2011 TOYOTA RAV4 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
281
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
37 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UMANSKY TOYOTA (1357 RICHMOND ROAD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22911) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,719.
Jan 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND SLOWING DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UMANSKY TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 1357 RICHMOND RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22911, (434) 509-4870) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO DRIVER ERROR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,639.
Jan 07, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT IT CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PUENTE HILLS TOYOTA (17070 GALE AVE, HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA 91745, 877) 692-4047) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,608.
Jun 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (BENARDI TOYOTA 1626 WORCESTER ROAD, FRAMINGHAM, MA, 01702) WAS CONTACTED AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000. UPDATED 10/18/17*LJ *TR
Aug 14, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE AT 30 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED RANDOMLY. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
May 30, 2017
+ 32 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
30 complaints
ALL WINDOWS BESIDES THE WINDSHIELD HAVE WATER SPOT BUILDUP. WE HAD THEM PROFESSIONALLY REMOVED IN JUNE OF 2014. 5 YEARS LATER THE SPOTS ARE BUILDING UP AGAIN. THAT WOULD BE AT 36,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN AT 90,000 MILES.
Aug 19, 2019
DRIVER VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION. THE VISOR WILL FALL DONE "WHILE DRIVING" THE VEHICLE BLOCKING THE DRIVERS VIEW OF THE ROAD CAUSING DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE VEHICLE OPERATION.
Jun 06, 2019
DRIVERS SIDE VISOR WON'T STAY UP WHICH CAUSES A VISIBILITY ISSUE. THERE'S A RECALL ON THE CAMRY S BUT NOT ON THE RAV4 AND SAME PART. I SAW ANOTHER PERSON REPORTED SAME ISSUE. THE DEALER IS QUOTING $170 PLUS TO FIX. I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS VISOR FOR A YEAR NOT T EVEN REALIZING IT IS SOMETHING THAT WAS A RECALL FOR ANOTHER MODEL. I FEEL TOYOTAS DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE FIXED OR OFFER A LOWER RATE TO FIX ISSUE.
Jan 21, 2019
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY VEHICLE FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH SCOTT CLARK TOYOTA ON 13000 E INDEPENDENCE BLVD, MATTHEWS, NC 28105. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT DO THE RECALL UNLESS I PAID THEM OVER $400 TO REPLACE ANOTHER PART IN THE WIPERS. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLES WIPERS AND TOLD I DID NOT NEED THE PART REPLACED JUST DO THE RECALL. THEY REFUSED. SO, TO DATE MY RECALL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THEY GAVE ME NO PAPERWORK TO CORROBORATE MY CLAIM.
Mar 10, 2018
I HAVE CALLED AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALERS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY PROMISED TO CALL ME BACK ONCE THEY HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR BUT THEY NEVER CALLED ME BACK. IT HAS BEEN FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS.
Feb 26, 2018
+ 25 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
15 complaints
Unknown
Feb 23, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE DEALER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND ORDER THE PART, BUT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A MASSIVE BACK ORDER FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Nov 07, 2016
I TOOK CAR TWICE AND NOBODY BEEN ABLE TO HELP 'ME EVERTIME THEY TELL ME TO COME BACK BECAUSE THEY DONT THE EQUIMENT OR THEY DONT HAVE TIME.. THIS HAPPEND AT A ROCKVILLE/GAITHERBURG LOCATION.
Oct 01, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT 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 AND VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE RESPECTIVELY.
Sep 02, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER) 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 REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Aug 17, 2016
+ 10 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
15 complaints
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking differential fluid. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contract was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the viscous coupling unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Sep 10, 2021
REAR AXLE SEALS FAILED DUE TO CLOGGED DIFFERENTIAL VENT. CAR HAS 93K MILES ON IT. THE VENT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH AND CAN'T BE CLEANED EASILY. ALSO IT COSTS $1300 TO FIX IT.
Dec 17, 2019
TRANSMITION HAS A GRINDING NOISE WHILE IN 3RD GEAR. THIS IS HAPPENING IN THE OTHER 3 RAV-4 THAT I HAVE. HAPPENING AT 90,000 TO 105,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER
Jun 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 TO 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HEISER TOYOTA (11301 W METRO AUTO MALL, MILWAUKEE, WI 53224, (414) 357-2100) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD PAY HALF OF THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
May 16, 2019
2011 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SOMETIMES SHIFT ERRATICALLY AND HARD. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JS
Apr 04, 2018
+ 10 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
15 complaints
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS & PUT IT ON THE BRAKE 2 SLOW DOWN BECAUSE I WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT & THE BRAKE WOULD NOT WORK. I REPEATEDLY TRIED THE BRAKE WITH NO LUCK, I ENDED UP HITTING A UTILITY BOX ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE INTERSECTION.
Dec 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Mar 18, 2019
THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN HAVING TO BRAKE SUDDENLY DRIVING ON A STREET IN THE RAIN. TRAFFIC WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR AND I HAD ENOUGH SPACE BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT TO BRAKE. THE ABS SYSTEM DID NOT WORK AND BRAKING HAD ZERO AFFECT ON SLOWING DOWN MY CAR WHICH MADE ME HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.
Dec 17, 2018
2011 TOYOTA RAV4 BRAKES HAVE NOT MUCH STOPPING POWER. BRAKE PEDAL HAS TO BE PRESSED VERY HARD. THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED WITH OTHER BRAND (WAGNER), BUT STILL THERE IS THE SAME ISSUE. THE BRAKING POWER OF RAV4 IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THE OTHER CARS. IT FEELS THAT ONLY FRONT BRAKES DO THE WORK. BRAKE PERFORMANCE IS INCONSISTENT. COMPARE TO OTHER CARS, MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 FEELS LIKE HAVE NO BRAKES. BRAKE PERFORMANCE OF 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 IS POOR AND INCONSISTENT. WHEN CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE FOR A WEEK, THERE IS SO MUCH RUST ACCUMULATED ON BRAKE ROTORS, THAT THE CAR IS SHAKING DURING BRAKING. SHAKING TYPICALLY DISAPPEARS AFTER TWO DAYS OF DRIVING, BUT THE ROTORS ARE STILL RUSTED AND PITTED.
May 03, 2016
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT SLOW SPEED UNDER 20 MPH IN SNOW THERE IS NO BRAKING ACTION AND THE CAR ROLLS TO A STOP. THE BRAKES ACT AS IF THEY ARE NOT WORKING AT ALL. I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH MULTIPLE DRIVING SCHOOLS. EVEN WHEN YOU LET OFF THE BRAKES AND REAPPLY IT'S AS IF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN DISABLED. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT MAKES FOR A DIFFICULT STOP IN SNOW. I KNOW HOW ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WORK THESE ARE NOT. ON DRY PAVEMENT I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES.
Mar 01, 2016
+ 10 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
11 complaints
A lot oil consumption from oil change to 1000 miles 4 quarts of oil consumption no warning light until car stops I’m been charging oil every 4 k miles now I have to check oil every day is been almost 4years with this problem
Dec 04, 2024
The car had 115,000 miles on the engine and was just at 3,000 miles post oil change. Making a left turn over oncoming traffic the car died. Barely missed having an accident. As the car sat it did restart. No lights on the dash for engine issues. Drove 2 miles directly to my mechanic. The car had half a quart of oil remaining! Car now closely monitored burns 1/2 quart every 500 miles and more if highway driven.
Feb 25, 2022
Making a left hand turn across traffic and the car completely shut down. Restarted car. A mile later making a right turn and the car completely shut down. Took the car to my mechanic and they had it fail 3X while turning. Only 2000 miles since last oil change I had less than a quart of oil remaining. Oil burning / consumption put me and others at serious risk for a car accident.
Dec 15, 2021
JUST PURCHASED 2011 RAV4 WITH 104K MILES AND SOON FOUND OUT IT HAS A BAD CAM GEAR! APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR THIS YEAR! OF COURSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY AT THIS MILEAGE! SHOCKED LIKE EVERYONE ELSE TO FIND OUT THIS WASN'T RECALLED BY TOYOTA. THEY NEED TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS KNOWN FAULTY PART! NOT HAPPY WITH MY FIRST TOYOTA!
Feb 02, 2020
SEVERAL CARS HAVE HAD A CAMSHAFT TIMING GEAR ASSEMBLY PROBLEM SINCE DAY 1. SO MANY PEOPLE BACK 10 YEARS AGO HAD THE PROBLEM AND STORIES OF ENGINEERS BEING CALLED IN TO DIAGNOSE IT FILL THE NET. HOW DO WE NOW 11 YEARS IN KNOW THAT WHILE THE CAMSHAFT GEAR WAS IN NEED OF R/R THAT ENGINE DAMAGE OF ANY KIND DIDN'T OCCUR? T-SB-0041-13 HAS BEEN REVISED SO MANY TIMES IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT THIS HAS NOT BECOME A FULL FLEDGED RECALL.
Aug 19, 2019
+ 6 more complaints for this component
STEERING
10 complaints
Electric power steering problem, steering wheel is very stiff and wont return to center ,car is very difficult to drive, I have read that nhtsa issued some safety recalls on 2011 toyota rav4 related to this mfg. defect in the circut board -ecu -electronic control unit in the electric power steering , I purchased this used car on 9/17/2025 .I am taking it to Toyota dealer 10/9/2025
Oct 03, 2025
In hot weather the steering wheel sticks and is hard to turn and will not allow car to straighten up after the turn.
Aug 30, 2023
There has not been an incident yet. The problem is that the steering is slightly stiff and what I would call jerky. It kind of sticks as you turn and you have to exert a little more pressure on the steering wheel and it lets go and moves on to where you wanted. It is not intermittent and it is getting worse all the time. The car has 74,000 miles on it. Is there a danger of this locking up some day to where a person would loose control of the car, or is it just an aggravating nuisance ? The exact date this started is not known but it has probably been at least 18 months. It is the worst at slow speeds.
Jun 06, 2023
Steering : Steering is tight to a point where it takes effort to get the steering wheel to turn . I tried adjusting the column up and down . It may ease the problem temporally , but it returns .
Jul 31, 2022
THERE IS A DASH BOARD ALARM INDICATING LOST OF POWER STEERING. JUST RECENTLY HAPPENED TODAY AT 4PM. 5/27/18. I READ ARTICLES ONLINE ABOUT RECALLS ON LOST POWER STEERING ON CERTAIN TOYOTA MODEL, WHY THIS CAR HAS NOT RECEIVED THE RECALL. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CAR FOR SAFETY REASON.
