2004 TOYOTA RAV4 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
151
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
44 complaints
TAKATA RECALL I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JANUARY 2019 AND SINCE THAT TIME HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS MAILED NOTICES FROM TOYOTA "SAFETY RECALL FOLLOW-UP NOTICE." I HAVE MADE AT LEAST 8 PHONE CALLS TO TOYOTA AND BEEN PROMISED REPEATEDLY THAT I WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AIRBAG REPLACEMENT...BUT HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. EACH PERSON WITH WHOM I SPEAK FAITHFULLY PROMISES THAT I WILL BE CONTACTED, THEN NOTHING. I LIVE IN RURAL ALASKA ON AN ISLAND WITHOUT A TOYOTA DEALER. THE CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALER IS IN ANCHORAGE. GETTING MY VEHICLE TO ANCHORAGE WILL ENTAIL A 12-24 HOUR FERRY RIDE AND A 2-8 HOUR HIGHWAY DRIVE.
Jul 19, 2019
"TAMARA RECALL". COMPLAINT #1 IN MAY 2016, I CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER TELEPHONE NUMBER TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE TO THE AIRBAGS. TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE CONNECTED ME TO WOBURN TOYOTA TO HAVE ME SPEAK TO THEM TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WHICH I DID. ON MAY 24 2016 I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR AN 11 A.M. APPT. I WAS TOLD TO PARK IT OUTSIDE. WHEN I REGISTERED AT THE COUNTER, THE CLERK ASKED ME IF I WANTED NUMEROUS OTHER SERVICES DONE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR. I DENIED ALL OF THEM. THE SERVICE DEPT WAS BUSY, HE TOLD ME TO COME BACK IN ABOUT 2 HOURS. I CAME BACK IN 2 HRS 30 MINS TO FIND MY CAR PARKED IN THE SAME SPOT I LEFT IT. I WENT TO THE COUNTER AND THE SAME CLERK TOLD ME, THEY DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO WORK ON IT YET BUT THEY COULD GET TO IT SOON!!! UNACCEPTABLE I LEFT.I HAD AN APPT AT 3 P.M. I COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA, I WAS SENT AN EMAIL TO TRY TO PHONE AGAIN AND RESCHEDULE. COMPLAINT #2 A FEW MONTHS LATER, MY SON IN LAW LOU INTOPPA, CALLED TO MAKE THE APPT FOR ME AT THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER NUMBER. HE WAS TOLD WOBURN TOYOTA , WHICH DID IT BEFORE, DOES NOT DO THE RECALLS AND HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR TO LEXINGTON WHICH IS FARTHER AWAY. HE WAS DROPPING MY CAR OFF ON HIS WAY TO WORK. LEXINGTON IS NOT ON THE WAY. HE CALLED WOBURN TOYOTA ON HIS OWN. THEY TOLD HIM THEY DO THE RECALLS BUT THEY HAD NO PARTS BUT WE'RE GETTING THEM IN. CALL BACK IN A FEW DAYS. HE DID BUT NO PARTS YET. COMPLAINT #3. WOBURN TOYOTA TOLD MY SON IN LAW TO CALL AGAIN TO SEE IF THE PARTS CAME IN, HE DID. NO PARTS YET SO THEY TOOK HIS NUMBER AND TOLD HIM THEY WOULD CALL HIM WHEN THEY CAME IN. THAT WAS 5 MONTHS AGO. HE HAS NEVER HEARD FROM THEM. WE KEEP GETTING THE TOYOTA RECORDED MESSAGES ON MY CELL , HIS CELL AND HIS HOME PHONE FOR THE RECALL BUT THEY DON'T MAKE IT EASY. NOW I HAVE RECEIVED A CERTIFIED RETURNED SIGNATURE LETTER FROM THEM TO TAKE MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL.
Nov 28, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" RECEIVED NOTICE TO FIND OUT IF MY VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL
Nov 10, 2017
TAKATA RECALL KEEPING GETTING NOTICES ABOUT THIS RECALL AND THE BANKRUPTCY CASE AGAINST TK HOLDINGS. I (WE) HAVEN'T OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER 4 YEARS. I ALREADY ATTEMPTED TO INFORM TOYOTA (ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO) BUT THEY SAID THE INFO COMES FROM MY STATE DMV AND I COULDN'T GET THEM TO TAKE SOME ACTION TO DETERMINE THE ACTUAL OWNER. I ALSO CONTACTED THE NH DMV AT THAT TIME AND PROVIDED THE VIN. THEY SAID THEIR RECORDS INDICATE WE DON'T OWN THE VEHICLE. WE TRADED IT IN AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN NH IN OCT 2013. I HAVE NO IDEA WHO OWNS THE VEHICLE! AND THE NAME ON THE LATEST NOTICE STILL HAS MY WIFE'S NAME; SHE PASSED AWAY IN JULY 2015. . WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO GET THE RECORDS GET CORRECTED? . [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Oct 27, 2017
I WAS NOTIFIED BY TOYOTA THAT MY AIR BAGS WERE RECALLED AND I HAD THEM REPLACED
Aug 06, 2017
+ 39 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
16 complaints
The transmission slips suddenly, even during highway driving conditions, which almost resulted in a terrible crash. I found out that the electronic control module for these vehicles is defective and must be repaired to correct the transmission issues.
Jan 24, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, ALONG WITH "TAKE THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE" MESSAGE APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Jan 13, 2017
THE POWER OF THE CAR IS IN TROUBLE AT START, JUMPS LIKE IS LOCKED, OR LOSE POWER, THAN, WHEN I GIVE GAS IS RUNNING OK IN THE STREET OR IGHWAY, TILL STOP AND RENEW RUNNING THE CAR.EVERY TIME THAT I STOP IS THE PROBLEM. THE PROFETIONAL MECHANIS LOOK AT IT, AND HE SAY THE TRANSMITION (SELENOID) IS NOT WORKING.
Apr 05, 2016
AS MY FAMILY AND I WERE LEAVING MY HOUSE TO GO TO THE COAST, MY 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 SUDDENLY, WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING OR INDICATION, JERKED AND SPUTTERED AND FELT AS IF IT WERE DOWNSHIFTING, AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WERE SLIPPING OR NOT ENGAGING OR MAINTAINING GEAR. UPON TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC REVEALED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT TOYOTA WOULD NOT ALLOW IT TO BE OPENED UP, ONLY REPLACED. I MENTIONED THE ECM AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING TO INDICATE ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WERE IT NOT A HIGHER POWER CARING FOR ME AND MY LOVED ONES THAT DAY, I BELIEVE IT COULD HAVE BECOME AN EVEN MORE DANGEROUS SITUATION THAN IT ALREADY WAS.
Aug 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Jun 26, 2015
+ 11 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
15 complaints
I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FOR MY CAR WAS SHOT UP NEAR THE RED. IN ADDITION TO THIS, TWO WARNING LIGHTS (VSC TRAC AND CHECK ENGINE) ALSO CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY, AND CALLED AAA, WHICH TOWED ME TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MANAGER THERE TOOK A LOOK AT MY CAR, AND SAID THAT I WAS OUT OF COOLANT. HE THEN ADDED HALF A GALLON OF COOLANT TO MY CAR AND TOLD ME I SHOULD BE ALL SET. APPROXIMATELY 80 MILES LATER, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOT UP TO THE RED AGAIN. I THEN PULLED OVER, AND SAW THAT ALL OF THE COOLANT THE REPAIR SHOP ADDED EARLIER WAS GONE. I TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, WHO TOLD ME THAT THERE ARE TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. ONE, THE HEAD GASKET WAS BROKEN. AND TWO, SOME OF THE STEEL BOLTS IN THE ENGINE WERE STRIPPED OUT. ALL IN ALL, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $7000 TO REPAIR THE ENGINE. I'VE LOOKED AROUND ON THE WEB AND SAW THAT MANY OTHER 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, AND TOYOTA SHOULD MAKE A RECALL OF THIS UNSAFE, AND POORLY DESIGNED MODEL. *TR
Jan 10, 2012
MY 2004 TOYOTA RAV 4 STARTED OVERHEATING/SMOKING WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH IN A PARKING LOT. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND SAW LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND I HOPED IT WAS JUST A HOSE OR THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE. I RAN TO THE STORE, BOUGHT ANTIFREEZE, FILLED THE RADIATOR AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME. THE NEXT DAY, I DROVE IT TO A FRIENDS MECHANIC. THE ENGINE IS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE DUE TO THE ENGINE BOLTS STRIPPING. APPARENTLY TOYOTA INSTALLED STEEL BOLTS INTO AN ALUMINUM BLOCK AND IF THE ENGINE HEATS TOO MUCH, THE BOLTS STRIP OUT, CAUSING THE LEAKAGE. THE SHOP SAID THE REPAIR WILL COST ME 5K AT A DEALERSHIP AND 3.5K AT A PRIVATE GARAGE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA IN CALIFORNIA AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS: DISCUSSION THREAD RESPONSE ([XXX]) 10/11/2011 06:11 AM DEAR MS. _______________; THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE ENGINE OF YOUR RAV4, AND APOLOGIZE THIS ASPECT OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS. WE DO NOT SHOW A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN OR RECALL FOR THE CONDITION YOU DESCRIBED, AND THUS DO NOT HAVE SPECIFIC INSIGHT TO PROVIDE. IF YOU FEEL YOU HAVE A FAILED OR BROKEN COMPONENT, WE RECOMMEND CONTACTING THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AT YOUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. WE HAVE DOCUMENTED YOUR COMMENTS AT OUR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, WHERE THEY REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW FROM THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS. IT IS THROUGH FEEDBACK SUCH AS YOURS WE ARE ABLE TO MONITOR AND IMPROVE UPON THE QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCT. IF WE MAY BE OF FURTHER ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT US VIA EMAIL OR BY CALLING 800-331-4331. WE ARE AVAILABLE FROM 5 AM TO 6 PM, PACIFIC TIME, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, AND FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM SATURDAY. WE HAVE DOCUMENTED YOUR COMMENTS AT OUR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS UNDER FILE #. IF TOYOTA HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS THEN WHY HAVE THEY CREATED A REPAIR KIT TO FIX THE THREADS IN THE HEAD? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 05, 2011
EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS A PERFECT MAINTENANCE RECORD AND HAS NO HISTORY OF OVER HEATING, THE HEAD BOLTS PULLED LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THE ENGINE LEAKED OIL FROM THE HEAD GASKET AREA. THIS WAS VERIFIED BY DESERT TOYOTA OF TUCSON. THE ENGINE GOT COVERED WITH MOTOR OIL AND WHILE IT WAS HOT IT SMOKED EXTENSIVELY TO THE POINT I FEARED IT WOULD CATCH FIRE. IT DID NOT IGNITE BECAUSE THE RAV4 WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF BEFORE IT COULD HAPPEN. TOYOTA CORP. WAS CONTACTED AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, BUT ISSUED A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. DESERT TOYOTA PRESCRIBED A $6130 REPAIR. *KB
Nov 29, 2011
WENT TO GET A TIRE REPAIRED, THE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT I HAD A FLUID LEAK. HE INDICATED IT WAS PRETTY BAD AND I NEEDED TO GET IT LOOKED AT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I DROVE IT TO THE SHOP WHERE THEY CONFIRMED I HAD A LEAK AND IT WAS COOLANT. I LEFT THE CAR FOR REPAIRS AND WAS CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING. I WENT ONLINE TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS INDICATING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT AND WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY DEFECTS REGARDING THE HEAD GASKET.
Jul 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE BOLTS WERE DETERIORATED CAUSING THE GASKET TO OVERHEAT AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED TO COVER FIFTY PERCENT OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
May 11, 2011
+ 10 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AND THE SPEED EXCEEDED 55 MPH. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH ENDED UP DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE DEALER (WELLESLEY TOYOTA, 234 WORCESTER ST, WELLESLEY, MA 02481, (888) 577-6342) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE SERVICE CENTER MANAGER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO DETERMINED CAUSE OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V113000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP PER THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S REQUEST AND THE COLLISION DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. *JS
Dec 07, 2017
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT LESS THAN 10 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE REVVED LOUDLY, LURCHED FORWARD, JUMPED THE CURB AND CONTINUED UP A SLOPE. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL TO AVOID A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH A BUILDING, AND INSTEAD HIT THE BUILDING ON AN ANGLE ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE. THE CAR STOPPED ONLY AFTER HITTING THE BUILDING. THIS IS THE THIRD INSTANCE OF "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THIS WAS THE MOST SERIOUS EPISODE. THE OTHER TWO EVENTS WERE SIMILAR. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE THE CAR AGAIN ACCELERATED WHILE I WAS PARKING AT LOW SPEED AND HIT A FENCE. IN THE SECOND INSTANCE THERE WAS NO DAMAGE OR INJURY AS I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK.
