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.
Suspension, Apr 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION ) AND STATED THAT SHE WAS VERY CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY SINCE THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL SERVICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE.
Engine, Feb 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Steering, Wheels, Feb 7, 2014
STEERING: DURING NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE INSPECTION MECHANIC FAILED VEHICLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE PLAY IN WHEEL ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING RACK. NOTE: VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR EXCESSIVE VIBRATION DUE TO ROAD OR OFF ROAD DRIVING EXPERIENCED. REMEDY: REPLACE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING RACK AND ACCESSORIES. OF THE THREE OTHER RAV4'S OWNED BY DRIVER, ALL DROVE OVER 200,000 MILES WITHOUT STEERING PROBLEMS. WHEELS: DURING NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE INSPECTION MECHANIC FOUND REAR AXLE SEALS LEAKING. NOTE: VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR EXCESSIVE VIBRATION DUE TO ROAD OR OFF ROAD DRIVING EXPERIENCED. REMEDY: REPLACE REAR AXLE SEALS. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 1, 2014
EXTENSIVE RODENT DAMAGE TO WIRING HARNESS, PASSENGER AIR BAG, HEAT/AC DUCTS, HEADLINER, CARPETING FRONT & REAR, INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND MANY MORE MISC. PARTS. REPAIR COSTS - $10,257.91 BECAUSE TOYOTA CHOSE TO MAKE THIS CAR WITH A SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT USING EDIBLE PRODUCTS (SOY FOAM, RICE HUSKS, ETC.) IN PLACE OF PETROLEUM FOR MUCH OF THE PLASTIC PARTS. THIS MATERIAL IS NOW ATTRACTIVE TO RODENTS AND THEY DESIGNED THE AIR INLET TO THE HEATER WITHOUT A SCREEN WHICH ALLOWS RODENTS ENTRY TO THE VEHICLE. IT BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WAS DAMAGED ENOUGH TO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. MY TOYOTA HAS BECOME THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Jan 31, 2014
I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW LONG TOYOTA HAS TO REPAIR THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM THAT YOU RECALLED, IT SEEMS AROUND A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO? I'VE HEARD NOTHING FROM THEM ABOUT REPAIRING THIS PROBLEM, JUST THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON TRYING TO FIND A RESOLUTION. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2014
WE HAVE A LOUD, INTERMITTENT GRINDING OR RATTLING NOISE THAT OCCURS USUALLY DURING ACCELERATION BUT OFTEN WHEN CRUISING AS WELL. WE CHECKED ONLINE AND OTHERS HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM BUT DEALER CLAIMS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE STARTED THE IGNITION AND SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE WHEN SUDDENLY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD WITH A RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A HUGE PILE OF SNOW THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Suspension, Jan 2, 2014
I NOW REGRETTABLY OWN A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER 2013 FROM A CAR MAX DEALER IN POMPANO BEACH FLORIDA. I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THE CAR HAD TWO RECALLS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. I BROUGHT CAR BACK TO CAR MAX SEVERAL TIMES, THEY DID VARIOUS REPAIRS, NEW BRAKES AND ALIGNMENT. THEN I LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THAT THIS CAR HAS TWO RECALLS. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO TOYOTA OF DEERFIELD BEACH FLORIDA AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL WAS NOT ON RECALL. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THIS CAR BUT THE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE AND THE WHEEL DO NOT LINE UP PROPERLY. I CALLED TOYOTA USA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS CAR IS ON RECALL TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO TOYOTA OF DEER BEACH AND WAS TOLD BY THE MANGER [XXX], THAT THEY HAD ALREADY INSPECTED THE CAR AND ANY FURTHER INSPECTION WOULD COST ME MONEY. I CALLED TOYOTA USA BACK, WHILE STILL AT THE DEALER AND HAD THEN TALK TO [XXX] BUT THIS DID NOT HELP. HE REFUSED TO INSPECT THE CAR OR OFFER ANY REMEDY. HE SAID THAT I COULD PAY $89.00 FOR AN ALIGNMENT. I WENT HOME AND CALLED TOYOTA USA AGAIN. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IN MAY 2013 BEFORE I OWNED IT. I ASKED, WHAT WAS THE OUT COME OF THE INSPECTION. THEY COULD NOT ANSWER, MERELY STATED THAT I WILL BE CONTACTED BY THEM AND THAT THERE ARE NOT PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. ONE OF THE RECALLS CONCERNS THE REAR SUSPENSION, ETC.THAT THEY CAN WEAR OUT AND MAY CAUSE DAMAGE. THE OTHER IS THE COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED SO THAT THE DRIVER DOESN'T STEP ON THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BREAKS. CAMPAIGN #13V383000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Oct 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING A DOWNWARD TURN, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000. ..UPDATED 12-30-13 *BF
