2008 TOYOTA RAV4 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
574
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE
110 complaints
My daughter and I are leasing our Toyota Rav4 almost paid off. Our last 2 oil changes done by professional the engine has burned off the oil in between the oil changes. I seen multiple complaints for this same issue for other owners and that there's not been any recalls only investigations. I read 1 person their engine caught fire. I'm disabled if what happened to that person's family happened to my Toyota I might not be as lucky as I, my daughter and my oldest daughter who is disabled and needs help moving and I'd have to get my dog out of the car and we all get safely away from the car and pray we were in a safe area no one else gets hurt. This oil burning from these cars is a dangerous safety hazard and expensive. Instead of a investigation recalls are needed to get the malfunctioning pistons replaced before someone physically gets injured or killed. This is a known issue by the Toyota manufacturer and obviously more and more owners are finding and coming forward with complaints. As for me and my daughter the car is not a new model but it's a new vehicle to use and we didn't know about the pistons malfunctioning issues or oil burning off until it happened. Please do a recall so this issue will be resolved not just investigations because investigations aren't helping nor protecting the consumers/owners. Toyota knew/knows of the safety issues and won't step up to the plate to fix something they know is faulty. Oil is burning out of my car's engine in between oil changes, done by a professional, it really needs to be addressed and safety recalls sent out to hold Toyota accountable for something they know is faulty on their cars
Dec 04, 2025
My engine recently start to burning oil. Toyota had an extended Warranty for this issue which had to do with piston rings failure. which has expired. Searching the internet this problem is popping up all over the internet. Calling you
Aug 21, 2025
Issue started when I noticed the vehicle was burning oil, hence why I had to keep refilling the oil levels often. This is an issue many other RAV4 owners have reported. However, the problem was made worse when my mother used my vehicle to pick up some family from the nearest airport. On her way home, my engine blew a hole through itself, causing an engine fire. If it wasn't for the swift thinking of my stepfather, she, him, and my brothers could've been seriously injured or killed. I firmly believe this has to do with the reason why the engine was burning oil.
Apr 15, 2025
The Rav4 is burning oil and consumption of oil. The oil is gone out before the next oil change. This has been going on for a while. There are no leaks and the milage on the 2008 Rav 4 Limited is only 88153.
Feb 21, 2025
See Attached Letter
Oct 22, 2024
+ 105 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
67 complaints
I'M EXPERIENCING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PEDAL FROM A STATIONARY POSITION.
Aug 04, 2018
THE PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE. GOING UPHILL ON A HIGHWAY AT AROUND FIFTY MPH WITH SPEED CONTROL ON. VEHICLE SPEED HAS DROPPED ABOUT 2 MPH BELOW THE SET POINT. I TAP THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER ONCE TO REDUCE THE SET POINT BY ABOUT 1 MPH. THE SPEED CONTROL INSTANTLY OPENS THE THROTTLE WIDE AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO A LOWER GEAR. THE RESULT IS AN ABRUPT INCREASE IN SPEED RATHER THAN THAN THE INTENDED DECREASE. IF, UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES, I PULL THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER TO TURN OFF THE CONTROL THE SAME THING HAPPENS BUT IS QUICKLY TERMINATED WHEN THE CONTROL DISCONNECTS, WITHOUT MUCH INCREASE IN SPEED.
May 15, 2016
SUDDEN ACCELERATION. CAR WAS STOPPED IN PARK AND SHIFTED TO DRIVE. TRANSMISSION MADE A LARGE CLUNK SOUND AS IT WENT INTO DRIVE AND THEN ACCELERATED TO WHAT SOUND LIKE FULL THROTTLE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE MUCH BUT WAS BUCKING AGAINST THE BRAKE. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. I THEN PUT IT INTO PARK. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDER THE DASH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOOKED LIKE IT WAS IN A NORMAL POSITION AND THE FLOOR MATS WERE SEVERAL INCHES FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS TOOK PLACE AT THE BEMIDJI HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I THEN RE-STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME WITH NO INCIDENT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND NO INJURIES.
Mar 16, 2016
THE RAV4 HAS EXHIBITED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THREE TIMES: LATEST OCCURRED ON 7/17/2015 AT 7:30 PM WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION; THE 2ND ON 7/06/15 WHILE IN PARK IN MY DRIVEWAY JUST AFTER STATING THE CAR; THE 1ST ON ABOUT 6/30/15 AROUND NOON WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FORTUNATELY, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK OR WAS IN PARK SO THAT THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED AT LOCAL DEALER ON 7/20 WITH DIAGNOSTIC DATA SENT TO TOYOTA CENTRAL, BUT THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM IN THE DATA - NO ERROR CODES. THE TECHNICAL CASE NUMBER IS [XXX]. AFTER CONTACTING TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE (CASE # [XXX]) I WAS TOLD THEY COULD DO NOTHING FURTHER THAT THE CAR "PERFORMED AS DESIGNED" PER SABINA CHARFAUROS, CASE MANAGER, 188-331-4331 EXT. 73846 UPDATED 9/28/15 *LN UPDATED 3/23/2016*JS
Jul 30, 2015
WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT WAITING TO TURN LEFT THE RAV4 ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AND LURCHED FORWARD WITH DRIVER'S FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. DRIVER PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT THE CAR HURTLING INTO THE INTERSECTION. DRIVER THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR AND PUT GEAR SHIFT TO PARK. AFTER 30 SECONDS RESTARTED THE CAR WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AGAIN WITH CAR IN PARK. THE ENGINE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD. CAR WAS AGAIN TURNED OFF. CAR WAS RESTARTED AFTER ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES AND ENGINE BEHAVED NORMALLY. OWNERS TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER WITHIN AN HOUR OF THE INCIDENT. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP RAN DIAGNOSTIC AND MANAGER SAID DRIVER HAD FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN IT HAPPENED WHICH IS CERTAINLY NOT TRUE. DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE A COPY OF THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT. OWNERS HAVE HAD ALL RECALL WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE DONE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AS REQUIRED IN THE OWNER MANUAL. *TR
Apr 12, 2015
+ 62 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
64 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to drive in a straight line and would erroneously drift out of the lane. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear suspension was faulty and needed to be repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 16V596000 (Suspension) however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.
Jul 06, 2021
I I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOUD SOUND FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR... I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS I HAD TO HAVE THE SWAY BARS REPLACED WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.. I AM HIGHLY AFRAID THAT THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH RECALL THAT SUPERSEDE 13V-383 WHICH WAS PRIOR TO WHEN BOUGHT THE SUV.. IT'S HARD TO TELL IF THE SOUND GOES AWAY AFTER SOME TIME DRIVING BUT IS VERY NOTICEBLE AT LOW SPEED
Oct 29, 2020
RECALL CSJ WAS PERFORMED 08/01/14. REAR TOE-IN SET AT 0.10. ON 08/28/19 DEALER FOUND REAR TOE AT 0.08 LEFT AND 0.25 RIGHT AND REPORTED IT AS "FAILED". THEN INFORMED US THAT ALIGNMENT CAN'T BE CORRECTED DUE TO RECALL CSJ AND WE SHOULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE "AS IS' OR PAY FOR REPLACEMENT REAR TIE RODS. RECALL GOV WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE HAS INCREASED STEERING SENSITIVITY..
Oct 13, 2019
WE DROPPED OFF OUR 08 RAV 4 AT THE DEALER DUE TO (FAULTY RECALL REAR TIE ROD REPAIRS DONE IN 2013.) I PUT A NEW SET OF EXPENSIVE TIRES. NOW AT APPROX 34,000 MILES NOW I NOTICES EXTREME WEARING PREMATURELY WITH POSSIBLE SAFETY CONCERNS. OUR REPAIR SHOP SAID THE (REAR SUSPENSION TIE RODS) CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED DUE TO TOYOTA'S (RECALL REAR TIE RODS EPOXY GLUE!) THIS MEANS WHEEL ALIGNMENT CAN NOT BE PROPERLY. HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS OR THE HIGHWAY YOU HEARD RUMBLING TIRE NOISES.
Oct 09, 2019
REAR SUSPENSION ARM (TIE RODS) FIXED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V 383000 HAVE BECOME LOOSE. AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO THE MANUFACTURER AND TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, TOYOTA HAS DENIED TO HELP WITH THE COST OF REPAIRS. OBVIOUSLY THEIR RECALL "FIX" HAS NOT WORKED AND I THINK THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS DUE TO THIS FACT.
May 17, 2019
+ 59 more complaints for this component
STEERING
54 complaints
I was starting to back out of my driveway and my steering wheel made a loud clunking noise and became free floating. The plastic air vent fell on my right foot. I did not attempt to drive the car after this incident. I had it towed to Toyota Service. I was told that the steering bracket had come loose and that they had never seen anything like it before. I did some online research and found that this has happened many times with 2006, 2007 and 2008 Toyota RAV 4 vehicles. I believe there are even case numbers for some of them. It was determined to be a failed weld each time! If this had happened to me over the summer, when I was driving in the mountains it cold have caused a serious or even fatal accident. I don't understand why this hasn't been recalled?! This is very dangerous for the unsuspecting people driving RAV 4s! The repair estimate for this is over $5,000!
Mar 21, 2022
The driveshaft welds that held the power steering motor to the vehicle frame failed. This caused steering wheel to be loose and unstable and the power steering motor to slam against the floor vent. It caused it to fall to the floor near the pedals where it could have obstructed the brake or accelerator pedal
Mar 08, 2022
Making knockings/wobbling sound when steering wheel turning left or right while driving. Sound increases everyday with van driven. This problem started about 2 months ago. I reported this problem to Toyota Coustomer Service Last week. This is very serious issue as a safety of a Van. I have several problems with Van It is Lemon
Dec 27, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO REMAIN CENTERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO MANUALLY CORRECT THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE STEERING ISSUE WAS NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO NOTIFY A DEALER OR MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Sep 22, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING, A ROCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
Dec 06, 2019
+ 49 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
45 complaints
I HAD JUST GOTTEN IN MY VEHICLE. I WENT TO GO START IT AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON!!! THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. NO REASON AS TO WHY THE AIRBAGS SHOULD OF DEPLOYED SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY STATIONARY. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS ON AT ALL.
Aug 04, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AVONDALE TOYOTA (10005 PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323, PHONE: (877) 554-6890) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Nov 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Nov 22, 2017
TAKATA RECALL - RECALL ON FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - TO DATE THE RECALL IS INCOMPLETE. WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THE RECALL TO BE COMPLETED????
Nov 17, 2017
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A 3-LANE CITY STREET, CROSSING A TWO-LANE INTERSECTION. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE AT THE PASSENGER REAR QUARTER PANEL, SPUN AROUND 720 DEGREES BEFORE COMING TO REST. VEHICLE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT. PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY, ONLY DRIVER WITH NO PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. DRIVER DID GET PUSHED INTO DRIVER'S DOOR/WINDOW DURING THE ACCIDENT, BUT WAS UNINJURED. 3 ATTACHED PICTURES SHOW DAMAGE TO VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. NO DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Jun 16, 2017
+ 40 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
18 complaints
REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS MAKING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE IN THE BEGINNING OF 1ST, AND 2ND GEAR. BROUGHT IT IN TO TOYOTA AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT LEAKING AND I WENT INTO THE SHOP AND ALSO LOOKED AT IT MYSELF AND IT WASN'T LEAKING. DID THE REAR DIF SERVICE LIKE TOYOTA RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THE CAR HAS BEEN SUPER RELIABLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IT THAT WAY. I HAVE DONE 2 REAR DIF SERVICES BEFORE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS. RIGHT WHEN THEY DID THE SERVICE A COUPLE DAYS LATER IT STARTED MAKING THE RUMBLING NOISE AGAIN AND IS NOW LEAKING AND MADE A PUDDLE IN MY DRIVEWAY. I TOOK A LOOK AT IT MYSELF AND ALL PLUGS ARE TIGHTENED BUT IT IS NOW LEAKING FROM THE COUPLING WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT CONNECTS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AXLE SEAL. THEY WANT ME TO PAY 1000 DOLLARS FOR A WHOLE NEW COUPLING ASSEMBLEY THAT IS REFURBISHED NOT INCLUDING THE DS AXLE SEAL AND LABOUR. I WILL POST PICTURE BELOW OF THE PROBLEM.
Mar 05, 2021
RAV4 HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PER TOYOTA'S RECOMMENDATIONS. AT APPROX 86K MILES IT STARTED USING UP EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. OIL IS NOT LEAKING, NOR BURNING (CAN'T SEE ANYTHING IN THE TAIL PIPES), AND THERE'S NO BURN OIL SMELL ANYWHERE. AFTER RESEARCHING, I FOUND THAT IN 2011, TOYOTA ISSUED TSB-0094-11 THAT ACKNOWLEDGED EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN MY YEAR VEHICLE. TOYOTA ALSO ISSUED A LSC ZE7 WHICH OFFERED FREE REPAIR FOR QUALIFIED VEHICLES DURING THE CAMPAIGN (11/24/2017 OR 150K MILES WHICHEVER CAME FIRST). UNFORTUNATELY MY CAR JUST HIT 86K MILES. I'M THE 2ND OWNER AND NEVER GOT ANY NOTIFICATION. MY CAR IS BURNING ABOUT 1 QUART PER 1,000 MILES. AFTER SPEAKING TO TOYOTA CUST NO-SVC, THEY'RE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. EVEN THOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THERE'S AN ISSUE!!! MY CASE WITH TOYOTA IS 1912311193. FROM MY ONLINE RESEARCH I'VE SEEN MANY PEOPLE IMPACTED THAT HAVE NOT BEEN HELPED BY TOYOTA. THIS IS JUST NOT RIGHT. TOYOTA HAS KEPT THIS VERY QUIET.
Jan 01, 2020
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING THAT MAY CAUSE THE CAR TO LOCK UP AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE REPAIR COST IS RIDICULOUS AND TOYOTA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCT. THE CAR MAKES TERRIBLE BUMPING NOISES AT LOW SPEEDS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL LOCK UP.
Dec 16, 2019
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 AND AT THE TIME OF THE ISSUE IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 150K MILES. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING A GROWLING/WHIRRING NOISE STARTED TO COME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT INCREASED IN FREQUENCY AND VOLUME OVER TIME. AFTER REPLACING BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS IT WAS DETERMINED BY A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER/BEARING. I WAS NOTIFIED THAT A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE EXPIRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2017. THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE WAS NOTICED IN OCTOBER OF 2018. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT THOUSANDS OF RAV4 OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET. THE DEFECTIVE BEARING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED UNDER A RECALL AS THEY WILL NOT GET ANY BETTER AND TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ADMITTED THE PART IS FAULTY BY ISSUING THE WARRANTY REPLACEMENT. TOYOTA MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PARTS AND A RECALL MUST BE ISSUED.
May 27, 2019
MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 CONSUMES TOO MUCH OIL. IT CONSUMES 4 QUARTS OF OIL UNDER 2000 MILES.
May 09, 2019
+ 13 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17 complaints
I purchased the vehicle on [XXX] after seeing the carfax report the dealer furnished. Now my car is no longer driveable due to the numerous repairs it needs. I looked at a real carfax report recently and found out thar dealer didn't give me the true report. It only showed 2 owners and mileage close to the odometer reading. However, there are 4 previous owners and the mileage is 172,000 just before it was sold and then purchased by dealer and then sold to me. Dealer hid the part of the report about the odometer tampering. I now have a very expensive lawn ornament that I still owe over $9,000 on. I can't afford to fix and now stuck with it since I can't sell it. I am having trouble uploading documents. I've tried calling but it just hangs up. I'm calling the number that's online but it doesn't work. Please contact me [XXX] Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 17, 2025
RAV 4 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT COMES ON HAD TO SPEND OVER $1000.00 TO GET IT TO STAY OFF CHARCOAL CANISTER HAD TO REPLACED, CAR ONLY HAS 92000 MILES, REPAIR TECH STATED THAT WHILE THIS LIGHT WAS ON, I COULD NOT USE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IF NEEDED
Jan 02, 2019
OVER OIL CONSUMPTION
Jun 18, 2018
ABNORMAL ACCELERATION AT TIMES WHEN I'M IN THE FREEWAY OR SIDE STREET. AS IF PEDAL STICKS.