May 27, 2018
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
9 complaints
The contact's sister owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the dealer performed the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V096000(Seat Belts); however, after the recall repair, the seat belts became inoperable. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a diagnostic fee was required. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Jul 29, 2025
Driver's side rear passenger seat belt keeps getting jammed in the intake storage and hard to nearly impossible to engage. Had it fixed a few times but passengers continue to have difficulty pulling the seat belt from its storage position.
Jun 12, 2023
I RECEIVED A LETTER SAYING THAT I HAD A RECALL ON THE REAR OUTWARD SEAT BELT. I CALLED ON 7/25/16 AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE A REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THE REP THAT THE LETTER SOUNDED LIKE THEY HAD A SOLUTION "DEALER WILL INSTALL PLASTIC COVERS OVER THE METAL SEAT FRAME." THE REP INFORMED ME THAT ALTHOUGH A SOLUTION WAS FOUND, THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART. I CALLED ON 8/10/16 AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT IN. I CALLED ON 10/6/16..SAME THING...PARTS ARE NOT IN. NOT SURE WHY IT TAKES 3 MONTHS TO GET THIS PART. I THINK MY CAR ALSO HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE WIPER MOTOR AND I NEVER HEARD BACK REGARDING THAT EITHER.
Oct 06, 2016
HERB CHAMBERS TOYOTA OF BOSTON 32 BRIGHTON AVENUE, BOSTON, MA 02134 (617) 787-1700 REFUSES TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO REMEDY THIS RECALL NOTICE. I CALLED TO REQUEST IT AND THEY TRANSFERRED ME TO SALES. AS SOON AS I SAID I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE AND SAID I WANTED TO SCHEDULE SERVICE FOR A RECALL REMEDY, THEY DISCONNECTED ME. WHEN I CALLED BACK, I HAD TO DESCRIBE AND RE-DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM OVER AND OVER AND THEY KEPT TRANSFERRING ME AROUND TO VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, STATING THEY THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REMEDY SERVICE. THEY KEPT INSISTING ON TRANSFERRING ME TO SALES, WHERE AGAIN THEY TRIED TO SELL ME A NEW VEHICLE AND DISCONNECTED ME WHEN I SAID I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE.
Sep 19, 2016
THE SEAT BELTS, ESPECIALLY THE REAR SEAT BELTS, WHEN PULLED OUT QUICKLY OFTEN WILL KINK IN THE MECHANISM WHERE THEY ENTER THE CAR BODY. THIS CAUSES THEM TO SEIZE AND NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND RENDERS THEM USELESS. I HAVE HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT WEBBING IN ORDER TO FREE THE BELT IN ORDER FOR IT TO RETRACT. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY OVER THE LAST YEAR
Aug 24, 2016
+ 4 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaints
Everything working
May 18, 2024
I was Driving down the road, and the engine quit. At that time smoke started pouring out of the hood and into the car, through the vents. I pulled over, the power breaks no longer worked but I was able to stop. I got out of the car quickly to avoidmore smoke inhalation. Flames were already starting to come out. Within a few minutes the entire car was engulfed in fire. Possibly the fuel line had a problem. Car was a total loss. Police were present. there were no warning lights or symptoms before hand. It was the best car I ever had and was working perfectly.
Feb 16, 2022
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR NO LONGER STAYS UP SECURELY. IT WILL SOMETIMES REMAIN PROPPED UP UNTIL IT FALLS DOWN JUST GOING OVER A SLIGHTLY UNEVEN ROAD SERVICE. IT STARTLES THE DRIVER AND SOMETIMES BLOCKS THE DRIVER'S VISION DEPENDING UPON THE GRADE OF THE ROADWAY. TOYOTA CHARGES A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT TO REPAIR IT
Oct 26, 2019
UP UNTIL LAST SUNDAY, MY MOTHER HAD DRIVEN A 2011 RAV 4. ON SUNDAY, AS SHE WAS DRIVING, THE CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR USING THE BRAKE, OR BY TRYING TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. SHE WAS ON A 2 LANE ROAD, WITH TRAFFIC IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. IN ORDER NOT TO INJURE ANYONE ELSE, SHE DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND SUBSEQUENTLY STRUCK A TREE. SHE SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES RY, AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED.
Jun 30, 2018
2011 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CAR HACKING ISSUE. *LD
Mar 15, 2017
+ 4 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
9 complaints
I bought my RAV4 in May 2018, and it currently has just under 100,000 miles. My local mechanic says he "was kneeling on the driver's seat while reinstalling the center console after replacing the e-brake cable, when the side curtain air bags deployed!" He is frantic as this has never happened before, and his shop insurance won't cover the replacement costs. I know that insurance companies tend to "total" cars after air bags have deployed. Have you ever heard of such an incident with the recalled 2011 RAV4 air bags?
Mar 01, 2024
Side curtain airbag failed to deploy in side-impact crash. Passenger suffered significant concussion and broken ribs.
Oct 29, 2023
MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 35+ MILES PER HOUS WHEN I INADVERTENTLY HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHO HAD SLOWED SIGNIFICANTLY TO 25 MPH OR LESS. BOTH VEHICLES SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGES AS SEEN IN PHOTOS
Jul 23, 2019
TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL
Nov 14, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING THE AIR BAGS. THE PARTS HAD NOT BEEN SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO THE DEALER FOR OVER A YEAR. THE DEALER KEPT STATING THAT THEY WOULD CALL, BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. THE VIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Apr 11, 2017
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaints
I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2013. SINCE THEN, I HAVE REPLACED 3 BATTERIES AS THE SHOP'S ADVICE THAT MY INTERMITTENT NO-START MUST BE CAUSED BY THE BATTERY. IT HAS BEEN TO TWO DELAERSHIPS AS WELL AS A PRIVATE SHOP. NO ONE CAN DIAGNOSE WHY MY CAR WILL BE OPERATING FINE AND THEN INTERMITTENTLY GO TO START MY CAR AND NOTHING. ALTERNATOR AND STARTER ALSO HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND STATED ARE FINE. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS IN SEARCHING ABOUT MY CAR, ISSUES WITH INTERMITTENT BATTERY ISSUES, I AM NOT LEAVING ANYTHING PLUGGED IN, MAKING SURE LIGHTS ALL GO OFF. CAR WILL START FINE, WILL GO TO A STORE OR SOMETHING. COME BACK OUT AND DEAD. I CAN'T EVEN LEAVE MY DOORS OPEN FOR 10 MINUTES SAY IF I AM CLEANING IT OUT WITHOUT IT GOING DEAD. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT HAS HAD THIS KIND OF ISSUE, IF I EVER DID HAVE A BATTERY ISSUE WITH OTHER VEHICLES IT WAS BECAUSE SOMETHING GOT LEFT ON. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT NO ONE CAN DETERMINE WHY THIS OVER YEARS HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN INTERMITTENTLY AN ISSUE. IT HASN'T THANKFULLY HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING, IT IS LITERALLY MORE JUST LEFT ME STRANDED UNTIL HELP COMES TO JUMP START IT. IT WORKS FOR A WHILE, THEN LIKE IN THIS RECENT CASE, TWICE, IN ONE WEEK'S TIME, HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM STARTING IT, MAKING EITHER A LONG TRIP OR SHORT TRIP, AND GO TO START TO GO ON TO NEXT DESTINATION AND NO START.
Apr 21, 2020
MY BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD 3 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 2014. THE DEALER PUT IN A NEW BATTERY AT THE TIME I BOUGHT THE CAR. IN EACH CASE, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THE BATTERY "FAILED THE LOAD TEST". EACH TIME THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY FREE, SAYING IT WAS STILL UNDER 100% WARRANTY. MY CAR HAD 56,000 MILES WHEN I BOUGHT IT. IT NOW HAS 117,000. I TOOK THE CAR RECENTLY TO TWO INDEPENDENT TOYOTA MECHANICS WHO ALSO COULD FIND NOTHING ABOUT THE CAR WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE BATTERY FAILURE. THE CAR HAS NEVER FAILED TO START WHEN I TAKE IT OUT OF THE GARAGE. IT FAILS WHEN I HAVE PARKED SOMEPLACE AND NEED TO START IT AGAIN. I DRIVE THE CAR ALMOST EVERY DAY, SO THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF A DRAIN CAUSED BY THE CAR'S COMPUTER. THUS FAR THE BATTERY FAILURE HAS OCCURRED IN THE CITY WHERE I LIVE. WHEN THE BATTERY IS RECHARGED BY AAA AFTER I FAIL TO RESTART THE CAR, I AM ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR HOME AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. I HAVE NO PROBLEM STARTING THE CAR FOR THIS TRIP. MY ONLY SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM IS TO BUY A GB40 TO CHARGE THE NEXT TIME I HAVE A BATTERY FAILURE, WHICH WILL BE MY FOURTH FREE ONE!
May 25, 2019
BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON 1) WHEN DRIVING AND BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT BEING PUSHED DOWN, AND 2) WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY, AS WHEN IT IS PARKED AND NOBODY IS INSIDE THE CAR.
Mar 12, 2019
RADIO DISPLAY BECOMES UNREADABLE AND RADIO TURNS OFF IF I TRY TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL.
Dec 06, 2018
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY TOYOTA RAV 4 IN 2011, BRAND NEW, MY HUSBAND STATED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE AND LOCK WHEN HE LOCKED THE CAR. HE SAID IT DIDN'T MATTER IF THE CAR WAS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. HE KEPT STATING HE WAS GOING TO TAKE IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BEFORE HIS WARRANTY RAN OUT. UNFORTUNATELY, HE GOT VERY SICK AND PASSED AWAY IN 2014. NOW THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT LOCK AT ALL, WHETHER IT IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. THIS PROBLEM MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE AT ALL TIMES.
Aug 12, 2018
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
9 complaints
REPLACED BOTH REAR CONTROL ARMS AND ADJUSTMENT BOLTS. TECHNICIAN SAID I WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN DRIVING. SUPPOSEDLY WHEN ALIGNING MY TIRES - THE SCREWS SHOWED RUSTY AND BROKE OFF. PAID $900 TO HAVE REPLACED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN A CAR LIKE TOYOTA. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF MY VEHICLE.
Feb 20, 2020
WHILE TURNING RIGHT TO GO DOWN THE NEXT AISLE IN A PARKING LOT MY PASSENGER REAR TIE ROD AKA CONTROL ARM BROKE AT THE FACTORY WELD! I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD BY NUMEROUS MECHANICS THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND IT'S A DEFECT. HAD I BEEN ON THE FREEWAY, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. I DRIVE A 2011 RAV4 WITH 104,000 MILES AND THESE HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER MY VIN# IS NOT ONE OF THE RECALLED ONES. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IS GOING TO CHARGE ME $600 TO REPLACE IT. I'M ASKING FOR THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE OTHER ONE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.
Oct 24, 2018
SUSPENSION: WHILE DRIVING IN THE INTERSTATE, I HEARD A "POP" AND THE SOUND OF SOMETHING SLIDING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE TOO THE BACK DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I THEN FELT THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE "WOBBLING" AND I HEARD A "CLUCKING AND RUBBING" SOUND. I MANAGED TO GET TO A REPAIR STATION, AND OBSERVED THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE LEANING INWARD AT THE TOP, AND IT HAD BEEN RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL AND A CORD. THE REPAIRMAN LOOKED IT OVER AND FOUND NO REASON FOR A BOLT THAT RANGED ABOUT 5-7 INCHES TO SHOOT OUT, RESULTING IN THE BACK WHEEL TO ALMOST FALL COMPLETELY OFF THAT WAY, AS THE UNDERCARRIAGE "LOOKED PRETTY GOOD." I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JUST OVER 3 MONTHS AGO FROM A CERTIFIED DEALER. THE CARFAX REPORTED NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS AND THE CAR WAS REPORTEDLY MAINTENANCE AS RECOMMENDED, (EVERY 3000 MILES). I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW. WHAT'S TO KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO THE OTHER THREE TIRES???
May 09, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCKS WERE LEAKING OIL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SHOCKS WERE NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
Sep 14, 2016
I BROUGHT MY CAR IN A FOR FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT BECUASE I REPLACED FOUR TIRES. THE REAR TIRES COULD NOT BE ALIGNED BECAUSE THE THE NUTS FOR ADJUSTING THE REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WERE FROZEN AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO BE ALIGNED, THE REAR TIRE ROD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED PER TOYOTA CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BACK IN AUGUST 2013 ( FOR 2006-2011 RAV4), HOWEVER, MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL THUS I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET IN ORDER TO FOR MY CAR TO BE ALIGNED CORRECTLY (REPLACED THE REAR ROD). I FEEL THAT THIS VIN AND OTHERS SHOULD HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE RECALL.
Jun 14, 2016
+ 4 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
8 complaints
Sudden acceleration when braking caused crash of 2011 Toyota RAV4 and driver injury. Making a right turn into a parking space that faces a concrete wall, I had my foot on the brake to slow the car down to park, going about five miles an hour. Still riding the brake, never having moved my foot off it, when I was about two feet from the wall I pressed on the brake to ease into a stop. Instead, the car suddenly accelerated with a loud rev and crashed into the wall. The car was going so fast the airbag deployed and thrust me against my seatbelt. Airbag caused fracture of 5th metacarpal in my right hand. Was unable to drive for 12 weeks. When I got the car back from the Toyota Body Shop ($9000+ in repairs), I took it over to the dealer and began filing a case with the Toyota Customer Experience Center to have Toyota inspect the car. I am especially concerned about the brake sensor system. Case is pending
Sep 01, 2023
When applying the brakes to stop at a stoplight, I noticed the brake pedal was very hard and was not stopping the vehicle as it normally did. The stop at the light was not a sudden stop. At the time this incident occurred, the brakes were being gradually applied as the vehicle was coasting to a slow stop. As the vehicle came to rest, the engine started to race with tachometer showing 4500 rpm. I placed the transmission into neutral fearing the car would accelerate through the stoplight. As I placed the car into neutral, the engine raced up to 6500 rpm. When the light turned green, I made a right turn into a parking lot, and the engine stopped racing and the brakes and engine began performing properly. Today was the first time this happened. The stop was being made on level ground at time of incident. The car's speed before the incident had been 35 mph and was at less than 5 mph when issue began happening. Prior to traveling in the 35 mph zone, the car had recently been on the highway traveling between 55-70 mph for 20 minutes. Mileage on vehicle is currently 141,295. The vehicle is available for inspection. Slow response braking and unintended acceleration place vehicle occupants as well as other vehicles at risk for collision and possible injury. Problem has not been reproduced nor inspected by a dealer or independent service station yet. No parties have inspected the vehicle yet. No warning lights or messages were generated at the time of the incident. There have been no prior symptoms or similar problems which would have indicated this brake/acceleration issue may occur.
May 13, 2023
WHEN BACKING UP,MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 ACCELERATED HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE MAN BEHIND HIS VEHICLE TO BE THROWN AND ALMOST RAN HIM OVER. HE WAS TAKEN AWAY IN AN AMBULANCE. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND LICENSE SUSPENDED.THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE STOPPED MY VEHICLE. WEBSITES I HAVE LOOKED AT FOR THAT YEAR SEEMS TO CONFIRM BRAKING AND UNINTENDED BRAKE AND ACCELERATION ACCIDENTS.
Jun 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (BERLIN CITY TOYOTA OF PORTLAND, 191 RIVERSIDE ST #A, PORTLAND, ME 04103; (207) 835-3452), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Sep 15, 2017
I HAD 3 INCIDENTS OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (UA) WITH MY 2011 RAV4 WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF EACH OTHER IN MAR/APR 2014, 1 RESULTING IN A MINOR ACCIDENT. A COMPLAINT WAS MADE WITH NHTSA AT THAT TIME. I WENT THRU TOYOTA'S COMPLAINT PROCEDURE, INCLUDING INSPECTION BY THEIR FIELD TECHNICIAN. THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON DEC 4 & 12TH, 2014, I EXPERIENCED 2 MORE UA INCIDENTS. EACH TIME I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION & I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, BUT MY VEHICLE KEPT MOVING FORWARD, AND I COULD HEAR THE MOTOR REVVING UP VERY LOUDLY. I HAD LEARNED FROM THE PREVIOUS 3 EXPERIENCES LAST SPRING TO KEEP A DISTANCE BEHIND VEHICLES WHENEVER POSSIBLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP, SO AS TO AVOID RAMMING INTO THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME BY VEERING TO EITHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IF POSSIBLE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE AFRAID EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY RAV4, BUT I AM. MY RAV4 HAS ONLY 20500 MILES ON IT AND IS LIKE NEW. IT MAKES ME LIVID THAT TOYOTA CAN JUST IGNORE/DENY THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY AFTER SEEING ALL OF THE OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REGARDING UA ON THE NHTSA SITE...KIND OF LIKE GENERAL MOTORS COVERING UP THEIR LITTLE IGNITION PROBLEM FOR 10 YEARS, WHILE SO MANY PEOPLE WERE INJURED OR DIED. *TR
Dec 15, 2014
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
6 complaints
FACTORY ORIGINAL SUPER WHITE PAINT IS DELAMINATING FROM THE BODY OF THE FRONT PANEL RIGHT PANEL (PASSENGER SIDE) AS WELL AS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER RIGHT OF WINDSHIELD, CURRENTLY, EXPOSING THE GREY METAL. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF A PROBLEM, BUT THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT DECIDED ON A SOLUTION.
Jan 01, 2020
SINCE 2015 THE PAINT STARTED PEELING, MY RAV4 HAS BLIZZARD PEARL WHITE COLOR, EVERYTHING THATS METAL HAS BEEN PEELING AND LIFTING. THE PROBLEM BEGAN IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE SUNROOF. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS SPREAD ALL OVER THE VEHICLES, EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPER.
Oct 24, 2019
PAINT, IN A 18 INCH LONG / 5 INCH WIDE PATCH, HAS LOST IT'S CLEAR COAT. EXPENSIVE DETAILING WAS ABLE TO POLISH THE SPOT BUT THE DULLNESS RETURNED WITHIN ONE MONTH.
Aug 19, 2019
WHILE WASHING WITH A MICROFIBER CLOTH AND GARDEN HOSE WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES AND ONLY 4 YEARS OLD BLIZZARD PEARL PAINT IS PEELING OFF IN LARGE CHUNKS. 1.5 YEARS OUT OF WARRANTY. TOYOTA WILL NOT MAKE THIS RIGHT. I REALIZE SAFETY MAY NOT BE EMINENT BUT IN THE LONG RUN RUSTED METAL WILL LEAK WATER IN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.
Dec 02, 2015
THE 5TH (BACK OF VEHICLE) DOOR LATCH COMPLETELY FAILED AND WOULD NOT HOLD DOOR CLOSED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE TO THE DOOR. THE LATCH INSIDE SIMPLY FAILED. I HAD TO TIE THE DOOR CLOSED TO GET IT TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR. *TR
Oct 14, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
TIRES
4 complaints
235/55R 18 I took my car for a tire rotation at a tire shop. I was told that the right front tire was not good so I asked to be replace with another new tire I had, which was exactly the same Yokohama tire my car had on. When I drove off the shop the tire started making a weird loud noise so I drove back to the shop. They switch the tire to the rear and there I noticed that was a different tire, not the new tire I have provided them. I asked the guys where my tire was and why they had switched it with an old-use worn tire. They denied doing so and refused to give me back my tire. Besides putting a used-worn out tire, the tire also has a different speed rate than the rest of my tires. Since it is raining in Houston and having different speed tires is itself dangerous, I found this improper and in disregard of putting my safety in danger. My tire was a Yokohama Brand; The shop switched it to a worn-used Dimax brand with a different speed.
Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota RAV4 equipped with Kelly Tires (Brand Unknown), Tire Size: 225/65/R17 DOT NUMBER: (Unknown). The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, her tire pressure warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact stated that she would frequently add air to her front, driver side tire as the air pressure would frequently run low. The tire had yet to be replaced. The tire was a replacement tire. The tire failure mileage was approximately 3,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Sep 01, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV 4 EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR TIRE LINE SIZE: 225/65/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED DUE TO A PUNCTURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DOT AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *TR
Dec 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA TIRES, SIZE P225/65/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ONE OF THE TIRES EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT SAW THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SIDEWALL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP BECAUSE THERE WERE EXTERIOR DAMAGES TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FENDER, BUMPER, FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TRIM AND THE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE AND LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE TIRE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR ALL FOUR TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,985.
Oct 15, 2012
WHEELS
4 complaints
Spare tire rear mount cover. The cover is made out of metal and fabric. After a few years the thread holding the material that holds the cover on deteriorates causing the metal cover to fall off. This happens while driving the car having the paint matched metal disk to fall off while driving leaving a tire sized metal disk bouncing around in traffic endangering other cars and drivers. Thread and zipper need to be made out of a better material or a hard latched metal band could be used to hold it on like many other manufacturers do.
Sep 03, 2022
HAVE HAD TWO (2) OCCURRENCES OF LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE DUE TO RUST PERFORATION OF THE WHEELS. THERE IS A GROOVE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL THAT RETAINS WATER, RESULTING IN RUST PERFORATION. REPLACEMENT OF TWO WHEELS HAS BEEN REQUIRED. WHEELS ARE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT 17" STEEL WHEELS. AIR LOSS OCCURRED BOTH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BEING DRIVEN. AIR LOSS WAS NOT CATASTROPHIC, BUT REPLENISHMENT WAS REQUIRED MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.
Jan 27, 2018
EXPERIENCING SLOW TIRE LEAKS, WENT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL SINCE THE "WHEEL BASE" IS STAINLESS STEEL AND OVERTIME RUST CREATES A PROBLEM THAT FACILITATES SLOW LEAKS AND THE SOLUTIONS IS TO CHANGE THE WHEEL BASE TO AN ALUMINUM WHEEL BASE. THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE TO ME AND THE SOLUTION IS VERY COSTLY, THERE HAS TO BE AN MORE REASONALBE SOLUTION
Oct 05, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE WHEELS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Aug 18, 2016
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON ENTIRE OWNERSHIP ALONG WITH SEATBELT LIGHT FLASHING FOR PASSENGER SEATBELT. WHETHER BUCKLED OR UNBUCKLED. OR EVEN WHEN NOBODY IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. CONSTANT ISSUE WHETHER STATIONARY, IN MOTION, AND ON HIGHWAYS/CITY STREETS.
Apr 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LUGOFF TOYOTA (878 US-1, LUGOFF, SC 29078) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT OCCUPANT COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Dec 21, 2018
WE RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICES NHTSA 16V-096 AND 15V-577 STATING WE WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN A REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE PARTS CAME IN (THEY HAD TO BE ORDERED). I HAVE CONTACTED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER WHO SAID THAT WOULD CHECK INTO THE MATTER AS TOO MUCH TIME HAS ELAPSED IN THIS REPAIR PROCESS AND THEY WOULD ALSO CONTACT ME. NEITHER THE DEALER OR CORPORATE HAS FOLLOWED TROUGH WITH THE REPAIR PARTS OR REPAIRS. I STILL CANNOT GET THE RECALLED REPAIRS COMPLETED. I DON'T TRUST CORPORATE TOYOTA OR THEIR DEALERSHIP IN THEIR HANDLING OF THESE RECALLS. I DEMAND THAT NHYSA INVESTIGATE AND REPORT TO ME THEIR FINDINGS.
Dec 05, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE REAR SEAT BELT SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Oct 13, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY DECLINED TO HELP UNLESS THE DEALER REPLICATED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.
Apr 26, 2016
WHEN BRAKING, SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED- SEEMS TO RESET BY LETTING UP ON BRAKE AND REAPPLYING. HAS HAPPENED ON VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND TYPES OF ROADS. WHILE OUT OF STATE DEALERSHIP REPLACE PURGE VALVE- SEEMED OK, BUT THEN ON 1/25/16 WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY HAD FOOT ON BRAKE AND FELT ENGINE RACING, PUT INTO PARK WITH RACING ENGINE, TURNED KEY OFF RESTARTED AND SEEMED OK HAD GARAGE CHECK COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING NO CODES SHOWING CURRENTLY BACK AT DEALERSHIP TO PUT ON THEIR COMPUTER. THIS IS AN ON-GOING ISSUE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT DOES NOT HAPPEN ON ANY REGULAR BASIS SO IT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED BY ANY GARAGE YET. PLEASE HELP
Jan 27, 2016
FOUR UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INCIDENTS HAS OCCURRED WITH MY TOYOTA RAV4. RECENT INCIDENTS ON 9/1415 (COLLEGE PARK, MD WHEN BRAKE APPLIED AT A RED LIGHT WITH VEHICLE AHEAD; PASSENGER/WITNESS IN CAR). HIGH RPM AND ENGINE REV OCCURRED; BOTH FEET ON BRAKE IN ATTEMPT TO KEEP CAR FROM ADVANCING; PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN PARK AND ENGINE STOPPED REVVING. AND ON 10/5/15 (DAMASCUS, MD WHEN BRAKE APPLIED AT STOP SIGN WITH VEHICLE AHEAD). BOTH FEET ON BRAKE, CAR TO NEUTRAL THEN TO PARK. ACTIONS DID NOT STOP ENGINE RPS. TURNED KEY TO TURN OFF VEHICLE. RUBBER MAT (ON TOP OF TOYOTA CARPET MATS) WAS REMOVED BEFORE LEAVING THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER ON 9/15/15. PROVING ON 10-5-15 THAT THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM IS NOT A RESULT OF FLOOR MATS WHICH TOYOTA WOULD LIKE EVERYONE TO BELIEVE. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO DARCAR FREDERICK MD TO FILED SECOND INCIDENT REPORT ON MONDAY, 10/12/15 (DELAY BECAUSE I LEFT ON TRAVEL 10/5/15). INTENT WILL BE TO DETERMINE TRADE-IN VALUE OF CAR AND MOST LIKELY PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT'S TIME THAT TOYOTA RECOGNIZE UNINTENDED ACCCELERATION PROBLEMS WITH THEIR RAV4S.
Oct 11, 2015
CAME TO STOP SIGN AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES - THE ENGINE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND MOVE THE CAR FORWARD. HAD TO PUT MY FOOT HARD ON THE BRAKES AND PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL - AND THE ENGINE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN A TWO WEEK PERIOD THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS EXPECTED WITH NO PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, IT IS A VERY SCARY SITUATION. I CHECKED THE FLOOR MAT AND IT WAS ANCHORED CORRECTLY AND AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATOR. AND "NO" MY FOOT DID NOT SLIP FROM THE BRAKE TO THE GAS PEDDLE. I HAD BOTH FEET HARD ON THE BRAKE TO AVOID JOLTING FORWARD AND HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Feb 20, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
3 complaints
I understand there is a recall on Rav4 starting fire from 2013. Our vehicle is a 2011 and started on fire in our driveway and is a total loss. May need to include other years.
Sep 23, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION, ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GARY FORCE HONDA (2325 SCOTTSVILLE RD, BOWLING GREEN, KY 42104) WHERE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE TRACTION, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE SENSORS. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND FLIPPED OVER, LANDING UPSIDE DOWN. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT; HOWEVER, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED AT THE SCENE FOR MINOR CUTS TO HER FACE. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE HOSPITAL THE NEXT DAY FOR CHECK UP, DESPITE BOTH THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER EXPERIENCING SORENESS DUE TO THE ACCIDENT, NO MAJOR INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT JUNK YARD. THE MANUFACTURER NOR A TOYOTA DEALER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. *DT*LN*JB*JB
Aug 06, 2020
ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I PACKED MY CAR TO GO ON VACATION. I PUT THE DOG IN THE CAR AND RETURNED TO MY HOUSE TO GET SOMETHING. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE CAR, IT WAS LOCKED. I ASSUMED I HAD INADVERTENTLY PUSHED THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE REMOTE SO IGNORED IT. OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS, THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE FREQUENTLY. ON JULY 6, 2015, MY MOTHER AND I WENT TO WALMART. I WENT IN AND SHE STAYED IN THE CAR. WHEN I RETURNED THE DOOR WAS LOCKED AND SHE COULD NOT OPEN IT WITH THE POWER DOOR LOCK ON THE DOOR, SO I HAD TO USE MY REMOTE. TODAY, I WAS TAKING THINGS OUT OF THE REAR COMPARTMENT AND THE KEYS WERE HANGING IN THE DOOR TO THE HOUSE. I HEARD THE CAR DOOR LOCK ITSELF. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WE COULD OPEN THE DOOR AND WATCH IT LOCK ITSELF IN LESS THAN ONE MINUTE OF BEING OPENED. DURING THAT TIME, THE INSIDE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK TO OPEN THE DOOR, IT WOULD ONLY OPEN WITH THE REMOTE OR THE MANUAL DOOR LOCK. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS ME TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR INSPECTION TOMORROW, BUT TOYOTA CORPORATE WILL NOT ASSURE ME THAT I WON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE OF THE RAV4 AND THEY SHOULD BE WILLING TO DIAGNOSE THIS FOR FREE. IF THEY DON'T, I WILL NOT TAKE THE CAR IN. I TOLD THEM I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE AND COULD INVOLVE CHILDREN GETTING LOCKED IN A CAR WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR (IF THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE THE MANUAL LOCK). ...UPDATED 09/11/15 *BF UPDATED 10/13/15*JS
Jul 15, 2015
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
when i driving around 50 miles the car is producing a grinding noise, stalling and reducing the speed, putting in danger the cars driving behind us. that kind of fail is on and off.
Nov 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REVVED EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, EXCESSIVE LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF NICHOLASVILLE (2100 LEXINGTON RD, NICHOLASVILLE, KY 40356, (859) 887-4200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Nov 28, 2017
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY INCREASED SPEED ON ITS OWN, I APPLIED BRAKES, THE BRAKING DID NOT SLOW THE CAR, THE CAR CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN SPEED, I THEN SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE NOISE ROARED LOUDLY, AND I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARD, THE CAR STOPPED, WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO ROAR LOUDLY FOR ANOTHER 30 SECONDS. *TR
Nov 14, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3 complaints
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK . HIT SOME TYPE OF DEBRIS IN ROAD HEARD A LOUD NOISE IMMEDIATELY SMELLED GASOLINE GAS TANK HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT. CONCERNED THAT THERE IS NO PROTECTION WHATEVER FOR GAS TANK .IT IS JUST THERE UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT . SEEMS LIKE THERE SHOULD BE A SKID PLATE OR SOME SORT OF PROTECTION FROM RUPTURE. *TR
Mar 26, 2014
WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WE GET AN OVERPOWERING SULFUR SMELL IN THE CABIN. *KB
Aug 17, 2011
I PURCHASED MY 2011 RAV4 ON 10/19/10, WITH 3 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AS OF 1/31/11 THE ODOMETER NOW READS 2605 MILES. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 1 WEEK I NOTICED THAT THE GAS CONSUMPTION WAS VERY HIGH. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HARRISBURG, PA WHICH IS ONLY 120 MILES FROM MY HOME IN PHILADELPHIA, PA AND BURNED A FULL TANK OF GAS UPON MY RETURN HOME. THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSE TO GET 28 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH EQUALS TO 420 MILES ON A 15 GALLON TANK. ALSO, I HAVE A 24 MILE ROUNDTRIP COMMUTE EACH DAY AND BY THE END OF THE WEEK MY TANK IS ALMOST EMPTY. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO SERVICE THE COMPLAINT BUT WAS TOLD, AS I SUSPECTED, THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. I AM FILLING THE TANK UP ON AVERAGE EVERY 4 DAYS. I ALSO NOTICE THAT AS I AM DRIVING, THE FUEL GAUGE NEEDLE IS MOVING DOWNWARD. NO ONE SEEMS TO TAKE MY COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY AND I AM ALWAYS FED THE STORY OF HOW WELL MADE AND SOPHISTICATED THAT THE ENGINE AND COMPONENTS ARE. I HAVE BEEN PURCHASING TOYOTA CERTIFIED USED VEHICLES FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY COMPLAINTS. THIS IS MY FIRST BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND I AM REGRETTING PURCHASING IT. I WANT THIS MATTER THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED BUT I AM ALWAYS TOLD THE SAME THING. I AM NOT A MATHEMATICIAN BUT I CAN COUNT AND MY 2011 RAV4 GAS MILEAGE IS HORRENDOUS. *TR
Jan 31, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
LATE MODEL TOYOTA RAV4'S FROM MY RESEARCH SEEM TO HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE EVAP CHARCOAL CANISTER REQUIRING REPLACEMENT (SEE NHTSB 10033407). MY CAR (ALTHOUGH NOT A 2009) HAS THE SAME EXACT OBD DIAGNOSTIC CODES LISTED IN THE BULLETIN ABOVE YET 2011 RAV4'S HAVEN'T BEEN LISTED WITH THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA WARRANTS THEM FOR 3 YEARS, 36K MILES BUT MOST SEEM TO FAIL JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY ENDS. MY 2011 RAV4, 4 CYL. WITH 51K MILES EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM 19 MONTHS (AND 46K MILES) AFTER MANUFACTURE (9/10) AND TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE SOLUTION IS A $1000+ REPAIR. ALL OTHER EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT ON MY CAR IS WARRANTED FOR UP TO 80K MILES OR 8 YRS AND IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. *TR
Dec 04, 2012
STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. CAR STARTED MOVING FORWARD. THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS PUSHING CAR FROM BEHIND. ENGINE REVVED UP AND WE WERE MOVING INTO THE INTERSECTION AND THE LIGHT WAS STILL RED. PUSHED VERY HARD ON BRAKE AND QUICKLY PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL. ENGINE REVVED TO ABOUT 6,500 RPM IN NEUTRAL, THEN BACK TO NORMAL.
Jan 18, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF SULFUR EXHAUST FUMES EMITTING INSIDE OF THE CABIN. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE ABLE TO SMELL THE STRONG ODOR. THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200.
Apr 28, 2011
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
After pressing the accelerator pedal, I released the pressure on the pedal because of traffic and the accelerator continued to accelerate. had to hold the brake pedal down and then shifted to Park and shutoff engine. When restarted the car operate normally. This has happened in the past and is very scary and unsafe. My internet research on problem shows that there have been two problems associated with this occurrence. One, accelerator trapped by floor mats and the second was because the accelerator pedal could "stick". The floor mats are secured by manufacture securing systems so it must be the in the sticking pedal. I am contacting Toyota but not optimistic...is there anything the NHTA can do for Toyota at least checking my car for a sticking accelerator pedal sticking. Finally, has there been any other reports of this happening?
Jun 26, 2024
VVTI GEAR..WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED THE ENGINE MAKES A LOUD RATTLING NOISE AS IF THERE IS NO OIL GETTING TO THE PISTONS
Aug 22, 2018
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
I have discovered that my 2011 rav4 is part of the NHTSA Recall No. : 16V-596 even thought my vin doesn't list it as being part of the recall. As I recently tried to get a rear wheel alignment done due to misaligned rear tires (bowing out). The 3rd party mechanic stated that doing a rear wheel alignment was impossible due to NHTSA Recall No. : 13V-383 repair/fix done by a Toyota dealer where epoxy resin was used to seal the right and left Rear Suspension Lower Arm No. 1 (“arm”) for looseness. The only way to complete the alignment safely would be to completely replace the right and left Rear Suspension Lower Arms. Which perfectly matches the required fixed from the newer NHTSA Recall No. : 16V-596 which remedies the improper temporary repair/fix done by the Toyota dealer to fix the earlier NHTSA Recall No. : 13V-383. As such the VIN range and manufacture date for the NHTSA Recall No. : 16V-596 likely need to be extended to cover all rav4 2011 models.
Jul 11, 2022
I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT A BIT "LOOSE" AT ANY RATE OF SPEED. I ALSO OBSERVED THAT MY R BACK SEAT SHAKES WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED(50 MPH +). MY VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 66K MILES ON IT. I MAINTAIN IT ACCORDING TO THE USER MANUAL. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN A FOR FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE REAR TIRES COULD NOT BE ALIGNED BECAUSE THE NUTS FOR ADJUSTING THE REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WERE FROZEN AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO BE ALIGNED, THE REAR TIRE ROD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BACK IN AUGUST 2013 ( FOR 2006-2011 RAV4), HOWEVER, MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL THUS I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET IN ORDER TO FOR MY CAR TO BE ALIGNED CORRECTLY (REPLACED THE REAR ROD). THIS IS THE 2ND REPORT I'VE SEEN ON THIS SITE FOR THE SAME ISSUE(FROZEN TOE) - SAME MODEL VEHICLE. IS THERE ANYTHING TO BE DONE TO GET THIS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY? THANK YOU. *TR
Sep 12, 2017
SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
DURING THE PAST SIX WEEKS MY 2011 RAV4 HAS ACCELERATED AFTER LIFTING MY FOOD OFF OF THE BRAKE. I DID NOT ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR AT ALL WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE A MAJOR CONCERN BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY WHEN I STOPPED AT A CROSSWALK WITH PEOPLE CROSSING. SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME. THIS IS EITHER THE THIRD OR FOUR TIME THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAS HAPPENED, ONLY TODAY IT WAS MORE SEVERE.
Nov 08, 2019
I HAVE A SERIOUS CONCERN OVER THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL WIDTH ON MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV. MY PROBLEM IS THAT MY DRESS SHOES AND RECREATION BOOTS ARE GETTING CAUGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN I SWIVEL FROM THE GAS TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, I CAME CLOSE TO SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. I AVOIDED THE ACCIDENTS BY QUICKLY SLIDING MY RIGHT FOOT TO THE RIGHT AND COMPLETELY LIFTING MY FOOT UP AND OVER TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. DURING ONE OF THESE MANEUVERS, MOVING MY RIGHT FOOT QUICKLY TO THE RIGHT RESULTED IN THE LIP OF THE SOLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE HITTING THE GAS PEDAL AND CAUSING ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN I WEAR SNEAKERS, AS THE SOLE OF THE SNEAKER DOES NOT HAVE AN APPROXIMATE HALF-INCH LIP ON THE SIDES. ALSO AND MOST IMPORTANT, I DRIVE A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AND THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN. I ALSO DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH MY CAMRY, WHICH I TRADED IN FOR THE RAV. THE ABOVE VEHICLES HAS CLOSE TO A FIVE INCH WIDTH SEPARATION BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS. I'VE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF MY TOYOTA DEALER AND THE MAINTENANCE MANAGER. THEY HAVE BEEN RESPONSIVE OF MY CONCERN, FORWARDING MY COMPLAINT TO THE AREA MAINTENANCE MANAGER. I MET WITH THE AREA MANAGER EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM. HE PROCEEDED TO TAKE PICTURES OF MY SHOES AND THE 3 INCH WIDTH BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS. THAT MEETING ENDED WITH THE AREA MANAGER OPENING A CASE AND THE PROMISE HE WOULD REFER MY PROBLEM TO HIS APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT. TO DATE, MY CASE IS STILL WITH TOYOTA. MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER MAINTENANCE MANAGER HAS CONTACTED ME ADVISING THAT THE CASE IS BEING HANDLED AT A HIGHER LEVEL. *JS
Jun 07, 2012
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
TAKATA RECALL: WHY THE LIGHT 4WD , TRAC ON AND CHECK ACTIVATE WENT IS RAINING WENT I MY CAR IS PARK
Dec 27, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT STOP ILLUMINATING AFTER COMPLETING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO CANCEL, ONCE THE TURN WAS COMPLETED. UPDATED 09/21/11
Jul 19, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
2 complaints
ON 4/22/2015, I HAD BEEN DRIVING MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED EDITION AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. AFTER LEAVING THE INTERSTATE I WAS BRAKING AND COMPLETING A COUNTERCLOCKWISE U-TURN GOING ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE UNCONTROLLABLY. BASED ON MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PROBLEM (THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED) I THREW THE SHIFTER INTO PARK WHILE CONTINUING TO BRAKE. THIS QUICKLY BROUGHT THE ENGINE SPEED DOWN TO IDLE. I HAD MY WIFE CONFIRM THAT I HAD MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ONLY. THERE WAS NO ?PEDAL MISAPPLICATION.? THE FLOOR MATS WERE SECURELY IN PLACE AND THERE WERE NO LOOSE OBJECTS ON THE FLOOR. THE ROAD WAS DRY AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS PROBABLY IN THE 50S. THE ODOMETER WAS ABOUT 51,000 MILES. THIS WAS THE FIRST RECURRENCE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 12/26/2014. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY TOYOTA DEALER. THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AND SAID THEY WOULD CHARGE ME IF I BROUGHT THE CAR IN AGAIN FOR A RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Apr 30, 2015
