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.
Electrical system, Dec 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE HEADLIGHTS WAS DEACTIVATED, THE RADIO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. *TR
Steering, Dec 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND AN INSPECTOR WAS SENT TO FURTHER ASSESS THE VEHICLE FAILURE. THE INSPECTOR WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Steering, Oct 31, 2012, crash
I STARTED MY CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY - BUT IT STARTED THEN STOPPED AND WOULD NOT MOVE - THE POWER STEERING EMERGENCY LIGHT HAD TURNED ON AND THE POWER STEERING WASN'T WORKING. I TOWED THE CAR TO MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THE COMPUTER WAS FAULTY (ON A 3 YEAR OLD CAR ?!!) AND I NEEDED A NEW ONE AT A PART COST OF ABOUT $700 AND LABOR COST OF $300-$400. THE CAR WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY BUT THEY AGREED TO PAY FOR THE PART IF I PAID FOR THE LABOR. I WAS SUSPICIOUS OF WHY THEY AGREED TO DO THIS, BUT I AGREED. THE FOLLOWING WEEK I DROVE MY CAR DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND ONTO THE ROAD AND AS I WAS TURNING THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, AND I COULD NOT STEER SO I CRASHED INTO A HEDGE. (BUT I COULD HAVE CRASHED AT HIGH SPEED AND BEEN KILLED) . I TOWED THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP - NOW THEY TELL ME THEY ARE REPLACING THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN, AT NO COST TO ME. OBVIOUSLY THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. IF YOU GOOGLE IT, LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD POWER STEERING ISSUES AND EVEN CRASHED AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING FAULT. PLEASE LOOK FOR A PATTERN. *TR
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2012
2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DEFECT AND COST *TGW DOCUMENT WAS WRITTEN IN SPANISH.
Engine, Oct 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE NOISE VOLUME IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 7, 2012
VEHICLE STARTING A POPPING/BINDING FEEL WHEN MAKING A TURN LEFT OR RIGHT AT ABOUT 36000 MILES. IT BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED AND BY 42000 MILES IT COULD BE FELT WHEN SITTING STILL. TOYOTA TSO ISSUED TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A PROGRESSIVELY DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT WILL CAUSE FAILURE AND LOSS OF LIFE ONE DAY. COST THE REPLACE SHAFT, $517.00. SEARCH FINDS MANY, MANY RAV4 OWNERS HAVE THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Power train, Sep 5, 2012
WHILE BRAKING (AT ABOUT 5 MPH) TO MAKE A TURN INTO OUR CARPORT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITH A RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK (TRIED TO SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL, BUT ENDED UP IN PARK). CAR RETURNED TO IDLE. IMMEDIATELY CHECK THE FLOOR MAT TO FIND IT WAS NOT A FACTOR. CALLED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN THE AREA AND MADE APPOINTMENT FOR FOLLOWING WORK DAY. AFTER 1-1/2 WEEKS AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SAID NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG WITH IT. HE NOTED THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE AFTER MARKET FLOOR MATS AND NOT RECOMMENDED. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS CHECKED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CAR RETURNED TO IDLE AND WAS NOT A FACTOR. HE ASSURED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS CHECKED AND NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE WHEN SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITH A RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED FIVE TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. ON THE SIXTH ATTEMPT, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Aug 8, 2012, crash