Feb 04, 2016
MY CAR HAD THE CHECK ENGINE AND VSC TRAC LIGHTS CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. IF I START THE CAR, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL SOMETIME NOTHING HAPPENS, SOMETIMES THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO TOYOTA DEALER NEXT. THEY SAID IT WAS A ACCELERATOR PEDAL ERROR (P2121 ERROR) AND CARD WAS NOT SAFE FOR DRIVING. THE CAR IS STILL AT TOYOTA DEALER FOR FURTHER TROUBLE SHOOTING. *TR
Jan 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND AS HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, A RAPID ACCELERATION OCCURRED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A COLLISION FACILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. UPDATED 04/07/11*LJ
Mar 04, 2011
WHILE EXITING A PARALLEL PARKING SPACE, I LIGHTLY TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AND THEN STARTED TO GO AT A RAPID SPEED. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR STOPPED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST. *TR
Mar 12, 2010
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
9 complaints
WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND VSA LIGHTS CAME ON AT ONCE. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO RISE, INDICATING THAT THE CAR WAS STARTING TO OVERHEAT. TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. APPARENTLY, THE CYLINDER HEAD BOLT THREADING HAS BECOME STRIPPED DUE TO STRAIN FROM THE ALUMINUM CYLINDER BLOCK. THIS HAS LEAD TO THE ENGINE LEAKING COOLANT. THE ENGINE IS NOW PRONE TO OVERHEATING. SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT. ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Dec 08, 2017
FEB 2016 - WHILE CHECKING FLUIDS I NOTICED THE ANTIFREEZE LEVEL WAS LOW. SANSONE AUTOMALL NJ WAS NOTIFIED AND TOLD ME WHAT TO BUY AND FILL IT UNTIL MY APPT ON 2/27. DURING SERVICE CHECK THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. NOW, APRIL 2016, MY CAR OVERHEATED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK TO SANSONE WITH THE HEAT ON HIGH ON TO KEEP IT FROM OVERHEATING. NOW I'M BEING TOLD I NEED THE HEADGASKET REPLACED ALONG WITH THE ENGINE ($1950 FOR HEADGASKET AND $4500 FOR USED ENGINE) OH AND THEY MADE IT A POINT TO TELL ME THAT THE 25 POINT INSPECTION WAS FREE THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE. SINCE I REFUSED SERVICE, THEY ASKED US TO LEAVE THE CAR, THINK ABOUT IT AND COME BACK SATURDAY TO SPEAK TO THE MECHANIC AND DIRECTOR. WE SHOWED UP BUT NO ONE WHO INSPECTED THE CAR WAS THERE. WE REFUSED SERVICE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THEIR SERVICE AND FOR TOYOTA FOR NOT BEEN PROACTIVE IN DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE WHICH SEEMS TO BE GROWING AS I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING AND FOUND MANY OTHERS THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA RAV WITH ONLY 76,970 MILES WHICH REALLY WAS A GREAT CAR- NEVER ANY ISSUES. I PURCHASED THIS 'CERTIFIED USED' CAR IN 2007 AT SANSONE AUTOMALL WHICH CAN NOT BE DRIVEN...COST TO FIX IT WILL BE USED TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW NON TOYOTA VEHICLE. IN CONCLUSION, TOYOTA NEEDS TO WORK ON THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE LOSING LOYAL CUSTOMERS AND WE ARE SPREADING THE WORD.
Apr 23, 2016
THE SEALS ON THE HEAD GASKET ARE LEAKING COOLANT. THIS IS DUE TO SEVERAL OF THE METAL BOLTS BEING STRIPPED. THIS HAS RENDERED OUR CAR USELESS. OUR MECHANIC, BEING AN HONEST PERSON, IS HESITANT TO BEGIN A SEVERAL THOUSAND $ REPAIR, SINCE HE IS UNABLE TO GUARANTEE THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO REPAIR IT FOR THE LONG TERM. THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING SO COOLANT WAS ADDED BUT THIS LEAKED QUICKLY WITH A 18 MILE RIDE FROM THE CHICAGO SUBURB OF WOODRIDGE INTO THE CITY.
Feb 08, 2016
HEAD GASKET BLEW. ACCORDING TO MECHANIC THE BOLTS THAT ANCHOR THE GASKET TO ENGINE BLOCK FAILED CAUSING LEAKAGE OF COOLANT INTO ENGINE BLOCK SUBSEQUENTLY BLOWING THE HEAD GASKET. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 RAV4. $1800.00 REPAIR! UPDATED 11/23/15*LJ UPDATED 11/13/2017*CN
Jul 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF ANTIFREEZE THAT LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Jun 25, 2015
+ 4 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
7 complaints
2004 TOYOTA RAV4 DRIVERS SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. THIS STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO FOR NO REASON. DEALER STATES IT IS NOT A DEFECT SO NOTHING SHORT OF REPLACING IT CAN BE DONE. I HAVE TO PUSH THE VISOR UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD TO GET IT OUT OF MY SIGHTLINE. I HAVE READ THE SAME COMPLAINT FOR THIS YRS. RAV4. *KB
Jul 19, 2011
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR ON OUR 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 WILL NOT STAY UP. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTS YOUR VISION WHEN IT DROPS DOWN WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. THE VISOR IS CLIPPED IN AT THE TIME, BUT IT ROTATES INTO A DOWN POSITION ON ITS OWN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR QUITE AWHILE, AND I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL SOLUTIONS TO KEEPING THE VISOR SECURED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THE TOYOTA DEALER DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A DEFECT AND THEIR ANSWER IS TO BUY A NEW ONE. HOWEVER, SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE POSTED ONLINE THAT THE NEW ONE FAILS AFTER AWHILE, TOO. THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTAS, BECAUSE 2001-2003 TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS AND TUNDRAS HAVE ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM. IT IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET ON ONLINE DISCUSSION BOARDS. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER CAR IN 30+ YEARS OF DRIVING. *TR
Jun 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER TWO REAR WINDOWS SHATTERED SPONTANEOUSLY. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONTACT HAD JUST TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND THE WINDOW JUST POPPED, SHATTERED, AND EXPLODED. THE SECOND TIME, THE CONTACT HAD JUST GOTTEN INTO THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED THE DRIVER DOOR WHEN THE REAR WINDOW DRIVER SIDE ALSO POPPED, SHATTERED, AND EXPLODED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS AND THEY REFERRED HER TO A LOCAL DEALER. SHE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT TOYOTA, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED HER CALLS. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Mar 06, 2008
WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY DURING MY LUNCH HOUR, 1310 HOURS, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE CRACK STARTS AT THE TOP PASSENGER SIDE, COMES AND AT ALMOST THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE, CURVES TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE. CAR IS 2 1/2 YEARS OLD. CAR WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICE THE NEXT DAY. TOYOTA REFUSES REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. FOUR SERVICE TECH'S SAID THEY SEE NO ROCK CHIPS, AND SAID THE CRACK IS DUE TO FACTORY FAILURE. HOWEVER, ON THE SERVICE REPORT, IT'S WRITTEN THAT CRACK IS DUE TO HEAT. I LIVE IN EUREKA, CALIFORNIA, ON THE COAST, WHERE THE HIGH MIGHT BE 63 DEGREES IF WE ARE LUCKY! *JB
Aug 23, 2006
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH ALL WINDOWS DOWN, HEARD A LOUD NOISE LOOKED BACK TO SEE THE REAR DOOR WINDOW SHATTER COMPLETELY. UPON INSPECTION, THERE WAS NO SIGN OF ANY FOREIGN OBJECTS INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE WINDOW PULLED AWAY ABOUT 3/4 INCH ON BOTH EDGES, IT BOWED OUTWARDS AND THERE WAS A RECTANGULAR OPENING IN THE GLASS ABOUT 6 INCHES WIDE BY 2 INCHES HIGH. THE LOCAL DEALER CONCURRED THAT IT WAS NOT A NORMAL REACTION TO THE GLASS BEING HIT BY AN OBJECT BUT SAID NO INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED THEREFORE WILL NOT PAY FOR THE COST OF THE GLASS. *JB
Jul 28, 2006
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A CLANKING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND LOOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE ECM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Aug 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE ANTI-SKID AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND WOULD REMAIN ON UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO SET ANY SPEED DURING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THE TECHNICIAN RESET THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM. IN ADDITION, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUOUSLY. ALSO, THE DEAD BATTERY FAILED TWICE AND REQUIRED A JUMP START. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jan 03, 2011
VEHICLE HAS A FLAT SPOT, OR THROTTLE RESPONSE LAG, ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN COLD, AND STARTING OFF IN 1ST GEAR. SUSPECT THE ECU MAY NEED UPDATING, WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM. *TR
Nov 14, 2007
WHEN MY CAR IGNITION KEY IS IN THE "ACCESSORY" POSITION THE FM CHANNELS OF MY RADIO ARE CLEAR. WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION THE FM CHANNELS CANNOT BE HEARD OVER THE STATIC.
Jun 21, 2005
MY 2004 TOYOTA RAV 4 CAUGHT FIRE IN MINUTES WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. IT WAS ONLY ONE YEAR OLD, I HAD OIL AND FILTER CHANGES DONE ON SCHEDULE BY TOYOTA AND THE VEHIVLE WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I SMELLED SOMETHING WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES MY CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND WENT UP IN FLAMES.*AK
Mar 16, 2005
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaints
DRIVER SIDE VISOR KEEPS FALLING DOWN AND BLOCKING VIEW AND WILL NOT STAY IN UPRIGHT POSITION. OTHER DRIVERS REPORT SAME ISSUE WITH THIS RAV4 -2004 AND BEYOND MODEL YEAR. NOT A RECALL ITEM AND WONDER WHY NOT?
Oct 04, 2019
SUN VISORS KEEP FALLING DOWN. REMOVING THEM PERMITS TOO MUCH SUN GLARE & IMPAIRS VISIBILITY, EVEN WITH SUNGLASSES. LEAVING THEM ALL THE WAY FALLEN DOWN GREATLY RESTRICTS VISIBILITY. THIS IS A PROBLEM LONG-ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA OWNERS. THIS OCCURRED IN 2012 - PRESENT. NO RESPONSIBILITY TAKEN BY TOYOTA. NEED VISORS THAT WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Oct 18, 2016
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP WHICH LIMITS VISABILITY. I HAD IT CHANGED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN RECENTLY. TOYOTA ADMITTED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT WILL NOT FIX IT FOR FREE.
Jul 29, 2015
SUN VISOR WON'T STAY IN THE UP POSITION CAUSING A SAFETY PROBLEM BY RESTRICTING VISIBILITY. IT ALSO SOMETHING TO HIT YOUR FOREHEAD ON AS I DID RECENTLY DURING A QUICK STOP. THE VISOR ALSO CAN'T BE USED CORRECTLY FOR SUN SINCE IT WON'T POSITION CORRECTLY. IT A KNOWN DEFECT ON MY RAV4. *TR
Feb 10, 2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. COMES DOWN AND BLOCKS VIEW.
Sep 19, 2016
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOPPED POSITION THE CAR HESITATES, MOVES VERY SLOWLY, THEN WITH ADDED PRESSURE ON GAS PEDAL JERKS AS IT SHIFTS INTO SECOND GEAR, AFTER THAT IT SEEMS TO RUN FINE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VSC TRAC LIGHTS ARE ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING A BUSY ROAD OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.
Jul 09, 2016
2004 TOYOTA RAV4 L - DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH, NO DASH WARNING LIGHTS ON, SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO CABIN, WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE FIRE SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN LESS THAN 3 MINUTES. REGULAR SERVICE DONE AT TOYOTA DEALER. *TR
Apr 10, 2010
CONSUMER WAS SHOCKED AS HE EXITED THE 2004 TOYOTA RAV4.*MR THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE IF IT OCCURS AT A GAS STATION. *NM
Apr 08, 2005
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
3 complaints
WHEN DRIVING ON HILLS, SPECIFY DURING A TURN, AT SPORADIC TIMES, THE ESC LIGHT COMES ON, WITH 3 BEEPS FROM THE DASH......THE CAR JERKS AND LUGS, LIKE THE ENGINE IS DYING, THEN RESUMES NORMAL SPEED. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS IS A LITTLE MORE DRAMATIC THAN THE LAST, AND HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH. MY CAR HAS 99000 MILES ON IT , AND HAS BEEN A TERRIFIC CAR SO FAR, BUT NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT. MY HUSBAND CALLED TOYOTA DEALERS, AND LOCAL TOY SPECIALTY SHOPS, BUT NO ONE HAS HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER READING ABOUT OTHER DRIVERS EXPERIENCES WITH THEIR ESC PROBLEMS, I AM LEARY OF THE COST OF A FISHING EXPEDITION AT A DEALER, UNLESS I CAN GO IN WITH MORE INFORMATION. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED, BASED ON THE DEPENDABILITY REPORTS FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR, AND WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IT FOR A LONG TIME, BUT FIRST NEED TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM.