AFTER DRIVING MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED EDITION FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WAITING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO TURN LEFT. I TURNED LEFT AND ACCELERATED TO ABOUT 15 MPH. I THEN NOTICED PEDESTRIANS ENTERING A CROSSWALK SO I HIT THE BRAKES A BIT HARDER THAN NORMAL, BUT NOT IN A PANIC MODE. AS THE CAR DECELERATED, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE. I INCREASED MY PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WHEN THE SPEED WAS ALMOST ZERO SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THIS IMMEDIATELY CURED THE PROBLEM. THE DISTANCE FROM STOP TO STOP WAS LESS THAN 100 FEET. I BELIEVE THAT THE PAVEMENT WAS DAMP, BUT IT WAS NOT RAINING AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE 40S. I DRIVE WITH ONE FOOT, AND MY FOOT DEFINITELY WAS ON THE BRAKE, NOT THE ACCELERATOR. THE FLOORMAT WAS SECURELY IN PLACE AND THERE WERE NO LOOSE OBJECTS ON THE FLOOR. I BROUGHT MY SUV TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. THEY TESTED THE VEHICLE AND CONTACTED THE COMPANY. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO "PEDAL MISAPPLICATION" (TAS CASE#-143510469). AS IT IS GEOMETRICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME IN A RAV4, I CONCLUDE THAT TOYOTA CANNOT FIND THE SOFTWARE/HARDWARE BUG IN THEIR PRODUCT. I FEEL THAT I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT COULD TURN ON ME AT ANY TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO SELL IT, BUT HOW CAN I PASS SUCH A SERIOUS DEFECT ON TO AN UNSUSPECTING BUYER? *TR
Dec 21, 2014
SEATS
2 complaints
WE PURCHASED THIS USED CAR IN THE FALL OF 2014. THANKS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 49 CFR PART 571 [DOCKET NO. NHTSA-2004-19807] RIN 2127-AH09, HEAD RESTRAINTS, FINAL RULE, THE HEADRESTS ON THIS VEHICLE PROTRUDE SO FAR FORWARD THAT THE DRIVER HAS TO BEND HIS HEAD AND NECK FORWARD AS WELL AS PULL THE UPPER BACK FORWARD OFF THE BACK OF THE SEAT. THIS HAS RESULTED IN STRAINING OF THE NECK AND SPINE WHILE DRIVING, LEADING TO NECK INJURY WITH NERVE PAIN IN THE ARMS, NECK AND UPPER BACK AFTER SPENDING TIME DRIVING! THE HEADREST IS ONLY ADJUSTABLE UP AND DOWN, NOT FORE AND AFT. PLEASE RETHINK THE REGULATION. SAFETY PROTECTION FROM WHIPLASH IS ADMIRABLE, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF HORRIBLY UNCOMFORTABLE DAILY DRIVING RESULTING IN HEAD, NECK, SHOULDER AND UPPER SPINE STRAIN. HUMANS ARE NOT CRASH TEST DUMMIES. WE CAN CONTOUR OUR SPINE TO A SEAT AND IN OUR OLDER VEHICLES WE CAN ACTUALLY PLACE OUR ENTIRE BACK FLAT AGAINST THE SEAT WITH THE HEADREST NATURALLY RIGHT BEHIND AND IN LINE WITH THE HEAD AND NECK. *TR
Mar 20, 2015
THE THIRD ROW SEAT HEADRESTS ONLY HAVE TWO POSITIONS.(ALL THE WAY UP OR ALL THE WAY DOWN) NEITHER COVERS THE HEAD OF A CHILD. IN THE DOWN POSITION MY CHILD'S HEAD IS ABOVE THE HEADREST. IN THE UP POSITION, HIS HEAD IS BETWEEN THE TWO METAL BARS. THE THIRD ROW SEATS ARE VERY TIGHT AND CERTAINLY NOT DESIGNED TO HOLD ADULTS COMFORTABLY. HOWEVER THE HEADRESTS ONLY FIT AN ADULT SIZE BODY. *JS
Jun 19, 2012
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
ON 1/6/14 I WAS COMING TO AN INTERSECTION AND I WAS SLOWING DOWN. I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RAVING AND WAS TRYING TO PULL ME FORWARD. BECAUSE I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKES THE CAR WAS ABLE ONLY TO JERK FORWARD. I HAD TO SWITCH TO NEUTRAL TO PREVENT CAR JERKING FORWARD. THEN THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL RPM. THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IN OCTOBER 2013. ON 1/9/14 I GAVE THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER. THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL TAKE THIS MATTER VERY SERIOUSLY AND THE TOYOTA ENGINEERS WILL COME TO READ THE COMPUTER DATA AND REVIEW THE VEHICLE. AFTER ONE WEEK IT APPEARS THAT NOTHING HAPPENED. I WROTE TO TOYOTA. THEY OPENED CASE #1401231137. AFTER THAT THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR FOR ANOTHER WEEK BUT "COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". THEY OPENED THE CASE #140230518. FINALLY, TODAY 1/25/14 THEY GAVE ME THE CAR BACK WITH A STUPID ADVICE "NOT STEP GAS AND BRAKES AT THE SAME TIME". THEY SAID THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR, BUT THE MILEAGE IN AND OUT IS THE SAME (6,085). I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND IT NEVER WAS IN ANY ACCIDENT. NOW I BELIEVE TO EVERY CLAIM OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATIONS OF TOYOTA VEHICLES. I HOPE THE FEDERAL AGENCY WILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Jan 25, 2014
THERE IS A HESITATION AT LOW SPEEDS, CAUSING ENGINE TO INTERMITTENTLY LOOSE POWER FOR 1.5-2.5 SECONDS. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS WHERE CARS GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION ARE ALREADY TRAVELING 70-75 M.P.H. AND WHERE MAKING TURNS AT INTERSECTIONS WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND OTHER SITUATIONS WHERE POWER IS NECESSARY TO AVOID A COLLISION. THIS CONDITION HAS ALREADY RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND NOT SUITABLE FOR NORMAL DRIVING. THIS HESITATION ALSO SEEMS TO BE NOTED IN THE RELATED NHTSA REPORT EXAMINING THE TOYOTA ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL THAT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION AND AT THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED, THEY HAVE ADVISED ME THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE ONE THAT DOES INVOLVE THE PROGRAMMING OF THE ETC AND SELECTION OF A FORWARD GEAR. *TR
Jul 17, 2012
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 ON OCTOBER 18,2012,AND UPON PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR BEGAN "ROARING" AND ACCELERATED RAPIDLY TOWARD MY HOUSE. I PRACTICALLY STOOD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND EVENTUALLY THE CAR STOPPED JUST SHORT OF CRASHING. IT TRAVELED A DISTANCE OF 60 FEET BEFORE STOPPING. WE PURCHASED THE CAR NEW AND IT HAS 6000 MILES ON IT. MY HUSBAND IMMEDIATELY CHECKED THE TOYOTA FLOOR MAT AND IT WAS IN PLACE SECURED BY THE "FIX" TOYOTA HAS INSTALLED(TWO CLIPS). NO OTHER MAT IS IN OUR CAR. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO LAKEWOOD TOYOTA. *TR
Oct 21, 2012
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN A PARKING LOT ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT TO POSITION MY CAR BEHIND A PICK-UP TRUCK (TOWING A TRAILER) WAITING TO TURN RIGHT. MY CAR SHOT AHEAD AND CRASHED INTO THE TRAILER. APPLYING THE BRAKE DID NOTHING. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND IT SHOT BACKWARDS AT THE SAME HIGH SPEED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE TACH READ--IT WASN'T A PRIORITY AT THE TIME. HAD THE TRUCK AND TRAILER NOT BEEN AHEAD OF ME, I WOULD HAVE SHOT ACROSS A HEAVILY TRAVELED HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. LAST MARCH I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD INTO MY FREEZER AND THE BACK WALL OF THE GARAGE. I LIKE THE CAR BUT, FRANKLY, I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW. *TR
Oct 04, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50-55 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT LOOSE, BECAME STICK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DEALERSHIPS WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND ALL THREE DEALERS WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TEST DRIVEN BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,991 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,613. ....UPDATED 06/18/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES WERE SPONGY AND THE BAS DID NOT ENGAGE THE DISTANCE TO STOP VEHICLE.
Apr 23, 2012
HAVING JUST DESCENDED A HILL, I TRIED TO BRAKE WHILE APPROACHING A SHARP CURVE. THE BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING, THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AND THE ENGINE WAS REVVING. I PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AS I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF.
May 12, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while reversing to park the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle and entering the residence, the vehicle independently restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Jun 25, 2025
ENGINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while stopped at a red light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated and rolled forward. The contact quickly put the vehicle in park and was able to pull over down the road. The contact stated that while pulling over and then shifting from park to drive with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated, and the contact quickly shifted back into park. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was left in front of an independent mechanic shop. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced and the throttle body needed servicing. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,751.
Jan 23, 2024
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, there was a loud banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the subframe was severely rusted and the rear differential fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Dec 19, 2023
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
To begin with, the 2011 Toyota Rav4 in question was a loaner provided to me by Fiore VW AUDI (1000 S. Logan Blvd in Hollidaysburg, PA 16648) at @ 10:45 AM on 9/16/23. My 2018 Toyota Sienna was being serviced at this location on 9/18/23 and they provided me the 2011 Rav4 in the meantime. The brakes failing, the steering wheel locking up, and the sudden acceleration of this 2011 Rav4 occurred later that afternoon @ 4 PM in a Sheetz parking lot at 3261 W. College Ave. State College, PA 16801. As I was turning left into an open parking space at the rear entrance of this Sheetz, I began to turn the steering wheel to the right, straighten out, and park properly in the parking space; I also began to press down on brake to stop the car. As I pressed down on the brake pedal, the brakes quickly locked up and became unresponsive. Simultaneously, the steering wheel locked up becoming unresponsive with the front wheels still slightly turned to the left. I was still coming out of my turn when this vehicle failure began. I quickly took my foot off the brake, then the car suddenly burst forward with an intense acceleration. I immediately put my foot back down on the brake, but the car still proceeded forward towards the building; moving slightly to the left due to the steering wheel still locked in place and unresponsive. I slowly rolled into a metal obstruction at the end of the parking space, hitting it at an angle. I had my seat belt on and no air bags were deployed. No injuries to me, but some cosmetic damage to the front of the Rav4. There were no warning lights or audible warnings prior to this vehicle failure. I didn't notice any warning lights or alarms during the failure. Prior to this incident everything seemed fine. After the incident, I drove the car home, drove it to my insurance agent on 9/18/23, and I drove it back to the dealer on 9/20/23. That was it. I would believe Sheetz has this complete incident recorded w/security cameras at that back entrance way.