Tires, Oct 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA G91 TIRES, SIZE 235/65/17(NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS PREMATURELY WORN ON ALL FOUR TIRES AND ALSO EXHIBITED SEVERAL CRACKS. THE FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT TIRE CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Aug 8, 2013
I BROUGHT MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4 INTO THE ROMANO TOYOTA (6400 BASILE ROWE EAST SYRACUSE, NY 13057) SERVICE DEPARTMENT AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR POSSIBLE RUSTING IN THE REAR SUSPENSION BAR. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASSURED ME THAT THEY HAD THOROUGHLY CHECKED THE RECALLED PART, AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. 5 MONTHS LATER, I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH ON A 3-LANE HIGHWAY, AND I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT MY CAR, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS HANGING AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE TO THE CAR. AN INDEPENDENT AUTO BODY SHOP CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION BAR (THE PART THAT WAS RECALLED, AND THAT TOYOTA ASSURED ME WAS PERFECTLY FINE 5 MONTHS BEFORE), HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. ROMANO TOYOTA REFUSED TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM WITH US, AND SIMPLY REPEATED THAT "IF THEY LOOKED AT THE PART, THEN IT WAS FINE." WHILE TOYOTA CORPORATE CONFIRMED THE FINDINGS OF THE INDEPENDENT AUTO BODY SHOP AND REIMBURSED US FOR THE COSTS OF REPAIR, AS FAR AS I'M AWARE, TOYOTA HAS NOT TAKEN ANY STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THIS TERRIFYING (AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY) EXPERIENCE DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ANOTHER DRIVER. *TR
Engine, Jul 10, 2013
BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL AND OIL CHANGE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF OVER $700. UPON RESEARCH, THIS EARLY WATER PUMP FAILURE APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH RAV4'S, ALTHOUGH NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED YET. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT APPROACHED A TRAFFIC STOP AND APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETECT A TROUBLE CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE RPM FAILED TO DECREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DECIDED TO SEND OUT AN ENGINEER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINEER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000. *TR
Engine, May 7, 2013
I NOTICED A STRANGE RATTLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE WHEN STARTING MY CAR 1ST THING IN THE MORNING AND WHEN STARTING IT AFTER IT HAS SAT FOR A FEW HOURS; I RESEARCHED ONLINE FOR OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND FOUND THAT TOYOTA HAS DISCOVERED AN ISSUE WITH THE CAM SHAFT ON SOME VEHICLES. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF A 2ND RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, THIS ONE FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION AFTER VISITING THE TOYOTA WEBSITE, BUT I FOUND NOTHING ABOUT A RECALL REGARDING THE CAM SHAFT. I HAD PLANNED ON BRINGING THE CAM SHAFT ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE TECH WHEN I TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION RECALL BUT AM UNSURE IF ANYTHING WILL BE DONE. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Steering, May 2, 2013
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LOUD "CLUNKING" NOISE AND NOTICEABLE SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING AT SLOWER SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND I AM SERIOUSLY CONCERNED OF STEERING OR RELATED SUBCOMPONENT FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDST OF TRAFFIC. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I NOTICED MY SYMPTOMS ARE FAIRLY WIDE-SPREAD AMONGST OTHER RAV 4 OWNERS. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 30, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES AT 45 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND SUSTAINED NUMEROUS SEVERE TO MODERATE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT END WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE WOULD BE DISPATCHED THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE REPRESENTATIVE STILL HAD NOT PERFORMED THE INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE REPAIRS HAD ALREADY BEGUN, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 10/28/2014*LJ UPDATED 7/14/2015*JS
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 2, 2013
WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT WITH RIGHT FOOT ON BRAKE, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO VERY HIGH RPM. SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND ENGINE REVVED EVEN HIGHER. TURNED OFF IGNITION. SIGNAL TURNED GREEN AND SINCE I WAS IN TRAFFIC, DECIDED TO TRY TO START ENGINE AGAIN. ENGINE STARTED AND PERFORMED NORMALLY. IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO TOYOTA DEALER WHO SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. WE ARE NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE! THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE HAD WE BEEN MOVING IN TRAFFIC! *TR
Steering, Mar 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Tires, Wheels, Mar 10, 2013
I WRITE THIS LETTER SEEKING FOR HELP. SINCE THE YEAR 2011 I AM HAVING SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE RIGHT WHEEL OF MY CAR WHERE THE TIRE STICKS CONSTANTLY. THE PANEL SHOWS THE LIGHT ON FOR ALL TIME. IN TWO YEARS ALREADY BOUGHT TWO TIRES, MY CAR IS THE YEAR 2009, I CONSIDER A NEW CAR. THE VISITS BEGAN TO BE FREQUENT IN THE COMPANY TOYOTA, WITH REPORT OF BUYING ANOTHER TIRE. I WONDER IF THIS PROBLEM BECOMES NORMAL. BECAUSE CHILDREN ARE IN MY CAR DAILY. *TR
Air bags, Feb 26, 2013, crash
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE RAV 4 AND HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID A CAR. SHE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS QUITE A BIT OF FRONT END DAMAGE, BUT AT NO TIME DID THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. *TR
Steering, Jan 28, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Wheels, Jan 24, 2013
SINCE THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT ON SEPT 18, 2009 IT HAS HAD A SHIMMY PROBLEM. DEALER COULD NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT WOULD DO AN ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION WHEN HE TOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT 19,265 MI ON NOV 8, 2011, THEY TOLD MY FATHER HE NEEDED TIRES AND THAT A LUG NUT WAS MISSING. HE TOOK IT DOWN THE BLOCK TO A TIRE SHOP WHO STATED THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT AT LEAST 2 NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT. THEN ON MAY 20, 2012 REPLACED THE OTHER 2 TIRES AT 23,192 MI. HE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LUG NUTS REPLACING 3 DIFFERENT ONES NOW. THE LAST LUG NUT THAT WAS MISSING THE LUG STUD WAS BROKEN ALSO. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO BE TO HAVE 2 OF THE RECALLS FIXED AND THE LUG STUD REPLACED ON NOV 30, 2012 THEY EVEN SAID THESE RAV4'S HAVE BEEN HAVING THESE ISSUES. WE JUST RECEIVED A FIFTH RECALL NOTICE, A SECOND RECALL ON THE SUSPENSION. CORPORATE DOES NOT FILL ANY OF THE ABOVE ISSUES ARE RELATED NOR THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, THAT WE NEED TO GO TO THE ORIGINAL TIRE MANUFACTURE REGARDING THE TIRE ISSUE, THEY ALSO STATED HIS WARRANTY EXPIRED IN SEPT 2012. MY FATHER HAS THE 7YR-70,000 MILE PLATINUM WARRANTY, (THE LAST DEALERSHIP I TOOK IT TO ALSO STATED THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED ON 9/12/2012). TOYOTA CORP GAVE ME THE PH NO FOR EXTRA CARE EXTENDED WARRANTY REGARDING THE LACK OF COVERAGE AND SAID TO WAS POSSIBLE IF WE ACTUALLY HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT THEY COULD DO SOMETHING FOR US. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THEM THEY STATED THE WARRANTY WAS IN THE NATIONAL SYSTEM AND HAD NO REASON AS TO WHY THEY'D QUESTION THAT. WHEN I EXPLAINED THE CONTINUAL PROBLEMS HE SAID CORP NEEDS TO ADDRESS. EVERYONE POINTS THE FINGER AT OTHERS. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 26,900 MI. MY FATHER HAS BEEN VERY ILL THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS AND IS UNABLE TO DEAL WITH THESE ISSUES. MY FATHER HATES THIS CAR, THE DEALERSHIP IN VACAVILLE PURCHASED FROM & HE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Jan 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, A STRANGE NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 10 AND 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 12, 2013
I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS I SLOWED DOWN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SURGE. SINCE MY FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE I WAS ABLE TO PUSH DOWN HARDER ON IT TO STOP IT FROM HITTING THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. WITHIN A SECOND OR TWO, AS THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO SURGE, I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK. WHEN I DID THIS THE ENGINE SURGED EVEN MORE. I THEN TURNED OFF THE ENGINE BY TURNING THE KEY WHICH DID SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN. I THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT RAN NORMALLY. I WAS SOMEWHAT SHAKEN UP BY THE INCIDENT. NOTE THAT THIS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FLOOR MATS OR HITTING THE WRONG PEDAL. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE WHOLE TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED-IF IT HADN'T BEEN I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR