2009 TOYOTA RAV4 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
323
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
80 complaints
I WAS PARALLEL PARKING THE 2009 RAV 4 IN YELLOW SPRINGS OHIO. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE I WAS STRAIGHTENING THE CAR OUT WITH THE GEARSHIFT IN ONE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT A VERTICAL SIGN POST THAT IDENTIFIED THE PARKING SPOT AS A HANDICAPPED SPOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY $1800 DAMAGE TO THE CAR WHICH WAS REPAIRED AND DRIVEN UNTIL A SIMILAR ACCIDENT ON 5 JAN 2020 WHICH WILL BE FILED IN A SEPARATE COMPLAINT. A COMPLAINT WAS LODGED WITH TOYOTA WHO INVESTIGATED, READOUT THE EDR/VCH DATA, TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THERE WAS NO DEFECT.
Jan 07, 2020
THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO AND THE SAME TYPE OF COMPLAINT AS COMPLAINT #11297696. IT ALSO IS A DUPLICATE OF COMPLAINT # 11297717 WHICH I NOTICED WHEN I PRINTED IT OUT DELETED ALL BUT THE FIRST TEN WORDS OF WHAT HAPPENED. ON 5 JANUARY 2020 I WAS PARKING THE RAV 4 IN A LARGE PARKING LOT AT THE GREEN TOWN CENTER IN BEAVERCREEK, OHIO. THE PARKING LOT WAS SET UP WITH HEAD-TO-HEAD PARKING. I PULLED INTO THE SPACE AND BACKED-UP TO EVEN THE CAR OUT BETWEEN THE DESIGNATED WHITE LONES. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN THE LOWEST GEAR I WAS EDGING FORWARD WHEN THE RAV 4 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT THE HONDA ODYSSEY VAN IN FRONT OF US.I WAS ABLE T BACK THE CAR UP AND SINCE THE HONDA WAS UNOCCUPIED WE CALLED THE POLICE WHO FILED A REPORT IN BEAVERCREEK AND LEFT A CRD ON THE HONDA'S WINDSHIELD. THE DAMAGE TO THE VAN WAS BUMPER SCRAPES AND THE DAMAGE TO THE RAV WAS BUMPER SCRAPES AND A TEAR IN THE BUMPER. AN ESTIMATE HAS NOT BEEN MADE ON REPAIR COSTS AND TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
Jan 07, 2020
THIS COMPLAINT IS THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM IDENTIFIED IN COMPLAINT #11297696. ON 5 JAN 2020 I WAS PARKING THE RAV 4 IN A LOT AT THE GREENE TOWN CENTER IN BEAVERCREEK OHIO. I PULLED INTO A SPACE WHICH WAS HEAD -TO-HEAD PARKING. I THEN BACKED UP TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR OUT BETWEEN THE DESIGNATED WHITE LINED PARKING SPACE. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN ONE/LOW THE CAR WAS EDGING FORWARD WHEN IT ALL OF A SUDDEN ACCELERATED AND HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. SINCE THAT CAR WAS UNOCCUPIED A POLICE CALL WAS MADE IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIND THE DRIVER WHICH WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DAMAGE TO THE HONDA ODYSSEY (THE CAR IN FRONT) WAS SCRAPES ON THE BUMPER. THE RESPONDING OFFICER LEFT HIS CARD ON THE WINDSHIELD OF THE HONDA. THE DAMAGE TO THE RAV 4 CONSISTS OF A TEAR IN THE FRONT BUMPER AND SOME SCRAPES AND REPAIR COSTS HAVE NOT BEEN ESTIMATED. TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT THIS LATEST INCIDENT.
Jan 07, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
Dec 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE RPMS SUDDENLY INCREASED. THE DRIVER QUICKLY SWITCHED THE TRANSMISSION INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (PAGE TOYOTA, 21262 TELEGRAPH RD, SOUTHFIELD, MI) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Aug 27, 2018
+ 75 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
42 complaints
My son was looking to get his new tires aligned, and was informed by the mechanic that he would need to replace both side rear lower control arms, as Toyota had performed a safety recall GOV, resulting in the arms being epoxied, and therefore cannot be adjusted/ aligned. I contacted Toyota customer experience center (800 331 4331 - 1/16/2024) and she could not even call up the original recall. My question is: How can Toyota permanently remove a vehicle feature (adjustability of the suspension arms), and then require car owners to bear the brunt of re-installing the arms when you need to align your tires? This "solution" is totally unfair. I just purchased a new set of tires, and based on Toyota's "solution" I need to pay out of pocket to replace the control bars and/or damage my tires and have to replace them early. I was not able to find any other information on this issue on the web, and was wondering if Toyota had done anything to address this issue?
Jan 16, 2024
The rear lower suspension arms recall notice solution was replacement of arms if needed and than sealed with epoxy. Labels were applied stating the arm is no longer adjustable. The vehicle no longer can routinely get a wheel alignment at a market expense. The Toyota company suggests for further alignments go to a Toyota dealership and have a alignment done for 900.00 dollars every time you need a alignment. This is not a safe solution. This only makes owners go to their dealerships and give them thousands of more dollars for taking away a routine adjustable maintenance capability with this permanent one time fix.
Jan 04, 2022
MY PROBLEM IS UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD A RECALL (16V596000) FOR MY REAR SUSPENSION ARMS WAS AVAILABLE AND I NEEDED TO HAVE IT DONE AS THE BACK END NUTS COULDN'T BE ADJUSTED. I CALLED A DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS TAKEN CARE OF 3 YEARS AGO, YET THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS.
Mar 15, 2021
THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM BOLTS ON MY RAV 4 RUSTED OUT AND FAILED. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED AS PART OF A RECALL, BUT THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO DO THAT. BECAUSE THE BOLTS FAILED, I AM BEING ASKED TO PAY FOR NEW REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS AND AN ALIGNMENT.
Feb 12, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD WOBBLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO SHOOK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL A TOYOTA DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TEJAS TOYOTA (19011 US-59, HUMBLE, TX 77338, (281) 446-0271) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO A RECALL; HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION ARM WAS LOOSE ALONG WITH THE BOLTS. THE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS WERE REPLACED, AN ALIGNMENT WAS COMPLETED, AND THE ARMS WERE LOCKED WITH EPOXY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. *TT *TR
Jan 04, 2018
+ 37 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
24 complaints
WHEN THE VEHICLE TRAVELS ABOVE 25 MPH, A LOUD WHINING NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE REAR-CENTER OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE PROGRESSIVELY INCREASES IN VOLUME AS THE VEHICLE INCREASES ITS SPEED. ONCE THE VEHICLE TRAVELS FAST ENOUGH, OR ENOUGH POWER IS FED THROUGH, POWER OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE AFFECTED. *TR
May 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD ABNORMAL NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
May 15, 2019
HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. HAD GROWLING NOISE IN REAR IN 2017. HAD REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLER SUB ASSEMBLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT. NOW 20000 MILES LATER IN NOVEMBER 2018 HAVE GROWLING NOISE AGAIN AND LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SAYS COUPLER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT EXPIRED OCTOBER 2018. TOYOTA WON'T STAND BY NEW PART AND DEALER SAYS WOULD COST ABOUT $1900 INCLUDING LABOR.
Dec 11, 2018
GROWLING NOISE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHILE DRIVING. 4 MONTHS PAST ENHANCED WARRANTY PERIOD. RECALL IS NEEDED. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR.
Jun 04, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED BEFORE AND DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTONATION TOYOTA WINTER PARK (225 N SEMORAN BLVD, WINTER PARK, FL 32792) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Apr 10, 2018
+ 19 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
16 complaints
Engine timeing system rattle on startup. Even basic web research shows this is a common problem for select model years and acorss mulitple models. This issue has a high probility of causing catastrophic engine damage, where the timeing chain & VVT system fails to keep timing causing the valves to colide with the pistons. There is a TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE risk with each and every engine start. The fix on the 3.5L requires the engine to be removed, VVT and timing chain tensioner to be replaced. This is a $4000 to $5000 dollar repair. This is a clear manufacuting wide spread defect and should be repaired by toyota via recall!
Oct 24, 2025
Engine rattle on cold start ups.
Mar 19, 2023
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON OCTOBER 12, 2020 BECAUSE THE OIL LIGHT WAS FLICKERING THOUGH I AM NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE UNTIL JANUARY. I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. UPON RESEARCHING ONLINE LEARNED THAT THIS IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE PISTON RINGS AND IN 2011, TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. AT THIS POINT, THEY ARE REFUSING TO CORRECT THE ERROR WITH THE DESIGN OF THE PISTONS.
Oct 14, 2020
ALL LIGHTS COME ON CHECK ENGINE,4WD,TRAC , COME AND GOES, GOING 6 TIMES ALREADY TO DEALER LAST 2 WEEKS.. RAV4 WITH LOW MILES .. TOYOTA VERY DISSATISFIED
Aug 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP LEAKED FLUID WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF ORANGE (1400 N TUSTIN ST, ORANGE, CA 92867, 714-639-6750) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.
Aug 02, 2018
+ 11 more complaints for this component
STEERING
15 complaints
STEERING COLUMN CREAKS AND STICKS. AT TIMES IT DOES NOT RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO SERVICED MY CAR FOR TIRES TODAY ALMOST HIT A RETAINING POST DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE STICKING OF THE STEERING IN ONE POSITION AND HAD TO FORCIBLY RETURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. I AM NOT FEELING SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE AND KNOW THAT THIS ISSUE IS IMPACTING THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE.
Jun 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED A LOUD THUMPING NOISE AND FELT LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Mar 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING ON A BUMPY ROAD OR MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK WAS LEAKING FLUID AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,192.
Dec 06, 2016
AT 47,500 MILES, STEERING STARTED MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN WHEEL TURNED ALL THE WAY TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. USUALLY IT OCCURRED WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL BACK TO CENTER BUT NOT ALWAYS. TENDED T HAPPEN IN A PARKING LOT OR WHEN A SHARP TURN WAS REQUIRED. DEALER REPAIRED AT A COST OF ALMOST $700. CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT REPAIR. (COST OF REPAIR COVERED UNDER EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN WHICH WAS PURCHASED WHEN CAR WAS PURCHASED.) THIS TYPE OF SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AT UNDER 50,000 MILES OR EVEN EVER.
May 26, 2016
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER DIRECTION AT LOW SPEEDS A CLUNKING NOISE WAS AUDIBLE. CAR HAS ONLY 50,000 MILES. LOOKED ON INTERNET AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF THE PROBLEM IN MULTIPLE MODELS AND OVER MANY YEARS. THE CAUSE IS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THAT WAS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM! $600 TO REPAIR ! FURTHER RESEARCH INDICATES THAT JAPAN HAS RECALLED THESE CARS FOR THIS REASON ALREADY. RECALL THESE CARS NOW!! STEERING FAILURE CAN EVENTUALLY HAPPEN!!
Jan 28, 2016
+ 10 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaints
I was hit with a rock right between my eyes while driving, took Toyota into shop they were surprised it had not fell in on my lap. Window frame has corroded, glass shop said the manufacturer did not paint were the seals meet around the window and has allowed moisture in and corroded the frame. I have 160,000 miles on a Toyota that the window could fail anytime.
Aug 17, 2025
WHINING NOISE FROM REAR AND CONTINUES TO GET LOUD WHILE DRIVEN. WAS TOLD IT MAY BE MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL THAT WAS IDENTIFIED BY TOYOTA IN 2013
Mar 06, 2020
2009 TOYOTA RAV 4, 2.5L V4, 4WD. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, I WAS DRIVING LIKE NORMAL, AND WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS, THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE. I TURNED IT OFF AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT MOVED AND THEN I HIT THE BRAKE AND IT DIDN'T MOVE WHEN I HIT THE GAS. THE RPM INCREASES BUT THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. THE CAR STARTS JUST FINE AND IT WILL MOVE FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS - BASICALLY BEFORE IT'S WARMED UP. THEN AFTER 30 SECONDS, IF I HIT THE GAS, REGARDLESS OF PUTTING IT IN REVERSE, DRIVE, IT WON'T BUDGE. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN, AS THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THERE WERE SEVERAL CARS BEHIND ME. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS.
May 20, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON ANY TYPE IF ROAD, FREEWAY, COUNTRY OR CITY THE DRIVERS SUN VISOR KEEPS FALLING DOWN TO ITS LOWEST POSITION BLOCKING THE DRIVERS VIEW OF THE ROADWAY AND PEDESTRIANS.THE VISOR CAN NOT BE POSITIONED IN AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION TO BLOCK SUN. THE VISOR CAN NOT BE POSITIONED TO STAY FULLY UP.
Jul 01, 2017
SEE RECALL 15V689 I NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE, IT WAS TRADED IN IN 2014 TO WEST HERR TOYOTA 4141 SOUTHWESTERN BLVD, ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127, PLEASE FORWARD ALL RECALL NOTICES TO THE NEW OWNER (WEST HERR TOYOTA) AND REMOVE MY NAME AS OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. MY ADDRESS HAS ALSO CHANGED I NO LONGER LIVE IN NY,, SO STOP SENDING NOTICE TO S4998 MT VERNON BLVD, HAMBURG NY 14075
Apr 15, 2017
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaints
BACK DOOR CANNOT UNLOCK, NO MANUAL ACCESSIBILITY TO OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE, NO KEY ENTRY FROM OUTSIDE, LATCH ACTUATOR FAILED, IF STUCK IN TRUNK AFTER ACCIDENT DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED DUE TO NO HANDLE/NO MANUAL FUNCTION TO OPEN DOOR DUE TO NO OPERATING LATCH.
Aug 25, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS WIRING WAS BEING DAMAGED BY ANIMALS BITING THE WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Sep 16, 2015
ININTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURED WHILE BRAKING. ENGINE REVED WHILE BRAKING -I PUT THE CAR IN PARK - ENGINE REDLINED - SWITCHED OFF IGNITION - CAR RAN NORMALLY AFTER THE IGNITION WAS SWITCHED ON. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRANCE IN ONE YEAR. THE FIRST TIME WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD FIND NO FAULT.
Jul 12, 2015
DRIVING ALONE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, ON A MAJOR ROAD. ABOUT 6 PM. WARNING LIGHT APPEARED FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY WHOLE DASHBOARD THAT LIT UP. NO PREVIOUS WARNING. VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER. I MADE SPLIT-SECOND DECISION TO MAKE A QUICK RIGHT TURN INTO SMALL SHOPPING CENTER BUT ONLY MANAGED, WITHOUT POWER, TO MANEUVER VEHICLE ON A SLANT UP THE INCLINE. EMERGENCY FLASHERS STOPPED WORKING SHORTLY THEREAFTER, SO CAR NOT EASILY VISIBLE TO OTHERS. NO HEAT IN CAR DUE TO LOST POWER AND IT WAS A BITTER COLD AND WINDY NIGHT. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER AT COST OF $190 (INSURANCE REIMBURSED ME ONLY $25). COST OF REPLACEMENT PARTS PLUS LABOR AT DEALER WAS $1499.87. I COULD HAVE BEEN PLOWED INTO FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER DRIVER. I WAS VULNERABLE WITH NO POWER TO CAR. AN ONLINE SEARCH REVEALS TOYOTA HAS MANY IRATE CUSTOMERS RE WATER PUMPS FAILING ON THEIR RAV 4S FROM VARIOUS YEARS--NOT JUST THE YEAR OF MY MODEL. YET TOYOTA SENT NO RECALL NOTICE RE THIS DANGEROUS FLAW IN THEIR VEHICLES. AND THEY MAINTAIN THAT SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, THEY ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO COVER MY COSTS. THEY HAVE OFFERED ONLY $522 47 TO ME. AN EXPIRED WARRANTY IS NOT RELEVANT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. SUPPOSE I HAD BEEN ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH HIGH SPEEDS? *TR
Apr 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CHECK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ UPDATED 6/22/2015*JS
Jan 12, 2015
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
12 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STARTED THE KEY-LESS IGNITION WITH THE BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOCATION WAS DESIGNED EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH RESULTED TO UNINTENDED APPLICATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 11/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. UPDATED 12/07/11
Nov 01, 2011
I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 66,500 MILES ON MY VEHICLE; HOWEVER, WHEN I STOP, THE BRAKES MAKE A WHUSHING SOUND AS IF THEY ARE FULL OF AIR. AS WELL, THE TRANSMISSION/MUFFLER IS MAKING A WHIRRING NOISE AS WELL. I HAVE KEPT UP TO DATE WITH EACH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR MAINTENANCE, THE BRAKES WERE MAKING THIS NOISE AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. *TR
Sep 01, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATING THAT IN THE EVENT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD POSSIBLY ACCELERATE ABNORMALLY, THAT THE BRAKES SHOULD BE APPLIED WITH THE FORCE OF TWO FEET TO PREVENT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BECAUSE THE PEDAL WAS ENTIRELY TOO SMALL AND HE WAS UNABLE TO APPLY BOTH OF HIS FEET TO THE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE IF IT DID ACCELERATE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT COULD USE AN AFTERMARKET PEDAL TO INSTALL IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
May 31, 2011
2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES THE BRAKES WARE OUT EVERY 7000 TO 9000 MILES *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE BRAKES WEARING OUT PREMATURELY WAS DUE TO AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A SECOND OPINION AND WAS INFORMED IT WAS DUE TO POOR DESIGN WORK. *JB
Feb 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP . THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500. UPDATED 06/22/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR NUMEROUS TIMES, BEFORE REACHING THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONSUMER IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKES TO GO THE FLOOR WHEN STOPPING. THE CONSUMER STATED EVENTUALLY, THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE VEHICLE AND THERE HAS BEEN NO PROBLEMS SINCE. UPDATED 07/14/10.*JB
Apr 06, 2010
+ 7 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
10 complaints
We have a 09 Toyota Rav4 with a Blizzard Pearl paint that continues to fail. Apparently there were notices sent out in 2022 indicating a recall that would cover these repairs. We were unaware of these notices and continue to experience paint degradation on multiple areas of the car. I have contacted Toyota and they claim no responsibility past the 2022 expiration date. I am hoping that NTSB will reopen the recall regarding this issue. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 25, 2024
paint recall the problem was confirmed twice by sansone dealership avenel, nj. 4/28/2021 and 12/1/2022. on both occasionspictures were submitted and i was told it would be taken care of. on 1/23/2023 i dropped car off to be repainted and was told it would be about 1.5 weeks. i picked up the car unrepaired on 2/21/2023. they said they would not honor recall
Mar 29, 2023
The paint on my white 2009 Toyota RAV4 has been coming off. Sheets of color is peeling on the roof. I have several large (1-2 inches) bare spots on the top and many tiny ones on the body hood and doors, rusting for years. The manager of Titus-Will Toyota advised me not to do anything about it when I showed them the recall letter from Toyota and let him take pictures of the affected areas of my car. He said he would send a request and let me know about the repair decision. It has been more than two years since my complaint. I ask about it almost every time I go there for my scheduled service maintenance, and I get no answer so far. Until now, I still don’t have a response from them, and I am a little unhappy. Also, I see that I am not their favorite customer and avoided by management as they are always swamping. I showed them how bad the paint continues to come off, and the rust is awful. I could off taken care of it by now, but the manager clearly said not to paint it or do anything about it until he gets confirmation about the issue. My roof could start licking with all this rain and rust. Thank you.
Dec 22, 2021
THE PAINT ON OUR 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 COMES OF WITH THE SLIGHTEST BUMP FROM SOMETHING LIKE A BRANCH, WHICH SHOULD NOT NORMALLY CAUSE PAINT TO COME OFF. BECAUSE OF THIS WE HAVE SEVERAL BARE SPOTS WHICH ARE BEGINNING TO RUST.
Dec 08, 2020
SHEETS OF THE PAINT STARTED TO COME OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.
Sep 11, 2020
+ 5 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
8 complaints
FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT IS ALWAYS FLASHING WITHOUT ANYONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I SAW ON THIS WEBSITE THAT 2009-2012 TOYOTA RAV4 HAD A RECALL IN 2013 FOR OCCUPANT SENSING SYSTEM CALIBRATION. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID HAY MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT WHY AM I HAVING THAT PROBLEM NOW?! HE DESCRIPTION IN THAT RECALL SAYS THAT THE AIRBAGS WON'T DEPLOY OR WILL DEPLOY IMPROPERLY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THAT I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.
Sep 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID A VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. UPON DEPLOYMENT, THE AIR BAG BURST OPEN AND RELEASED A METAL BRACKET. THE CONTACT RECEIVED LEG, ABDOMINAL, ARM, NECK, BACK, HEAD, ANKLE, AND KIDNEY INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Mar 01, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 4/27/2017 *JS
Feb 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,040.