Nov 25, 2017
NHTSA SEARCH RESULTS FOR 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 VEHICLES REPORTS THIS DATA: RECALLS 14, INVESTIGATION 4, COMPLAINTS 468. MY QUESTION IS, HOW MANY DEFECTS IN A VEHICLE IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE? IF I HAD BEEN INFORMED BEFORE PURCHASE OF ALL THESE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY AN SERVICEABILITY PROBLEMS, THERE IS NO WAY I WOULD EVER HAVE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. AT WHAT POINT DOES THE NHTSA JUST FACE THE REALITY AND DECLARE THE CAR UNFIT FOR THE ROAD AND THAT IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN OFFERED FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC IN THE FIRST PLACE, AND CONSEQUENTLY REQUIRE THE MANUFACTURER TO REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE AND SCRAP THE VEHICLE?
Oct 10, 2017
+ 12 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
15 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE MUFFLER WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO JACK TAYLOR'S ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA (3750 RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22305), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Jan 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE AT 35 MPH, A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HEAT SHIELD FROM THE MUFFLER WAS DETACHED AND WEDGED NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DETACHED HEAT SHIELD WAS REMOVED. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPOT WELD ON THE MUFFLER WAS WEAK AND THE MUFFLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,536.
Jan 27, 2016
IN MARCH 2014 AFTER DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE I CHECKED MY OIL AND WAS DOWN ABOUT 1 1/2 QUARTS. THE OIL AND FILTER WERE THEN CHANGED. IN SEPTEMBER 2014 AFTER DRIVING 3000 MILES THE OIL LEVEL FELL 2 QUARTS SHORT. *TR
Sep 02, 2014
MY CAR WOULD NOT START, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT REMAINED ON EVEN WHILE KEY WAS NOT IN IGNITION. ALSO, THERE WAS A HUMMING AND SLIGHT TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. IT SEEMED LIKE SOMETHING HAD SHORTED OUT AND SOMETHING ELECTRICAL WAS CAUSING SOMETHING TO STAY ON CONSTANTLY AND IT WAS DRAINING THE BATTERY. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET SOMEONE ELSE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND THEY FOUND THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SO I PULLED UP MY CARPET AND SURE ENOUGH THE ENTIRE FLOOR BOARD WAS COVERED WITH WATER AND THE PAD WAS COMPLETELY SOAKING WET. IT APPEARS THAT WATER HAS DAMAGED SOMETHING IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THIS MYSELF. THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE VOID OF LEAKS AND ABLE TO FUNCTION IN RAIN AND SNOW CONDITIONS. TOYOTA REALLY NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT. ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THIS IS THE LINK TO THE OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS EXPERIENCE: HTTP://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/96-4-3-GENERAL/93222-RANDOM-DASH-LIGHTS-GAUGES-EVEN-KEY-REMOVED-2.HTML. *TR
Aug 06, 2014
THE MUFFLER HAS ALREADY SHOWN CORROSION TO THE POINT IT IS LOUD AND NOW MAY CAUSE HEAT ISSUES AND VAPOR ISSUES INTO THE CAR. *TR
May 31, 2014
+ 10 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the alternator was smoking. The vehicle was turned off and towed back to the residence. The contact purchased the alternator and fixed the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000
Mar 08, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S ODOMETER STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND THE DIAGNOSTIC BOX HAD TWO BURNT WIRES. THE VEHICLE QUICKLY SHUT OFF WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PENSKE TOYOTA OF DOWNEY (9136 EAST FIRESTONE BLVD, DOWNEY, CA 90241, (562) 904-5600) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Jul 31, 2019
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHEN ACCELERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NO POWER STEERING, LIGHTS FLICKERING, GAUGES DIED.
Mar 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. SHORTLY AFTER PARKING, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 5/5/15*CN UPDATED 9/16/2015 *JS
Mar 20, 2015
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE AIG BAG LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSE THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.LJ
Feb 20, 2014
+ 7 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
11 complaints
The paint on my car is peeling all over. There has been a recall with other years of this vehicle but my specific year is not included in the recall. The paint peeling is the same color and issue as with the current recall. Please add my year into this recall so I can get some assistance from Toyota.
Jun 19, 2025
This vehicle will not pass inspection due to unsafe frame/rotted frame. I've brought it to three different shops to see if it was just one area of the frame, but the whole framework has been declared unsafe. It has been well cared for and is in excellent condition otherwise and since it's well known that the Toyota frames have a long-standing bad reputation I feel I should get a frame replacement. Its scrap value is just $200! A massive rip-off to me!
Dec 27, 2021
I purchased this vehicle used in 2013 it had a recall in 2014 for pin welds and Rocker panels and now they are rusted out again.
Jul 28, 2021
MY TOYOTA RAV WHITE PERIL PANT IS PEELING OFF. HAS BEEN FOR TWO YEARS. THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE A LIMITED EDITION RAV OME PAINT. I BELIEVE THERES A DEFECT IN THE PAINT.
Oct 04, 2019
HOOD LATCH FAILURE. DRIVING FOR OVER 3 HOURS ON HIGHWAY, SUDDEN GUST OF WIND, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE HOOD POPPED UP. WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOW, PULL OVER, AND CLOSE HOOD. BACKED UP WITH BUNGEE UNTIL I GOT HOME. I'VE REPLACED THE LATCH, (WITH TOYOTA OEM LATCH) BUT HAVE NOTICED WHEN SPEEDS APPROACH 65 PLUS, THE HOOD REALLY VIBRATES.
Apr 08, 2017
+ 6 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
11 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Dec 17, 2015
DRIVER'S VISOR IS LOOSE. IT WON'T FOLD UP. PLEASE KINDLY HAVE A RECALL ON THIS. THANKS! *TR
Aug 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 8/27/14*CN THE VEHICLE HAS UNDERGONE 8 RECALLS. UPDATED 09/11/2014 *JS
Jun 23, 2014
THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR STARTED SAGGING. FOR A WHILE I COULD PUSH IT BACK UP AND IT WOULD STAY. AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS, I COULD NOT USE IT ON THE SIDE WINDOW, IT JUST HUNG DOWN. IT FINALLY WAS UN-USABLE. TOYOTA HAS REPLACED IT, BUT IT TOOK 3 TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO GET IT REPLACED. I HAD TO DRIVE WITHOUT A VISOR FOR A WEEK WHILE THEY ORDERED PART. *TR
Feb 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW COULD NOT BE OPENED AND EXHIBITED A BURNING ODOR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Mar 14, 2012
+ 6 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
9 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE FAILURE WAS ALSO EXPERIENCED A SECOND TIME AND THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE CYLINDER AND THE REAR PASSENGER CALIPER MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, BOTH PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,030. *TR
Apr 10, 2013
LETTER TO THE ADMINISTRATOR FROM RE BRAKE PEDAL ON HIS 2008 RG4 TOYOTA *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ALSO THE BRAKING DID NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE, UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED DOWN TO ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY COULD NOT ADJUST THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO PEDALS.
Nov 02, 2012
AS I WAS BRAKING MY FOOT PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME I WAS BRAKING. I NOTICED THE ENGINE SPEEDING UP. I MOVED THE GEAR SHIFT TO NEUTRAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. I WAS THEN ABLE TO MOVE MY FOOT TO ONLY THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *TR
Dec 05, 2011
DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 LIMITED, 6 CYL., PURCHASED NEW, NO PRIOR ISSUES, APPROXIMATELY 28,400 MILES, WHEN TRAFFIC BEGAN STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT. I APPLIED BRAKES WITHOUT RESPONSE. PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN, STANDING ON THE BRAKES, ABS, WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE AND COLLIDING INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO ER. OCCUPANTS OF OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED NO INJURIES. VIN NUMBER BEGINNING WITH "J". COLLISION SHOP REPORTS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE FAILURE. *TR
Jul 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH; APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP SIGNAL. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS NO POWER RESPONSE. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR SURFACE WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,519. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,600. UPDATED 4/7/2010 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE LIFTED HIS FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THERE WAS A SURGE OF ACCELERATION AND HE PLACED HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE HARD. THE VEHICLE THEN CAME TO A STOP. UPDATED 07/01/10.*JB
Mar 02, 2010
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
8 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Oct 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 01/06/17*LJ *TR
Oct 03, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NOTIFICATION 16V096000, COMPONENT SEAT BELTS. THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 10, 2016
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR BACK ROW SEAT BELTS. *SMD
Jun 07, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
May 11, 2016
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaints
REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE FINE BUT THERE IS A GRINDING AND SCRAPING FROM BACK END OF CAR. I KEEP UP WITH BRAKE MAINTENANCE. IT HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING OR STOPPING ON ALL ROADS,WHEN ITS WARMED UP OR NOT.
Nov 11, 2017
TOO CAR TO DEALER THEY SAID BRAE BOOSTER,MASTER CYLINDER,SID CONTROL NEED TO BE REPLACE MY CAR ONLY HAS 72379MILES
Dec 06, 2016
DEALER IS REPLACING BRAES 04465-42180 WITH 04465-AZ021-TM IS NOT SUPPORTED WITH RAV4 WITH 3RD ROW SEATS.
Dec 06, 2016
I PURCHASED MY RAV4 NEW IN 2008. OVER THE YEARS OCCASIONALLY WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN LIKE IT SHOULD AND A REALIZED THAT MY FOOT WAS DEPRESSING BOTH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME. I DIDN'T LIKE IT VERY MUCH THAT THIS COULD OCCUR BUT NEVER DID ANYTHING ABOUT IT. RECENTLY WHEN BRAKING AT A 4-WAY STOP SIGN IT HAPPENED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IT CAUGHT ME OFF-GUARD AND I NEARLY BROADSIDED A VEHICLE THAT HAD JUST PULLED OUT FROM THE OTHER DIRECTION. FORTUNATELY I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR IN TIME TO STOP. THIS TIME IT SCARED ME SINCE I WAS SO CLOSE TO HITTING THE OTHER VEHICLE. THIS TIME I WENT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT WAS TOLD I HAD TO CONTACT TOYOTA ABOUT THE ISSUE. I DID THIS AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE THE VEHICLES COMPUTER UPDATED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAD THIS DONE BUT IT DOES NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE UPDATE IS DESIGNED TO NOT ALLOW THE ENGINE TO OVERPOWER THE BRAKES BUT IT WILL STILL ALLOW THE ENGINE TO PUT POWER TO THE WHEELS WHEN BRAKING. I CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT THIS ISSUE AGAIN BUT WASN'T GIVEN ANY SATISFACTION AS TO HOW THIS ISSUE COULD BE CORRECTED. I SPOKE WITH MY BROTHER WHO HAS A 2009 RAV4 AND SAYS HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF THERE ARE 2 PEOPLE IN OUR FAMILY WITH THIS ISSUE, I'M SURE THERE ARE A LOT MORE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO ALSO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. ISN'T THERE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM??
Apr 06, 2015
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER DROVE AT 5MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE CAUSED THE DRIVER LOSE CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ONTO THE ROOF. THE DRIVER BODY SUFFERED BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A TOWYARD. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. LI
Feb 10, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaints
I HAVE A TOYOTA RAV4 THAT CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR SUDDENLY DROPPING OUT OF THE CEILING MOUNT. OF COURSE THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM DRIVING AND BECOMES A HUGE DISTRACTION WHILE TRYING TO GET IT BACK IN PLACE. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHER RAV4 OWNERS AND NEARLY EVERYONE HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE . IT SEAMS THAT THE VISOR STUB ARM THAT GOES INTO THE CEILING MOUNT WEARS OUR WHATEVER IS HOLDING IT INTO THE SOCKET . THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS AND DOES SEEM TO BE MORE OFTEN IN THE SUMMER TIME
Jun 03, 2016
THERE IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR WHERE IT DOESN'T STAY WHERE I PUT IT. IT REGULARLY SLIPS DOWN AND AT TIMES BLOCKS MY VIEW OF THE ROAD. THIS IS A KNOWN/RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL (BASED UPON INTERNET SEARCH OF THIS ISSUE). WHEN THE VISOR IS PLACED OVER THE DRIVER DOOR WINDOW, WHEN I GO AROUND A CORNER (TURN), THE VISOR WILL ROTATE AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD, AGAIN DISTRACTING ME FROM THE ROAD AND FORCING ME TO MAKE REGULAR VISOR ADJUSTMENTS AGAIN AND AGAIN. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM; A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM.