Feb 19, 2017
OFTEN AFTER A COLD START (ALL YEAR ROUND), STABILITY CONTROL KICKS IN (WITH BEEP AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMING ON) AFTER A FEW HUNDRED FEET OF DRIVING, RESULTING IN ONE OR MORE WHEELS APPLYING THE BRAKES AND CAUSING A JERK IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENS ON SMOOTH SURFACES AND WITH NORMAL ACCELERATION WHERE STABILITY CONTROL SHOULD NEVER ACTIVATE. HAS NEVER HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEED BECAUSE IT ALWAYS HAPPENS SHORTLY AFTER START, SO ALWAYS FULLY RECOVERABLE, BUT VERY CONCERNING. TOYOTA (ACTON TOYOTA OF LITTLETON, MA) HAS FAILED TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE.
Jun 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ESC WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHED. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SUSPENSION BEING UNSTABLE EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER 30 MPH AND UPON MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO PERMANENT REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Dec 07, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
2004 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLES LURCHES FORWARD *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED WHEN HE WOULD BRAKE, SUCH AS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE WOULD LURCH FORWARD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND T\HEY FOUND THE ABS ACTUATOR WAS NOT PUMPING PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB
May 24, 2010
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A GRINDING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR AND THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CALIPER REMAINED IN A CLOSED POSITION. THE PADS, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. 10,000 MILES LATER, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PADS, ROTORS AND PINS WERE REPLACED.
Sep 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE OIL WAS COMPLETELY DEPLETED IN THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT REACHED 12000 MILES. ON A DRY ROAD, THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE WAS GREATLY EXTENDED, AND GREATER FORCE THAN USUAL HAD TO BE APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO SUGGESTED CALLING NHTSA.
Feb 15, 2006
SUSPENSION
2 complaints
GOOD AFTERNOON! I JUST NOTICE TODAY THE REAR SUSPENSION IS VERY RUSTY. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IS ANY RECALL IN THIS CAR. THANKING IN ADVANCE FOR HELPING IN THIS MATTER.
Jul 19, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
May 16, 2017
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
THIS 10 YEAR OLD CAR HAD BEEN GARAGED ITS ENTIRE LIFE. IT WAS DRIVEN 4 OR 5 TIMES A WEEK IN NORTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE. THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION AND HOLDS THE WHEELS ON RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE THERE WERE LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME. TOYOTA OF BUTTE MONTANA AND TOYOTA OF WENATCHEE WASHINGTON BOTH REQUIRED THAT I SIGN A STATEMENT THAT I UNDERSTOOD THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE FRAME MEMBER WAS TOO RUSTED. TOYOTA OF WENATCHEE DID NOT WANT ANYONE EVEN STANDING UNDER IT. TOYOTA OF WENATCHEE OFFERED $1000 TOWARDS $2900 IN REPAIRS BUT REQUIRED THAT ALL THE REPAIRS BE DONE THROUGH THEM. I HAD THE CROSS MEMBER REPLACED AND THE OTHER REPAIRS DONE ELSEWHERE FOR $1200. TOYOTA CORPORATE REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE AND SEES NO NEED OF A RECALL. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES IN HIGH SALT AREAS (LIKE NORTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE). I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CROSS MEMBER. *TR
Jul 17, 2014
NEW 2004 RAV4 SUFFERS COWL RATTLE WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 25F AND THE COWL AREA IS DRY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A NEW PROBLEM FOR THE 2004 RAV4 FOR THE DEALER HAS NO CLUE HOW TO FIX IT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *LA
Jan 24, 2004
TIRES
2 complaints
TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 37K BECAUSE THEY WERE DRY ROTTED. I REPLACED THE TIRES PER THE TIRE WARRANTY WITH THE SAME TIRES AND AT 95K MILES THEY ARE AGAIN DRY ROTTED. I RECOMMEND THAT TOYOTA STOP PUTTING TOYO TIRES ON ITS RAV4S. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TOYOTA ISSUED BATTERY TWO TIMES IN THE VEHICLE AND IT IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD. *TR
Sep 08, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2004 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN THE SNOW, HE TRIED TO MAKE A TURN AND WAS UNABLE TO DO SO BECAUSE OF THE BALD TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE 30 MILES BEFORE THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE SLIDE ACROSS THE ROAD AND CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE RENTAL AGENCY TOWED THE VEHICLE BUT DID NOT PROVIDE ANOTHER RENTAL. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THE RENTAL VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY INSPECTED BEFORE HE RENTED IT. THE MANAGER ADVISED HIM THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THE RENTAL VEHICLE FAILURE. THE RENTAL VEHICLE INDICATED THAT IT WAS INSPECTED ON 2/11/10 AND THE INCIDENT OCCURRED 5 DAYS AFTER THE INSPECTION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20000.
Mar 03, 2010
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I was driving on a highway, there was a red light and I pressed on the brakes. The car kept going forward, the brakes became resistant to any pressure and the car continued to roll forward. There were no warning lights when the car was started or during the incident. I kept trying to brake the car, but the car kept moving forward and was about to hit the car in front of me. The cars around me started honking, trying to move out of the way; Luckily the light turned red and the car in front of me was able to move out of the way. I could not press on the gas or the break, I decided to turn the ignition off and the car was able to turn off. I re-started the car and then was able to go again. Had this been on the highway and I was moving at a faster speed, I probably wouldn't be typing this right now and would be in the ER with potentially others. This is the second time an issue like this happened. The first time the car was in reverse and it wouldn't brake and I almost slammed into the car behind me. The brakes and gas were not responsive. I took it to a mechanic right away, got new brakes, rotors, engine and transmission was checked. A couple months later this happened again.