Sep 21, 2016
BOTH AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON. *TR
Mar 31, 2015
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaints
My car was being seviced today for rear brakes and the Toyota dealer needed to unseal previous safety recall in order to perform the service. I'm being charged to undo the recall to perform the service and then to reapply the recall. I do not understand how this cost is not the responsibility of the manufacturer, Toyota. If there is a recall issued for an auto, shouldn't the recall correction allow for future auto maintenance where the recall doesn't need to undone and then reapplied?
Nov 08, 2022
My mother had the exact same issue reported in Toyota Manufacturer case 1707311582 and NHTSA report 11396355 from Feb 15, 2021. My mother had not reported to me, until it happened while I was driving her around Dec. 24, 2021, that her Rav. rev'd and accelerated when she applied the brake while leaving a parking spot. Here's what I've reported to my Toyota dealership where we bought the vehicle. Until last month (Nov. 21), the vehicle had an immaculate operation and maintenance record. To the repair shop "Twice in the past month, we've had brake failure, accelerator failure issues. The first time, my mother was pulling forward at less than 5 miles per hour in a parking lot. She pushed the brake pedal when pulling forward, but the car did not slow, the brakes did not engage, and instead, the RAV revved and accelerated forward. She crashed into the parked vehicle and incurred damages that already have been fixed by USAA at a service location in Richmond. The airbag did not deploy. Dec. 24, here in Churchland, I was driving with her. While coasting to a stop light at less than 10 miles per hour, I attempted to stop by pressing the brake. The car revved and accelerated to the light, I pressed both feet again, and the car continued to accelerate and I ended up running a red light and luckily we did not have an accident or cause the person behind us to rear end us. It was not until after my driving on Dec. 24 that my Mom told me she had an accident a month earlier and it was because she couldn't get the car to stop. She assumed it was her. The vehicle has almost 90k miles. Looking for recalls, because this is not normal for brakes to malfunction this way, I found a consumer article describing to my Mom's and my description to almost exact detail captured in Manufacturer case number provided above. That vehicle had approximately 77k miles. I will be contacting USAA to report the issue, this is clearly a safety issue."
Dec 26, 2021
BRAKE PEDAL GOES VERY LOW TO THE FLOOR BEFORE ENGAGING. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HEARD LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT FOR THIS MODEL. IN OTHER SIMILAR CASES TOYOTA HAS TOLD CUSTOMERS IS NORMAL. SINCE THIS HAS STARTED THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN BLED WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. ALSO (PROBABLY A SEPARATE PROBLEM) BOTH THE BACK BRAKE CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF LEAKING, FIRST THE RIGHT REAR AND LATER THE LEFT REAR. BRAKES WERE AGAIN BLED EACH TIME, LEAK WAS GONE BUT STILL A VERY LOW PEDAL.
Aug 05, 2019
BOTH REAR ROTORS CRACKED.65000 MILE
Mar 03, 2017
PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE BECAME INOPERATIVE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT BOTH BRAKE CABLES HAD CORRODED SUCH THAT THEY NO LONGER HAD FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AT THE CABLE END WHERE THEY ENTERED THE BACKING PLATES. WHEN I PURCHASED REPLACEMENT CABLES TOYOTA SERVICE TECHNICIAN COMMENTED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON RAV 4, TACOMA, AND OTHER (DON'T REMEMBER) TOYOTA VEHICLES. WHEN I PURCHASED & EXAMINED REPLACEMENT CABLES DURING REPAIR IT WAS APPARENT THAT NEW CABLE DESIGN WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT IN EXACTLY THE PLACE WHERE OLD CABLES HAD FAILED. THIS WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM DURING TIME PERIOD WHEN BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE AND CLEARLY A SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FLAW. IT WAS ~ $400 IN PARTS + MY LABOR TP REPLACE THE CABLES AS PART OF REPAIRING THE EMERGENCY/PARKING.
Jan 17, 2016
+ 1 more complaint for this component
WHEELS
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR RIMS ON THE VEHICLE WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. ..UPDATED 06/08/17 *BF *CN
Apr 10, 2017
STUDS THAT THE LUG NUTS ARE SCREWED ON TO HAVE DETERIORATED. I JUST HAD MY TIRES ROTATED AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE NEXT TIME I ROTATE THE TIRES, THE STUDS WILL BREAK OFF. I ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY 6000 MILES
Sep 01, 2016
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE A TOYOTA RAV 4 AND WAS APPROACHING THE ACCESS RAMP ON TO THE WV TURNPIKE, I WAS STRATING TO ACCELERATE AND HEARD A BANGING SOUND ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE AREA I PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO CHECK, THE TIRE WAS LAYING AT A 95 DEGREE ANGLE SIDWAYS, LOOK LIKE ONLY HELD IN PLACE BY THE TOP BY THE REAR BRAKE. FOUND OUT LATER IT WAS THE RIGHT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM BROKEN. BASICALLY I LOST MY REAR WHEEL WHILE DRIVING MOST WHO SAW IT SAID I WAS LUCK TO BE ALIVE AND UNHARMED AND THAT PIECE WAS ON RECALL JUST FOR THAT REASON. *JS
Jun 13, 2014
ON MAY 14, 2014 IN THE AFTERNOON I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE AND DROVE TO HOME DEPOT HERE ON ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. UPON GETTING READY TO LEAVE HOME DEPOT, I OBSERVED THE TIRE LIGHT ON. I SAID MAYBE THE TIRE HAS A LEAK. I THEN DROVE TO BARBEL PLAZA AND OBSERVED THAT THE TIRE WAS AIRING DOWN. I THEN TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE TIRE SHOP NEXT TO SILVER DOLLAR. THE GENTLEMAN CHECKED THE TIRE AFTER THROWING SOAP LIQUID ON IT AND OBSERVED NO NAILS OR SCREWS STUCK IN THE TIRE. HE THEN TOOK OFF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND POURED WATER INSIDE THE RIM AND SHOWED ME THAT THERE IS CRACK ON THE INSIDE RIM. HE SAID THAT SOMEONE COULD'VE DROPPED TBE TIRE ON THE GROUND OR SOMETHING FELL ON IT. I CALLED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER. I CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS ADVISED TO NOTIFY MY LOCAL TOYOTA SO THEY CAN ASSIST ME. I BROUGHT IT TO THE MANAGERS ATTENTION FOR TOYOTA AND I RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. HE IS GIVING ME A SIX FOR A NINE. I BOUGHT MY CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 2009. THE CAR HASN'T MAKE FIVE YEARS OLD AND THE RIM FOR THE TIRE IS CRACKED. I NEED SOME ASSISTANCE WITH MY RIM TO MY VEHICLE. IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE THE RIM WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY. ALSO THE LUG NUT ARE NO GOOD EITHER. POOR MATERIAL. THANK YOU HOPE I GET SOME SORT OF ASSISTANCE. *TR UPDATED 11/5/2014 *JS
May 17, 2014
TIRES ROTATED. WHEEL STUD BROKE WHEN BEING HAND TORQUED TO FACTORY SPECS. NO AIR HAMMER WAS USED. BROKEN STUD WAS REPLACED. ALL OTHERS WILL BE REPLACED THIS WEEK. I HAVE HALF THE BROKEN STUD AND WILL KEEP THOSE REPLACED. *TR
Jul 17, 2011
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
6 complaints
HAD JUST PULLED SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND APPLIED THE BRAKE. AS I WAS APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE SPED UP TO MORE THAN 7,000 RPM. (MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. IT WAS ON THE BRAKE ONLY.) I CONTINUED TO PRESS THE BRAKE WHICH STARTED TO SLIP, AND THEN I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. AS THE ENGINE REACHED MAXIMUM RPM'S, IT DIED BACK TO AN IDLE. THIS IDENTICAL INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 10 MINUTES. MY PARENTS AND WIFE WERE IN THE CAR AND CAN VOUCH FOR ME. NOTE: TWO MONTHS PRIOR, THIS IDENTICAL INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS STOPPING AT A BUSY INTERSECTION WHILE PREPARING TO TURN LEFT. THERE WAS A STOPPED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHICH I NEARLY HIT. MY WIFE WAS IN THE CAR AND CAN VOUCH FOR ME.
