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.
Steering, Aug 20, 2015
WOULD HEAR AND FEEL A POPPING SOUND WHEN TRUING RIGHT OR LEFT. HAD CAR SERVICED A 75000 MILE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO BECK TOYOTA. THEY SAID THIS WAS CAUSED BY A BINDING OG THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND COST 544.68 DOLLARS TO REPLACE. I DID NOT HAVE THE SHAFT REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ONE. I CAME HOME AND DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB. I SEEMS THAT OVER A 100000 PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. SOME HAVE HAD THE SHAFT REPLACED TO HAVE IT FAIL AGAIN IN A SHORT LENGTH OF TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE SHAFT WAS TO HARD BIND A PERSON COULD WRECK.
Suspension, Service brakes, Aug 7, 2015
IT APPEARS THAT A SOUND, SUSPENSION OF THE RAV 4 NEED SOME REPAIR.
Structure, Jul 26, 2015
I HAVE PEELING OF PAINT ON EXTERIOR SURFACE DOWN TO THE METAL. IT IS LOCATED ON TOP BETWEEN SUNROOF AND WINDSHIELD.
Service brakes, Jul 21, 2015
THE ALLOY WHEELS OF MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 ARE RUSTED AND BUBBLING. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 10K MILES ON IT. I THINK THE RUSTING ON THE TIRES IS RUSTING THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. DESPITE HAVING LESS THAN 10K ON MY CAR, I'M TOLD THAT MY BRAKES AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I COULD NOT STOP BY 4 WHEEL DRIVE GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH ON AN INCLINE WITH LIGHT ICE WHEREAS OTHER CARS WERE ABLE TO STOP. THERE'S SOMETHING DEFECTIVE ABOUT TOYOTA'S MANUFACTURING OF THEIR WHEELS. LOTS OF PEOPLE ON VARIOUS FORUMS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE RUSTED WHEELS. I THINK ITS MAKING THE CARS LESS SAFE. PROBABLY CONTRIBUTING TO THE OTHER PROBLEMS THAT LED TO RECALLS.
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2015
ININTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURED WHILE BRAKING. ENGINE REVED WHILE BRAKING -I PUT THE CAR IN PARK - ENGINE REDLINED - SWITCHED OFF IGNITION - CAR RAN NORMALLY AFTER THE IGNITION WAS SWITCHED ON. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRANCE IN ONE YEAR. THE FIRST TIME WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD FIND NO FAULT.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 1, 2015, fire
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH THE ENGINE LOST POWER. MOVING TO THE RIGHT LANE TO PULL OVER, FLAMES BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE HOOD, HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. SHE TRIED STOPPING BUT BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, REQUIRING HER TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND SLIDE ON GRASS. SHE JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN 8 MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Power train, Jun 1, 2015
ON MAY 20, 2015 MY 2009 RAV 4 DEVELOPED A WHINING NOISE IN REAR AREA THAT GOT LOUDER THE FASTER I WENT. VEHICLE HAS 78,385 MILES ON IT AND IS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE VISCOUS COUPLER ASSEMBLY THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,806.75. I MENTIONED THE SERVICE BULLETIN PUT OUT IN 2013 AND THE MULTIPLE POSTS ON THE RAV 4 FORUM ONLINE BUT THEY STILL REFUSE TO COVER THE REPAIR.