Sep 18, 2015
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP, SO IT NORMALLY STAYS IN A VIEW-OBSTRUCTED POSITION WHEN DRIVING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO BUDGE IN TERMS OF RECALLING THIS ITEM. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF TOYOTA A YEAR OR SO AGO AND THEY ASKED ME FOR A QUOTE TO FIX - I SENT THEM A COPY OF THE DEALER PRICE QUOTE (AROUND $150) AND TOYOTA REFUSED TO PAY FOR IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND BASICALLY TOLD ME TO GO AWAY. I WOULDN'T NORMALLY COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS BUT I'VE NOTICED MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE ON THE INTERNET....AND EVEN FROM THOSE WHO HAD THE VISOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT [XXX] IF YOU'D LIKE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*CC
Sep 14, 2015
DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION. INSTEAD, WHEN NOT NEEDING TO USE IT, IT HANGS DOWN AT LEAST 3 INCHES FROM THE CEILING, CREATING A VISIBILITY AND SAFETY HAZARD! THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO TOYOTA BY MANY TOYOTA OWNERS, INCLUDING BOTH UNDER WARRANTY OR OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MIRROR VISOR, COSTING AROUND $150, WHICH IS OUTRAGEOUS. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
May 25, 2013
THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR WILL NOT SNAP BACK UP TO THE VEHICLE'S HEADLINER AND STAY THERE. IT REMAINS IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT AND THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT. *TR
Mar 04, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
5 complaints
WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT WAITING TO TURN LEFT THE RAV4 ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AND LURCHED FORWARD WITH DRIVER'S FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. DRIVER PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT THE CAR HURTLING INTO THE INTERSECTION. DRIVER THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR AND PUT GEAR SHIFT TO PARK. AFTER 30 SECONDS RESTARTED THE CAR WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AGAIN WITH CAR IN PARK. THE ENGINE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD. CAR WAS AGAIN TURNED OFF. CAR WAS RESTARTED AFTER ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES AND ENGINE BEHAVED NORMALLY. OWNERS TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER WITHIN AN HOUR OF THE INCIDENT. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP RAN DIAGNOSTIC AND MANAGER SAID DRIVER HAD FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN IT HAPPENED WHICH IS CERTAINLY NOT TRUE. DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE A COPY OF THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT. OWNERS HAVE HAD ALL RECALL WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE DONE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AS REQUIRED IN THE OWNER MANUAL. *TR
Mar 22, 2015
JUST LEARNED TODAY THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR A 2008 RAV4 WITH ONLY 74,000 MILES ON IT. HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT 72,000 MILES WHERE THEY DID THE 70K MI SERVICE TO INCLUDE MULTIPOINT/FLOOR MAT, REPLACED THE WATER PUMP, BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND "ENGINE MINOR". I THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE. MY 5 YEAR OR 100K PREPAID WARRANTY ENDED IN JUNE SO NO COVERAGE AVAILABLE. SHOULDN'T A TRANSMISSION LAST LONGER THAN 70K MILES? *TR
Oct 18, 2014
WATER PUMP STARTING MAKING INCREDIBLE DIESEL / MECHANICAL GRINDING SOUNDS. COOLANT LEAKING FROM WATER PUMP. WATER PUMP BEARING OVERHEATING - ODOR CLEARLY DISCERNIBLE FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. CHECKED INTERNET - THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG RAV4 V6 OWNERS - MANY OWNERS HAVING REPLACED WATER PUMP ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE AT 25,000K MILES! DEALERS CHARGING ANYWHERE FROM US $325.00 - $900.00. *TR
Jun 24, 2014
MY 2008 RAV 4 IS BURNING OIL AT AN UNUSUALLY HIGH RATE. THIS BEGAN LAST DECEMBER WHEN MY OIL LIGHT FLICKED ON WHEN I WAS BRAKING. WHEN I BROUGHT IT INTO A SERVICE STATION THEY SAID I HAD NO OIL. I HAVE SINCE BROUGHT IT BACK TO MY DEALER A FEW TIMES FOR THE LIGHT COMING ON AND BEING OUT OF OIL. I HAVE ALREADY DONE THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BACK IN MAY BUT TOYOTA FELT THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR MY CAR TO HAVE LOST OIL IN 1569 MILES (PER THE OWNERS MANUAL). I JUST HAD IT BACK AT THE DEALER BECAUSE AFTER DRIVING ONLY 3,200 MILES SINCE MY LAST OIL CHANGE, MY OIL LIGHT FLICKED ON AGAIN. WHEN I CHECKED IT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. I KNOW THERE IS A TSB OUT FOR THIS ISSUE WITH MY CAR, AND SEVERAL OTHER MODELS OF TOYOTA, BUT SINCE I DON'T HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE THE DEALER/SERVICE DEPT TOLD ME TO CONTACT TOYOTA DIRECTLY. TOYOTA DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE AN ISSUE AND CONTINUED TO QUOTE ME PAGE 314 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL AND THE OIL CONSUMPTION CRITERIA ON THE PAGE. FOR SOME REASON THEY COULD NOT SEE THE NOTES FROM MY DEALER FROM EARLIER IN THE DAY THAT I HAD RUN OUT OF OIL AFTER 3,200 MILES. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ACTUALLY SAID TO ME "WHAT IS IT YOU WANT US TO DO?" I TOLD HIM I WANT YOU TO FIX MY CAR THAT YOU KNOW HAS A PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE TSB. I WAS TOLD TO ONCE AGAIN DO THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WITH MY DEALER. I AGREE WITH OTHERS, IF MY CAR IS SET TO GO 5000 MILES WITHOUT AN OIL CHANGE, BUT I ONLY WENT 3200 AND HAD NO OIL, HOW CAN THEY NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE OR BE FORCED TO FIX THIS KNOWN ISSUE?!! TOYOTA, I FEEL, IS JEOPARDIZING MINE AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY BY NOT CORRECTING THIS ISSUE. WHAT DISTURBS ME GREATLY IS THAT THE LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON AND STAY ON, IT FLICKS ON WHEN YOU ARE BREAKING SO IF YOU MISS IT, YOU WILL NOT KNOW YOU ARE OUT OF OIL. A RECALL IS IN ORDER AND I HOPE IT OCCURS BEFORE MY ENGINE IS BLOWN!! *TR
Nov 16, 2012
CAR IS HAVING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 57,00 MILES WHEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHENEVER I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER(KEYES TOYOTA) WHO TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE OIL PAN. DEALER CHANGED THE OIL BUT "NEGLECTED" TO TELL ME THAT THERE WAS A TSB PUT OUT BY TOYOTA FOR THIS PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER A FEW MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME I EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE OIL LOSS. DEALER DID NOT TAKE MY CONCERNS SERIOUSLY TILL AFTER MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WAS UP. THEN THEY TOLD ME THAT COULD DOCUMENT THE OIL LOSS, WHICH THEY ALSO "FORGOT" TO MENTION WHEN THE WARRANTY WAS STILL IN EFFECT. MY CAR IS LOSING ABOUT 1.5 QUARTS PER 1000 MILES. TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THE DEALER DELIBERATELY MISLEAD ME INTO THINKING THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR TILL AFTER IT WAS PAST MY WARRANTY PERIOD. POWERTRAIN WARRANTY WAS GOOD FOR UP TO 60,000 MILES OR 5 YEARS. DEALER TRIED TO BLAME POOR MAINTENANCE BUT WHEN I OFFERED TO SHOW PROOF THAT I DID ALL THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, THEY STOPPED BLAMING THE PROBLEM ON THAT. *TR
Oct 10, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaints
DATE IS APPROXIMATE, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, NOT ALWAYS UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER BEING DRIVEN IN LIGHT RAIN & HEAVY RAIN & AFTER VEHICLE BEING PARKED & RESTARTED ALL OF THE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. INITIALLY WHILE DRIVING IN MODERATE RAIN, MULTIPLE VEHICLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED ON FREEWAY @ SET SPEED OF APPROX 60 MPH DUE TO RAINFALL. WHILE CONTINUING TO FUNCTION, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS ROLLING ON MARBLES & THE FEEL WAS A LITTLE UNNERVING, BUT YOU ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED MULTIPLE CODES, BUT ONCE RESET ALL LIGHTS WERE OUT & THE VEHICLE PERFORMED NORMALLY AGAIN, UNTIL DRIVEN IN RAINY CONDITIONS. INDEPENDENT GARAGE SAID TO TAKE IT TO TOYOTA WHEN THE RAIN INDUCED THE WARNING LIGHTS AGAIN & I'M HEADED TO A TOYOTA DEALER THIS MORNING AFTER A LIGHT RAIN ON SATURDAY MORNING ALL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN & THE CRUISE WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE. DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY ANY OTHER RAV 4 OWNERS, BUT INDEPENDENT GARAGE SO FAR HAS SAID "WE CAN'T FIND A FAILURE JUST A LOT OF CODES & ONCE WE CLEAR THE CODES IT IS OKAY." IF I UNDERSTAND THE PREMISE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS THEY ARE THERE TO INDICATE SOMETHING REQUIRES ATTENTION - SO MY FAITH IN "THERE'S NOTHING WRONG OR WE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING" IS A LITTLE SHAKEN. I SPOKE WITH TOYOTA & THEY DENY THAT THIS HAS EVER BEEN REPORTED BY ANY RAV 4 OWNERS & I WOULD HAVE TO BRING IT TO THEM WHEN THE FAILURE & WARNING LIGHTS COME ON - THEY WILL SEE THEM THIS MORNING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Dec 19, 2011
GREETINGS, WE HAVE A 2008 RAV4 WHICH HAS TWICE EXHIBITED UNCONTROLLED ENGINE ACCELERATION. MY WIFE HAS CONTACTED TOYOTA TO NO AVAIL. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED OTHER MODELS BUT NOT THE RAV4. THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OUR COMPLAINTS AS A MORTAL SAFETY CONCERN. IT IS AS IF WE ARE TRYING TO CON THE COMPANY. AS A LIFELONG SAFETY PROFESSIONAL, THIS IS VERY DISTURBING. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO OUR POSSIBLE ACTIONS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 21, 2010
MY FIANCEE AND I WERE DRIVING, 2008 RAV4/LIMITED/V6/4WD. WE WERE AT A STOP LIGHT. I WAS DRIVING, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS WAITING FOR LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. IT WAS A BUSY INTERSECTION HERE IN DENVER AND THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF US. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ACCELERATOR TOOK OFF AND I COULD FEEL THE CAR TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD. LUCKILY, I ALREADY HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND I PRESSED DOWN EVEN HARDER ON THE BRAKE AS I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. WHEN I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL THE ACCELERATOR CONTINUED TO REV HIGHER THAN IT WAS BEFORE. I SLAMMED THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WE WERE OBVIOUSLY SHAKEN FROM THIS AND JUST SAT THERE FOR A MINUTE AS WE REALIZED WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. MY FIANCEE WANTED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. I WANTED TO TRY AND START THE CAR AGAIN BUT LEAVE IT IN PARK AND TEST IT OUT. I STARTED THE CAR WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE AND IT DID IT AGAIN. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. WE WERE IN PARK SO THE CAR COULD NOT MOVE BUT THE RPM'S WERE ON THE WAY TO REDLINING AND I TURNED OFF THE CAR AGAIN. THE LIGHTS AROUND THE SPEEDOMETER HAD NEVER LIT UP LIKE THAT BEFORE. SERIOUSLY EVERY DUMMY LIGHT ON THE CAR WAS LIT AND FLASHING. WE WERE COMPLETELY SCARED AT THIS POINT AND WE JUST TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND JUST SAT THERE IN SHOCK. WE SAT THERE FOR TEN MINUTES AT THIS BUSY INTERSECTION TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. I DECIDED TO TRY IT AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY. MY FIANCEE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BUT I ASSURED HER IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN I COULD JUST PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND WE COULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THE WOULD CHECK IT OUT. THEY CALLED LATER THAT DAY AND SAID ALL THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WERE NORMAL. THEY TOLD ME IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE FLOOR MATS. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE THE FLOOR MATS WEREN'T EVEN TOUCHING ACCELERATOR. UPDATED 05/12/10 *BF UPDATED 07/16/10.*JB *TR
May 03, 2010
HELLO, ON JUN 26, 2009 MY WIFE AND I PURCHASE A CERTIFIED TOYOTA RAV4. WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: ABS LIGHT, BRAKE, AND EGF LIGHT REMAIN LITE. REPAIRS ARE: BRAKE SWITCH REPLACEMENT, IGY RELAY REPLACMENT. IN ADDITION THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT FUNCTION AND SOMETIMES THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BE STUCK IN REVERSE. UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF THIS GEAR POSITION. A LOCAL MECHANIC FOUND THE PROBLEM IN THAT THE CONNECTIONS IN THE WIRING HARNESS ARE FILLED WITH WATER. HE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW THE WATER GOT THERE. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM RETURNED.. I AM WRITING TO SHARE WITH YOU MY CONCERN OF THE ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS WITH THE 2008 RAV4 FROM TOYOTA. TOWN TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER, WENATCHEE, WA TOLD US NOT TO WORRY ABOUTIT AS IT IS STILL SAFE TO DRIVEWITH ABS, BRAKE, AND EGF LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I DID CONTACT TOYOTA (VIA EMAI) BUT NO RESPONSE. I QUESTION THE VALIDITY OF THAT STATEMENT IN LIGHT OF RECENT RECALL NEWS AND THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW. *TR
Feb 23, 2010
DURING NORMAL DRIVING, MY WIFE AND FATHER-IN-LAW HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OR SURGING ON OUR 2008 RAV4 (AWD, 6-CYLINDER). THIS IS TYPICALLY OCCURRING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR LIGHT ACCELERATION ABOVE ~25MPH. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE RIGHT AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN OCTOBER 2008. DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY PROBLEM AND NO ERROR CODES WERE FOUND. THE ANTI-SKID CONTROL COMES ON RANDOMLY AND APPLIED THE BRAKES ALSO, USUALLY WHILE VEHICLE IS STOPPED. WHEN FOOT IS REMOVED FROM BRAKE, VEHICLE STAYS STOPPED UNTIL ACCELERATOR IS PUSH AND THEN SYSTEM RELEASES THE BRAKES AND ANTI-SKID LIGHT GOES OUT. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY ERROR CODES FOR THIS EITHER. THIS IS A VEHICLE WITH A VIN NUMBER BEGINNING WITH J, WHICH HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM RECENT RECALLS. *TR
Feb 19, 2010
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (RIVERTOWN TOYOTA, 1661-A WHITTLESEY RD, COLUMBUS, GA 31904, (706) 322-8891) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Nov 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION) AND 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS). 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 WESTERN SLOPE AUTO COMPANY IN GRAND JUNCTION, CO 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Nov 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION) AND 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUES. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
May 03, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION) AND 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Apr 18, 2017
STEERING,SUSPENSION
4 complaints
1ST ISSUE WAS REPEATED RECALL OVER LOWER ARM SUSPENSION BAR THAT WAS PERMANENTLY GLUED, TO REMEDY SAFETY CONCERN. NOW INTERMEDIATE STEERING ARM IS BAD, AND PROBLEMS W CAR SWAYING, AND TIRES FEELING WOBBLY. BEING TOLD TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER EXPENSES TO REPAIR RELATED SUSPENSION ISSUE. $750.00 CAR HAS ONLY 53,000 MILES... MANY OTHER RAV4 OWNERS W SAME PROBLEM. AFRAID TO DRIVE.
Oct 05, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE HAD BUCKLED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ONE OF THE TIE ROD BOLTS WAS MISSING AND HAD CAUSED THE TIE ROD TO BECOME BENT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR
Jul 01, 2013
AT AROUND 9:30 AM ON JULY 8, I WAS ON I-15 IN S. UTAH WHEN MY RIGHT REAR TIE ROD FAILED. VERY SCARY AND I WAS LUCKY I DID NOT END UP ROLLED OVER IN THE DITCH, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, OR GET HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD NO IDEA WHY MY CAR WAS SO SUDDENLY OUT OF CONTROL. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT I HAD BLOWN A FRONT WHEEL. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING, SUCH AS A SHIMMY OR VIBRATION OR ANY STEERING ISSUES AT ALL. I ASKED THE TOW TRUCK TO TAKE ME TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHICH WAS ABOUT 50 MILES AWAY. HOWEVER, HE CONVINCED ME THAT IT WAS SIMPLE TO REPLACE THE TIE ROD AND SINCE MY RAV4 WAS A 2008, AFTERMARKET PARTS WOULD BE EASY TO GET FROM NAPA. IT WAS A SUNDAY, SO I ENDED UP GETTING THE CAR DROPPED OFF AT GOODYEAR IN CEDAR CITY, SINCE I WOULD NEED AN ALIGNMENT AFTER THE NEW TIE ROD WAS PUT IN. ON MONDAY MORNING I FOUND OUT YOU CAN ONLY GET THE TIE ROD PART FROM THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY IN STOCK, SO HAD TO WAIT UNTIL WEDNESDAY TO GET IT FIXED. AFTER IT WAS FIXED, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DO AN EXACT ALIGNMENT AND SAID IT WAS OFF BY A MM. FYI - THERE WAS NO RUST ON THE BROKEN TIE ROD. *TR
Jul 24, 2012
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 LIMITED HAS HAD HANDLING ISSUES ON THE FREEWAY WITH STABILITY. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. DEALER SAYS THAT "NOTHING IS WRONG." PREVIOUS TIME THIS OCCURRED, VEHICLE RETURNED HANDLING DIFFERENTLY. CONSIDERING THE COMPUTER BRAIN RUNNING THIS CAR, WE BELIEVE THEY RESET THE COMPUTER. THIS IS HAPPENING AGAIN. WE ARE TAKING IT IN AGAIN. *TR
May 07, 2010
TIRES
4 complaints
ON 04/09/2012, I TOOK MY TOYOTA RAV4 2008 FOR OIL CHANGE AT GIRARD TOYOTA, NEW LONDON. TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR G91A RADIAL TUBELESS M+S MADE IN JAPAN D7475L-11, 225/65R17-101H INSTALLED FROM FACTORY WHEN I BOUGHT THE RAV4 (AS NEW VEHICLE). I CALLED TOYOTA, WHICH ISSUED CASE #:[XXX], SAYING THAT TOYOTA'S WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE TIRES. TOYOTA REFERRED ME TO YOKOHAMA, FULLERTON, CA, TEL: (800) 722-9888. I CALLED YOKOHAMA WHICH ISSUED CASE #: [XXX]. YOKOHAMA REFERRED ME TO TIREPLUS, EAST LYME, CT. I TOOK THE RAV4 IMMEDIATELY TO[XXX] AT TIREPLUS. HE DETERMINED THAT THE THREADS OF THE 4 TIRES WERE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION (#19); HOWEVER, EACH OF THE TIRES (ALL 4 TIRES) ARE CRACKING BETWEEN THE THREADS. IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE FROM MANUFACTURING AS MY RAV4 HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN FOR 16,600 MILES. YOKOHAMA INDICATED THAT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TIRES COVERING 100% OF THE COST THAT THEY WILL ONLY COVER 70%. TOYOTA AND YOKOHAMA SHOULD HAVE SOLD ME THIS RAV4 WITH TIRES THAT ADHERED TO QUALITY STANDARDS - THAT DO NOT RISK THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY, RELATIVES, FRIENDS, THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL. DUE TO SAFETY, I WILL GO AHEAD PAYING TO REPLACE THE 4 TIRES. I WILL APPRECIATE THAT REGULATORS LOOK FURTHER INTO THIS ISSUE AS I KNOW THAT OTHER FAMILIES AND THE PUBLIC ARE AT RISK WITH THESE DEFECTIVE TIRES AS DOCUMENTED IN PUBLIC COMPLAINTS IN THE INTERNET ? I HAVE INCLUDED THE INTERNET LINK ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS FOR REFERENCE. I ALSO WILL APPRECIATE IF YOKOHAMA PAYS IN FULL FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE 4 TIRES. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR OUR TIME AND EFFORT. HTTP://WWW.VEHICLETIRE.COM/COMPLAINT/YOKOHAMA/GEOLANDAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 11, 2012
YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR TIRES G91 SIZE 235/55R1899H PEELING & FALLING APART I PURCHASED A TOYOTA RAV 4 2008 AT 27900 MILES WHILE HAVING MY OIL CHANGED ( NOTE NOT AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP) THEY INFORMED ME MY FRONT TIRES ARE FALLING APART. I MADE AN APPT. AND TOOK IT IN TO TOYOTA WAITED AN HOUR AND WAS TOLD TAKE IT HOME WITH THE BAD TIRES NO ONE THEIR COULD HELP ME OR DETERMINE IF THIS WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A PROBLEM NEW TO TOYOTA RAV4'S. *TR
Apr 06, 2011
BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE WORN IN THE MIDDLE AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES! WHEN I WENT TO HAVE THEM ROTATED, THEY COULDN'T ROTATE THEM BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ENOUGH TREAD LEFT. SO, I WENT TO REPLACE THE YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR TIRES, BUT SOON FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY, NO PRO-RATED REPLACEMENT...NOTHING!!! I HAD MAINTAINED PROPER INFLATION IN BOTH TIRES, BUT I NOTICED OTHER 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 CARS IN PARKING LOTS WITH THE SAME PREMATURE TREAD WEAR ON FRONT TIRES. HOW CAN TOYOTA SELL A CAR WITH TIRES THAT INCLUDE NO WARRANTY?? SO I HAD TO PAY FOR TWO NEW TIRES ON A CAR THAT WAS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD! I WILL NEVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN! *TR
Jan 30, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE VEHICLE HAS YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR G- 91A TIRES, SIZE 225/6.5/17 101H (NA). THESE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE AND MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE TIRE AND SHREDS OF RUBBER EVERYWHERE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 7,370.