Jan 18, 2011
10 MONTH OLD TOYOTA RAV-4 CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE SITTING IN PARKING GARAGE AND BURNED. *TR
Jul 23, 2010
WE NOTICED THAT WE STARTED OUR 2009 RAV4 IN THE MORNING AFTER SITTING ALL NIGHT, THERE WAS A RATTLING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THIS NOISE ONLY OCCURS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IT FROM (TOYOTA) AND AFTER THEY CHECKED IT, DETERMINED IT WAS A BAD CAM SHAFT. I ASKED IF THIS WAS NORMAL ON A 2009 RAV4 AND IF IT WAS A RECALL. THE LADY STATED "IT IS A TYPE OF RECALL, BUT NOT ALL CARS ARE AFFECTED, SO THEY DID NOT SEND OUT NOTICE TO ALL OWNERS." REALLY? ISN'T THAT A "BACK DOOR RECALL"? THEY ARE ORDERING THE PARTS AND WILL REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Jun 04, 2010
I PURCHASED MY 09 RAV4 IN JUNE 2009. I NOTICED AN ODD ODOR A FEW TIMES WHILE RUNNING THE AIR CONDITIONER & ASSUMED IT WAS FROM THE EXHAUST FORM THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I BEGAN USING THE HEAT IN THE FALL, I STARTED SMELLING A BAD, BURNING, ALMOST CHEMICAL SMELL COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. ON DEC 29, 2009, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP & TOYOTA TOLD THEM TO REPLACE THE EVAPORATOR, CABIN AIR FILTER & DISINFECT/DEODORIZE THE VENTS & THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH THEY SAID WAS MOLD IN THE SYSTEM. IT IS NOW FEB. 23, 2010 & THE SMELL IS BACK & MY CAR IS SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT MAKES ME SICK TO DRIVE IT. THE SERVICE MANAGER IS WAITING TO HEAR FROM TOYOTA WHAT TO DO NEXT & SAYS IT IS A PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF TOYOTAS. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN AN INVESTIGATION &/OR RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? IT IS A HEALTH ISSUE FOR ANYONE INHALING THAT DISGUSTING AIR FROM THOSE VENTS. I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO SINCE I HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ON-LINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES. IS THE HEALTH/SAFETY OF TOYOTA OWNERS NOT IMPORTANT TO TOYOTA? OTHER THAN THIS ISSUE, I LOVE MY RAV & I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO BE DRIVING IT INSTEAD OF THE YARIS THEY LOANED ME UNTIL MINE IS FIXED. *TR
Feb 23, 2010
SPORADIC BURNING SMELL WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON. EVENT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TIMES NOW AND IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON (VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DEC 2008 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 12,200). IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN RUNNING AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS - VERY SPORADIC. AND IT'S NOT THE AIR COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE OR FROM OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE WE'VE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED TO CHECK WHEN IT OCCURS AND IT'S NOT A SMELL FROM THE OUTSIDE OR FROM OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
ON MAY 26, 2016, MY MOTHER WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON I-69 NEAR EDDYVILLE, KENTUCKY IN HER 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH MY SON IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. A DRIVER TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-69 CROSSED THE MEDIAN INTO THE NORTHBOUND LANE, AND COLLIDED WITH MY MOTHER'S VEHICLE HEAD-ON. AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION, BOTH MY MOTHER AND SON WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS, HOWEVER, THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK PROPERLY AND CONTRIBUTED TO MY MOTHER AND SON'S SERIOUS INJURIES. DURING THE COLLISION, THE LAP BELT ON BOTH SEAT BELTS TIGHTENED SUBSTANTIALLY, WHILE THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT NEVER TIGHTENED OR LOCKED. AS A RESULT OF THE SEAT BELT ISSUE, MY SON AND MOTHER SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT ABDOMINAL INJURIES DUE TO THE EXTREME TIGHTENING OF THE LAP BELT, AND HEAD INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT TO PROPERLY LOCK. SPECIFICALLY, MY SON SUSTAINED A LIVER LACERATION, PULMONARY CONTUSION, AND SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY THROMBOSIS AS A RESULT OF THE EXTREME TIGHTENING OF THE LAP BELT WITHOUT TIGHTENING OF THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT. ADDITIONALLY, BECAUSE THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY, IT DID NOT STOP HIS FORWARD MOMENTUM, CAUSING HIM TO STRIKE HIS HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD OR WINDSHIELD AND SUSTAIN A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY. MY MOTHER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE RIB FRACTURES, A LEFT PNEUMOTHORAX, SMALL BOWEL ENTEROTOMY, MESENTERIC TEAR, AVULSION OF THE SIGMOID COLON, AND TEARING OF HER ABDOMINAL MUSCULATURE AS A RESULT OF THE SEAT BELT. *DT*JB
Apr 02, 2019
THE SHOULDER SEATBELTS IN ONE OF THE SECOND-ROW OUTBOARD SEATS WAS TOTALLY BROKEN BY THE FRICTION OF A METAL ON THE SHOULDER RETRACTOR END. I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR REPAIR THE LAP SEATBELTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT INCLUDE THE SHOULDER END. HE BROKE WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND THE PASSENGER TRIED TO BELT .
Aug 09, 2016
A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 17, 2016 FOR THE REAR, OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS. AS OF AUGUST 8, 2016 THE MANUFACTURE HAS YET TO ADDRESS THIS DEFECT.
Aug 08, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS). 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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PART NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 06, 2016
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE COMING FROM THE SUN ROOF. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED SPIDER SHARDS OF GLASS AND STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED. THE CONTACT CALLED MIDDLETON TOYOTA (634 NEWFIELD ST, MIDDLETOWN, CT 06457, (860) 347-7294) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE GLASS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Jul 07, 2017
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND TURNING RIGHT WITH MY GRANDSON IN THE BACKSEAT, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE NO OTHER CAR AROUND ME AT THE TIME PULLED OVER AND LOOKED ALL AROUND THE CAR AND IN THE BACK TO SEE IF SOMETHING FELL OVER NOTHING WAS IN THE BACK. STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND HEARD WIND NOISE PULLED OVER AGAIN AND LOOKED ALL UNDER RAV AND TIRES GOT READY TO GET IN SIDE LOOKED UP ON THE TOP AND THE SUNROOF HAD A HOLE IN IT AND SHATTERED. NOTHING HIT IT JUST SHATTERED. IF HAD HAD THE INSIDE OPEN GLASS WOULD HAVE BEEN ALL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA SAID NOT IN WARRANTY AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASED DID NOT COVER EITHER, HAD TO FILE INSURANCE CLAIM. WAS NEVER ADVISED WHEN PURCHASED THAT THE SUNROOF COULD JUST EXPLODE AND SHATTER FOR NO REASON. NOW HAVE A VEHICLE THAT I WILL NOT EVER OPEN THE INSIDE DOOR FOR THE SUNROOF AGAIN IF WOULD SHATTER WHILE OPEN WOULD GET GLASS ALL OVER EVERYONE. THANK GOODNESS WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 20 MILES HOUR AND THE INSIDE SUNROOF DOOR CLOSED WHEN HAPPENED. IF HAD BEEN GOING 65 MILES HOUR AND HAD THE SUNROOF INSIDE DOOR OPEN COULD HAVE CAUSED WRECK. *TR
Aug 07, 2012
SUNROOF OF 2009 RAV 4 SPORT EXPLODED YESTERDAY WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE. NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND AND NOWHERE NEAR AN OVERPASS. GLASS SHATTERED ON MYSELF AND PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THE WHOLE IS THE SIZE OF A BASKETBALL AND THE REMAINING GLASS IS BLOWN OUTWARD. *TR
Mar 14, 2011
FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM ON A 2009 TOYOTA RAV-4 DURING A STORM ON JANUARY 30, 2010. OWNER WAS DRIVING ON MARYLAND INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 695. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SYSTEM WAS TURNED ON TO CLEAR PRECIPITATION FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE BLADES WERE NOT FROZEN TO THE WINDSHIELD. SUDDENLY, THE RIGHT WIPER BLADE INVERTED (LIKE AN UMBRELLA TURNING INSIDE OUT), STRIKING THE LEFT WIPER BLADE, CAUSING THE WIPER BLADE SYSTEM TO FAIL AND DAMAGING THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
Jun 14, 2010
TIRES
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA G91 TIRES, SIZE 235/65/17(NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS PREMATURELY WORN ON ALL FOUR TIRES AND ALSO EXHIBITED SEVERAL CRACKS. THE FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT TIRE CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 04, 2013
2009 RAV 4 YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR 225/65R17 35,680 MILES.TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED EVERY5K MILES MY WIFE WAS ON EXPRESSWAY GOING 65 MPH,WHEN LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT .SHE HAD SWERVE THREE LANES INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE,SHE CALLED AAA WHICH CALL THE STATE POLICE.AAA CHANGED THE TIRE.WHEN SHE GOT HOME I LOOKED A THE REST OF THE TIRES AND NOTICED ALL TIRES WERE DRIEROTTED ALONG THE SIDEWALL. *TR
Dec 21, 2011
THIS IS TO NOTIFY YOU OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR G91 TIRES. ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011, I HAD A BLOWOUT IN ONE OF THEIR TIRES LOCATED IN THE RIGHT REAR OF MY SUV. THE TIRES ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT IN A 2009 RAV4, WITH 32,900 MILES, AND ARE INFLATED TO A PRESSURE OF 32.5 PSI. THE TIRE THREAD IS EVENLY WORN TO A DEPTH OF 5/32?, MEASURED VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE ALONG THE TIRE, INDICATING EVEN WEAR. THE PHOTOGRAPH BELOW SHOWS THE TIRE WALL WITH THE DIMENSIONS, 225/65 R17 101H. THE BLOWOUT OCCURRED AT 4 AM, ON A SMOOTH ROAD (SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROAD, BETWEEN THE 1 AND 2 MILE MARKERS) WHILE I WAS GOING BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH. THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS 82F ACCORDING TO THE CAR THERMOMETER. I DO NOT THINK I HIT ANYTHING, OR THAT THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED, AS YOU CAN SEE WHEN I FOLD THE PIECE OVER THE SPACE, AS SHOWN IN THE PICTURE BELOW. BECAUSE OF THE SPEED AND ROAD CONDITIONS THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE RIM BENT AND CRACKED. I HAVE FOUR PICTURES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION IN MY FILES, AND CAN SHARE IF YOU NEED THEM. I WILL REPLACE THE YOKOHAMA TIRES AS SOON AS A REPLACEMENT WHEEL ARRIVES. *TT
Aug 07, 2011
WE PURCHASED A NEW RAV4, IN MAY 2009. YESTERDAY WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED THE LEFT REAR TIRE EXPLOSIVELY BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL, THE CAR HAS 2400 MILES ON IT. THE PERSON WHO WITNESSED THE FAILURE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST. I ALSO FOUND THIS IN OUR TOYOTA VEHICLE OWNER SERVICE RECORDS: BY DEALER 05/05/09TOYOTA OF MCDONOUGH 5 0092548REPAIR FLAT TIREVIEW DETAILS BASICALLY THIS CAR HAS HAD TWO TIRE FAILURES IN LESS THAN 3000 MILES. A RELATIVE OF OURS, THE ONE WHO RECOMMENDED THE RAV 4 TO US, HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH HIS NEW 2009 RAV4 WITH YOKOHAMA TIRES, BUT SINCE HE WAS ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THE TIRE WAS SHREDDED TO BADLY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. *TR
Aug 16, 2009
STEERING,SUSPENSION
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE POPPING NOISES AND STARTED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOWER ARM TIE ROD HAD FRACTURED. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO DO THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Jul 16, 2014