Oct 29, 2024
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
10 days ago transmission on 2004 Rav started to act funny. Slow/jerky to engage in lower gears. Check engine lights came on. Checked out by mechanic who said it looked like a transmission problem and should have it looked at by transmission specialist who said it was not safe to drive as is since it could simply die at any time, and it needed a new transmission. When replacing trans, the trans man found the ECM had to be replaced. He said this often happened with 2003 thru 2005 RAV4s. On looking through your site, discovered others had similar issues with their 2004 Ravs. I also found out that the electronic control module for these vehicles is defective and must be repaired to correct the transmission issues. What did Toyota have to say when you looked into this, or do you not think it’s a safety issue?
Aug 21, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The TRAC system which brakes the car when it senses the wheel loosing traction hits the breaks on curves, even when turned off. It is random. It is not part of the inspection. When the streets are rain slick it has caused my car to skid out of the lane I was in. It has not been reproduced by anyone as I have not turned the car in to an independent dealer or mechanic. This vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The TRAC light comes on and beeps when the car breaks.
Oct 20, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAVE EXPERIENCED HARD SHIFTING, GEAR SLIPPAGE, AND SOLENOID CODE WARNINGS ON MY 2004 RAV4 BEGINNING IN APRIL 2018. I HAVE HAD MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT BY AN ASE CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST THAT ASSURES ME THE PROBLEM IS A FAULTY ECM. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM OF A DEFECTIVE ECM (PER KEITH PIERSON TOYOTA JACKSONVILLE, FL) THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE. I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE MY VEHICLE AS IT POSES A RISK TO MYSELF AND MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN DUE TO ABRUPT, UNANTICIPATED TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
Aug 19, 2018
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
MY SON AND I WERE ON WAY TO PEYTON MANNING CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN MY 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 WHEN THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME ABRUPTLY STOPPED, WHICH MADE ME ABRUPTLY STOP, HOWEVER, THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS NOT PAYING ATTENTION AND REAR ENDED ME AS I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AND HE WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. THIS OCCURRED ON THE PASSENGER BACK OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING ALMOST $4,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE, HOWEVER, MY SON NOR MY SEAT BELTS LOCKED INTO PLACE, THEREFORE, HE SUSTAINED A SIGNIFICANT CONCUSSION, WHIP LASH, MILD MEMORY LOSS, AND NEEDING PHYSICAL THERAPY. BOTH OF MY HANDS WERE ON THE WHEEL, BUT I SUSTAINED WHIP LASH, INJURY TO BOTH MY LEFT & RIGHT SHOULDERS, NECK, AND BACK. I MUST REINFORCE THAT STATEMENT THAT IF THE SEAT BELTS WOULD HAVE LOCKED PROPERLY MY SON AND I MAY HAVE NOT SUSTAINED THIS TYPE OF INJURY, THEREFORE, THIS ACCIDENT WAS LIKE WEARING NO SEATBELT WHEN WE WERE BOTH SECURELY BUCKLED IN AND THE SEAT BELTS NOT WORKING MADE IT LIKE WE WERE DRIVING WITH NO SEAT BELTS FOR PROTECTION.
Jun 20, 2017
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE VSC/TRAC LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. ALSO TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING FUNNY. FROM A STOP SIGN IT WOULD HESITATE AND THEN START WITH A JERK. WHILE DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED THE RPMS WOULD GO UP AND DOWN. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE TO HAVE THEM READ THE ERROR CODE. THEY SAID IT WAS A SOLENOID PROBLEM WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND ORDERED A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. TOTAL COST WAS OVER $4,600. SINCE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED HAVE HAD THE CAR BACK 3 TIMES IN 2 WEEKS WITH SAME PROBLEM. TODAY, 1-23-17, I DROVE IT ABOUT 1 MILE AND VSC/TRAC LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP AND LEFT IT RUNNING. THEY CAME OUT AND TRIED TO USE THEIR SCANNER BUT HAD SOME DIFFICULTY SO THEY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WHEN THEY TRIED TO RESTART IT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. SO THE CAR NOW HAS BEEN TOWED TO TUNEX SINCE THEY HAVE MORE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. ON THE INTERNET I SEE ARTICLE THAT CLAIM THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THESE 2001 THRU AT LEAST 2005 RAVS IS THE ECM. THE SITE OF OTHER DEAL.COM SAYS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE ECMS FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST TOYOTA THAT COVERED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 2001-2003 RAVS. SEEMS LIKE WHETHER IT IS THE ECM OR THE TRANSMISSION OR BOTH THAT TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *TR
Jan 23, 2017
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jul 17, 2015
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH ~1 CAR LENGTH BETWEEN ME AND ONE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE CAR AHEAD BEGAN TO MOVE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND MOVED IT TO THE ACCELERATOR AS USUAL. AT THAT POINT, MY CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT. MY BRAKES WOULDN'T ENGAGE AND MY CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. I HAD TO SWERVE AROUND THE CAR I HIT WHILE MY CAR CONTINUED AT HIGH SPEED THROUGH TWO STOP SIGNS IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. DURING THIS TIME, I HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ONCOMING CARS. ALL THE WHILE I WAS TRYING TO APPLY BRAKES, BUT THEY WOULDN'T ENGAGE AND MY SPEED DIDN'T DECREASE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE, THE BRAKES FINALLY ENGAGED AND I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER THE INITIAL IMPACT, PERHAPS BECAUSE OF THE INITIAL LOW SPEED.