Jun 08, 2009
EQUIPMENT
4 complaints
I AM REPORTING AND ACCELERATION PROBLEM IN MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE PROBLEM OCCURS RANDOMLY AS I AM APPROACHING AND SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN OR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE IS A SLIGHT SURGE IN THE CAR, EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT IS ON THE BREAK AS I AM SLOWING DOWN. I ESTIMATE THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AROUND 10 TIMES IN THE 19,000 MILES THAT I HAVE OWNED THE RAV4. I CANNOT DUPLICATE OR REPLICATE THE SURGE AT WILL, AS I SAID IT OCCURS RANDOMLY. THE EVENTS OF THE LAST MONTHS WITH TOYOTAS HAS PROMPTED ME TO REPORT THIS SITUATION.
Feb 08, 2010
REAR TIRE COVER ON A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 18" WHEELS SPORT EDITION. REAR TIRE COVER OVER TIME (WITHIN 10 MONTHS) HAS BECOME LOOSE AND HAS BLOWN OFF SEVERAL TIMES, ONCE IN A CAR WASH AND THE OTHER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. BOTH TIMES, SERIOUS SCRATCH AND PAINT DAMAGE WAS RECEIVED. I VERIFIED THAT THE ZIPPER WAS FULLY ZIPPED AND ELASTIC WAS COVERING THE BOTTOM OF THE TIRE. I FIND THAT OVER TIME THE COVER SLOWLY WORKS ITSELF OFF UNTIL IT FALLS OFF. AS THIS IS A FACTORY INSTALLED OPTION COVER, THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. THIS SHOULD BE REDESIGNED AND REPLACED - COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR
Jun 15, 2009
REAR TIRE COVER 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 18" WHEELS SPORT EDITION. REAR TIRE COVER OVER TIME (WITHIN 6 MONTHS) HAS BECOME LOOSE AND HAS BLOWN OFF TWICE, 1 IN A CAR WASH AND THE OTHER WHILE SIMPLY DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. ZIPPER WAS FULLY ZIPPED AND ELASTIC WAS COVERING THE BOTTOM OF THE TIRE. UNIT KEEPS SLOWLY WORKING ITSELF OFF UNTIL IT FALLS OFF. TOYOTA CASE# 200812200182. DEALER SAID THAT THIS IS COMMON FOR THE ELASTIC TO DETERIORATE AND EXPAND OVER TIME BUT THAT THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A DEFECT. ANYTHING THAT WILL FALL OFF OF YOUR VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY GIVEN SPEED SEEMS LIKE A DEFECT TO ME.. *TR
May 27, 2009
2008 TOYOTA RAV4 HAD A JAMMED GAS PEDAL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE FLOOR MATS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ONE QUARTER BLOCK OF A CITY BLOCK, VEERING TO THE LEFT AND DEMOLISHED ONE CAR. THE VEHICLE THEN CONTINUED ANOTHER QUARTER BLOCK AND DESTROYED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN TURNED IN THE OTHER DIRECTION AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ONLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER IT CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. *JB
Feb 26, 2009
SEATS
3 complaints
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FRAME WASN'T PROPERLY CLOSED OUT WHICH RESULTED IN THE DEGRADATION OF PADDING AND EVENTUAL CUTTING THROUGH OF THE SEAT COVER FABRIC OVER THE COURSE OF TIME. THE FRAME HAS A SHARP EDGE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ROUNDED OR COVERED IN A MANNER SO AS NOT TO CUT INTO THE PADDING. AT THIS POINT THE FRAME HAS CUT THROUGH A PORTION OF THE FABRIC AND IS CUTTING INTO THE DRIVER. THE PRIMARY SAFETY CONCERN IS THE SHARP FRAME COULD CAUSE INJURY TO THE DRIVER (ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED IN AN OFF-CENTER, DRIVER SIDE IMPACT) BY CUTTING INTO THE DRIVER'S BACK. PER DISCUSSION WITH THEIR CUSTOMER HOTLINE TODAY, TOYOTA WILL NOT ASSIST IN THE REPAIR OF THE SEAT.
Dec 07, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEATS BECAME WORN, FRAYED AND DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE DAMAGED REAR SEATS AT NO EXPENSE TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
May 02, 2014
THIS IS MY EFFORT TO SUBMIT A COMMENT ON YOUR REGULATIONS, NOT A COMPLAINT OF AN INCIDENT. I WAS DIRECTED TO THIS FORM BY LOU MOLINA AT NHTSA. I AM A DRIVER WHO FOR HEALTH REASONS WISHES TO SIT ERECT. I AM NOT FAT, AND OF NORMAL HEIGHT (5'6"). THIS LAST WEEKEND I PURCHASED A RAV4. THE HEADRESTS INTRUDE INTOLERABLY INTO MY HEAD SPACE. IN ORDER TO SIT AT MY PREFERRED ANGLE AND KEEP MY BACK TO THE SEATBACK, MY HEAD IS TILTED DOWN SO THAT I MUST RAISE MY EYES TO LOOK OVER MY EYEGLASSES, OR MY STRAIGHT VISION IS DIRECTED TO THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I TRUST THAT THESE HEADRESTS MEET YOUR STANDARDS. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT YOU HAVE ENGINEERED THIS STANDARD FOR AN OBESE, FAT-SHOULDERED PERSON WITH TIGHT HAMSTRINGS, SOMEONE WHO PREFERS TO DRIVE RECLINED TO ACCOMMODATE HIS BELLY AND IS HELD AWAY FROM THE SEATBACK BY HIS OWN PADDING. MY PRESENT APPROACH TO BEING ABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR IS TO TURN THE HEADREST BACKWARDS, AND I AM FULLY AWARE THAT THIS DEPRIVES ME OF THE NECK SAFETY I WOULD HAVE HAD FROM AN OLDER DESIGN OF HEADREST. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE COMMENTS IN SECTION VII OF RIN 2127-AH09, "SPECIFICALLY, THEY MAINTAINED THAT SMALLER FEMALE OCCUPANTS TEND TO UTILIZE STEEPER SEAT BACK ANGLES. ACCORDING TO THESE COMMENTERS, A BACKSEAT OF 50 MM MAY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INTRUSIONS INTO THE SPACE WHERE THESE OCCUPANTS TYPICALLY PLACE THEIR HEADS, FORCING THEIR HEADS INTO AN UNNATURAL FORWARD-TILTING POSITION" IS DESCRIPTIVE OF MY SITUATION. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE NHTSA TO CONSIDER MINORITY AS WELL AS MAJORITY NEEDS IN DRAFTING SUCH REGULATIONS. AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO DRIVERS WHOSE COMFORT AND SAFETY HAS BEEN DIMINISHED BY YOUR DECISIONS. THANK YOU, MELISSA READING *TR
Sep 03, 2008
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY DUMPED ALL OF OIL IN DRIVEWAY DUE TO DEFECTIVE AD RECALLED VALVE OIL HOSE. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE VEHICLE TO NEARBY MECHANIC. I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO KINGS TOYOTA, CINCINNATI OHIO. HOWEVER, RECALLED OIL HOSE DAMAGED THE INTAKE CAM GEARS. KINGS TOYOTA STATED THEY WILL COVER THE RECALLED PART BUT REFUSE TO COVER THE DAMAGED ENGINE REPAIR. COST OF REPAIR IS $3340.78 + TAX. KINGS TOYOTA ALSO REFUSES TO REIMBURSE FOR TOWING FEE AND RENTAL CAR. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE, RECALLED PART. THE RECALL IS CALLED THE EXTENSION OF LSK 090K CAMPAIGN TO DECEMBER 31, 2021.
Nov 05, 2018
I OWN TOYOTA RAV 4 2008 LIMITED FOR 9 YEARS. I AM TIRED OF CHANGING OILS FOR THE CAR FOR LAST 2 YEARS. I GOT A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING THAT THEY WILL FIX THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY MAINTENANCE. BUT WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS RUST ON THE CAR AND THEY WILL FIX IT ONLY IF I PAY THE COST THAT MIGHT BE RANGING FROM500 DOLLARS TO MORE THAN 1000 DOLLARS. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA EXECUTIVE OFFICE TO DISCUSS THE MATTER BUT SORRY TO INFORM YOU ALL THAT I GOT A VERY HARSH TREATMENT FROM THE EXECUTIVE REP. SHE WAS NOT EVEN READY TO REPLY MY EMAILS AND INFORMED ME THAT SHE WILL ONLY TALK TO ME THROUGH PHONE, NOT THRU EMAIL. AFTER A SERIOUS DISCUSSION OVER THE PHONE, SHE FINALLY REPLIED MY EMAILS BUT SAID THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY ISSUES. I FEEL TERRIBLE NOW. I AM CHANGING MY CAR OIL EVERY 1000 MILES AND TOYOTA IS NOT READY TO DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY ISSUES. I AM SCARED THAT MY CAR WILL STOP RUNNING SOON. I EVEN COPIED MY MAIL TO THE PRESIDENT AND NEVER GOT A REPLY FROM HIM ALSO REGARDING THE HARSH TREATMENT FROM THE REP.
Jun 27, 2017
VEHICLE STARTED PINGING WHEN GOING UP HILLS. CHECKED OIL AND IT DIDN'T EVEN REGISTER! HAD JUST HAD OIL CHANGED 2 WEEKS BEFORE. SINCE THIS TIME, I HAVE HAD TO ADD ABOUT 5 QUARTS OF OIL. NOW I'M TOLD TOYOTA CONSIDERS USING 1 QUART PER 1,000 DRIVING MILES IS "NORMAL". THE ENGINE COULD BURN UP BASED ON THIS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION LEAVING THE OCCUPANTS STRANDED. *TR
Apr 13, 2015
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
3 complaints
2008 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERELY RUSTED FRAME THAT WAS BEYOND REPAIR. *AS THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A BROKEN FRONT SPRING THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Oct 05, 2018
AFTER MY CAR RECEIVED THE FIRST RECALL SERVICE (EARLY 2014) FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION, ABOUT 5000 MILES LATER I BEGAN TO HEAR NOISES AT FREEWAY SPEEDS FROM THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE AREA. NOT LONG AFTER THIS NOISE STARTED, I RECEIVED THE (MAILED FROM TOYOTA) SECOND RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE BACK SUSPENSION. THIS WAS IN SEPT 2013. EACH MONTH I CALL TOYOTA FOR THE SECOND RECALL SERVICE AND THEY NEVER "HAVE THE PARTS NECESSARY" FOR THE SECOND RECALL SERVICE. EACH TIME THERE IS NO "IDEA" WHEN THESE PARTS WILL BE IN. THE NOISE IS CONTINUALLY GETTING WORSE AND NOW APPEARS AT MUCH LOWER SPEEDS. FOR THE FIRST SERVICE, I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA MY CAR WAS TOTALLY RUSTED (EVEN THO THE CAR WAS FROM THE SOUTH US) AND HAD BEEN "DANGEROUS". I SEE THIS SAFECAR SITE MENTIONS THESE SECOND STAGE RECALL ARE TO BE COMPLETED BETWEEN SEPT 2013 AND APRIL 2014. TODAY IS 4/9/2014 AND THE TOYOTA DEALERS IN THIS AREA STILL CLAIM THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. ALSO TODAY THERE NOW ARE NEW RECALLS FOR THIS SAME CAR HOW LONG WILL WE WAIT FOR THOSE PARTS? *TR
Apr 09, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE TO THE EXTENSIVE RUSTING OF THE FRAME, DRIVESHAFT, FRONT CONTROL ARMS, REAR SUSPENSION, REAR SHOCKS, AND THE PASSENGER REAR RIM. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT RUST WAS NOT A DEFECT BUT ENVIRONMENTAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Feb 13, 2013
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
3 complaints
1. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION UP TO 1QT EVERY 1200 MILES, UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS NOTICED DECEMBER OF 2013. 2. ECM FAILS TO HOLD REVERSE GEAR. GEAR FREQUENTLY SLIPS IN REVERSE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED, WON'T BACK UP HILLS. NOTICED DECEMBER OF 2013, NO POWER WHEN FIRST STARTING UP FOR FIRST 10 TO 15 MINUTES OF DRIVE. OCTOBER OF 2013 IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING 3. HEAD GASKET FAIL BETWEEN NUMBER 2 AND 3 CYLINDERS DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKET. REPLACED HEAD GASKET JUNE 2016 4. VERY LOW FUEL ECONOMY DECEMBER 2013. 5. NO OIL PRESSURE VERY RUFF IDLE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ON, WITH OIL LEVEL READING FULL. SEPTEMBER 2017
Sep 18, 2017
2008 TOYOTA RAV4. 1006,000 MILEAGE. SUDDENLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. TAKEN TO NEWARK TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES SINCE JUNE THIS YEAR UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ON A CITY STREET.