VEHICLE STARTING A POPPING/BINDING FEEL WHEN MAKING A TURN LEFT OR RIGHT AT ABOUT 36000 MILES. IT BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED AND BY 42000 MILES IT COULD BE FELT WHEN SITTING STILL. TOYOTA TSO ISSUED TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A PROGRESSIVELY DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT WILL CAUSE FAILURE AND LOSS OF LIFE ONE DAY. COST THE REPLACE SHAFT, $517.00. SEARCH FINDS MANY, MANY RAV4 OWNERS HAVE THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Sep 07, 2012
2009 TOYOTA RAV4 SAFETY ISSUES *GR THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL DEVELOPED A VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED. HOWEVER THE MECHANIC STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE TIRES WERE BALANCED, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. *JB
May 03, 2010
SEATS
3 complaints
THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT IS LOOSE TO THE POINT THAT IT MAKE SOUND WHEN I BREAK OR ACCELERATE. BECAUSE THE SEAT MOVES, IT MAKES ME OCCASIONALLY TO GET DISTRACTING WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE CAR IS UNDER GUARANTEE BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT IT , BUT THE DEALER REFUSE TO DO SOMETHING ARGUING THAT THE CAR IS FINE. I HAVE DRIVE SO MANY DIFFERENT CARS, AND ALL OF THEN DO NOT HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. *TR
Jan 04, 2011
NECK NOT PROTECTED DURING SIDE-IMPACT CRASH. INJURED DRIVER TRAVELING APPROX 5 MPH AND OTHER DRIVER RAN RED LIGHT AT APPROX 40 MPH. DRIVER SUFFERED FORM CERVICAL HERNIATIONS AND CERVICAL BULGES EVEN THOUGH SAFETY RATINGS WERE QUITE HIGH FOR YR/MAKE/MODEL OF VEHICLE. AIR-BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HEADREST IS TILTED VERY FAR OUT. *TR
Aug 06, 2010
HEADRESTS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. *TR
May 30, 2009
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
Four incidents of unintended acceleration , in all instances foot was on break petal NOT on gas petal, 3 instances vehicle was stopped at traffic light, last incident was pulling into a parking space foot on brake, in all instances braked hard and shifted vehicle into neutral and turned vehicle off to avoid collisions, personal injury and property damage
Aug 16, 2023
JUST OVER 100,000 MILES ON THE 2009 RAV 4. WITHOUT ISSUE. NOT ORIGINAL OWNER. THIS WEEKEND IT TRIED 3 TIMES TO ACCELERATE US INTO THE VEHICLES OR PEOPLE IN FRONT OF IS. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I VERIFIED THAT OUR FLOORMATS ARE BOTH SECURED AND DO NOT EXTEND TO THE AREA OF THE PEDAL. INCIDENT 1. WHILE SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP AT RED LIGHT, HEARD AND FELT ENGINE START TO REV. CAR LURCHED FORWARD, AND I APPLIED LEFT FOOT IN ADDITION TO THE RIGHT WHICH WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE IN ATTEMPT TO STOP IT. HAD TO HIT SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL TO REGAIN CONTROL ONLY A FOOT OR 2 FROM THE CAR IN FRONT. MISTAKENLY THOUGHT IT WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. INCIDENT 2 TODAY-- WHILE SLOWING TO A RED LIGHT BY APPLICATION OF BRAKES WITH RIGHT FOOT, ENGINE REVVED UP TO APPROX. 3000 RPM AND TRIED ACCELERATING US INTO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF US. AGAIN- ONLY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL BROUGHT VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL.. INCIDENT 3 - APPROX 20 MIN AFTER INCIDENT 2 ON WAY HOME ( SUNDAY AFTERNOON)WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP AT RED LIGHT. NO VEHICLES IN FRONT BY PEOPLE ENTERING THE CROSSWALK. HEARD AND FELT ENGINE START TO ACCELERATE. IMMEDIATE ADDITION OF RIGHT FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND THE ACCELERATION STOPPED WITHOUT SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL THIS TIME. VEHICLE IS PARKED AWAITING REPLY FROM TOYOTA. CHECKED TOYOTA WEBSITE AND IT SAYS THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS OR SERVICE CAMPAIGNS FOR THIS VIN.
Feb 11, 2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE CANISTER WAS FRACTURED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO BE ABLE TO PASS INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED NEW COUNTRY TOYOTA OF SARATOGA SPRING DEALER, (3002 NY-50 BUILDING #1, SAGATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866, (518) 584-7272) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Jan 14, 2020
THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE TURNING, RIGHT, INTO A PARKING SPOT. I APPLIED THE BRAKES FULLY, BUT IT WASN'T ENOUGH TO STOP THE CAR. THE CAR HIT ANOTHER PARKED CAR THEN I WAS ABLE TO TURN IT OFF.
Jan 08, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVVED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND LANDED INTO A NEARBY POOL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TAKEN TO THE C&C DODGE TOYOTA DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY WERE INSTRUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER NOT TO TEND TO THE VEHICLE INVOLVING UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1707311582. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Aug 01, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THREE TIMES WITH NO SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. ..UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF UPDATED 06/15/2012 *JS
Mar 05, 2012
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
WHEN CAR IS AT 1500 RPM AT 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION VIBRATES AND THRUSTS. NOISE GOES AWAY IF ABOVE 2000 RPM OR ABOVE 40 MPH. IT'S TOYOTA OF MANCHESTER NH HAS BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE. WAITING TO SEE IF TOYOTA WILL DO ANYTHING.
Aug 13, 2016
I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS I SLOWED DOWN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SURGE. SINCE MY FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE I WAS ABLE TO PUSH DOWN HARDER ON IT TO STOP IT FROM HITTING THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. WITHIN A SECOND OR TWO, AS THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO SURGE, I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK. WHEN I DID THIS THE ENGINE SURGED EVEN MORE. I THEN TURNED OFF THE ENGINE BY TURNING THE KEY WHICH DID SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN. I THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT RAN NORMALLY. I WAS SOMEWHAT SHAKEN UP BY THE INCIDENT. NOTE THAT THIS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FLOOR MATS OR HITTING THE WRONG PEDAL. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE WHOLE TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED-IF IT HADN'T BEEN I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Jan 12, 2013
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN SET10V01 LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY *TGW
Aug 05, 2010
MY 2009 RAV 4 HAS A FLOOR MAT THAT CREEPS FORWARD AND GETS CAUGHT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT TOOK SOME TIME FOR IT TO START DOING THIS, BUT NOW I CAN'T KEEP IT IN PLACE, IT HAS NO HOOKS. THE RAV IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FROM TOYOTA FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, BUT IT HAS IT. IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY, IF I PUT IT BACK IN POSITION AND DRIVE THE CAR BY THE TIME I GET HOME IT'S UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *TR
Jan 26, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 ON MONDAY APRIL 5, 2010 AND WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN I FELT GAS SEEMED TO REV UP. I FELT LIKE THE CAR WOULD HAVE LURCHED FORWARD HAD NOT MY FOOT BEEN ON THE BRAKE. ALSO TODAY AFTER MOVING FORWARD MY CAR MAINTAIN A 20 MILES AN HOUR SPEED WITHOUT MY PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL, APRIL 13TH, 2010. *TR
Apr 13, 2010
AT ABOUT NOON ON 2/3/10- OUR 2009 TOYOTA RAV 4 SUDDEN ACCELERATION (OR STUCK GAS PEDAL) CAUSED ME TO REAR END ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY ABOUT 5-10MPH, JUST GLIDING BECAUSE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD BEEN STOPPED BY THE LIGHT AND IT WAS JUST STARTING TO SLOWLY MOVE AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND THE RAV 4 SEEMED TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING ME TO PRESS AS HARD AS I COULD ON THE BRAKES, BUT I COULD NOT STOP BEFORE HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT SEEMED AS IF THE RAV4 JUST ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. THE RAV 4 HAS BEEN TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. 4 HOURS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, WE HAD THE RAV 4 AT OUR TOYOTA DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT IT HAD ONE OF THE SUSPECT ASSEMBLIES. BUT THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING, AS THEY HAD NO INSTRUCTIONS OR PARTS YET FROM TOYOTA AND SAID WE WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE TIME CAME. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.
Jul 14, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE DECELERATING ON A FREEWAY OFF-RAMP AT APPROX. 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE CAR. GOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH, I LIFTED OFF SLIGHTLY THEN DEPRESSED THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR; THEY DIDN'T ENGAGE PROPERLY BUT FINALLY SLOWED THE CAR ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR KEPT WANTING TO GO FORWARD. I THREW THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION.
Feb 15, 2021
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED I JERKED IT TO THE RIGHT TO GET IT TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET GOING UP HILL WHEN THE CAR FINALLY DISABLED, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG WHEN HE PUT IT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR WITH MY CHILD I'VE PAID 140.00 FOR AND INSPECTION NOW I'M TAKING IT TO THE SF TOYOTA MECHANIC.
Mar 03, 2020
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
AUTO BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL AND COOLANT BOX STAYS FULL TO TOP CAR IS STATIONARY
Feb 15, 2020
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 65MPH ON INTERSTATE WHEN LARGE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER DROPPED THEIR DRIVE SHAFT. SHE TRIED TO STRADDLE THE OBJECT DUE TO NO SHOULDER AND ANOTHER VEHICLE IN NEXT LANE. REPORT STATED IT RUPTURE GAS TANK AND LOSS ABILITY TO STEER VEHICLE SENDING GET INTO AND THROUGH GUARDRAIL. TOTALLED EVERYONE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SHE SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH.
Sep 30, 2019
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SUSP RECAL 13V-383, MY VEH HAS TEMP REAR SUSP ARMS, DEALER NOT WILLING TO PERFOM PERMANENT REPAIR AND REPLACE CAUTION STICKERS STILL ON REAR TIEROD/CNTRL ARMS, KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE PLEASE HELP MY # [XXX] NOTICED UPON INSPECTION NO INCIDENT YET. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
May 16, 2018
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE, IT WAS TRADED IN IN 2014 TO WEST HERR TOYOTA 4141 SOUTHWESTERN BLVD, ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127, HOW DO I STOP RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS VEHICLE?
Apr 01, 2017
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
2 RECALLS SINCE LAST YEAR. LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER UNWILLING/UNABLE TO PERFORM REMEDY DESPITE NUMEROUS REQUESTS.
Mar 07, 2017
SEAT BELTS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER) AND 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Jan 23, 2017
SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY RAV4 HAS RUST ALL OVER WHERE THE DRIVERS SEAT AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SEATS ARE ATTACHED TO THE CAR AND SEEMS TO BE SO FRAGILE THAT WITH ANY SMALL IMPACT THE SEAT WILL DETACHED FROM CAR AND CAUSE A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. THE RUST APPEARED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED AND WAS ADVISED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT . IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT FIXED IN THE FUTURE IT CAN CAUSE INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH.
Jul 28, 2016
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
IT APPEARS THAT A SOUND, SUSPENSION OF THE RAV 4 NEED SOME REPAIR.
Aug 07, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH THE ENGINE LOST POWER. MOVING TO THE RIGHT LANE TO PULL OVER, FLAMES BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE HOOD, HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. SHE TRIED STOPPING BUT BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, REQUIRING HER TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND SLIDE ON GRASS. SHE JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN 8 MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Jul 01, 2015
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING AND THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY WENT OFF, EXPLODING IN MY FACE. THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE, DUST, AND DEBRIS. BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE (AIRBAG IN MY FACE AND SMOKE/DEBRIS IN THE VEHICLE), I CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Jan 31, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME LODGED TO THE FLOOR BOARD WHEN THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 11/20/14*LJ UPDATED 8/17/2015 *JS
Oct 03, 2014
VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2009 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER ON MARCH 17, 2014, SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A NOISE IN THE FAN HEATER. THE TECHNICIANS ALSO ADDRESSED A RECALL FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE RECALL REQUIRED REPROGRAMMING THE ECM WITH SMART STOP TECHNOLOGY. HOWEVER, ON APRIL 17, 2014, WHILE TURNING A CORNER AT A VERY LOW SPEED, THE RPM'S RACED HIGH AS IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND APPLIED THE BRAKE, THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO RACE, AND CONTINUED, EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN NEUTRAL. WHEN SHE STOPPED, SHE SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND THE RPM'S WERE STILL RACING. THE ACCELERATING ONLY STOPPED WHEN SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TOYOTA ENGINEERS CONCLUDED AND REPORTED, PEDAL MIS-APPLICATION. *JB
Sep 17, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN TRAFFIC WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE. I APPLIED THE BRAKE MORE FIRMLY AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UNCONTROLLABLY IN A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE. I SWITCHED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED THE MOTOR AND IT THEN RAN NORMALLY. *TR
Sep 08, 2014
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON JUNE 8, 2014, WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4, I BEGAN TO SLOW FOR A STOP LIGHT. SEVERAL CARS WERE ALREADY STOPPED. SUDDENLY, AND UNEXPECTEDLY, MY CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND FORCING IT INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. AFTER THE INITIAL IMPACT; MY ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV-UP, EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND HARD ON THE BRAKES. FINALLY, I SHIFTED INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. ALL THREE VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED, TWO SIGNIFICANTLY. A PASSENGER IN THE SECOND VEHICLE EXPRESSED PERSONAL ANXIETY DUE TO A 'HEART CONDITION' AND POSSIBLE NECK INJURY. BOTH DRIVERS FILED CLAIMS ON MY INSURANCE, BUT NO DAMAGE ESTIMATES OR INJURY CLAIMS ARE AVAILABLE AS YET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. DURING 2013, I HAD TWO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS AND SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHILE DRIVING THIS RAV4, CAUSED BY SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. DAMAGE OF ABOUT $3,000 WAS INCURRED; HOWEVER, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. ONE ACCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED. ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS, THE RAV4 SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, ACCELERATED. IN EACH INSTANCE, I REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND NO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE OCCURRED. PRIOR TO OWNING THE RAV4, I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 4-DOOR TOYOTA CAMRY. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, DURING THE EIGHT MONTHS I OWNED THE VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, ESPECIALLY AT CRUISING SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. BECOMING VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING IT ' I TRADED THE CAMRY ON THE THEN NEW 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. AS A 68 YEAR OLD SINGLE WORKING WIDOW, I AM AFRAID OF DRIVING THE RAV4 TO WORK OR ON WEEKENDS. IN JANUARY, 9013, A LEGAL CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR FOR TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, ADVISED BY LETTER THAT BASED ON THEIR INSPECTION OF THE 2009 RAV4; THE 2013 ACCIDENTS WERE 'NOT THE RESULT OF ANY TYPE OF MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT.'*JS
Jun 13, 2014
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
MY DAUGHTER (5-YEARS OLD, 40 LBS) WAS IN A BRITAX FRONTIER CAR SEAT WHEN WE WERE STRUCK BY ANOTHER CAR IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CAR WAS THEN STRUCK A SECOND TIME AND PROPELLED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE PLASTIC PIECE HOLDING THE CAR SEAT TIGHTLY IN PLACE SNAPPED DURING THE ACCIDENT, AND THOUGH THE CAR SEAT WAS STILL FASTENED BY THE LATCH SYSTEM IT COULD MOVE FREELY. MY DAUGHTER HIT THE DVD PLAYER IN FRONT OF HER SEAT. SHE HAS A CONCUSSION AND MULTIPLE FACIAL LACERATIONS. THE CAR SEAT COMPLETELY FAILED TO HOLD HER IN PLACE IN THE ACCIDENT. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2009, MAKE=TOYOTA, MODEL=RAV4). *TR
Apr 22, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION BUTTON FAILED TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,342. UPDATED 6/10/14*CN
Apr 18, 2014
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE RACED AS THE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V113000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,215. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
Apr 14, 2014
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
STEERING: DURING NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE INSPECTION MECHANIC FAILED VEHICLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE PLAY IN WHEEL ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING RACK. NOTE: VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR EXCESSIVE VIBRATION DUE TO ROAD OR OFF ROAD DRIVING EXPERIENCED. REMEDY: REPLACE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING RACK AND ACCESSORIES. OF THE THREE OTHER RAV4'S OWNED BY DRIVER, ALL DROVE OVER 200,000 MILES WITHOUT STEERING PROBLEMS. WHEELS: DURING NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE INSPECTION MECHANIC FOUND REAR AXLE SEALS LEAKING. NOTE: VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR EXCESSIVE VIBRATION DUE TO ROAD OR OFF ROAD DRIVING EXPERIENCED. REMEDY: REPLACE REAR AXLE SEALS. *TR
Feb 07, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
EXTENSIVE RODENT DAMAGE TO WIRING HARNESS, PASSENGER AIR BAG, HEAT/AC DUCTS, HEADLINER, CARPETING FRONT & REAR, INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND MANY MORE MISC. PARTS. REPAIR COSTS - $10,257.91 BECAUSE TOYOTA CHOSE TO MAKE THIS CAR WITH A SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT USING EDIBLE PRODUCTS (SOY FOAM, RICE HUSKS, ETC.) IN PLACE OF PETROLEUM FOR MUCH OF THE PLASTIC PARTS. THIS MATERIAL IS NOW ATTRACTIVE TO RODENTS AND THEY DESIGNED THE AIR INLET TO THE HEATER WITHOUT A SCREEN WHICH ALLOWS RODENTS ENTRY TO THE VEHICLE. IT BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WAS DAMAGED ENOUGH TO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. MY TOYOTA HAS BECOME THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE CAR. *TR
Feb 01, 2014
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES AT 45 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND SUSTAINED NUMEROUS SEVERE TO MODERATE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT END WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE WOULD BE DISPATCHED THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE REPRESENTATIVE STILL HAD NOT PERFORMED THE INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE REPAIRS HAD ALREADY BEGUN, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 10/28/2014*LJ UPDATED 7/14/2015*JS
Apr 30, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT WITH RIGHT FOOT ON BRAKE, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO VERY HIGH RPM. SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND ENGINE REVVED EVEN HIGHER. TURNED OFF IGNITION. SIGNAL TURNED GREEN AND SINCE I WAS IN TRAFFIC, DECIDED TO TRY TO START ENGINE AGAIN. ENGINE STARTED AND PERFORMED NORMALLY. IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO TOYOTA DEALER WHO SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. WE ARE NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE! THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE HAD WE BEEN MOVING IN TRAFFIC! *TR
Apr 02, 2013
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
I WRITE THIS LETTER SEEKING FOR HELP. SINCE THE YEAR 2011 I AM HAVING SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE RIGHT WHEEL OF MY CAR WHERE THE TIRE STICKS CONSTANTLY. THE PANEL SHOWS THE LIGHT ON FOR ALL TIME. IN TWO YEARS ALREADY BOUGHT TWO TIRES, MY CAR IS THE YEAR 2009, I CONSIDER A NEW CAR. THE VISITS BEGAN TO BE FREQUENT IN THE COMPANY TOYOTA, WITH REPORT OF BUYING ANOTHER TIRE. I WONDER IF THIS PROBLEM BECOMES NORMAL. BECAUSE CHILDREN ARE IN MY CAR DAILY. *TR
Mar 10, 2013
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