Power train, May 6, 2015
(NO ACCIDENT) A WHINE STARTED IN THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT GOT PROGRESSIVELY MORE PROMINENT OVER THE COURSE OF A WEEK. MY MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING HUB ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA PARTS MANAGER -- AND MUCH INTERNET 'CHATTER' I LATER DISCOVERED -- THIS IS A WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM (THEY CAN'T KEEP THE PART IN STOCK) AND THERE HAS BEEN A TSB (0080-13/ SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT WAB 2190) ISSUED, YET TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER, OR EVEN PARTIALLY COVER, THIS KNOWN DEFECT. IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR, AND WHILE A 2009 ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE, IT'S FAR TOO NEW TO HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
Power train, Apr 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN UPDATED 9/15/2015*JS
Electrical system, Apr 15, 2015
DRIVING ALONE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, ON A MAJOR ROAD. ABOUT 6 PM. WARNING LIGHT APPEARED FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY WHOLE DASHBOARD THAT LIT UP. NO PREVIOUS WARNING. VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER. I MADE SPLIT-SECOND DECISION TO MAKE A QUICK RIGHT TURN INTO SMALL SHOPPING CENTER BUT ONLY MANAGED, WITHOUT POWER, TO MANEUVER VEHICLE ON A SLANT UP THE INCLINE. EMERGENCY FLASHERS STOPPED WORKING SHORTLY THEREAFTER, SO CAR NOT EASILY VISIBLE TO OTHERS. NO HEAT IN CAR DUE TO LOST POWER AND IT WAS A BITTER COLD AND WINDY NIGHT. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER AT COST OF $190 (INSURANCE REIMBURSED ME ONLY $25). COST OF REPLACEMENT PARTS PLUS LABOR AT DEALER WAS $1499.87. I COULD HAVE BEEN PLOWED INTO FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER DRIVER. I WAS VULNERABLE WITH NO POWER TO CAR. AN ONLINE SEARCH REVEALS TOYOTA HAS MANY IRATE CUSTOMERS RE WATER PUMPS FAILING ON THEIR RAV 4S FROM VARIOUS YEARS--NOT JUST THE YEAR OF MY MODEL. YET TOYOTA SENT NO RECALL NOTICE RE THIS DANGEROUS FLAW IN THEIR VEHICLES. AND THEY MAINTAIN THAT SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, THEY ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO COVER MY COSTS. THEY HAVE OFFERED ONLY $522 47 TO ME. AN EXPIRED WARRANTY IS NOT RELEVANT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. SUPPOSE I HAD BEEN ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH HIGH SPEEDS? *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2015
MALFUNTION WITH WATER PUMP AND THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS STOPPED WORKING ALTHOUGH THE BATTERY WAS IN GOOD CONDITION.*BF UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN
Air bags, Mar 31, 2015
BOTH AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON. *TR
Suspension, Mar 10, 2015
DRIVING IN TO WORK IN THE MORNING, SPEED WAS 25 MPH ON A SUBURBAN ROAD, SOUTH STREET IN TEWKSBURY MA, AS I WENT OVER ROUGH AREA IN THE ROAD, I HEARD A THUMP FROM UNDER THE CAR. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION STRUTS LET GO. I PULLED IN TO A PARKING LOT TO EXAMINE WHAT HAPPENED. PART OF THE STRUT WAS HANGING DOWN SCRAPING ON THE GROUND. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS SKEWED IN THE WHEEL WELL RUBBING ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE STRUT HAS AN EYE WITH A BUSHING IN IT, WHERE A BOLT IS USED TO BOLT IT TO THE CAR'S MAIN FRAME, THE BOLT WAS MISSING ALLOWING THE SUSPENSION TO FALL APART. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD IT IN TWICE AT THE DEALERSHIP, ONCE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, A SECOND TIME TO ENSURE IT WAS OK. A MONTH AGO IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION, ALL DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE "BOLT" LET GO, APPARENTLY THE ONE HOLDING THE STRUT TO THE MAIN FRAME OF THE CAR. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE WHEEL CANNOT BE HELD IN PLACE AND RIDES UP IN TO THE WHEEL WELL. *TR
Power train, Mar 2, 2015