Sep 19, 2016
A LITTLE AFTER ITS REGULAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE MY 2008 RAV4 STARTED TO MAKE AN ODD NOISE (RATTLING) WHEN REACHING 40 MPH AT 1500 RPM. CHECKED FLUIDS AND NOTICED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS DRY (BURNT OIL ON STICK) AND BLACK ATF. IMMEDIATELY REPLACED FLUIDS (ENGINE AND WS ATF). TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T NOTICED ANYTHING UNUSUAL. DROVE WITH TECH AND SHOWED HIM THE NOISE AT SPECIFIED CONDITIONS. HE SAID MORE TESTS NEEDED TO BE DONE. UP UNTIL TODAY THEY ARE NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE AND SUGGESTED A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT "FIX" THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR MYSELF. FOUND A TSB ONLINE FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE (T-SB-0094-11). TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND FIX THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO USERS. *TR
Sep 29, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3 complaints
VAPOR CANISTER FOR CAPTURE OF FUEL VAPOR FROM FUEL TANK BECOMES DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN VEHICLES GO THROUGH SNOW OR WATER. CANISTER, WHICH IS CONNECTED TO SEVERAL HOSES EITHER DANGLES UNDER VEHICLE OR PULLS LOOSE. THE LOSS OF THE CANISTER CAUSES ENGINE LIGHT TO INDICATE MALFUNCTION OF EMISSIONS SYSTEM. TOYOTA HAS REDESIGNED MOUNTING SYSTEM ON NEWER MODELS WHICH INCLUDES A SHIELD UNDER THE CANISTER AND MORE CONNECTION POINTS, BUT HAS NOT MADE AVAILABLE A CORRECTION FOR OLDER MODELS. CANISTER HAS COME LOOSE OR OFF TWICE; ONCE DRIVING ON SNOWY ROADS AND THE SECOND TIME WHEN VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER ON HIGHWAY AFTER HEAVY RAIN. WITH CANISTER DISCONNECTED IT DISABLES 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND ALSO WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS TESTS. *TR
Jun 17, 2014
I PURCHASED MY TOYOTA RAV4 IN JANUARY 2008 AT TOYOTA OF FORT WORTH; MY WARRANTY EXPIRED ON JANUARY 19, 2012. THE CAR HAS AROUND 58,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I WOULD BRING IT IN, TO THE SAME AGENCY, EVERY 5,000 MILES FOR THE ROUTINE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. ON JUNE 9, 2011 I BEGAN TAKING MY TOYOTA TO FREEMAN TOYOTA IN HURST SINCE IT WAS CLOSER TO WHERE I LIVE. UNFORTUNATELY, I NOTICED THAT AFTER 2,500 MILES THE FLUID LEVELS WERE DANGEROUSLY LOW BEFORE THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WAS DUE. THEREFORE I WOULD BRING IN THE CAR EARLIER THAT EXPECTED. WITH EVERY VISIT THE RESPONSE THAT THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTING ME GAVE ME WAS, -DON'T WORRY, WE'LL TOP IT OFF. EVEN THOUGH MY RECORDS DO NOT EXPRESS MY CONCERN ABOUT THE FLUID LEVELS, I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE PROBLEM SINCE THEN. ON JUNE 27, 2013, I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO TOYOTA OF FORT WORTH DUE TO THE SAME CONCERN; I WAS TOLD THAT THERE MIGHT BE AN OIL LEAK THAT WOULD POSSIBLY BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS SUGGESTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THEY NEEDED TO CHECK THE ENGINE TO SEE WHY SO MUCH OIL WAS BEING ABSORBED, BUT THAT IT COULD COST ME UP TO $800. I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER AT THIS AGENCY STATING THAT I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT NOT SUGGESTING A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR WITHIN MY WARRANTY TIME FRAME WAS COMPLETELY UNETHICAL AND I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS FAIR TO ASK ME TO PAY SO MUCH MONEY NOW THAT THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED WHEN I HAD EXPRESSED THIS CONCERN WHILE I STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO.I AM A TEACHER AND JUST LIKE ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL, I EXPECTED TO HAVE A RELIABLE VEHICLE. I CANNOT AFFORD EXPENSIVE MAINTENANCE AND DO NOT SEE THAT IT IS FAIR TO HAVE TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL CHARGES THAT THE MANUFACTURER OR SERVICE AGENT DID NOT MAKE ME AWARE OF AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. *TR
Jul 19, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS I PASSED THROUGH A PUDDLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND DURING THIS EVENT, MY CHARCOAL FILTER ASSEMBLY WAS TORN OFF MY RAV4. IT WAS LEFT DANGLING BELOW THE CAR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT TOYOTA HAS DESIGNED A SHIELD FOR THIS FILTER ASSEMBLY ON NEWER MODELS, SO I FIGURED I WOULD LODGE A COMPLAINT, AS THIS IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL TO HAVE A PIECE OF YOUR CAR TEAR OFF DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. *TR
Sep 12, 2011
WHEELS
3 complaints
ALLOY WHEEL RIMS STARTED TO BECOME RUSTY 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASING AND ARE GETTING WORSE. *TR
Aug 13, 2013
REAR WHEEL SUPPORT FAILED. WHEEL BENT TO THE SIDE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND NEAR ACCIDENT. THE MECHANIC REPORTED THAT RIGHT REAR END LINK BENT. RIGHT REAR WHEEL TIE ROD HAVE COME OFF CENTER NUT AND NO THREAD REMAINING AND RIGHT REAR SHOCK LEAKING. THEY REPLACED RIGHT REAR-END LINK TIE ROD AND SHOCK. PERFORMED WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE SAME TOYOTA DEALER PERFORMED PRIOR ALIGNMENT NOVEMBER 20, 2009. WHEN I HAD THE NEW ALIGNMENT CHECKED (BUYING NEW TIRES) JUST FEW DAYS LATER I WAS TOLD THAT THE ALIGNMENT WAS STILL OFF. THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSE (BY RESCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS) TO RECHECK THE ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR IT. I WAS BILLED $729 AND TOYOTA REFUSED TO CONSIDER THAT THIS WAS SECONDARY TO DEFECT BUT CLAIMED IT WAS MY FAULT THAT I MUST HAVE HIT THE SUSPENSION EVEN THOUGH THAT NEVER HAPPENED. *TR
Oct 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BANG FROM THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT TWO BOLTS WERE FRACTURED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. IN ADDITION, ALL FOUR TIRE BOLTS WERE EXTREMELY UNSTABLE. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRE BOLTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.
Aug 06, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
The issue relates to the spiral cable assembly in my 2008 Toyota RAV4, which falls under Safety Recall 14V-168. According to the recall documentation, this part may fail, which could affect the vehicle’s safety features, including the airbag system. My vehicle is potentially affected by this recall, as it falls within the specified VIN range, but after contacting Toyota Customer Support, I was informed that my vehicle is not eligible for the recall, despite meeting the criteria outlined in the official recall notice. This inconsistency puts my safety at risk, as the failure of the spiral cable could lead to the malfunction of the airbag system. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, as I have not yet been able to have the issue inspected or repaired. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There have been no warning lamps or messages related to this issue prior to my inquiry, as the recall issue was identified through the NHTSA database and Toyota’s recall records.
Apr 12, 2025
2021 I was involved in a collision on the highway and my airbag did not deploy but airbag light remained on dash board even after repairing clockspring and attempting to reset airbag.
Aug 26, 2023
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
Severe rust on frame and undercarriage. Other 2008 Toyota models were recalled due to the same rust issues. Unsure of when rust first started.
Jun 11, 2022
TOYOTA RAV4 2008 LIMITED SUNROOF EXPLODED GOING 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE (NO OTHER FACTORS, SUCH AS WE WERE NOT UNDER/HAD NOT JUST GONE UNDER AN INTERSTATE OVERPASS). I WAS DRIVING - SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. HUSBAND IN PASSENGER SEAT AND SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD POP. GLASS SHATTERED ALL OVER US. WE PULLED OVER, PATCHED IT THE BEST THAT WE COULD AND TOOK STATE ROADS HOME (3 HR INTERSTATE DRIVE VS 5 1/2 HOUR, 55 MPH BARELY DRIVE HOME. TOOK TWO REPLACEMENT SUNROOF KITS TO GET IT RIGHT. INSURANCE PAID IN FULL UNDER GLASS POLICY.
Feb 06, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
2008 TOYOTA RAV4 - EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ON 2AZ-FE ENGINE LSC ZE7 MY DAUGHTERS TOYOTA RAV4 WAS CONSUMING AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF OIL. WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THE CAR WAS BURNING OIL. AFTER DOING MORE RESEARCH, WE DISCOVERED IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS AND/OR 150,000 MILES FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE (ZE7). THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AUGUST 2008. WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2017 FROM A FAMILY MEMBER. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THEY THOUGHT THAT THE CAR JUST BURNED A LOT OF OIL. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SEPTEMBER 2018, ONE MONTH BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. TOYOTA AGREED TO START THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH REQUIRED THEM TO CEIL THE ENGINE AND OIL STICK. WE WERE TOLD TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR 1100 TO 1300 MILES. THE CAR HAD THE BE TOWED BACK TO TOYOTA AT 1600 MILES DUE TO THE OIL LIGHT FLASHING ON AND OFF. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE CAR MOST LIKELY HAS THE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE, BUT SINCE THE CAR WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 318 MILES OVER THE LIMIT, TOYOTA CLAIMS THAT THEY MUST RESTART THE TEST AND REFUSE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. A TUNE UP WAS DONE BY TOYOTA A FEW MONTHS PRIOR. WHEN WE DISCOVERED THAT THE OIL LEAK WAS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO A KNOWN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE, WE TOOK THE CAR IN TO START THE PHASE 1 TEST. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MARKED THE OIL AS SEVERELY LOW. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE CAR RUN LOW ON OIL, WHEN THE OIL WAS FILLED BY TOYOTA AND WAS DRIVEN ONLY 1600 MILES. SINCERELY, [XXX] MORE COMPLAINTS: HTTPS://WWW.TOYOHEADQUARTERS.COM/THREADS/EXCESSIVE-OIL-CONSUMPTION-ON-2AZ-FE-ENGINE-LSC-ZE7.362/PAGE-2 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 22, 2018
PRIOR TO 2015, 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE COMPANIES ON 2 SEPARATE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAD NO OIL. IN 2015,RECEIVED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM RELATED TO EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION FROM TOYOTA. SINCE BEING TOLD ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THAT THE CAR HAD NO OIL DURING OIL CHANGE SERVICE, I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO SCHEDULE FOR THE CONSUMPTION TEST. BROUGHT THE CAR ON 7/7/15 THEN RETURNED ON 9/2/15 BETWEEN 1100-1300 MILES AS INSTRUCTED AND WAS TOLD IT PASSED. HOWEVER, ON 1/20/16 BROUGHT CAR TO ANOTHER SERVICE COMPANY FOR SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE (FIRST OIL CHANGE AFTER IT SUPPOSEDLY PASSED TEST) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO OIL MARKING ON DIP STICK. THEREFORE,WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT BACK TO TOYOTA. NO OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED BUT SERVICE COMPANY ADDED OIL (APPROX 3.5 QUARTS)PER MY REQUEST. SPOKE WITH A LADY MANAGER AT TOYOTA VIA PHONE TO REPORT THE FINDINGS AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT FOR RE-TEST. I BROUGHT CAR TO TOYOTA ON 1/29/16 AS SCHEDULED AND WAS TOLD BY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT A RE-TEST WILL NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE IT ALREADY PASSED THE TEST IN SEPT. 2015 DESPITE THE LATEST FINDING OF A DRY DIP STICK IN JAN. 2016. TOYOTA SUGGESTED TO CHANGE THE OIL AT MY EXPENSE AND TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A LEAK. I DECLINED IT BECAUSE I EXPECTED THE APPOINTMENT TO BE A RE-TEST FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AS INDICATED BY A TOYOTA MANAGER. I EVENTUALLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE ON 2/17/16 PERFORMED BY A NON-TOYOTA SERVICE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THE OIL DRAINED WAS 2.5 QUARTS WHICH IS 2 QUARTS BELOW FACTORY STANDARDS.
Feb 22, 2016
STEERING,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED LEFT AND RIGHT BROKEN ARMS, STITCHES, AND A BROKEN ROTATOR CUFF. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AT WEST CHESTER MEDICAL CENTER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. *LN *TR
Aug 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT A COMPONENT IN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED, AND CAUSED THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,143 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jan 17, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC LIGHT, AND 4WD LIGHTS STAYED ON AFTER WE PURCHASED VEHICLE. WE WERE ADVISED TO DISCONNECT BATTERY TO RESET, IT WORKED UNTIL CAR WAS SHUT OFF. THEN THE LIGHTS CARE ON AGAIN, AND 4WD WOULD NOT WORK. OUR DRIVEWAY REQUIRES 4WD! TOOK IT TO TOYOTA SERVICE NEAR OUR HOME, HE CALLED WARRANTY COMPANY, THEY WOULD NOT PAY BECAUSE EVAP CANNISTER AND HOSES HAD PREVIOUS WATER DAMAGE, AND WERE RUSTED. MANLY HONDA IN SANTA ROSA HAS PUT US OFF FOR TWO AND A HALF WEEKS. THIS IS WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR FOR OUR DAUGHTER. THEY WILL NOT RETURN CALLS. WE WERE INFORMED TOYOTA ONLY COVERED THIS PROBLEM UP TO 70,000 MILES. TO TAKE IT TO DEALER!! THEY WILL NO LONGER RESPOND. *TR
Aug 12, 2014
APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH, WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED, THE ENGINE OF MY 2008 RAV4 (VIN [XXX] ) ACCELERATED FOR 3-4 SECONDS. BECAUSE MY FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL DURING THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THIS HAS OCCURRED ONLY ONCE, 3 WEEKS AGO. AFTER TAKING THE RAV4 TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, THE DEALER FOUND NO COMPUTER CODES STORED, TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ACCELERATION CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY ANY OF THE EXISTING ACCELERATION RECALLS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mar 12, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
I DO OWN A TOYOTA RAV4 2008, IT DOES HAVE A WHINING NOISE WHICH COMES IN TO PLAY FROM 20-30 MILES AN HR. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA MANY TIMES FOR CHECK UP AND THEY CANT FIND THE ISSUE THEY ARE INSISTING IT IS THE BRAKES, I DID REPLACE THE BRAKES BUT THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. IS THERE ANY RESOLUTION ON THIS I AM AFRAID OF THIS NOISE. I WANT TO KNOW IF TOYOTA WILL HAVE A RECALL ON THIS NOISE. IF I PRESS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL THE NOISE STARTS AT 20 MILES PER HR AND IT STOPS AFTER 30 MILES PER HR BUT IF I LET GO OF THE ACCELERATION THE NOISE WILL STOP EVEN AT 20-30 MILES PER HR. I WONDER WHAT IT COULD BE? WILL THIS NOISE CAUSE ANY ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING? PLEASE HELP ON A RESPONSE ON THIS ISSUE, THANKS *TR
Jan 02, 2014
I HAD JUST ARRIVED TO WORK WAS IN THE EMPLOYEE PARK LOT GETTING READY TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR BUT IT WILL NOT. I PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE RIGHT BEFORE I HIT THE WALL AT THE PARKING GARAGE WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND HAD THE CAR TOWED FOR INSPECTION. WENT TO TOYOTA AND WROTE A STATEMENT ON 10/23/13 AT 0900, THEY CALLED AGAIN TO ASK WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY THEN CALLED AGAIN AT 418PM AND LEFT MESSAGE THAT CAR WAS READY FOR PICK UP. WENT THERE TODAY AND I ASKED WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY TOLD ME TO CALL CORPORATE TO TELL ME. I CALLED CORPORATE AS TOLD AND THEY REFERRED ME BACK TO THE DEALER AS THEY DID THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY STATED MANAGER IS ON VACATION UNTIL MONDAY. I CALLED CORPORATE AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. I CALLED HIM AT 352PM AND HE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED AND I EXPLAINED MYSELF AGAIN. I ASKED WHAT TESTS WERE RUN ON THE CAR AND WHAT THEY FOUND. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT THE TECHNICIAN WHO TESTED THE CAR IS NOT AVAILABLE AND THEREFORE HE CANNOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION. I THEN CALLED CORPORATE AGAIN TO GET ANSWERS AND WAS TOLD SOMEONE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH ME IN 1 BUSINESS DAY. MY FEAR IS WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN AS THEY ARE NOT TELLING ME ANYTHING. I HAVE A 5 MONTH OLD BABY AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GET ANSWERS TO ENSURE THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. PLEASE CAN SOMEBODY HELP ME GET ANSWERS FROM TOYOTA IN REGARDS TO THE TESTS THEY DID ON THE CAR. *TR
Oct 24, 2013
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
I TOOK MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RACK AND PINION AND SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. RESEARCHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ONLINE, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT MANY RAV4 OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME SITUATION. THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY RAV4S. A SO CALLED DEPENDABLE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE REACHING 100,000 MILES. CERTAINLY, TOYOTA MUST CLEARLY KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD ADDRESS IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT WHICH CAN DISRUPT THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITIES. *TR
Jul 19, 2013
2008 (STARTED AT 20,000 MILES, 1 YEAR OUT OF WARRANTY) TOYOTA RAV 4 STARTED A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE DRIVE SHAFT WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. WE TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT'S A CONSTANT SOUND! WHY THEY SAID THIS IS UNEXPLAINABLE. IT'S BEEN NON STOP SINCE AND GETTING WORSE. WE READ ON THE INTERNET THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM FOR RAV 4 OWNERS. WE WILL BE TAKING IT BACK IN AGAIN AND WILL PROBABLY BE TOLD THE SAME THING. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THERE IS A TAG ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM BY TOYOTA ALSO. THE REPAIR IS AVERAGED TO BE $800 AND SOME DEALERS ARE WILLING TO SHARE IN THE REPAIR COST. THIS SHOULD BE TOYOTA'S 100% RESPONSIBILITY! *TR
Dec 08, 2012