SINCE THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT ON SEPT 18, 2009 IT HAS HAD A SHIMMY PROBLEM. DEALER COULD NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT WOULD DO AN ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION WHEN HE TOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT 19,265 MI ON NOV 8, 2011, THEY TOLD MY FATHER HE NEEDED TIRES AND THAT A LUG NUT WAS MISSING. HE TOOK IT DOWN THE BLOCK TO A TIRE SHOP WHO STATED THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT AT LEAST 2 NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT. THEN ON MAY 20, 2012 REPLACED THE OTHER 2 TIRES AT 23,192 MI. HE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LUG NUTS REPLACING 3 DIFFERENT ONES NOW. THE LAST LUG NUT THAT WAS MISSING THE LUG STUD WAS BROKEN ALSO. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO BE TO HAVE 2 OF THE RECALLS FIXED AND THE LUG STUD REPLACED ON NOV 30, 2012 THEY EVEN SAID THESE RAV4'S HAVE BEEN HAVING THESE ISSUES. WE JUST RECEIVED A FIFTH RECALL NOTICE, A SECOND RECALL ON THE SUSPENSION. CORPORATE DOES NOT FILL ANY OF THE ABOVE ISSUES ARE RELATED NOR THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, THAT WE NEED TO GO TO THE ORIGINAL TIRE MANUFACTURE REGARDING THE TIRE ISSUE, THEY ALSO STATED HIS WARRANTY EXPIRED IN SEPT 2012. MY FATHER HAS THE 7YR-70,000 MILE PLATINUM WARRANTY, (THE LAST DEALERSHIP I TOOK IT TO ALSO STATED THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED ON 9/12/2012). TOYOTA CORP GAVE ME THE PH NO FOR EXTRA CARE EXTENDED WARRANTY REGARDING THE LACK OF COVERAGE AND SAID TO WAS POSSIBLE IF WE ACTUALLY HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT THEY COULD DO SOMETHING FOR US. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THEM THEY STATED THE WARRANTY WAS IN THE NATIONAL SYSTEM AND HAD NO REASON AS TO WHY THEY'D QUESTION THAT. WHEN I EXPLAINED THE CONTINUAL PROBLEMS HE SAID CORP NEEDS TO ADDRESS. EVERYONE POINTS THE FINGER AT OTHERS. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 26,900 MI. MY FATHER HAS BEEN VERY ILL THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS AND IS UNABLE TO DEAL WITH THESE ISSUES. MY FATHER HATES THIS CAR, THE DEALERSHIP IN VACAVILLE PURCHASED FROM & HE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Jan 24, 2013
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ON JUNE 6 2012 DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT I HAD AN UN-INTENDED ACCELERATION ON MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 AND THE CAR ONLY STOPPED BECAUSE I HIT MY DOCTOR'S OFFICE WALL. EVEN THOUGH I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP. IT WAS A VERY SCARY MOMENT. I FILED A CLAIM WITH TOYOTA MANUFACTURER, THEY INSPECTED THE CAR ON JUNE 19,2012. I GOT A LETTER JULY 30 2012 FROM TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA INC. THAT SAYS THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND THAT IT IS "OPERATING AS DESIGNED, WITHIN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS" "HOWEVER THE INSPECTION OF YOUR VEHICLE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY SORT OF A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT AND WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE". I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS SAFE BUT NOW (THANK GOD NOBODY WAS HURT) I DON'T TRUST THIS CAR AND I LOST CONFIDENCE ON TOYOTA CARS. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND THEY KNOW IT. IT WAS A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCED! I DIDN'T MAKE THIS UP, THIS REALLY HAPPENED TO ME. ON AUG 1ST 2012 ON PRESS RELEASE TYT RECALLED RAV4 SUBS AND LEXUS TO FIX THE SUSPENSION OF RAV4S FROM 2006 TO 2011 MODELS. OTHER LAW FIRMS HAVE TOLD ME THAT THE UN-INTENDED ACCELERATION HAS TO HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES TO BE CONSIDERED AS COMPLAINT/RECALL PER LEMON LAW AND THAT IF TYT SAYS THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, THERE'S NOTHING THEY OR I CAN DO. I'M OUTRAGED TO SAY THE LEAST! CAN YOU HELP? THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Aug 08, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I HAVE HA THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THIS BRAKE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THIS IS NORMAL ,WHAT THE PROBLEM IS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SOFT AND WHEN BRAKING YOU FOOT CAN HIT THE GAS PEDAL THIS ALSO THE PEDAL WILL GO DOWN WHEN YOU ARE HOLDING AT A STOP,ALSO ITS NOT LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AS THE CAR WAS SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TR
Feb 24, 2012
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
STEERING STARTED CREATING OCCASIONAL MILD NOISE WHILE TURNING AT AROUND 49000. AT 53000 DURING MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT BURLINGTON TOYOTA, ONTARIO I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT ALONG WITH A METALLIC NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THEY MENTIONED NOT TO BE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND HENCE DID NOT MAKE ANY FIX. THEY REFUSED TO DEAL TO BRAKE NOISE AND MENTIONED THAT MY BRAKE PAD WILL LAST FOR MUCH LONGER TIME AND REASON MAY BE A LITTLE BIT OF RUST. THEY WILL HAVE TO CHARGE ME FOR ANY FURTHER DIAGNOSIS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. LATER I HAVE ESCALATED THIS TO TOYOTA CANADA, AS ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER FOUND THAT THE SHAFT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN IS CRACKED. TOYOTA CANADA CLAIMS THAT TO BE A WEAR AND TEAR AND REFUSED TO COVER THAT AS MY WARRANTY WAS OVER EVEN THOUGH I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. TODAY NOVEMBER 10TH, NEWSPAPERS PUBLISH THAT MORE THAN 500,000 RAV4 ARE RECALLED FOR STEERING. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY MENTIONED, THIS RECALL IS ONLY FOR 2006 RAV4 AND NOT FOR 2009. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT TOYOTA RAV4 2009 HAS THE SAME ISSUE. I COULD NOT FIND AN ONTARIO SITE. SO I COULD NOT ENTER MY PROVINCE AND ZIP CODE BELOW. *TR
Nov 10, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING UP MY DRIVEWAY, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND DID NOT STOP, BUT WAS FORCED FORWARD UNTIL I HIT MY HOUSE. I SEARCHED FOR THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT FIND THEM, BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STUCK TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS NO BRAKE LIGHT ON. BEFORE THAT THE ODOMETER WAS JUMPING BETWEEN NUMBERS (20,17, 54, ECT.). I HAD MY CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. I HAD 5 BOYS IN MY HOUSE AND HIT MY SON'S BEDROOM, SOMEONE COULD OF BEEN INJURED. *TR
Sep 24, 2011
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2009 TOYOTA RAV4 LEAKED FLUID. I LOST CONTROL OF CAR, STEERING, BRAKES & CAR ACCELERATED AT A RAPID PACE ON ITS OWN. I WAS TURNING LEFT AT ABOUT 20MPH HIT ANOTHER CAR ACCELERATED FAST WITH NO CONTROL WAS HEADED FOR A BUILDING WHEN RIGHT TIRE WENT OVER A CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK LEFT SIDE WAS ON GRASS WHEN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SNAPPED OFF & THE CAR STOPPED. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED & PAID FOR BY MY INSURANCE CO. AS WELL AS THE OTHER CAR INVOLVED. THE CAR HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION. I WAS NOT CITED BY POLICE BECAUSE IT WAS OBVIOUS THE FLUID FOLLOWED MY CAR UNTIL IT STOPPED. I DON'T AGREE WITH THE NHTSA FINDINGS ON TOYOTA'S ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. THE PEOPLE "TESTING" THE PROBLEM SHOULD DRIVE ONE OF THESE TOYOTAS WHEN IT ACCELERATES & FEEL THE FEAR I HAD DURING THIS ACCIDENT. THANK THE LORD I WAS NOT ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I WANT TO ENTER A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST TOYOTA BECAUSE I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN & LIVING ON A FIXED INCOME. I LIVE IN OHIO. I HAVE DRIVEN 52 YRS. & HAVE RECEIVED 1 TICKET 15 YRS. AGO FOR FAILING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN. I AM DISAPPOINTED OUR GOVERNMENT IS IGNORING THIS COMPLAINT AGAINST TOYOTA ACCELERATION. I HURT MY SHOULDER TRYING TO GET THE JAMMED DOOR OPEN BUT IT IS GETTING BETTER WITH THERAPY. TOYOTA TOOK THEIR "EVENT DATA RECORDER" OUT OF MY CAR GAVE ME A FLASH DRIVE WITH THE CODES ON IT BUT TOYOTA IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN DECIPHER THEIR CODES. YOU MUST TAKE THEIR WORD FOR THE CODING DECIPHER. MY CAR HAD 22,922 MILES ON IT STILL UNDER 3 YRS WARRANTY & THEY DENIED MY CLAIM. I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THIS BUT THE LETTER HAD WRONG INFORMATION IN IT. THEY HAD THE WRONG TOYOTA DEALER I USED ON THE RECALLS THE WRONG DATE I TOOK MY CAR FOR THE RECALL. THE DEALER ISN'T EVEN IN MY AREA. THIS WAS A FORM LETTER THAT SOMEONE USED FOR SOMEONE ELSE & FAILED TO CHANGE THE FIELDS IN THE LETTER. I NEED ANYONE'S HELP WHETHER IT BE CLASS ACTION OR A LAWYER TO DO CONTINGENCY WORK. PLEASE POST IF ANYONE HAS HAD THIS ACCELERATION PROBLEM. LETS NOT LET TOY. GET BY. *TR
Jul 25, 2011
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE TRYING TO AVOID WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS AN ANIMAL IN THE ROAD, BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE PAPER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD UNTIL CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,900. UPDATED 08/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER SUFFERED A SHOULDER INJURY TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/22/12
Jul 18, 2011
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
2009 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ALL FOUR TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE BALD, AND ONE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSORS (TPMS) HAD TO BE REPLACED. *KB UPDATED 02/04/11*JB UPDATED 02/16/11. *JB
Dec 15, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
AS I DROVE INTO OUR PARKING LOT AT WORK AFTER LUNCH, I WAS IDLING ENGINE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. I WAS ALREADY MAKING MY TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND ENGINE IDLING WHEN MY CAR BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE. I RESPONDED BY APPLYING FOOT BRAKE AND GRABBING AND PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT ONLY HAD ABOUT 15 - 20 FEET BEFORE HITTING A CONCRETE WALL AT THE BAKE OF THE PARKING SPOT. I MANAGED TO NOT HIT HARD ENOUGH FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY BUT THERE IS DAMAGE TO MY FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME MY CAR HAS DONE THIS. I BOUGHT IT NEW LAST AUG. 09 AND IT HAS APPROX 12,432 MILES. TOYOTA TOOK IT TO QUALITY IMPORTS TOYOTA AND "INVESTIGATED" IT AND HAS FOUND NO DEFECT. I TALKED TO THE INSPECTOR OVER THE PHONE AND HE EXPLAINED THAT HE SPENT A FEW HOURS GOING THROUGH A SERIES OF TESTS ATTEMPTING TO FIND OR REPRODUCE A MALFUNCTION WITH NO SUCCESS. HE TOLD ME THAT WHILE MY REPORT IS QUITE COMMON HE HAS NEVER FOUND A DEFECT TO EXPLAIN SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND THAT HE THINKS MY CAR IS SAFE AND "HE WOULD LET HIS DAUGHTER DRIVE MY CAR." I ATTEST TO THE FACT THAT A STICKING ACCELERATOR AND/OR A SLOWLY RETURNING ACCELERATOR CANNOT EXPLAIN THIS EXPERIENCE AND IS NO "FIX" FOR MY ACCIDENT. MY EDUCATION IS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND I HAVE BEEN AN EQUIPMENT MECHANIC ON MACHINERY FOR 15 YEARS. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU CANNOT REPRODUCE AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM IN A MATTER OF HOURS THAT THE CONCLUSION SHOULD BE THAT THERE IS NO DEFECT. IT DOES NOT EXCUSE THE FACT THAT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND NOTHING SERIOUS IS BEING "INVESTIGATED." *TR