Sep 24, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
For the past three months, in increasing frequency, whenever parking, firm pressure on brake pedal engages sudden burst of acceleration, with engine loudly revving at 1000 revs or higher (audibly beyond the cabin to passers by on the street), that lurches vehicle forward.Within close spaces of parking garage pillars or walls or while parallel parking this is a hazard and threatens sudden accident of 1 mph or less up to 5-10 mph and a 1-2 yard-long jerking lurch to try to recover from. This occurred, twice this week, and 4 times within past 3 months’ time, to where this is no longer a fluke or due to my immediate reactions. This is an increasing pattern that threatens myself and others. I am headed to local dealership, within the hour, to request diagnostics and to attempt to have technician repeat this issue.
Aug 16, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle in front of her abruptly stopped for an animal that jumped onto the road, as a result, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the rear of a Toyota Prius. The brake pedal was continuously depressed. The "low tire" message was displayed. The driver sustained injuries to her knee, neck, and chest, and medical attention was provided. There was not a report of any fire, air bag deployment, or police report being filed. The vehicle was taken to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the collision center. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Jul 24, 2023
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I have replaced the front suspension and the back suspension. I have replaced the driveshaft and the muffler and tail pipes. Now they say the entire undercarriage and the brake lines are all rusting out. This car is 2011 and has just 34,607 miles on it and has been keep in a garage its entire time. Now it is unsafe to drive. Drive Shaft fell off in December.2022.
Mar 06, 2023
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and accelerated forward crashing into a parked van. During the incident, the airbags did not deploy. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. the vehicle was later towed to a collision center and repaired. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that the same failure had occurred after the husband stopped at a red light. During the incident, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Feb 23, 2023
SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I HAVE FIXED MY REAR SUSPENSION MORE THAN 4X AND IT CONTINUES TO GO BAD, IT WORKS FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BUT STILL NOT RUNNING WELL THEN IT SHOCKS AND GOES BACK TO BOUNCING WHENEVER IT HITS A BUMP OR ANYTHING NOT SMOOTH ON THE ROADS. IT HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AND YOU FEEL IT A LOT MORE WHEN IT'S RUNNING ON LOCAL ROADS. THE VISIBILITY IS BAD, THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT WORK AND I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 15-20 MINS OR OPEN THE WINDOW. WHEN I PUT MY HANDS ON THE VENT FOR THE DEFOGGER THERE IS NO AIR COMING FROM IT.
Jan 16, 2020
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
AT 79,000 MILES BOTH REAR OUTPUT SHAFT SEALS WENT OUT DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. AN AIR REGULATOR ON THE TOP OF THE OUTPUT SHAFT CASE CAN GET CLOGGED EASILY AND IF NOT CAUGHT IN TIME CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO NOT ONLY THE SEALS BUT THE TRANSMISSION CASE. ALSO, AT 80,000 MILES THE ENTIRE STEERING GEAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF IT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR WORSE IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING..
Jul 30, 2019
STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
BODY: DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FAILURE TO REMAIN UPRIGHT, IMPEDING VISION. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE VAPOR CANISTER RELEASING CHARCOAL PELLETS THAT PLUG THE VENT VALVE. DISABLES VEHICLE ANTI-SKID TRACTION AND 4X4. CAR IS UNDER 75K MILES
Jun 08, 2019
VISIBILITY
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SUN ROOF WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
May 08, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE HAS A CHRONIC ISSUE WITH THE O2 SENSOR WHICH WILL PROMPT A ENGINE LIGHT. THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF THE 4WD AND STABILITY CONTROL AND WILL HAPPEN AT ANY TRIGGERING OF THE ENGINE LIGHT. THIS IS CONCERNING ESPECIALLY IN WINTER ENVIRONMENTS.
Mar 25, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE COMPLAINT SPECIFIED DOES NOT SEEM TO HAPPEN FREQUENTLY OR CONSISTENTLY, HAS HAPPENED RANDOMLY 2 TIMES IN A 6 WEEK PERIOD. SPECIFICALLY, CAR WAS ENGAGED IN THE DRIVE GEAR ON AUTO TRANSMISSION AND WAS STOPPED AT THE MOMENT, ONCE AT THE PARKING SPOT AT LOCAL WALMART, BROUGHT TO COMPLETE HALT WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND READY TO SHIFT LEVER TO PARK, BEFORE I COULD DO THAT, BRAKE WENT SOFT AND CAR MOVED/SURGED FORWARD, HITTING THE SAFETY POLE IN THE PARKING SPOT. THE SAFETY POLE SAVED FROM HEAD ON HITTING THE CAR ALREADY PARKED IN THE OPPOSITE PARKING SPOT. THE PICTURE OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR AGAINST THE SAFETY POST IS ATTACHED. ANOTHER TIME, WAS STOPPED WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WAITING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, AT THE LOCAL HYVEE STORE, SUDDENLY BRAKING WAS GONE, ENGINE SURGED WITHPOWER AND THE CAR JUMPED INTO THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO AVOID THE COLLISION WITH OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD. BOTH TIMES THE CAR WAS AT STANDSTILL, IN DRIVE GEAR, FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IN FORTY OR MORE YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER HAVE THIS HAPPENED BEFORE I DID FILE A CLAIM WITH STAE FARM, BECAUSE THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER. A PICTURE IS ATTACHED. I HAVE NOT YET DRIVEN THIS CAR, AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED BY THE BODY SHOP, DUE TO PROFOUND FEAR THAT THIS INCIDENCE CAN HAPPEN AGAIN. TOYOTA COMPANY SAYS THEY HAVE FOUND NOTHING WRONG, JUST LIKE THEY HAVE DENIED FOR SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THEIR OTHER CARS IN THE PAST. PLEASE HELP
Mar 15, 2019
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WAITING AT STOP SIGN - CAR BEGAN ACCELERATING, ENGINE REVVING, RACING (AGAIN, WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP). I BRAKED AND VEHICLE TOOK FULL CONTROL SEEMINGLY PULLING SIDEWAYS FIRST AND THEN LURCHING OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY CASING A DEVASTATING CRASH TOTALING MY CAR AND CAUSING THE OTHER PERSON'S VEHICLE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. IT'S THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. 1ST TIME PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE - ACCELERATED LURCHING FORWARD NO MATTER HOW MUCH I BRAKED STRIKING CURB AND POST - STALLED OUT, THANK GOODNESS. A CASE HAS BEEN OPENED WITH TOYOTA BUT I AM TOLD THEY'LL DENY ANYTHING WRONG EVEN THOUGH I HAVE 10 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS IN HAND OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME NIGHTMARE I DID. IT'S TIME FOR TOYOTA TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND DO SOMETHING IMMEDIATELY. A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SEEMS PRETTY OBVIOUS AT THIS POINT CONCERNING THIS DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE TOYOTA IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY BY ISSUING/SENDING OUT RECALLS ON THIS DANGEROUS MECHANICAL FAILURE WHICH NEXT TIME MAY CAUSE A DEATH.
Feb 15, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE FULLY ENGAGED WHEN RUNAWAY ACCELERATION TRIED TO TAKE OVER THE VEHICLE AND MAKE IT INCH FORWARD INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON HWY 90. DUE TO MY QUICK ACTIONS OF CONTINUING TO PRESS BRAKE, I PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL THEN PARK, THEN I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND TURNED ON FLASHERS. A POLICEMAN IMMEDIATELY DROVE ONTO HIGHWAY AND STOPPED TRAFFIC IN ORDER TO ESCORT ME TO MY CHURCH PARKING LOT ABOUT A BLOCK AWAY. WE THEN TOOK IT TO A RELATIVES HOME NEARBY. IT COULD BE THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE, THROTTLE POSITION ON PEDAL, THROTTLE BODY MOTOR, COMPUTER PROGRAMMING ISSUE ETC.
Jan 30, 2019
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TRAVELING 30 MPH SOUTHBOUND ON INTERSTATE. CAR'S ENGINE SELF ACCELERATED. PUMPED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. CAR CONTINUED TO SELF-ACCELERATE AND BRAKING WAS INEFFECTUAL AND I RAN INTO BACK OF AN 18 WHEELER FLAT BED TRUCK. *DT
Dec 31, 2018
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMTED V6, THE CAR SHOWED THREE WARNING LIGHTS: THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT, AND THE VSC (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL) LIGHT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. AFTER RUNNING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC, THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE O2 SENSOR. MY HUSBAND REPLACED THE SENSOR, AND THE NEXT DAY AFTER DRIVING ROUGHLY 10 MILES ON A RURAL LOCAL ROAD THE SAME LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. THESE WARNING LIGHTS DISABLE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SIMPLY DUE TO AN EXHAUST ISSUE. THIS IS UNNECESSARY AND DANGEROUS FOR DRIVING IN ANY KIND OF INCLEMENT WEATHER. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF TOYOTA. READING THE FORUMS, IT BECAME APPARENT THAT ANY SOLUTION TRIED RESULTED IN THE SAME WARNING LIGHTS OCCURRING AGAIN AND AGAIN. BELOW ARE THE LINKS TO THE VARIOUS FORUMS I CONSULTED: HTTPS://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/96-4-3-GENERAL/68870-BAD-OXYGEN-SENSOR-CRIPPLES-RAV4.HTML HTTPS://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/FORUMS/88-4-2-FAULTS-FIXES/166049-O2-SENSORS.HTML HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T38566_DS710420 HTTPS://REPAIRPAL.COM/OXYGEN-SENSOR-MAY-FAIL-281 THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE THAT HAS LARGELY NOT BEEN ABLE TO BE REMEDIED BY MECHANICS OR AUTO ENTHUSIASTS. IT IS MY FEELING THAT GIVEN THE FREQUENCY OF THIS ISSUE AND THE LACK OF A CLEAR SOLUTION, A RECALL SHOULD BE INITIATED.
Dec 27, 2018
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE TIRE PRESS MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS ) HAS FAILED DUE TO EXHAUSTED BATTERY LIFE IN THE TIRE SENSORS.. THE PRESSURE FAILURE LIGHT COMES ON BUT ALL 5 TIRES HAVE THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE. THE FAILURE LIGHT NOW CAN'T BE TURNED OFF WITHOUT SPENDING $900 + FOR A SET OF NEW MONITORS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE DEALERS COST IS SO PROHIBITIVE THAT THAT THEY WILL NOT BE REPLACED SO WHAT GOOD IS THIS SYSTEM ? I BELIEVE AS THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM THAT THE AUTO MANUFACTURES SHOULD FIX / REPLACE !!