Apr 09, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY CARS CHECK ENGINE AND VSC TRAC LIGHTS CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. I THEN PUT IT IN DRIVE AND PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED, BUT SOMETIMES THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATES. MY HUSBAND HAD TO DRIVE MY CAR AND I HAD TO FOLLOW HIM HOME B/C THE CAR WAS SO UNPREDICTABLE. HE WOULD HAVE TO PUSH DOWN HARD ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WOULD HESITATE BUT THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD THEN JERK FORWARD. HE WAS TERRIFIED THAT HE WOULD GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION! I FOUND AN ARTICLE ONLINE ABOUT HOW TOYOTA PROVIDED EXTENDED WARRANTYS TO 2001-2003 RAV4 VEHICLE OWNERS FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. PLEASE SEE ARTICLE: HTTP://WHEELS.BLOGS.NYTIMES.COM/2010/02/18/TOYOTA-OWNERS-COMPLAIN-THIS-TIME-ABOUT-THE-RAV4/?_PHP=TRUE&_TYPE=BLOGS&_R=0 PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS! ITS NOT FAIR THAT PEOPLE WITH A 2004 OR LATER CAN'T BENEFIT FROM THIS! I ALSO CALLED TOYOTA AND LEFT A COMPLAINT. *TR
Jan 27, 2014
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
VEHICLE DECELERATE, IGNORES THROTTLE INPUT WITH ESP LIGHT FLASHING AND SOMETIMES A 'BEEPING' SOUND WITH VIOLENT SEQUENTIAL BRAKE APPLICATION BY ITSELF OF RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, WITH THE VIOLENT CONSEQUENCE THAT IT HAS ON STEERING WHEEL. MADE A 'RESET' OF STEERING WHEEL ANGLE SENSOR PROCEDURE BY TOYOTA STEPS. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. BY MY EXPERIENCE AS AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN I SUSPECTED OF AN ESP PROBLEM. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A SLIGHTLY INCREASED INPUT OF STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO HAVE THE SAME EFFECT THAN BEFORE. BY VISUAL INSPECTION, WITH ANOTHER PERSON MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT (PLAY) OF STEERING 'RACK AND PINION' FROM ITS MOUNTING BUSHINGS TO THE BODY. Y PAY TO HAVE THOSE BUSHINGS REPLACED, AND PROBLEM SOLVED. IT IS A COMMON ISSUE. NOW 135,000 MILES AND STILL NO PROBLEMS. THE ESP, BECAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL ANGLE SENSOR READING (CAUSED BY THE ADDITIONAL INPUT REQUIRED BY RACK AND PINION DEFECTIVE MOUNTING BUSHINGS) BEHAVES LIKE VEHICLE IS GOING STRAIGHT, SLIDING, INSTEAD OF TAKING THE TURN, SO THE ESP TRY TO 'CORRECT' A CONDITION THAT IT'S NOT HAPPENING. PROBLEMS COULD ALSO HAPPENS TO VEHICLES GOING STRAIGHT (DECELERATING, ESP LIGHT FLASHING, BEEPING SOUND AND/OR VIOLENT BRAKE APPLIED TO ONE OF FRONTAL WHEELS). *TR
Sep 10, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED AND THE WARNING CHIME BEGAN TO SOUND. THE VSC WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. *TR
Aug 08, 2013
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I ENTERED MY CAR IN THE HOME GARAGE WHILE COASTING AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS I APPROACHED ABOUT 5 FEET WITHIN MY PARKING SPOT. AFTER THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, IT WAS A MATTER OF SECONDS BEFORE THE CAR CRASHED INTO A FLOOR CABINET AND REFRIGERATOR THAT RESTS AGAINST OUR GARAGE WALL STOPPING THE CAR'S FORWARD MOVEMENT AND ALLOWING ME PUT THE CAR IN THE DRIVE GEAR AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INJURED. THE CRASH CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR, BOTH FRONT SIDE FENDERS, DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS, THE GARAGE WALL, FLOOR CABINET AND REFRIGERATOR. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL INTERNAL DAMAGE UNDER THE HOOD BUT AT THIS POINT THAT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE CAR DAMAGES ARE SO EXTENSIVE THAT IT MAY BE A TOTAL LOSS. OBVIOUSLY, I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED BY THIS INCIDENT AND WILL NOT TRUST THE CAR IN THE FUTURE. I PROMPTLY REPORTED THIS TO MY INSURANCE CO. AND FILED AN INCIDENT WITH TOYOTA AND REQUESTED THAT THEY PERFORM A ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS. *TR
Jun 18, 2013
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I WAS STARTING TO MAKE A K-TURN IN A PARKING LOT. I PUT ON THE BRAKES TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. I MOVED BACK IN REVERSE A LITTLE BIT. THEN I STOPPED THE CAR AND PUT IT IN DRIVE, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD OUT OF MY CONTROL CRASHING INTO A GARBAGE DUMPSTER, FRIGHTENING ME AND DAMAGING MY VEHICLE SEVERELY. I AM CERTAIN I DID NOT GIVE THE CAR ANY GAS TO MAKE IT GO FORWARD AND CAUSE THAT ACCIDENT. I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THAT I SUFFERED ONLY MINOR ACHES AND PAINS AS I WAS 75 AT THE TIME. I STILL OWN THE RAV4 AND HAVE HAD NO OTHER ACCIDENTS OR PROBLEMS SINCE THAT TIME. NOW THAT I SEE THERE ARE RECALLS ON LATER YEAR VEHICLES, I WONDER ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE 2004 RAV4. I HOPE NHTSA CAN HELP ME. *TR
May 07, 2013
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN I DRIVE MY AUTOMATIC AWD 2004 RAV4 (143,000 MILES, ONLY OWNER, MAINTAINED WELL THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE) ON THE FREEWAY AROUND SLIGHT CURVES, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT TURNS ON AND BEEPS LOUDLY. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED MY ENGINE STALLED, JERKED, AND THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY SWERVED ME INTO THE NEXT LANE, ALMOST CAUSING A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT, I WAS NOT APPLYING THE BRAKE OR TURNING THE WHEEL. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE CAR, BUT THEY COULD NOT GIVE ANY SOLID ANSWERS ON WHY MY CAR IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM, AND THAT THE TECH ALMOST CRASHED MY CAR DURING THE TEST DRIVE. AFTER PAYING $100, THEY SAID IT COULD POSSIBLY BE DUE TO BLOWN REAR STRUTS THAT ARE CAUSING THE BACK WHEELS TO BOUNCE AROUND FREEWAY CURVES WHICH MAKE THE SPEED SENSORS THINK ONE OF THE WHEELS IS SKIDDING AND ACTIVATES THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, BUT THEY WERE NOT COMPLETELY SURE. THEY SAID THE SENSORS WERE ALL GOOD. THEY WOULDN'T TELL ME ANYTHING ELSE UNLESS I STARTED OUT BY SPENDING OVER $2000 TO TRY FIXING RANDOM THINGS THEY RECOMMENDED. THEY TOLD ME IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. BEFORE THE DIAGNOSTIC AT TOYOTA, I HAD ALREADY CLEANED ALL THE SENSORS AND SPEED RINGS, AND ALL THE SPEED RINGS ARE INTACT. THE CAR DOES NOT THROW ANY CODES OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS THE ONLY LIGHT THAT COMES ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND ONCE THE CAR GETS BACK TO NORMAL (IE PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR OFF THE FREEWAY), THE LIGHT AND ALARM TURN OFF. I HAVE TRIED DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE BATTERY. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE ON THE CAR, YET IT IS MALFUNCTIONING AND MAKING MY CAR INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE! ALSO, I LIVE IN ARIZONA...THERE WAS NO RAIN, SNOW, ICE OR MUD WHEN THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY...THE SYSTEM ACTIVATES ON ITS OWN. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Oct 31, 2012