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A LOT IN FRONT OF A BUILDING. IN A SPLIT SECOND THE CAR HAD JUMPED THE CURB UP ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH THE BRICK WALL AND WINDOW IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND TRIED AND SUCCEEDED INTO SHIFTING IT INTO PARK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS NOT INJURED AND DID NOT HURT ANYONE ELSE - THANK GOODNESS. THE ONLY EXPLANATION OTHER THAN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS THAT I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD AND I DO NOT BELIEVE I DID THAT. I HAD NOT BEEN DISTRACTED BY ANYTHING AND HAD NO SENSE OF MY FOOT SLIPPING FROM THE BRAKE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. *TR
Aug 15, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, HE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE. THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND WHEN HE TRIED TO SLOW DOWN WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO THE ROCKS OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT THAT POINT, THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE AND HE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED MINOR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT IS WAS TAKEN. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT HE WAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Jan 29, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AROUND THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, MY CAR WOULD BE GOING AROUND 40-50 MPH AND IT WILL SUDDENLY STALL OR POWER DOWN AND THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING. ITS A GOOD THING I GO TO WORK EARLY AROUND 4-5 AM AND TRAFFIC IS LOW OR I WOULD BE IN MAJOR ACCIDENT AND AT FAULT TOO? THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. SOMETIMES HAPPENS WHEN I FLASH ON HIGH BEAM AND EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN LOW SPEED AROUND 15-25MPH OR TURNING AROUND A CORNER. THERE IS NEVER A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WHEN MY CAR GOES INTO STALL, ALL POWER DIES AND MY RADIO/CD/MP3 PLAYER STOP PLAYING MY DASHBOARD BECOMES ALL PITCH BLACK AND HEADLIGHTS ALL DIE AS WELL. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS ITS FRUSTRATING AND SCARY, I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND THE SNOW IS COMING AND TOYOTA REQUIRE ME TO LEAVE THE CAR WITH THEM FOR OVER A WEEK OR SO, NOT A PROBLEM CAUSE I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL ITS FIX. ITS NOW AFTER THANKSGIVING AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY BUT THEY WONT EVEN LOOK AT IT UNTIL I LEAVE IT WITH THEM FOR A WEEK. I CANT LEAVE IT THERE BECAUSE I NEED A CAR FOR WORK SO I HAD TO ARRANGE CAR RENTALS FIRST WITH MY OWN EXPENSE AND WILL BE DROPPING THE CAR OFF SATURDAY. THE ANSWERS THEY ALREADY GAVE ME WAS NO CLUE AND DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT WITH NO CHECK ENGINE CODE. I DON'T WANT TO BE ANOTHER KOUA FONG LEE. I JUST WANT TO POST THIS UP NOW SEE IF ANYONE FOUND A SOLUTION AND FOR MY REFERENCE IF THEY CANT FIX IT. I WANT SOMEONE TO HAVE MY BACK. THE CAR IS A RAV4 2008 WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES. *KB
Nov 29, 2011
AT APPROXIMATELY 11:15AM SATURDAY JANUARY 22, I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT ON SPIT BROOK ROAD IN NASHUA NH FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS, WHEN MY LEASED TOYOTA RAV4L SUDDENLY REVVED IT'S ENGINE AND STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD. AS IT DID, I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO REV THE ENGINE AND SUDDENLY JUMPED FORWARD HITTING THE CAR THAT WAS ABOUT 6 FEET IN FRONT OF ME. AT THAT TIME, I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, STOPPED THE ENGINE AND CHECKED TO SEE IF THE WOMAN IN THE CAR AHEAD OF ME WAS HURT. SHE WAS NOT. HER CAR HAD NO DAMAGE TO IT. SHE WENT ON HER WAY. THERE IS MINOR DAMAGE TO THE FROM END OF THE RAV4, INCLUDING THE BUMPER AND GRILL. I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR, AND TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER IN NASHUA NH, THAT WAS A MILE OR 2 AWAY, AND EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT HAPPENED. THEY TRIED TO BLAME THIS ON THE FLOOR MAT ISSUE, AND THEN TRIED TO BLAME IT ON ME, SAYING THAT THEY THINK MY BOOT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ON THE ACCELERATOR. I TOLD THEM THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THE CAR WAS STOPPED FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS WHEN IT SUDDENLY REVVED THE ENGINE AND ACCELERATED INTO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. THE CAR WAS LEFT AT THE DEALER FOR THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT ON MONDAY JANUARY 24TH, 2011. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT AND GET BACK TO ME. *LN
Jan 23, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
2 complaints
I OWN A TOYOTA RAV 4 FROM 2008. MY BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. IT HAVE THE PUMP THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP. I HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY COMPLAINING IT TO THE DEALERSHIPS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT THEY HAVE NOT FIXED IT YET. ALL THE TIME THE DEALERSHIP KEEPS TELLING THAT WE WILL GET BACK TO YOU OR REPORT IT TO THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TOYOTA. I AND MY WIFE HAVE BEEN SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITH OUR TWO CHILDREN ON BOARD. WE BOUGHT THIS SUV AS A FAMILY CAR BUT NOT ABLE TO DRIVE IT WITH PEACE OF MIND. WE NEED SOME HELP TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED. SOME OF THE DEALERS GET BACK TO ME SAYING "THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN THERE" EITHER SELL IT OR WE CANNOT DO ANYTHING. MAKE : TOYOTAYEAR:2008 MODEL : RAV 4 *TR
Apr 26, 2011
MY TOYOTA RAV 4, 2008 MODEL ACCELERATED WHILE I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE HARDER I WENT DOWN ON THE BRAKES THE MORE THE ENGINE REVVED. *TR
Mar 04, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE AT WORK DOING ABOUT 5-10 MPH. SLOWED TO TURN INTO SPACE, GIVING CAR JUST ENOUGH GAS , WHEN CAR LAUNCHED FORWARD HITTING A CHAIN LINK FENCE. I DID NOT HAVE ANY BRAKES, SO I TRIED PUMPING BRAKES BEFORE IMPACT . BRAKE PEDAL WAS COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR, SO I USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP CAR BEFORE IT CAUSED FURTHER DAMAGE TO CAR AND FENCE. I DID NOT REPORT INCIDENT, BUT TOOK CAR TO LACEY COLLISION, AND THEY ESTIMATED DAMAGE AT $1500. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS..NOTHING WAS EVER DONE. THEY ONLY ADMITTED THAT YES, MY BRAKES WERE A BIT 'SOFT'. BUT CAR WAS NOT ON THEIR RECALL LIST.
Dec 27, 2010
DRIVING 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 (19K MI) IN RAIN ON NY STATE HWY AT 30 MPH. DRIVER IN FRONT SLOWED. APPLIED BRAKES WHICH SOFTENED THEN WENT TO FLOOR. PUMPING DID NOT RETURN PRESSURE. HAND BRAKE SLOWED VEHICLE TO BELOW 15 MPH. CRASHED INTO OTHER VEHICLE AT @ 12 MPH. CAR BURST INTO FLAMES BENEATH AND CONSUMED VEHICLE WITHIN 12-14 MINUTES; *CN
Mar 28, 2010
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVE DOWN AS HE TRIED TO DEPRESS IT AND HE COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. HE CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD UNTIL THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT NO ONE COULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE BODY SHOP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 18,561.
Feb 22, 2010
I WAS DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM AT APPROXIMATELY 20MILES/HR.THE ROAD HAD NOT BEEN PLOWED RECENTLY, SO THERE WAS SOME SNOW THAT HAD ACCUMULATED, BUT IT WAS CERTAINLY PASSABLE AND I WAS DRIVING A 4 WHEEL,TOYOTA, RAV 4, 2008, IN EXCELLENT UPKEEP. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT, WHEN I TRIED TO SLOWLY CORRECT THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. I COULD NOT MOVE THE WHEEL, THE BRAKSE DID NOT WORK, EVERYTHING IN THE CAR FROZE. I WAS HELPLESS AND HAD TO WATCH AS THE CAR SLOWLY DROVE ITSELF OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD INTO A DEEP DITCH. HALF WAY THROUGH THIS HARROWING TIME SPAN A BEEPING NOISE CAME ON(THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM?), BUT ONLY AFTER THE CAR WAS INCAPACITATED FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE MINUTES. I WAS ON A STRAIGHT AWAY AND THERE WERE NO HILLS AT THIS LOCATION. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 300+ FEET, AS EVIDENCED BY THE TRACK MARKS LEFT IN THE SNOW. LUCKILY THE DITCH WAS FILLED WITH SNOW, SO I DID NOT CRASH INTO A TREE OR ROLL OVER. THE SNOWPACK STOPPED THE CAR AND IT ENDED UP TILTED ON ITS RIGHT SIDE, BURIED ALMOST TO THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER WINDOW. WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE RIGHT WINDOW TO CRAWL OUT, IT WAS INOPERABLE. I WAS TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH AND BECAUSE OF THE SOFT SNOW COVER THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO HAD 1 OTHER STEERING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WHEN IT DID NOT RESPOND AS EXPECTED(ALTHOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT FROZEN) AND I SUBSEQUENTLY SIDE SWIPED A CAR I WAS PASSING WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING GARAGE. I AM AN EXCELLENT NEW ENGLAND DRIVER WITH A STELLAR DRIVING RECORD. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A DISASTER THE INFREQUENT TIMES I IT. IT USUALLY SITS IN THE GARAGE, SINCE I PREFER MY 109,000 MILE, RELIABLE, 2001, MERCURY MOUNTAINEER; AFTER EXPERIENCING THE FIRST STEERING EVENT WITH THE RAV4, WHICH I KNOW WAS NOT MY FAULT. I DROVE THE RAV 4 DURING THE SECOND INCIDENT BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE SAFER, BEING A NEW CAR! HA *TR
Feb 17, 2010
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I have a toyota rav4 2008 2.4 the motor is no leaking oil, no blue smoke but i put 4 quarts oil on 1.000 miles,the comsuption oil is too much and the steering wheel column have problem and that is danger .i see on Google the problem on this car toyota rav4 2008 2.4 is came with factory problem on pistons and rings I call bernardi toyota framingham,ma on 08/27/2022 and i talk a service guy the problem and he say the recall for my car expires on 2018 but i read on Internet recall nver expires if the company o factory Still on ,I did call to service on toyota weslleyle,ma on 08/29/2023 and the service guy toll me the same My phone number [XXX] .. [XXX] my name Thank you.very much for help me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 31, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Starting in June 2018, I have had seven episodes of unintended acceleration. (I have owned the car, purchased in private sale, since June of 2013.) There were common elements to each incident:1. gradually slowing; 2. foot on brake; 3. engine accelerates sharply, a moment before complete stop in first six, a moment after in seventh and last. In each incident able to maintain control as foot already was on brake; yet in three of the incidents, including the last two, the car bucked forward a few inches despite the pressure on the brake. Situation resolved when I turned off the ignition, a reflex developed after the first incident. This last incident was particularly upsetting as I was in a long line of slow moving cars on a relatively narrow road with pedestrians on each side of my car. Each incident has been reported to the local dealer with which I have been trading for many years. They did a thorough inspection when I reported the incidents to them in January of 2020 and again just today after the last incident that occurred on May 19, 2023. They could find nothing wrong and include on their report "TAS STATES SUSPECTED DRIVER ERROR, PEDAL MISS [sic] APPLICATION." I do NOT accept this conclusion. I note in the last incident I had come to complete stop momentarily before the engine accelerated and despite my heavy pressure on the brake bucked forward, with control established only when I shut the engine down. During the entire period of these incidents I also have been driving two other vehicles, a 2008 Camry and a 2023 Camry. I have had no such incidents while driving these two cars. I do NOT drive with two feet, always the first question asked when such an incident is reported. Finally, I believe my car dates from a period when Toyota was vehemently denying such a problem in their cars when they knew full well that such was the case, a deception for which they were found criminally liable. Such history does not instill confidence in corporate Toyota.
May 22, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY MAIN ROAD WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC. AS IT CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A DRIVEWAY AND STOP. I TRIED TO START VEHICLE AGAIN WITHOUT SUCCESS BUT IT MADE LOUD GRINDING NOISE. AFTER SHORT TIME I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE MADE A LOUD GRINDING SOUND BUT WOULD NOT START. CALLED FOR TOW AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY AND TOWED VEHICLE TO MY HOUSE. PAINT PEELING OFF VEHICLE IN LARGE PATCHES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT WORK BUT NOT A RESULT OF LATEST INCIDENT. WIPER MOTOR HUMS BUT DO NOT WORK. CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING FEW MONTHS AGO. MAKES CLICKING NOISES BUT WILL NOT PLAY CD OR EJECT DISCS. *TR
Apr 16, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
I'M CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE EXHILARATION OF GAS PEDAL. EVERY TIME I STAT THE TRUCK IT HAS A LOUD AND HIGH EXHILARATE IN AN STATIONARY POSITION. WHEN I PUT IT INTO DRIVE IT TAKES OFF AT A FAST RATE
Mar 09, 2020
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE BEGAN BRIEF HESITATION AT MODERATE SPEEDS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE IDLE SEEMS TO STAY HIGH RPM FOR LONGER THAN IT DID. THEN JUST TWO DAYS AGO, THE ENGINE BRIEFLY QUIT COMPLETELY WHILE ACCELERATING TO CLIMB A HILL. ALL THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE FIRST USE OF THE DAY FOR A 10 OR 15 MINUTE PERIOD. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT.
Mar 05, 2020
SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR CONSUMPTION MORE OIL IT HAVE ONLY 70000 MILEAGE AND SEAT BELT GETTING STUCK SHOULD BE ENGINE AND SEAT BELT SAFETY ISSUE
Oct 17, 2019
AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN FIXED AND THEN I STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE OCCUPATION DETECTOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT IS NOT REGISTERING THAT THERE IS AN OCCUPANT OVER 1/2 THE TIME. SINCE THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR (ABOUT 500$) I TAKE IT TO HEART KNOWING MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AT ALL TIMES. I DO HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND THIS IS OUR PRIMARY FAMILY VEHICLE. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A PART THAT AN OWNER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WILL FUNCTION BUT IT'S BEEN ON SOLID FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. HENCE MY EMAIL.
Mar 21, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COULD NOT PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-331-4331 AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jan 08, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
VEHICLE IN MOTION ON STREET SUDDEN ACCELERATION.WAS GOING SLOW STEP ON BRAKE PUT IN PARK. HEARD ENGINE REUP FELT LIKE WANTING TO GO BY ITSELF. HAPPENED ONCE TO MY WIFE AND ONCE TO ME WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. CALL TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DEPT. ASKED ABOUT RECALL. WAS TOLD YES FOR RECALL. TOO VEHICLE IN WAS GIVING PRINTOUT OF RECALLS.SHOWING FLOOR INTERFERENCE PROBLEM TO ACCELERATOR. WAS NOT OFFERED A RECHECK ON ONGOING SAME ACCELERATOR PROBLEM.
Oct 24, 2017
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND 4WD WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000(SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Mar 13, 2017
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE AIR BAG RECALL WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Feb 27, 2017
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL NO.16V-596, I CALLED TOYOTA TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS, WHEN THEY CALL ME TO TELL ME THEY HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE, WE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT UNFORTUNATELY I DIDN'T MAKE IT BECAUSE I HAD TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO THE HOSPITAL, I WENT DIRECTLY TO TOYOTA TWO WEEKS LATER JUST TO HEAR THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABE AGAIN IS BEEN ABOUT 4 WEEKS AND I STILL HAVEN'T HEAR BACK FROM THEM. HOW LONG DO THEY HAVE TO FIX THE RECALL?
Feb 04, 2017
STEERING,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
1 complaint
THERE ARE HAVE BEEN 6 RECALLS TO DATE SINCE WE PURCHASED 2008 RAV4. MOST RECENTLY, SEATBELTS WERE DEEMED UNSAFE IN THE REAR, WHERE WE HARNESS OUR CHILDREN'S CARSEATS. THIS WAS IN APRIL 2016, AND WE HAVE YET TO BE CONTACTED ABOUT A REMEDY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO PUSH FOR A FIX TO THIS SITUATION. WE ARE FRUSTRATED THAT THIS CAR IS A LEMON, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO LAW, SINCE THE RECALLS ARE ROLLED OUT OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 6-8 YEARS.
Sep 02, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE IN PARK, THE POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Jul 26, 2016
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THIS WAS MY PROBLEM ONE YEAR AGO AND LISTED ON THIS PAGE UNDER THE DATE 3/6/2015 ABS LIGHT, VSC LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING ALL SYSTEMS TO BE INOPERATIVE. AFTER TAKING CAR TO LOCAL DEALER PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE BAD LEFT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, HARNESS FOR SENSOR AND WHEEL HUB THAT HAD CORROSION ON IT POSSIBLY FROM LIVING IN AN AREA THAT DEICES ROADS WITH SALT. IN MY RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THROUGH SEVERAL TOYOTA BLOGS THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AROUND THE COUNTRY. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT AND THE ASSOCIATED COST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS EXPENSIVE. IF AN OWNER FAILS TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE OUTCOME COULD BECOME CATASTROPHIC IN INCLIMATE WEATHER. EXACTLY ONE YEAR LATER THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL HUB ASSY. AND WIRING HARNESS WENT OUT. THIS TIME I CHANGED IT ALL MYSELF SAVING ALMOST $600 FROM HAVING IT DONE AT TOYOTA DEALER. THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE. WHILE WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO COME IN THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY WIFE DURING A RAINSTORM. ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HER AND SHE HAD TO BRAKE HARD. DUE TO THE ABS BEING INOP. IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE. I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE BUT I'M ALMOST POSITIVE IT HAS HAPPENED TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT'S A TERRIBLE DESIGN AND LIKE I SAID SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED DUE TO THE LACK OF CONCERN.