ON JUNE 6 2012 DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT I HAD AN UN-INTENDED ACCELERATION ON MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 AND THE CAR ONLY STOPPED BECAUSE I HIT MY DOCTOR'S OFFICE WALL. EVEN THOUGH I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP. IT WAS A VERY SCARY MOMENT. I FILED A CLAIM WITH TOYOTA MANUFACTURER, THEY INSPECTED THE CAR ON JUNE 19,2012. I GOT A LETTER JULY 30 2012 FROM TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA INC. THAT SAYS THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND THAT IT IS "OPERATING AS DESIGNED, WITHIN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS" "HOWEVER THE INSPECTION OF YOUR VEHICLE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY SORT OF A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT AND WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE". I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS SAFE BUT NOW (THANK GOD NOBODY WAS HURT) I DON'T TRUST THIS CAR AND I LOST CONFIDENCE ON TOYOTA CARS. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY KNOW IT. IT WAS A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCED! I DIDN'T MAKE THIS UP, THIS REALLY HAPPENED TO ME. ON AUG 1ST 2012 ON PRESS RELEASE TYT RECALLED RAV4 SUBS AND LEXUS TO FIX THE SUSPENSION OF RAV4S FROM 2006 TO 2011 MODELS. OTHER LAW FIRMS HAVE TOLD ME THAT THE UN-INTENDED ACCELERATION HAS TO HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES TO BE CONSIDERED AS COMPLAINT/RECALL PER LEMON LAW AND THAT IF TYT SAYS THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, THERE'S NOTHING THEY OR I CAN DO. I'M OUTRAGED TO SAY THE LEAST! CAN YOU HELP? THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Visibility, Aug 7, 2012
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND TURNING RIGHT WITH MY GRANDSON IN THE BACKSEAT, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE NO OTHER CAR AROUND ME AT THE TIME PULLED OVER AND LOOKED ALL AROUND THE CAR AND IN THE BACK TO SEE IF SOMETHING FELL OVER NOTHING WAS IN THE BACK. STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND HEARD WIND NOISE PULLED OVER AGAIN AND LOOKED ALL UNDER RAV AND TIRES GOT READY TO GET IN SIDE LOOKED UP ON THE TOP AND THE SUNROOF HAD A HOLE IN IT AND SHATTERED. NOTHING HIT IT JUST SHATTERED. IF HAD HAD THE INSIDE OPEN GLASS WOULD HAVE BEEN ALL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA SAID NOT IN WARRANTY AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASED DID NOT COVER EITHER, HAD TO FILE INSURANCE CLAIM. WAS NEVER ADVISED WHEN PURCHASED THAT THE SUNROOF COULD JUST EXPLODE AND SHATTER FOR NO REASON. NOW HAVE A VEHICLE THAT I WILL NOT EVER OPEN THE INSIDE DOOR FOR THE SUNROOF AGAIN IF WOULD SHATTER WHILE OPEN WOULD GET GLASS ALL OVER EVERYONE. THANK GOODNESS WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 20 MILES HOUR AND THE INSIDE SUNROOF DOOR CLOSED WHEN HAPPENED. IF HAD BEEN GOING 65 MILES HOUR AND HAD THE SUNROOF INSIDE DOOR OPEN COULD HAVE CAUSED WRECK. *TR
Engine, Jul 6, 2012
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, I STARTED TO BRAKE FOR A LIGHT. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND IT TOOK BOTH FEET APPLIED TO THE BRAKES TO STOP AND AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TEN MINUTES LATER, ANOTHER SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED, FOLLOWED IN RAPID SUCCESSION BY A THIRD ACCELERATION. *TR
Structure, May 29, 2012
RUST ON THE LATCHES THAT HOLD THE REAR DOOR ON THE 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. ALTHOUGH NOT A MAJOR CONCERN AT THIS TIME, HOWEVER WHEN THE RUST DOES GET WORSE THE DOOR WILL NOT SEAL EXHAUST AND/OR WILL OPEN IN A ACCIDENT OR WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN BE A HAZARD. I CAN EMAIL PHOTOS OF THE LATCHES. IF YOU WANT THEM. TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION AND ITS DEALERSHIP NETWORK ARE NOT WANTING TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. I THOUGHT I CAN BRING UP THE ISSUE HERE AND PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. THE REPAIR IS SIMPLE SINCE THE LATCHES ARE HELD ON WITH EASILY REMOVED HARDWARE. TOYOTA IS NOT WANTING TO REPAIR A SIMPLE ISSUE THAT CAN BECOME A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *TR
Air bags, May 25, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND ONCE SHE WAS SAFELY OUTSIDE, THE AIR BAGS THEN DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RECALL THE SPECIFIC EVENTS OF THE CRASH AND HAD STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGES AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 06/07/12*LJ UPDATED 06/11/12
Steering, Apr 14, 2012