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SLID FORWARD AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH OVER A CURB AND INTO A POLE. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH, SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING AND PAIN TO THE LOWER BACK. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE AND WAS LATER DISCHARGED WITH NO MAJOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT AN ENGINEER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINEER ADVISED THAT THE CRASH DID NOT OCCUR IN BETWEEN BOTH DOORS SO THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS WOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINEER STATED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER PUSHED THE ENGINE BACK AND FRACTURED THE TRANSMISSION LINES, CAUSING TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE MANIFOLD. AS A RESULT, THE FAILURE RESULTED IN A FIRE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Oct 10, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
2001 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE DEALER TO TWO DEALERS WHO GAVE HIM DIFFERENT STORIES AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HE FINALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HIS PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLOW DOWN IN FIRST GEAR AND THEN ACTIVATE HARD IN SECOND GEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED A LETTER WAS MAILED REGARDING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER AND THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES AT THE DEALER AND NO ONE MENTIONED IT. *JB
Jan 14, 2011
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2004 RAV4. ACCELERATOR HAS BECOME ERRATIC IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. CAR WILL LEAP AHEAD WITH VIRTUALLY NO PRESSURE ON PEDAL. ONLY DOES IT OCCASIONALLY. PEDAL IS MOUNTED QUITE HIGH, ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND CANNOT CONTACT FLOOR MATS. WHILE PULLING INTO A RIGHT ANGLE PARKING SPOT AT LOW SPEED AND WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED AHEAD. I WAS ONLY 5 FEET FROM A BRICK WALL AND COULD NOT RESPOND QUICKLY ENOUGH TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE. IMPACT WITH WALL PLASTER (ABOUT 1 FOOT WIDE) CRUSHED THE BUMPER, GRILL AND BUCKLED THE HOOD. APPARENTLY SPEED WAS NOT GREAT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT SEATBELTS CAUSED CHEST INJURY TO BOTH MY PASSENGER AND MYSELF. PERHAPS FORTUNATE THAT THE WALL WAS SO CLOSE OR MY PASSENGER AND MYSELF MIGHT HAVE BEEN MORE SERIOUSLY INJURED. WILL BE TRADING THIS CAR IN AS SOON AS IT IS REPAIRED. *TR
Nov 25, 2009
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES
1 complaint
TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT IS ALWAYS LIT...EVEN WITH FULL TIRE PRESSURE. NOW AT 151K MILES, THE VSC TRAC, TRAC OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ARE ON. NOTHING SEEMS TO BE WRONG AND BULLETIN BOARDS SHOW PEOPLE SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY AT DEALERSHIP ONLY TO HAVE IT COME ON AGAIN. I WILL NOT GO THAT ROUTE, AND WILL TRY TO TURN IT OFF AS IT SEEMS THAT IT IS A GLITCH. WANT TO REPORT IN THE HOPES THAT TOYOTA WILL FIX/RECALL. I LOVE MY RAV4 AND WANT TO BUY ANOTHER ONE WHEN THIS ONE IS TOO OLD TO DRIVE, BUT DON'T WANT TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *TR
Jan 16, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VEHICLE STABILITY LIGHT ARE ON, I HAVE ON AND OFF SMELLED THE SULFUR SMELL. ALSO, HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL GOING OUT OF CONTROL, AROUND SHARP CORNERS WHERE I HAVE TO SLAM ON BRAKES TO DISENGAGE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AS IT WILL NOT STOP ACCELERATION, IT INCREASES ACCELERATION. *TR
Dec 28, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THERE IS A THROTTLE RESPONSE DELAY UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION, MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN ENGINE IS STILL COLD. MOST RESEMBLES A FLAT SPOT. ENGINE ACTUALLY STUMBLES, OR HESITATES WHEN STARTING OFF. ALSO HESITATES WHEN UNDERWAY UNTIL WARM. *TR
Nov 09, 2007
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE CHILD WAS RESTRAINED IN A SAFETY SEAT, THE CHILD'S LEFT THUMB BECAME TRAPPED INSIDE THE SLOT FOR A REMOVABLE CUP HOLDER THAT ATTACHED TO THE SEAT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE OCCUPANT'S FINGER FROM THE SLOT, BUT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE THUMB COULD NOT BE REMOVED. THE CHILD INSIDE THE SEAT WAS TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL WHERE THE SAFETY SEAT WAS LITERALLY CUT OFF OF THE OCCUPANT'S THUMB. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS A COSCO ALPHA OMEGA, MODEL # 22-151-BLA; DATE OF MANUFACTURE WAS NOV. 14, 2005. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Sep 15, 2006
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
DURING A HEAD ON COLLISION INVOLVING THE PASSENGER FRONT ENDS OF BOTH VEHICLES TWO OF THREE SEATBELTS DID NOT ENGAGE, CAUSING TWO PASSENGERS TO COLLIDE WITH THE DASHBOARD AND THE REAR OF THE FRONT SEAT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS WELL. THE RAV 4 WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH, THE OTHER VECHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40-45 MPH.*AK
Jan 29, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. STRONG SMELL OF SULPHUR FUMES FILLED THE CABIN SINCE FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CHARCOAL CANISTER. IT WAS DETERMINED AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE CHARCOAL CANISTER FAILED AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SO FAR HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED DUE TO PARTS OUT OF STOCK AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE REPAIRED ON SEPT. 24, 2004 UNDER WARRANTY. THIS HAPPENED TO A BRAND NEW TOYOTA RAV 4 AT 2300 MILES.*AK
Sep 15, 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 have?
The 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 currently has 151 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2004 TOYOTA RAV4?
The most common problems reported for the 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2004 TOYOTA RAV4 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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