NEW 2009 RAV4 WITH YOKOHAMA TIRES, BUT SINCE HE WAS ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THE TIRE WAS SHREDDED TO BADLY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. *TR