Mar 23, 2016
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE EMERGENCY BREAK CABLE ON 1/13/16. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING REMOVED FROM THE REPAIR STALL THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A FLAT FLOOR AT THE TIME OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON1/27/16, THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS OPERATING PROPERLY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. A SAFETY RECALL BOE-CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG SENSOR WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE ON 1/19/12 ACCORDING TO THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA AFTER THERE INSPECTION. I REALIZE THAT TOYOTA ONLY READ THE EVENT RECORDER. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS WOULD INADVERTENTLY BLINK AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES BUT NEVER WHEN THERE WAS A CHANCE TO GET A DIAGNOSIS FROM A COMPUTER READING AT A SERVICE FACILITY.
Mar 15, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
1 complaint
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS CONSUMER 15 QUARTS OF OIL IN 36,000 MILES. ALSO, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WAS SOME RUST IN THE DRUM AREA THAT PROBABLY CAUSED THE NOISE. *JB
Dec 17, 2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
NOTICED WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT APPEARED TO HAVE A BLOWOUT. REPLACED WITH NEW BULB, DID NOT WORK. CHECKED FUSE TO LIGHT, FUSE GOOD. HIGH BEAM DOES WORK, LOW BEAM DOES NOT. CHECKED ONLINE, AND SEE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
Nov 04, 2015
STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6, 2015 MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS IN FOR SERVICE AT PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES, FRONT/BACK BRAKES AND FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS, A TOTAL OF $2,000. ON OCTOBER 8, 2015, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BACK FROM STANFORD LUCILE PACKARD OVER DUMBARTON BRIDGE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN MY CAR. JUST BEFORE THIS EVENT, THE ABS, VSC, AND SLIP WARNING LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT VERY STIFF AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO DO ANY REPETITIVE PUMPING OF THE BRAKE. I CALLED 911 AND REQUESTED ASSISTANCE. WHEN THE FRONT TRAFFIC CAME TO A HOLD I HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MY ENTIRE CAR SLIPPED TO THE LEFT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THE BUS BEHIND US. SOME GOOD SAMARITANS SAW WHAT HAPPENED AND HELPED ME TO GET MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. THAT DAY, MY 9 YRS. OLD SON AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I REQUEST THAT TOYOTA INVESTIGATES/RECALLS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT THAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED. PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS INVESTIGATED THE INCIDENT ON 10/09/15. THEY FOUND C1249 OPEN STOP LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT, C1223 ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, MY VEHICLE HAD INTERMITTENT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. PIERCEY TOYOTA REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
Oct 20, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6, 2015 MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS IN FOR SERVICE AT PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES, FRONT/BACK BRAKES AND FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS, A TOTAL OF $2,000. ON OCTOBER 8, 2015, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BACK FROM STANFORD LUCILE PACKARD OVER DUMBARTON BRIDGE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN MY CAR. JUST BEFORE THIS EVENT, THE ABS, VSC, AND SLIP WARNING LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT VERY STIFF AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO DO ANY REPETITIVE PUMPING OF THE BRAKE. I CALLED 911 AND REQUESTED ASSISTANCE. WHEN THE FRONT TRAFFIC CAME TO A HOLD I HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MY ENTIRE CAR SLIPPED TO THE LEFT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THE BUS BEHIND US. SOME GOOD SAMARITANS SAW WHAT HAPPENED AND HELPED ME TO GET MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. THAT DAY, MY 9 YRS. OLD SON AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I REQUEST THAT TOYOTA INVESTIGATES/RECALLS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES FOR TOYOTA RAV4 2008. IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SYSTEM CONTAINS A BRAKE ACTUATOR THAT ADJUSTS THE FLUID PRESSURE OF EACH WHEEL CYLINDER. WITHIN THE ACTUATOR IS AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL THAT CONNECTS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR MOTOR AND THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE SKID CONTROL ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU). DUE TO MANUFACTURING VARIATION, THERE COULD BE A REDUCTION IN CONTACT FORCE BETWEEN THE TWO COMPONENTS OF THE TERMINAL, CAUSING OXIDE FILM TO INCREASE RESISTANCE. A LARGER THAN NORMAL INCREASE IN RESISTANCE CAN CAUSE THE ILLUMINATION OF VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS, INCLUDING THOSE FOR THE SKID CONTROL (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL OR VSC) SYSTEM, ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. LFTHIS OCCURS, THESE SYSTEMS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Oct 13, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE HOSE CONNECTING THE CANISTER FILTER TO THE CANISTER BROKE OFF DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND I DIDN'T SEE UNTIL NEXT DAY WHILE 8 HRS AWAY FROM HOME. CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOWN.I GOT HOME AND HAVE THE CANISTER FILTER REPLACED WITH THE DEALER AND NEXT DAY CHECK ENGINE, VSC AND 4WD LIGHT CAME ON, DEALER SAYS IT COST $1800 TO FIX IT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND LOT OF 2006 AND UP RAV 4 OWNER HAVE SAME ISSUE. CANNISTER HOSE BROKEN OR FILTER DROPPED AND WATER GETTING INTO THE SYSTEM. I GOT TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0098-09 WHICH WAS UPDATED TO T-SB0161-11 ON OCTOBER 20,2011 FOR THIS ISSUE. TOYOTA HAD COVERED WARRANTY FOR 2GR-FE ENGINE FROM 2006-2011 SOLD ON CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM,VT,WA, RI UNDER CALIFORNIA LONG TERM EMISSION WARRANTY OF 64 MONTHS OR 70,000 MILES WHICH EVER OCCURS FIRST. TOYOTA KNEW THE ISSUE AND EVEN ADDED A NEW COVER (PART NO 77641-0R020) THE PROTECT THE CANISTER FILTER AND THE HOSES BUT THEY DIDN'T ISSUE THE RECALL. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME ISSUE. THE FILTER AND HOSE ARE UNPROTECTED UNDERNEATH THE CHASSIS AND IT CAN BREAK OR FALL DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING IN A RAIN OR SNOW. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY REVIEW MY CASE AND GAVE ME CASE # BUT THEY WON'T FIX IT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AND SOLD ON THE AFOREMENTIONED STATES. TOYOTA HAS COVERED THE WARRANTY ON THE STATES WITH HEAVY SNOW AND RAIN ONLY. BUT THESE THINGS ARE TRUE FOR THE STATE I AM IN TOO. REMAINING STATE STANDARD 36 MONTHS 36,000 WARRANTY. BUT THIS THING CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE AT ANY MILEAGE. TOYOTA KNEW IT AND HAD A FIX BY PUTTING THE NEW COVER BUT DIDN'T ISSUE A RECALL . THE SERVICE BULLETIN EVEN STATES THE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE CERTAIN VIN NUMBER AND MINE DOES FALL UNDER IT. I PAID $220 TO REPLACE FILTER AND $62.5 TO DIAGNOSE. NOW THEY WANT ANOTHER $1800 TO FIX IT. I WISH I COULD ATTACHED THE SERVICE BULLETIN. UPDATED 09/15/15*LJ UPDATED 11/08/2017*CN
Jul 08, 2015
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ...UPDATED 08/20/15 *BF
Jun 24, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ABS LIGHT, VSC LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING ALL SYSTEMS TO BE INOPERATIVE. AFTER TAKING CAR TO LOCAL DEALER PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE BAD LEFT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, HARNESS FOR SENSOR AND WHEEL HUB THAT HAD CORROSION ON IT POSSIBLY FROM LIVING IN AN AREA THAT DEICES ROADS WITH SALT. IN MY RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THROUGH SEVERAL TOYOTA BLOGS THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AROUND THE COUNTRY. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT AND THE ASSOCIATED COST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS EXPENSIVE. IF AN OWNER FAILS TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE OUTCOME COULD BECOME CATASTROPHIC IN INCLIMATE WEATHER. *TR
Mar 06, 2015
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DRIVER DOOR, FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, AND TAILGATE DOOR LOCK MECHANISMS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED, NOT LOCKING OR UNLOCKING WITH THE REMOTE. HAD FRONT DRIVER DOOR LOCK AND REAR TAILGATE DOOR LOCKS REPAIRED EACH COSTING APPROX. $500. HOW CAN SO MANY LOCKS GO BAD? HAVE OTHER CAR OWNERS HAD THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Jan 21, 2015
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AROUND 65 MPH OR HIGHER THE THROTTLE CONTROL IS NOT RESPONDING VERY DANGEROUS . *TR
Oct 06, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
EVAPORATIVE CONTROL (EVAP) SYSTEM DESIGN FLAW. THIS DESIGN FLAW ALLOWS WATER/DEBRIS/ETC TO ENTER THE EVAP SYSTEM, RESULTING IN THE NEED TO REPLACE PIECES OF THE EVAP SYSTEM SUCH AS FILTER EMISSION HOSES, CHARCOAL CANISTER, CANISTER VENT VALVE, OR ACCORDING TO MY LAST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP VISIT THE WHOLE EVAP SYSTEM! NEWER RAV4 MODELS HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE A COVERING UNDER THE CAR AS TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS SUCH AS RAIN WITHOUT RISKING AN EMISSION HOSE OR CHARCOAL CANISTER GETTING DEBRIS IN IT OR GETTING CAUGHT ON SOMETHING. *TR
Jul 09, 2014
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND WENT FOR THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD AND STRUCK A FOLDED DECK CHAIR WHICH WAS PUSHED THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL. *TR
May 22, 2014
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
REAR DIFFERENTIAL STARTED MAKING A WHIRRING NOISE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE NOISE INCREASED IN PITCH AND VOLUME WITH SPEED. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A BAD MAGNETIC COUPLING BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND REPLACED IT. *TR
May 05, 2014
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
I READ ON YOUR WEBSITE RECALLS RELATED TO WEIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY WHEELS & TIRES APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE. PLEASE INFORM WHETHER DEALER FIXED IT WHILE I WAS THERE FOR OTHER RECALLS. PLEASE INFORM ME IF I NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION. *TR
Apr 09, 2014
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WE HAVE HAD MORE THAN ONE INSTANCE WHEN OUR 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS FAILED TO MAINTAIN STABILIZATION WHEN HAVING TO DECREASE SPEED IN EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES. (USUALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS THAN 45 MPG) OUR VEHICLE'S REAR SUSPENSION MAKES THE DRIVE FEEL UNSAFE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. ATLANTA TOYOTA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THESE INSTANCES YET NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN OFFERED AS OF TODAY. *TR
Mar 19, 2014
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
REAR SUSPENSION ARM BROKEN WHILE TRAVELING APPROX. 70 MPH. THERE WAS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF A ROLLOVER WITH THIS INCIDENT. THREE SEPARATE TIMES THE VEHICLE MADE A VERY SHARP JERKS TOWARD THE DITCH/MEDIAN. THE ONLY REASON WE DID NOT ROLLOVER WAS THE DRIVER AT THE TIME WAS VERY EXPERIENCED AND HAD TO FIGHT TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Sep 09, 2013
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ENGINE
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE OIL LIGHT CAME ON; WENT O DEALER TO HAVE CHECKED; LOST 3 QUARTS OF OIL SINCE LAST SCHEDULES OIL CHANGE. DEALER SAYS IT WAS WITHIN THEIR ACCEPTABLE RANGE. TODAY CALLED AND SAID I NEED NEW ENGINE WHICH THEY SAY WILL COST ME THOUSANDS
Sep 06, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OWNER TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING. THE RAV4 ONLY HAS 86,000 MILES. OWNER HAS NOTICED THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTED COMPLAINTS ON THE AIRBAG SPIRAL CABLE DEFECT. HOW MANY MORE "DEFECTS" HAVE NOT BEEN REPORTED? THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE REPAIRS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. OWNER USED TO THINK TOYOTA MADE A RELIABLE CAR!! *JB
Sep 05, 2013
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY ALTERNATOR WENT IN MY VEHICLE BUT WAS DISCOVERED WAS DISTURBING. I HAD JUST HAD MY OIL CHANGED 4 WEEKS PRIOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST EMPTY OF OIL. IF THE ALTERNATOR HAD NOT FAILED MY ENGINE WOULD HAVE BLOWN DUE TO THE LACK OF OIL. THE LACK OF OIL IS DUE TO THE PISTON ASSEMBLY IN MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA SINCE THEY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON AUG. 11 KNOWN AS SB002411 AND SB009411. TOYOTA SAID THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO THE PISTON ASSEMBLY, YET I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THERE ISN'T ANY RECALL. THIS REPAIR IS ONLY COVERED FOR 60 MONTHS OR 60,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IN MY SITUATION, THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF THIS REPAIR IS ON MYSELF ($4-$5K). THIS IS THE SECOND ISSUE WITH TOYOTA RAV 4 WHERE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. MY PRIOR ISSUE WAS THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WHICH WAS MAKING A CLUCKING SOUND AND IF NOT ADDRESSED THE I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THAT FINANCIAL BURDEN WAS $800. BOTH SHOULD BE A RECALL BY TOYOTA. *TR
Aug 06, 2013
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
INSURANCE CLAIM # [XXX]/PROGRESSIVE POLICY # [XXX]MY FATHER-IN LAW WAS DRIVING BACK FROM THE VET OFFICE WITH HIS TWO DOGS AROUND 9:15 AM ON JUNE 20, 2013. HE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH IN A 50 MPH DRIVE ZONE WHEN THE HOOD OF THE CAR FLEW UP HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THE HOOD WAS BLOCKING HIS VIEW , HOWEVER HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD USING THE SIDE WINDOW. HE WAS ABLE TO SECURE THE HOOD AND DRIVE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP "KENNYS COLLISION CENTER" LOCATED IN MONREVILLE, AL. 36460, AT 352 HWY 136 , PHONE #251-575-9241. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE HOOD,ROOF, AND SIDE FRONT PANELS, REPAIR ESTIMATED AT $2,778.09, I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN ATHENS , GA. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT WHEN THE CAR HAD 70K MILES. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE NEEDED FOR THE CAR HAVING 70K MILES. I LIVE IN NICHOLSON, GA AND WAS VISITING MY IN-LAWS IN AL WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPEN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A "SAFETY" DEFECT IN THIS CAR. I ALSO REQUEST A RECALL INSPECTION FOR THESE RAV 4'S - I BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM MILTON MARTIN DEALERSHIP IN GAINESVILLE AROUND OCT 2010. I HAVE HAD THE CAR MAINTAINED AT THE ATHENS DEALERSHIP SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. INCLUDING OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE . UPDATED 7/31/13 *CN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 22, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE ONBOARD COMPUTER (ECM) PROGRAM IS DEFECTIVE IN THE 2008 RAV4, AND PROBABLY OTHER YEARS AND MODELS, CAUSING OWNERS TO UNNECESSARILY BRING CARS IN AND PAY FOR UNNEEDED SERVICE. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO BEGIN AN INTERSTATE DRIVE, 3 FAULT INDICATORS (CHECK ENGINE,VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, 4 WHEEL DRIVE) ILLUMINATED. FOLLOWING OWNERS MANUAL, MY WIFE CALLED THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER WHO TOLD HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALER IMMEDIATELY, AND TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL ROOM WHEN FOLLOWING OTHER VEHICLES, AND NOT TO ATTEMPT SUDDEN STOPS. ANOTHER FAULT INDICATOR (CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE) PRESENTED ITSELF ENROUTE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THE REASON FOR ALL 4 FAULT INDICATIONS WAS THE #6 CYLINDER MISFIRED 1 TIME A FEW SECONDS AFTER I STARTED THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THE ECM IS PROGRAMMED TO GIVE THESE 4 FAULT INDICATIONS FOR A CYLINDER MISFIRE, BUT HE DID NOT KNOW WHY. HE SAID THAT HE COULD FIND NO REASON FOR THE SINGLE MISFIRE, BUT THAT HE FOUND AND TIGHTENED A SLIGHTLY LOOSE AIR INTAKE HOSE THAT COULD NOT POSSIBLY HAVE CAUSED THE MISFIRE. HE TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE FOR ME TO MAKE MY INTERSTATE DRIVE WITHOUT COMING TO THE DEALERSHIP. I BELIEVE THAT THE ONBOARD COMPUTER PROGRAMMING THAT PROVIDED THESE 4 FAULT INDICATIONS IS DEFECTIVE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. 1. A SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE IS UNRELATED TO AND HAS NO EFFECT UPON THE THREE SYSTEMS POINTED TO BY THE FAULT INDICATIONS (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, CRUISE CONTROL) 2. A SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE AT STARTUP IS NOT AN EMERGENCY SITUATION REQUIRING IMMEDIATE SERVICE AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WITH EXTRAORDINARILY CAUTIOUS DRIVING ENROUTE. 3. DURING THE 1 HOUR DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CYLINDERS OF THE VEHICLE FIRED SUCCESSFULLY AROUND 360,000 TIMES, AND THE PROGRAMMING DID NOT RECOGNIZE THIS FAULTLESS OPERATION AND AUTOMATICALLY CLEAR THE FAULT INDICATORS.