May 31, 2010
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND UPON RELEASE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING A CRASH. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 18,000. UPDATED 06/10/10 *BF UPDATED 08/06/10*JB
Apr 08, 2010
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) AND FUEL GAUGE PROBLEMS: I BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT V6 4X2 ON MAY 09, 2009 IN HOUSTON TEXAS. IT WAS ON DEC. 13, 2009 THAT I WAS TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I-10 FROM HOUSTON TO NEW YORK CITY. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF I-10 BETWEEN EXIT 775A AND 776A. I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. SUDDENLY, I HEARD A "CLICK" FROM THE DASH BOARD AND THE EPS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN I LOST THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, I FELT MY STEERING WHEEL SO HARD AND COULD NOT TURN IT. I REALIZED THAT I WAS IN THE VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION. I TRIED TO CALM DOWN AND PUT MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STARTED SLOWING DOWN MY CAR. IT TOOK ME ALMOST TEN MINUTES TO MOVE MY CAR TO THE ROAD SHOULDER AND STOPPED. I CALLED MR. ZHU - A MANAGER OF SALES DEPARTMENT AT MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN HOUSTON TEXAS IMMEDIATELY AND REPORTED THIS INCIDENT. HE FOUND ME A PHONE NUMBER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT FRED HAAS TOYOTA NEARBY AND ASKED ME TO CALL THEM AND GET MY CAR TOWED AND CHECKED. I CALLED THE NUMBER A COUPLE OF TIMES HOWEVER, NOBODY WAS THERE THEN. I TRIED TO RESTART CAR ENGINE FOR FIVE TIMES OR MORE, I FINALLY SOLVED THE EPS PROBLEMS. I CALLED MR. ZHOU AGAIN, AND TOLD HIM THAT NOBODY WAS THERE ANSWERING MY PHONE CALL. I ASKED HIM FOR THE ADDRESS OF THE FRED HAAS TOYOTA. I DROVE MY SICK CAR FOR 30 MINUTES VERY CAREFULLY TO FRED HAAS TOYOTA; UNFORTUNATELY, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSED ON SUNDAY. I CALLED MR. ZHU AGAIN AND TOLD HIM ABOUT IT. THEN I DROVE MY CAR BACK TO HOUSTON ON INTERSTATE I-45, AFTER 15 MINUTES DRIVING, THE SAME PROBLEMS HAPPENED AGAIN... ...AFTER THAT MY FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT READ CORRECTLY, IT SHOWED ONLY 1/2 FUEL OF MY FUEL TANK AFTER I FILLED IT UP. MOVING STRAIGHT FORWARD AND MAKING TURNS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. I BELIEVE EPS PROBLEMS ARE MORE SERIOUS THAN THE GAS PEDAL PROBLEM, BECAUSE THIS EFFECTS IMMEDIATELY AND DIRECTLY. I HAVE BEEN WORRYING ABOUT MY SAFETY DRIVING MY CAR SINCE I EXPERIENCED THE DANGERS! *TR
Mar 12, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TO BEGIN, MY CAR HAS ALREADY HAD THE TOYOTA RECALL "FIX" AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN FINE. I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA RAV4 (2009) AND APPROACHING A FOUR WAY STOP. WHEN I WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES, THERE WAS A SLIGHT GRINDING NOISE. THE CAR SLOWED A BIT BUT DID NOT STOP AND KEPT ON MOVING THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. I ENDED UP GOING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION (LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING) AND COMING TO A STOP ALMOST 50 FEET PAST. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR HOME AND WE LATER TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (NO OTHER INCIDENTS THEN). THE DEALER INSPECTED THE BRAKES AND ACCELERATION BUT COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS BUT ENDED UP RETURNING IT TO US AND SAYING IT IS FINE, AS THEY COULD NOT FIND A SPECIFIC CAUSE TO THIS INCIDENT. I AM 8 MONTHS PREGNANT, AND CURRENTLY WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I CAN BE REASSURED THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Mar 08, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
MY 09 TOYOTA RAV4 ( BOUGHT LAST AUGUST IN QUEENS NEW YORK) HAD THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEM THAT, THE CAR SPEED UP SUDDENLY AND ALMOST PUNCH THE FRONT CAR WHEN I WAS PUSHING BRAKE, STOPPING AND WAITING FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT FROM RED TO GREEN. IT WERE HAPPENED TWO TIMES LAST YEAR, AND ALSO, SOMETIMES, WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING ON THE WAY, THE SPEED SUDDENLY UP. I THINK THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY IT'S CONTROL SYSTEM LIKE SOFTWARE POOR DESIGN IN ANTI-INTERFERING/ELECTRONIC NOISES. *TR
Feb 24, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
NEW TOYOTA ELECTRONICS PROBLEMS MY RAV4 SOMETIMES DOES HAVE INTERMITTENT ACCELERATOR 'STICKING' PROBLEMS, EVEN THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS FULLY RETURNED TO IDLE CONDITIONS. DURING THE WINTER I OFTEN WHERE SORELS. I THOUGHT THAT BECAUSE OF MY BOOTS I WAS HITTING BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR. ONE TIME I EVEN HAD TO PUSH THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL TO MAKE A STOP, CURSING THE TOYOTA DESIGNER WHO PUT THE BRAKE PEDAL SO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR (ANOTHER PEDAL DESIGN FLAW?). FROM THEN ON I WAS VERY CAREFUL TO KEEP MY FOOT ON JUST ONE PEDAL. HOWEVER, I STILL NOTICED PROBLEMS SOMETIMES, AND NOW THIS "PSEUDO RECALL" HAS SOLVED A DILEMMA I HAD. THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, IT IS WITH IMPAIRED DECELERATION. THE ENGINE IS FIGHTING AGAINST THE BRAKING SYSTEM BECAUSE THE ENGINE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE SOON ENOUGH. WITH THE OLD MANUAL ACCELERATOR LINKAGE SYSTEMS, YOU COULD FEEL WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS. NOW INSTEAD THE COMPUTER IS DECIDING HOW TO SLOW THE ENGINE. THIS IS WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES. WHAT "BONE HEADED" TOYOTA ENGINEER ALLOWED BOTH THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE TO WORK AT THE SAME TIME ON A "DRIVE BY WIRE" SYSTEM? THERE IS NO MECHANICAL LINKAGE TO UNDO, SO HITTING THE BRAKE SHOULD DEFEAT THE ACCELERATOR (I.E. QUICKLY RETURN THE ENGINE TO IDLE MODE). THAT IS ALL THAT WAS NEEDED TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS AT LEAST ONE PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTA ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM. IT IS A TOYOTA 'MYTH' TO INSIST THERE IS(ARE) NO ELECTRONIC PROBLEM(S). WHAT OTHER MORE COMPLEX PROBLEMS ARE THERE IN THE ELECTRONICS, IF THIS BASIC PROBLEM WAS NOT ACCOUNTED FOR? *TR
Feb 23, 2010
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I WAS TRAVELING ON I-94 FROM MADISON, WI TO MINNEAPOLIS, MN IN LATE DECEMBER. THE INTERSTATE WAS IN GOOD DRIVING CONDITION -- NO ICE, SNOW, OR RAIN. IT WAS A NICE DAY WITH LITTLE WIND AND TEMPERATURE IN THE MID-20'S. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE, PASSING A SLOWER CAR IN THE RIGHT LANE. I WAS TRAVELING AT 75 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. JUST AS I PULLED AHEAD OF THE OTHER CAR, MY 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT. I THOUGHT WE MIGHT ROLL, BUT THEN THE CAR STABILIZED AND I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS EXTERNAL CAUSE FOR THE LURCH TO THE LEFT. IT FELT LIKE A BLOWOUT, BUT WE STOPPED TO CHECK THE TIRES AND THEY WERE FINE. IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN WIND SHEER BECAUSE THERE WAS VERY LITTLE WIND. THERE WERE NO POTHOLES IN THE ROAD. AT THE TIME I THOUGHT THE CAR TO MY RIGHT MIGHT HAVE HIT A ROCK OR SOMETHING AND SENT IT SLIDING INTO MY PATH. I SUPPOSE THAT'S A POSSIBILITY, BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING BEHIND ME IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, SO I THINK IT'S UNLIKELY. I'M WONDERING IF A MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL OCCURRED THERE HAS BEEN NO RECURRENCE. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
STRUCTURE,TIRES
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A TOYOTA RAV-4 SPORT IN JANUARY 2009. IT IS A V-6 WITH THE RUN FLAT TIRES. IN JULY, I PURCHASED A NEW, VERY EXPENSIVE COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINE--ONE THAT I HAD HOPED TO BE ABLE TO BUY FOR A LONG, LONG TIME. IT WAS JUST OVER $1400.00. I PLACED IT IN THE BACK OF MY RAV AND DROVE HOME. I SWUNG OPEN THE TAILGATE, NOT THINKING I HAD TO PEAK INSIDE FIRST. THE SEWING MACHINE FELL RIGHT OUT OF THE CAR UNTO THE CEMENT GARAGE FLOOR. I WAS DEVASTATED. THEN I THOUGHT HOW LUCKY I WAS THAT MY FOOT OR MY SMALL DOG WAS NOT INJURED. A TODDLER OR AN INFANT IN AN INFANT SEAT WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I REMAIN CONCERNED ABOUT THE COMPUTER IN MY SEWING MACHINE. MY HUSBAND, KNOWING HOW UPSET I WAS, AND SEEING THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, CUT A 2X4 AND WEDGED IT IN ALONG THE EDGE, THUS PREVENTING MY GROCERIES AND EVERYTHING ELSE FROM FALLING RIGHT OUT OF THE CAR AS I OPENED THE DOOR. THE OTHER CONCERN I HAVE ABOUT THIS CAR IS THAT THERE ARE NO RUN-FLAT SNOW TIRES AVAILABLE AND WE LIVE IN AN AREA THAT IS HILLY, WITH A LOT OF SNOW. THE SO-CALLED, "ALL-WEATHER," DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH TREAD FOR OUR TERRAIN. *TR
Dec 05, 2009
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
AN EMERGENCY STOP FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS (65 MPH) ON HOT (85+F) DRY PAVEMENT RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN EXPECTED BRAKING CAPACITY. BEST GUESS IS THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM THROTTLED BACK AVAILABLE BRAKING CAPACITY. BRAKE PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR AT WILL BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TAKES OVER BRAKING. THE BRAKES CANNOT BE IMMEDIATELY RELEASED AND ADDITIONAL PRESSURE (BRAKING) CANNOT BE APPLIED. *TR
Oct 01, 2009
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 2009 TOYOTA RAV4, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your TOYOTA dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 have?
The 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 currently has 323 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 2009 TOYOTA RAV4?
The most common problems reported for the 2009 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 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 2009 TOYOTA RAV4?
You can report safety problems with your 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
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