I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS. LOOKS LIKE OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. NO RECALL THAT I KNOW OF, BUT THERE SHOULD BE. NOTICED PROBLEM SHORTLY AFTER 36,000 MILE WARRANTY EXPIRED SO ALL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. HAD TO REPLACE STEERING SHAFT AT DEALER FOR $378. OUCH! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AND APPLIED THE BRAKES WHEN THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED DRASTICALLY AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INSPECTED. THERE WERE ENGINEERS SENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V113000(VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL) AND THERE WERE NO FLOOR MATS THAT COULD HAVE INTERFERED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 26,000. THE THROTTLE, ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND RELATED COMPONENTS WERE INSPECTED AND THEY WERE FOUND TO BE OPERATING AS DESIGNED, WITHIN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. NO BINDING OR OBSTRUCTIONS WERE FOUND IN THE THROTTLE COMPONENTS. THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS ALSO INSPECTED AND NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. ADDITIONALLY, AN EXTENSIVE ROAD TEST WAS CONDUCTED AND NO ABNORMAL CONDITIONS WERE PRESENT AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. UPDATED EVOQ 03/23/12 ..UPDATED 04/16/12 *BF
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THREE TIMES WITH NO SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. ..UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF UPDATED 06/15/2012 *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2012
I HAVE HA THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THIS BRAKE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THIS IS NORMAL ,WHAT THE PROBLEM IS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SOFT AND WHEN BRAKING YOU FOOT CAN HIT THE GAS PEDAL THIS ALSO THE PEDAL WILL GO DOWN WHEN YOU ARE HOLDING AT A STOP,ALSO ITS NOT LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AS THE CAR WAS SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TR
Tires, Dec 21, 2011
2009 RAV 4 YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR 225/65R17 35,680 MILES.TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED EVERY5K MILES MY WIFE WAS ON EXPRESSWAY GOING 65 MPH,WHEN LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT .SHE HAD SWERVE THREE LANES INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE,SHE CALLED AAA WHICH CALL THE STATE POLICE.AAA CHANGED THE TIRE.WHEN SHE GOT HOME I LOOKED A THE REST OF THE TIRES AND NOTICED ALL TIRES WERE DRIEROTTED ALONG THE SIDEWALL. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 10, 2011
STEERING STARTED CREATING OCCASIONAL MILD NOISE WHILE TURNING AT AROUND 49000. AT 53000 DURING MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT BURLINGTON TOYOTA, ONTARIO I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT ALONG WITH A METALLIC NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THEY MENTIONED NOT TO BE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND HENCE DID NOT MAKE ANY FIX. THEY REFUSED TO DEAL TO BRAKE NOISE AND MENTIONED THAT MY BRAKE PAD WILL LAST FOR MUCH LONGER TIME AND REASON MAY BE A LITTLE BIT OF RUST. THEY WILL HAVE TO CHARGE ME FOR ANY FURTHER DIAGNOSIS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. LATER I HAVE ESCALATED THIS TO TOYOTA CANADA, AS ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER FOUND THAT THE SHAFT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN IS CRACKED. TOYOTA CANADA CLAIMS THAT TO BE A WEAR AND TEAR AND REFUSED TO COVER THAT AS MY WARRANTY WAS OVER EVEN THOUGH I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. TODAY NOVEMBER 10TH, NEWSPAPERS PUBLISH THAT MORE THAN 500,000 RAV4 ARE RECALLED FOR STEERING. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY MENTIONED, THIS RECALL IS ONLY FOR 2006 RAV4 AND NOT FOR 2009. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT TOYOTA RAV4 2009 HAS THE SAME ISSUE. I COULD NOT FIND AN ONTARIO SITE. SO I COULD NOT ENTER MY PROVINCE AND ZIP CODE BELOW. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STARTED THE KEY-LESS IGNITION WITH THE BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOCATION WAS DESIGNED EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH RESULTED TO UNINTENDED APPLICATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 11/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. UPDATED 12/07/11
Vehicle speed control, Oct 27, 2011
ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 12 IN THE AFTERNOON, I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY'S 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH MY WIFE AND INFANT SON, EASTBOUND ON HIGHWAY 44 BETWEEN WINNER, SD AND PLATTE, SD. WITH THE VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL SET AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH, I CHANGED LANES AND BEGAN TO PASS THE TRUCK AHEAD OF OUR VEHICLE ON THIS TWO-LANE COUNTRY ROAD. INCREASING THE VEHICLE'S SPEED TO 70 MPH TO COMPLETE THE PASS OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND RETURN TO THE EASTBOUND LANE, THE TOYOTA RAV4 UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED TO SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 85 MPH. AT THE TIME OF THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, THE PEDAL AREA WAS CHECKED AND CONFIRMED TO BE CLEAR OF ANY OBSTRUCTIONS, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER-SIDE FLOOR MAT. WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AND THE BRAKES CAUTIOUSLY APPLIED, THE TOYOTA RAV4 WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN FROM ITS STATE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO TAKE BACK CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS BY COMPLETELY PRESSING THE BRAKES TO THE FLOOR; HOWEVER, THE DECREASE IN SPEED WAS GRADUAL AT BEST, AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES WERE FULLY ENGAGED IN THIS WAY UNTIL THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT, PARTIALLY ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AT A SPEED JUST UNDER 10 MPH. AGAIN AT THIS TIME, THE PEDAL AREA WAS CHECKED AND CONFIRMED TO BE CLEAR OF ANY OBSTRUCTIONS, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER-SIDE FLOOR MAT. OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THREE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL REPAIRS AND ONE FLOOR MAT RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED AND IS NOT REPROGRAMMABLE FOR THE BRAKE OVERRIDE SYSTEM THAT IS BEING INSTALLED IN THE NEWEST TOYOTA MODELS. WITH NO CRASH RESULTING FROM THE AUG. 28 INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS REJECTED FOR AN INSPECTION OR ANY FURTHER SERVICES. AS THIS WAS A VERY SCARY AND TRAUMATIC SITUATION FOR MY FAMILY, THE TOYOTA RAV4 HAS NOT BEEN OPERATED UNDER THE SAME DRIVING CONDITIONS SINCE THE INCIDENT. *TT
Steering, Oct 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY MANEUVERED ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2011
ON MAY 10, 2011 I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND THEN INTERMITTENTLY UNTIL ON AUGUST 31, 2011 I EXPERIENCED 3 EVEN MORE DRAMATIC UNINTENDED ACCELERATIONS WITHIN ABOUT 40 MINUTES. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY NEARBY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT REQUIRES THE ATTENTION OF TOYOTA DEALER. THE LOCAL DEALER CALLED IN A TOYOTA REGIONAL SPECIALIST IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHO CONCLUDED AFTER TESTS THAT EVERYTHING APPEARS TO BE NORMAL. HE DID INDICATE THAT BRAKING CAN ACTUALLY CAUSE REVVING WHICH SOUNDS LIKE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION & PERHAPS THAT IS WHAT I EXPERIENCED. HE ALSO SAID THAT TOYOTA IS CONSIDERING BUILDING FUTURE MODELS WITH GREATER DISTANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS & THEY MAY ALSO ELEVATE THE BRAKE PEDAL SO THERE IS MORE SEPARATION BETWEEN THESE 2 PEDALS AND THUS LESS LIKELIHOOD OF ONE'S FOOT DRIFTING BETWEEN THEM. IN CONCLUSION, THERE REMAINS IN MY MIND AN UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHAT HAS BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE UNINTENDED AND SCARY ACCELERATION I EXPERIENCED. IT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ACCELERATOR PEDAL OR IRONICALLY BY THE USE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE LATTER, PERHAPS TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATE MODIFICATION SO THAT NEITHER PEDAL CAN CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Sep 24, 2011, crash
I WAS DRIVING UP MY DRIVEWAY, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND DID NOT STOP, BUT WAS FORCED FORWARD UNTIL I HIT MY HOUSE. I SEARCHED FOR THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT FIND THEM, BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STUCK TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS NO BRAKE LIGHT ON. BEFORE THAT THE ODOMETER WAS JUMPING BETWEEN NUMBERS (20,17, 54, ECT.). I HAD MY CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. I HAD 5 BOYS IN MY HOUSE AND HIT MY SON'S BEDROOM, SOMEONE COULD OF BEEN INJURED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 1, 2011
I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 66,500 MILES ON MY VEHICLE; HOWEVER, WHEN I STOP, THE BRAKES MAKE A WHUSHING SOUND AS IF THEY ARE FULL OF AIR. AS WELL, THE TRANSMISSION/MUFFLER IS MAKING A WHIRRING NOISE AS WELL. I HAVE KEPT UP TO DATE WITH EACH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR MAINTENANCE, THE BRAKES WERE MAKING THIS NOISE AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. *TR