Jun 08, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING 2008 RAV4 OUT OF TOWN WITH MY WIFE. CAME TO A STOPLIGHT AND QUICKLY APPLIED BRAKES AND ENGINE STARTED REVVING UPWARD. HAD TO PRESS ON BRAKE WITH FULL FORCE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING THROUGH THE RED LIGHT. SHIFTED TO PARK AND THE CAR "BUCKED" AND ENGINE ALMOST RED-LINED AT 6000 RPMS. SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND WENT THROUGH RED LIGHT AND PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE. TRIED TO REPLICATE IN NEUTRAL AND COULD ONLY GET TO 5000 RPMS. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME AND MY WIFE WASN'T DRIVING AS I DON'T THINK SHE WOULD HAVE KNOWN HOW TO REACT TO SUCH AN UNEXPECTED AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY PERFORMED HEALTH CHECK ANALYSIS AND SAID "ALL OK AT THIS TIME". UNHAPPY WITH THE RESULT OF THE "CHECK", CALLED DEALERSHIP BACK AND WAS TOLD TO CALL 800-331-4331 (TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN CA) TO FILE A REPORT. REP TOOK DOWN ALL OF THE INFORMATION AND PUT ME ON HOLD TO CHECK INTO THE MATTER. CREATED A CASE NUMBER AND NOTIFIED CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A FIELD TECH REP LOOK AT THE CAR. HOPING THEY CAN RECTIFY THE SITUATION (COMPUTER GLITCH?) AS MY WIFE IS NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR OF POSSIBLE DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH. SINCE THE 2008 WASN'T PART OF THE RECENT ACCELERATION/FLOOR MAT RECALL, IF YOU'VE HAD A SIMILAR SCARE WITH YOUR 2008 RAV4, PLEASE CALL THE 800 NUMBER AND REPORT IT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. *TR
Feb 26, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOPLIGHT, I PULLED INTO THE OPEN LEFT HAND LANE SO AS NOT TO BE BEHIND A TANKER TRUCK, AND WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES TRIED TO STOP THE CAR AT THE LIGHT, WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVVED AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL AND RATHER THAN COMING TO A FULL STOP AT THE LIGHT, I SLID THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. HAD I NOT BEEN IN A LANE WITHOUT TRAFFIC AND HAD THERE NOT BEEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ONCE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CAME TO A FULL STOP. THEN I DROVE TO A NEARBY GAS STATION AND DROVE AROUND THEIR PARKING LOT TO TEST THE BRAKES AND THEY SEEMED FINE. I ALSO CHECKED TO SEE IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS FREE FROM THE CARPET AND IT WAS. *TR
Feb 04, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10444712 COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING DETAILS: MY 2008 RAV 4 ALL WHEEL DRIVE BURNS ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. I BROUGHT THE SUV TO TOYOTA ON 01/19/2012 FOR OIL CONSUMPTION. TECH CHECKED OIL. OIL LEVEL WAS 1/2 QUART LOW. THE TECH TOPPED OFF OIL. I PICK UP RAV AT 1:30 P FROM DEALER AND CHECKED OIL LEVEL. THE TECH OVER FILLED THE OIL ABOUT 8 OZ. I VERIFIED THIS WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE HE SAID HE DID NOT KNOW WHY TECH WOULD OVER FILL IT. THE DEALER WOULD LIKE TO RECHECK OIL LEVEL IN 1000 MILES. HOWEVER, TECH OVER FILLED IT SO WHEN I BRING IT BACK THEY CAN SAY SEE IT DOESN'T BURN THAT MUCH OIL. I WONDER IF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. MILEAGE 71393. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)[XXX] OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 01/19/2012 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 1/20/2012 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 06, 2012
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HANUKKAH! BOB BRIDGE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF MY AGE & BACKGROUND. THEY CHARGED ME $1280 OUT THE DOOR FOR TSB RECALL SERVICE. IT'S UNFAIR & ABSURD 4 ME PAYING TOYOTA'S DESIGN FLAWS. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME GET IN TOUCH WITH PORTLAND REGIONAL OFFICE SO THEY CAN START REIMBURSEMENT TO ME? BOB BRIDGE IS MILKING BOTH ME & TOYOTA DISTRICT MANAGERS. THEY TOOK 14 DAYS TO PUT IN NEW STEERING SHAFT AND OFFERED ZERO IN-DEPTH REPORT ON FAILURE & STEERING SHAFT'S WARRANTY. RUSHED THROUGH THE JOB AND LEFT ME DYING BATTERY & ALTERNATOR. T-SB-0318-08 (STEERING SHAFT RECALL) STEERING NOW FEELS HARD SINCE THEY DIDN'T REFILL POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. MY ALTERNATOR & BATTERY WAS LEFT AS IS WITH DIMINISHING CAPACITY. I WILL ONLY PAY $150 OUT THE DOOR LABOR FOR THIS TSB SERVICE, THE REST WILL BE PAID BY TOYOTA'S DISTRICT OFFICE. WHEN CAN YOU SEND ME MY CHECK? *TR
Dec 03, 2012
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS MAKING A SLOW SPEED TURN WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, AS IF THE POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING. AS I ACCELERATED THE STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. A FEW DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. BOTH TIMES THIS HAPPENED IT ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION. I ENDED UP TAKING IT TO THE DEALER AND LEARNED THE ALTERNATOR WAS GOING BAD. AN ALTERNATOR ON A FOUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH 60K MILES SHOULD LAST LONGER. I'VE SINCE LEARNED, FROM SAFETY SITES, THAT THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE RAV AS THE STEERING IS ELECTRICALLY POWERED. THERE IS ALSO SOME INDICATION THE ALTERNATORS ARE FAILING TOO SOON. *TR
Oct 03, 2012
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
SLIPPING BRAKES, REQUIRING FREQUENT CHECKUPS AND REPLACEMENT POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL ( WHICH AFTER TWO YEARS OF COMPLAINING, I WAS INFORMED IS A DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFT ) SUDDEN ACCELERATION INCREASING NOISE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE JUMPING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACE IN REVERSE. *TR
Sep 05, 2012
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 AND IT HAS HAD A WHINING SOUND WHEN IDLING OR ACCELERATING FOR A WEEK. TODAY I WAS DRIVING IT AND THE POWER STEERING QUIT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. I COULD BARELY STEER IT, IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING, SHE COULD NOT HAVE TURNED THE VEHICLE. MANY OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON- BRAKE LIGHT (CHECKED THE PARKING BRAKE), ABS, SRS, BATTERY, VSC, MAINTENANCE, AND SLIP INDICATOR LIGHTS. ALSO THE RADIO QUIT WORKING, ALL AT ONCE. NEW BATTERY INSTALLED LAST MONTH. WE HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP, HAD 2 RECALLS FIXED FOR AIR BAG SENSOR AND FLOOR MATS, BUT NO OTHER PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS. *TR
Aug 11, 2012
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE, A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4, WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT WITH OPERATOR'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE. INEXPLICABLY AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVVED TO A HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE COLLISION WAS LOW SPEED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO NOTICEABLE DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE. WE IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. *KB
Dec 30, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A SIGNAL. HAD FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE SURGED TO APPROX 6500 RPM PLOWED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I CLIMBED ON THE OTHER VEHICLE. CAR WOULD NOT STOP MOVING UNTIL I TURNED AND PULLED OUT THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. REPORTED INCIDENT TO TARPON CITY OFFICER, WHILE THE ACCIDENT REPORT WAS WRITTEN UP. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE PRETTY BANGED UP. DON'T KNOW IF THE OTHER VEHICLE REPORTED INJURIES. THE RAV WAS NOT DRIVABLE. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO SUNTOYOTA FOR REPAIRS. REPORTED INCIDENT TO SUN TOYOTA SERVICE AND BODY SHOP DEC 22, THEY ASKED ME WHAT I WANTED DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. CALLED TOYOTA 800 331-4331 CASE #[XXX], 12/22/11 PROMISED TO CALL BACK IN 24 HRS CASE WORKER [XXX]. TALKED TO [XXX] AT TOYOTA HEADQUARTER IN CALIFORNIA. STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM TOYOTA. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE NOW. I CAN'T SELL IT IN GOOD FAITH, BECAUSE OF THE PRODUCT LIABILITY. I AM THANKFUL THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE TARPON SPRINGS CHRISTMAS PARADE WAS IN PROGRESS AND THERE WERE A LEAST A DOZEN KIDS IN THE CROSSWALK IN FRONT OF US. WHAT A CHRISTMAS PRESENT MY RAV WOULD HAVE GIVEN SOME PARENTS IF MY CAR HAD HIT THESE KIDS. JUST AN FYI. I HAD A PERFECT DRIVING RECORD FOR 35 YEARS UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. THANK YOU TOYOTA! TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAN UP BEFORE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE KILLED. I FORGOT THIS IS BIG CORPORATION, THEY DON'T CARE, AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T EFFECT THEIR BOTTOM LINE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 24, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS RECENTLY. ONE INSTANCE TOOK PLACE ON OR ABOUT JUNE 30, 2011, THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED ON OR ABOUT MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011. THE FIRST TIME, TOYOTA CLAIMED THAT THE NON-BRAKING/UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY FLOOR MATS I PUT IN THE CAR. I BOUGHT THESE FOR THE CAR BECAUSE I FELT THE ONES TOYOTA ORIGINALLY PROVIDED WERE NOT SAFE (HEELS ON MY SHOES, THOUGH FLAT, KEPT GETTING CAUGHT IN THE DEEP RIDGES OF THEIR MATS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER). AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE TOYOTA 'S MECHANICS, I THREW OUT MY MATS AND REPLACED THEM WITH NEW TOYOTA MATS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALERSHIP. ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN I APPLIED MY FOOT TO THE BRAKE, INSTEAD OF THIS ACTION STOPPING THE CAR, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND MOVED FORWARD. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, MY CAR WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL LEADING TO MY COMPLEX'S EXIT. AS I NEARED THE STOP SIGN IN FRONT OF A VERY BUSY ROADWAY, I STARTED APPLYING MY BRAKES. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. ALTHOUGH I PUSHED DOWN HARDER & HARDER ON THE BRAKE IN A DESPERATE EFFORT TO STOP THE CAR, IT CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. MY RAV4 WENT ONTO THE ROADWAY, NARROWLY MISSING A TRUCK IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE SECOND TIME I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING SIGNIFICANTLY WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND DO NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE SAFE. THE MECHANIC AT TOYOTA, BEFORE EVEN EXAMINING THE CAR, CLAIMED IT WAS "HUMAN ERROR." I HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS IN MY LIFETIME AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME BEFORE. IT IS MY SINCERE HOPE THAT THE NHTSA & DOT WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS. IT APPEARS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS. I TRULY BELIEVE PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE IN DANGER. I'M AFRAID TO HAVE MY GRANDDAUGHTERS TRAVEL IN MY CAR! *KB
Aug 02, 2011
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
NUMBER 1 -- I AM VERY HAPPY WITH MY RAV4. IT WAS A COLD EVENING AFTER DARK AND I LEFT WORK. THE BATTERY HAD FAILED. NOT A PROBLEM, I GOT A JUMP AND THE CAR STARTED. I LET IT SIT AND OBTAIN SOME CHARGE. WHAT WAS VERY UNUSUAL WERE THE NUMBER OF SYSTEMS THAT COULD FAIL WHENEVER A POWER SURGE WAS NEEDED, SAY FROM THE POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, ETC. THE POWER SURGE WOULD LEAD TO A LIGHTS OUT, OR LOSS OF STEERING, OR ENGINE TEMPORARILY STALLING, ETC. IT RECOVERED EACH TIME AFTER THE SURGE WAS OVER (GOOD NEWS). I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE IF THE BATTERY FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AT SPEED I COULD HAVE EASILY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. I VIEW MYSELF AS VERY LUCKY. THE BATTERY WAS THE ORIGINAL BATTERY SUPPLIED WITH THE CAR. I HAVE NOT YET RETURNED IT FOR RE-CYCLING. IT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO YOU FOR SAFETY STUDY REASONS I CAN MAKE IT AVAILABLE.
Jan 04, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
BRAKES WERE REPORTED AS RUSTED OUT AND WERE REPLACED DURING A 10,000 MILE STANDARD SERVICE. COST WAS NEARLY $1000. *TR
Dec 30, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2008 TOYOTA RAV-4 SURGES. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2008, MY VEHICLE HAS SPORADICALLY SURGED WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND ALSO WHEN DRIVING WITH FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. I WILL HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WILL SURGE AS IF I AM PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN I AM DRIVING, IT SURGES AS IF I AM PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL UP AND DOWN, ALTHOUGH MY FOOT REMAINS STEADY. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS THE FIRST TIME THAT I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN AND EACH TIME I HAVE AN OIL CHANGE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THERE MUST BE MORE TO THE TOYOTA RECALL BECAUSE MY VEHICLE THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL APPEARS TO BE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS LONG BEFORE THIS RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED. *TR
Mar 13, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
CONTINUOUS BRAKE AND ACCELERATION PROBLEMS ON MY 2008 RAV4 THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED. I'VE HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES AND I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE PASSENGERS IN MY VEHICLE. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
LAST AUGUST I EXPERIENCED A STUCK ACCELERATOR ON MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. IT HAPPENED ONLY ONCE AND HASN'T REPEATED. IT WAS WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION RED LIGHT FORTUNATELY WITH NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ABLE TO OVERCOME THE ACCELERATION BY STANDING ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. WHEN TOYOTA CAME OUT WITH THE RECALL FOR FLOOR MATS MY CAR WAS NOT ONE OF THE MODELS WITH THOSE TYPR OF FLOOR MATS AND THE MATS IN THE CAR ARE FASTENED DOWN. TOYOTA'S CURRENT RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS MODEL AND A CHECK OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONFIRMS THAT THIS IS NOT ONE OF THE CURRENT PEDAL REPLACEMENTS. MY VEHICLE WAS PRODUCE IN JAPAN NOT THE USA. I SUSPECT THAT THIS WAS MORE OF AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM THAN A PEDAL PROBLEM. I'M CONCERNED THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. SINCE MY YEAR AND MODEL IS NOT ON THE RECALL HOW CAN I GET HELP BEFORE I OR MY WIFE EXPERIENCE IT AGAIN? *CN
Feb 06, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
LOST BRAKING POWER AND THERE WAS A CRUNCHING SOUND, HAD BOTH FEET ON BREAKING PEDAL & TRUCK WOULDN'T STOP. IT WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND ABS/ANTI SKID LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
Oct 19, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE ALREADY MADE A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ABOUT ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WITH MY RAV4 THAT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR WILL SUDDENLY JUMP WHILE BARELY PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. IT DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT WILL DO SO RANDOMLY WHICH IS EVEN WORSE BECAUSE ONE DOESN'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. IT IS SCARY DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT FROM MINUTE TO MINUTE YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. IT DID IT AGAIN JUST YESTERDAY AS I WAS TAKING OFF FROM AN INTERSECTION, I BARELY MISSED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WISHED TOYOTA WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THIS SITUATION AS SERIOUS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. I KNOW OF THE RECALL WITH FLOOR MATS BUT IT DOESN'T INCLUDE MY CAR. I HAVE READ THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. WHY IS TOYOTA NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THIS SITUATION? ARE THEY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE? *TR
Sep 30, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
I WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE, I STARTED MY RAV 4, PUT IT IN GEAR AND GENTLY, DUE TO EXPERIENCE WITH ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. IT SUDDENLY JUMPED AND ACCELERATED CAUSING THE SUV TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE HAD I NOT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND USED THE BRAKE. TOYOTA TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM, BUT NOT TO THE EXTENT IT WAS THIS TIME CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. HAD MY DAUGHTER NOT MOVED 2 MINUTES PRIOR,SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN PINNED BETWEEN CARS. SOMEONE IS GOING TO SERIOUSLY GET HURT IF SOMETHING ISN'T DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR
Mar 18, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 have?
The 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 currently has 574 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 2008 TOYOTA RAV4?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 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 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 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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