DIFFERENTIAL GEAR BOX STARTED TO SLOWLY LEAK FLUID JUST OVER 100,000 MILES AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ASSY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Jan 31, 2015, crash
I WAS DRIVING AND THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY WENT OFF, EXPLODING IN MY FACE. THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE, DUST, AND DEBRIS. BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE (AIRBAG IN MY FACE AND SMOKE/DEBRIS IN THE VEHICLE), I CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Engine, Jan 27, 2015
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT ON OUR FRONT DRIVEWAY FACING THE GARAGE. WHERE IT ALWAYS PARKED EVERYDAY. THE WEATHER WAS WARM AND CLEAR MY WIFE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND WAS PREPARING TO BUCKLE UP AND DRIVE TO CHURCH, I ENTERED THE VEHICLE INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT AND BUCKLED UP. SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED THROUGH THE ROOF. I YELLED AT HER TO GET HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND SHE YELLED AT ME THAT SHE WAS NO WHERE NEAR IT. I THEN TOLD HER TO PULL THE FLOOR MAT / CARPET BACK AND IT WAS ALREADY BACK AND LOCKED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I TOLD HER TO TURN IT OFF. THE CAR IDLED DOWN TO STOP ONCE KEY WAS TURNED OFF. WE SAT THERE FOR A FEW MOMENTS, I TOLD HER TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ONCE AND TRY TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY WE LET IT WARM UP FOR A MOMENT AND DROVE AWAY. SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS GLAD I WAS IN THE CAR TO SEE THE EVENT BECAUSE IT HAD HAPPENED 3 OTHER TIMES IN THE LAST 45 DAYS. FORTUNATELY SHE WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN IT OCCURRED OR ON A BUSY ROADWAY OR SCHOOL ZONE. *TR
Power train, Jan 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD UNKNOWN NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VISCOUS COUPLING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CHECK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ UPDATED 6/22/2015*JS
Suspension, Jan 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000(SUSPENSION) WAS RECEIVED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering, Jan 3, 2015
THERE IS A NOTICEABLE THUMPING, LIKE A BELT SLIPPING OR A GEAR MISSING, WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS. THE FREQUENCY OF THE ISSUE BECOMES MORE PREVALENT THE LONGER YOU DRIVE. ON 12/22/14, YORK AUTO GROUP, MY LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT, DETERMINED THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE RACK AND PINION. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING FROM MY RESEARCH THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE MANAGED TO GET THIS REPAIR COVERED BY TOYOTA SINCE IT IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AND BECOMING MORE FREQUENT IN THIS MODEL. I DID CONTACT TOYOTA AND OPENED CASE # [XXX] TOYOTA WAS LESS RESPONSIVE IN MY CASE. IF THIS IS BECOMING A KNOWN ISSUE, I WOULD LIKE THEM TO COVER THE REPAIR AND POSSIBLY ALERT OTHER RAV4 OWNERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 24, 2014
COMING TO A RED LIGHT I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO SLOW THE CAR AND THE BRAKE FELT A LITTLE HARD AND WERE VERY SLOW TO REACT. BECAUSE I HAD ALLOWED ENOUGH DISTANCE TO THE LIGHT I WAS ABLE AFTER A MOMENT OR TO FEEL THE CAR BEGIN TO STOP. VERY FRIGHTENING BECAUSE IT FELT LIKE I WAS NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BEFORE THE REACHING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY THOUGHT THEY NEEDED TO RESET THE COMPUTER. AFTER CHECKING IT OUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS THIS ANOMALY OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME I HAD THEM CHECK BUT NO RESOLVE WAS FOUND. ON 8-17-14 THE DEALERSHIP HAD ME COMPLETE THEIR SURVEY OF THESE OCCURRENCES AND PERFORMED A SERIES OF DIAGNOSTICS. THEIR CONCLUSION WAS THAT MY FOOT MAY HAVE BEEN HITTING BOTH THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE SIMULTANEOUSLY ON THOSE OCCASIONS PLUS THEY ASK ME TO REMOVE A RUBBER MAT WHICH HAD BEEN OVER THE CAR'S ACCESSORY CARPET MAT. THAT RUBBER MAT HAS REMAINED OUT OF THE CAR EVER SINCE. I FELT THAT BOTH OF THOSE REMEDIES COULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE AS IF THAT WERE THE CASE THESE INCIDENTS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED MORE FREQUENTLY. MY SUSPICION IS THAT IT IS EITHER ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL ANOMALIES THAT ONLY OCCUR RARELY. I BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO DATE THAT WHEN THESE PRIOR EPISODES HAVE TAKEN PLACE THE CONDITIONS WERE MANAGEABLE. MY PRIMARY CONCERN IS WHAT IF CONDITIONS WERE NOT SO.. I.E. HIGHWAY TRAVEL AT GREATER SPEED, HEAVIER TRAFFIC, AND WET OR ICY ROAD CONDITIONS...A SCENARIO THAT BEGS VERY SERIOUS, IF NOT TRAGIC, RESULTS...VERY FRIGHTENING CIRCUMSTANCES TO PONDER INDEED. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MYSTERY NEEDS TO BE MORE DEEPLY ADDRESSED. *TR
Suspension, Oct 9, 2014
URGENT SAFETY RECALL ISSUED (NO DATE) BY TOYOTA FOR REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS (NO. 1). "IMPORTANT RECALL FOLLOW-UP NOTICE" I RECEIVED TODAY VIA USPS, OCTOBER 9TH, 2014. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER, [XXX] IN DUBUQUE, IOWA TODAY, AND ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS (OVER THE PAST YEAR) TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED, AND IN AN ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED. EACH TIME I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY PART AND I WOULD BE CALLED WHEN AVAILABLE. TODAY I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE ONLY RECEIVING 5 PARTS PER WEEK WHEN THEY NEED 300 PARTS. I HAVE RECEIVED MULTIPLE NOTICES FROM TOYOTA TO HAVE THIS PART REPAIRED, YET AFTER A YEAR HAS PASSED, TOYOTA CONTINUES TO SEND URGENT NOTIFICATIONS, YET CANNOT SUPPLY ENOUGH PARTS TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME LODGED TO THE FLOOR BOARD WHEN THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 11/20/14*LJ UPDATED 8/17/2015 *JS
Suspension, Sep 29, 2014
SAFETY RECALL ISSUED MAY 1, 2014 BY TOYOTA FOR REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS (NO. 1). I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER TOYOTA DARCARS ON CHERRY HILL ROAD IN SILVER SPRING, MD 301 622 0300 ON MAY 5, JUNE 6, AUGUST 4 AND SEPT 29, 2014 IN AN ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED. EACH TIME I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND I WILL BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST FOR SERVICE ONCE AVAILABLE. I GET THE SAME ANSWER ON EVERY CALL AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE. I CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE TWICE AND THEY AS OF TODAY TRANSFERRED ME TO TOYOTA CORPORATE TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT. CORPORATE ADVISED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. AFTER FIVE MONTHS AND FOLLOW UP NOTICES FROM CORPORATE REMINDING ME THAT I HAD NOT COMPLETED THE SERVICE WORK WHEN THEY CAN'T EVEN GET ME IN TO HAVE REPAIRS COMPLETED IS ABSURD AND POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. NEED FOCUS ON THIS TO CORRECT PARTS SHORTAGE. *TR
Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2014
2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER ON MARCH 17, 2014, SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A NOISE IN THE FAN HEATER. THE TECHNICIANS ALSO ADDRESSED A RECALL FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE RECALL REQUIRED REPROGRAMMING THE ECM WITH SMART STOP TECHNOLOGY. HOWEVER, ON APRIL 17, 2014, WHILE TURNING A CORNER AT A VERY LOW SPEED, THE RPM'S RACED HIGH AS IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND APPLIED THE BRAKE, THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO RACE, AND CONTINUED, EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN NEUTRAL. WHEN SHE STOPPED, SHE SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND THE RPM'S WERE STILL RACING. THE ACCELERATING ONLY STOPPED WHEN SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TOYOTA ENGINEERS CONCLUDED AND REPORTED, PEDAL MIS-APPLICATION. *JB