Jul 27, 2018
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
RAV4 -CEL, 4WD, TRAC OFF ALL THREE LIGHTS CAME ON. I HAD THEM READ 4 TIMES BY 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD REAR OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAD THE SENSOR REPLACED TWICE IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO CONFIRM IT WASN'T A FAULTY SENSOR. THE ALL 3 LIGHTS CAME BACK ON IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS. FYI: THE OTHER SENSOR WAS REPLACED AS WELL.
Jan 23, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
SINCE SUMMER OF 2014, AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING MY NEW 2011 RAV4, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAS NOT OPERATED PROPERLY. SOMETIMES IT WILL GO DOWN OR UP, OFTEN, IT WILL GET STUCK. THE LIGHT ON THE BUTTON BLINKS AT TIMES, AT TIMES IT DOES NOT LIGHT UP. THE WINDOW MOTOR I AM TOLD HAS SEVERAL FINGERS THAT OPERATES THE WINDOWS AND SEEMS TO WORK WHEN TRIED ON SOME KIND OF MACHINE, HOWEVER, TWO GOOD MECHANICS CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY IT SHORTS OUT WITH OPERATING THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. REPLACING THE WINDOW MOTOR IS APPROXIMATELY $460.00 FOR THE PART ALONE, BUT MECHANICS CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT THE WINDOW WILL NOT SHORT OUT SOMEHOW AGAIN. WHEN THE WINDOW IS STUCK DOWN, I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT, AND, WEATHER CONDITIONS LIKE RAIN, SNOW, EXTREME COLD--MAY KEEP ME FROM DRIVING THE CAR WITH THIS PROBLEM. I FOUND A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SAME WINDOW PROBLEM; HOWEVER, TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT IN THAT PARTICULAR RECALL. RADIO/CD PLAYER--HAS SHORTED OUT SINCE 2014. WHEN I PRESS A BUTTON TO CHANGE STATIONS, THE RADIO WILL TURN OFF. IF I PRESS REWIND ON THE CD PLAYER, THE PLAYER TURNS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR THREE YEARS ON MY RAV4 THAT WAS BRAND NEW WHEN PURCHASED DECEMBER 2011. *TR
Oct 17, 2016
SEAT BELTS,SEATS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I WAS NOTIFIED IN 2013 OF THREE (3) RECALLS NOTHNG HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID "THERE IS NOT SAFETY PROBLEM AND I HAVE LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND NORTHING IS WRONG' I FORCED THE ISSUE AND THEY DID AN "INTERIM" FIX. IS NOT THREE YEARS A LONG TIME FOR THEM TO BE GETTING THE PARTS AS THAT IS THE EXCUSE I WAS GIVEN BY THE SERVICE MANAGER.
Jun 30, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I RECENTLY HAD THE CHARCOAL CANISTER THAT FILTERS GAS FUELS FAIL. THIS CAUSED TEH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. IN ADDITION THOUGH, THIS FAULT TOOK OUT 2 SAFETY SYSTEMS DUE TO THIS CODE. AFTER THE LIGHT CAME ON MY BRAKE ANTI SKID SYSTEM AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERABLE. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL. IN MY OPINION, JUST BECAUSE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SHOULD NOT CAUSE 2 SAFETY SYSTEMS TO BECOME INOPERABLE! WHY NO DISABLE THE AIRBAGS TOO. THE ANTI SKID SYSTEM HELPS YOU MAINTAIN STABILITY ON WET ROAD. I LIVE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST WHERE THE ROADS ARE WET A LOT. I SEE FAILURE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE. I USE CRUISE HABITUALLY SO KEEP ME UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT. I HAD TO DRIVE WITHOUT THESE 2 SYSTEMS FOR A MONTH TILL PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.
May 27, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING 55-60 ON A HIGHWAY, MY ANTI-SKID WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, THE 4WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT A HALF HOUR LATER, FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE LIGHT APRX 1 HR LATER. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, WHILE DRIVING, THE CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT ON ME, THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY SLOWED AND I NOTICED THE CRUISE LIGHT FLASHING ON AND OFF. THE REMOTE START DID NOT WORK ON DAY #3, AS I TRAVELED TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED AT SERRA TOYOTA, TRAVERSE CITY, MI. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THAT "THE MECHANIC LITERALLY POURED WATER OUT OF THE EVAP CANISTER, WE HAVE SEEN OTHER RAV'S W THIS PROBLEM AND WE HAVE A BULLETIN ON IT, SO TOYOTA IS AWARE. THE CANISTER IS FAULTY, WHICH ALLOWED ROAD WATER, (VERY WET, SLUSHY ROADS AT TIME), TO GET IN AND DAMAGE THE WIRING." THE SERVICE TECH ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE NEW CANISTER/HOSE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. I EMAILED TOYOTA JAPAN, THEY HAD "HENRY KERRY OF TOYOTA EXECUTIVE HEADQUARTERS, TORRENCE, CALIF CALL ME. MR. KERRY STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO OVERFILLING THE GAS TANK. I TOLD HIM THAT THE TECH SAID "(THEY) LITERALLY POURED WATER OUT AND THEY HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY." MR. KERRY ADVISED THAT "I SHOULD HAVE TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER TO GET THE FACTUAL INFO." BOTTOM LINE: I FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT ELECTRICAL FAILURE COULD OCCUR, DUE TO CANISTER/HOSE FAILURE AND THAT A NEW PART HAD BEEN DEVELOPED WHICH, ONCE INSTALLED, WOULD PREVENT (ROAD) WATER FROM SHORTING OUT THE WIRING. (THE WORK ORDER RECEIPT STATES: ("WATER INTRUSION INTO EVAP SYSTEM") THANKS MUCH,[XXX] 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *BF
Feb 24, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING RAIN WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE RADIO FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V577000 (VISIBILITY/WIPES) AND STATED THAT 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 MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/20/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR, DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED DUE TO THEM BEING UNSAFE. UPDATED 04/28/16. *JB
Feb 18, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS RAV 4 HAS HAD TWO SEPARATE INSTANCES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. ONE TIME WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, AND THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV, AND THE VEHICLE HAD "EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE". LUCKILY, THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OF US, OTHERWISE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. IT OCCURRED A SECOND TIME WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT WORK. AGAIN, LUCKILY, THERE WAS A SNOW BANK IN FRONT OF THE SPACE (AND NOT ANOTHER CAR!). THE CAR IS A 4CYL., AND CERT. PRE-OWNED. IT'S SCARY TO THINK THERE IS THIS UNPREDICTABLE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. DEALER CLAIMS THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT. I WILL BE SHOWING THEM THE 56 OR SO COMPLAINTS FROM THIS NHTSA SITE FOR MERELY THE 2011 RAV4. I HAVEN'T EVEN LOOKED AT THE OTHER YEARS YET! MORE THAN 50% OF THE COMPLAINTS IN HERE ARE FOR THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM! ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME FOR A RECALL ON THIS DANGEROUS "FEATURE"? HOW MANY MORE LIVES NEED TO BE AT RISK? OR IS THE GOVT. TRYING TO PRESERVE "TOYOTA QUALITY"? IT COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS REPLACING THE BRAKE PEDAL -- SPACE IT FURTHER AWAY FROM THE ACCEL. PEDAL AND MAKE IT "TALLER" SO THAT THERE CAN BE NO ITERATION BETWEEN THE TWO. OR, SIMPLY ALLOW THE BRAKE LIGHT SIGNAL TO INTERACT WITH THE ECM TO INHIBIT ANY "THROTTLE INCREASE" COMMAND TO THE ENGINE. *TR
Mar 20, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING DOWN SUBURBAN ROAD AT APPROX 20-25 MPH BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT. THE BRAKES LOST POWER AND ENGINE QUICKLY REDLINED TO 6000 RPM. IT WAS ONLY BY IMMEDIATELY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL THAT I AVOIDED RUNNING A REDLIGHT AND PLOWING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. I PLACED IN PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE WITHIN 3-5 SECONDS TO AVOID ENGINE DAMAGE. I WAITED ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS STUCK AT A RED LIGHT BEFORE RESTARTING ENGINE AND LIMPING IT BACK HOME LESS THAN HALF A MILE AWAY. *JS
Feb 06, 2015
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NEITHER THE CONTACT NOR THE PASSENGERS SUSTAINED ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Feb 04, 2015
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
1. AFTER HAVING DRIVEN MY TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED EDITION FOR ABOUT 3 MILES, I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE AT THE MORGANTOWN AIRPORT. I HAD MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN I WAS ABOUT 25% INTO THE SPACE, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE SPONTANEOUSLY. I INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THIS CAUSED AN IMMEDIATE DECREASE IN THE ENGINE SPEED. MY WIFE WAS WITH ME AND I TOLD HER TO LOOK TO VERIFY THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, NOT THE ACCELERATOR. I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. AFTER 3.5 HOURS TOYOTA CONCLUDED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS "PEDAL MISAPPLICATION" AND NO FURTHER ACTION WAS REQUIRED (CASE#-[XXX]). 2. AT ABOUT 8:12 PM THIS EVENING, WE WERE DRIVING AROUND LOOKING AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. I WAS DOING ABOUT 5 MPH IN FRONT OF 937 RIVERVIEW DRIVE, MORGANTOWN. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MY RIGHT FOOT TO SLOW DOWN FOR A BETTER VIEW. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE SPONTANEOUSLY. I SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL, WHICH SOLVED THE PROBLEM. I HAD MY WIFE VERIFY THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE ONLY. 3. THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE OF THE SAME PROBLEM I FIRST REPORTED IN ODI NUMBER 10667543 (TOYOTA CASE#-[XXX]). THIS VEHICLE HAS A DANGEROUS DEFECT WHICH TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT. THIS IS A PROBLEM IN THE CONTROL SYSTEM. IT IS NOT A "PEDAL MISAPPLICATION". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 26, 2014
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE FRONT BUMPER, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT, AND THE FRONT GRILL WERE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Aug 28, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION ON A BUSY THOROUGHFARE, THE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW AND AT THE LAST MINUTE I DECIDED AGAINST RUNNING THE YELLOW LIGHT AND APPLIED MY BRAKES VERY HARD. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN BUT AS I APPROACHED THE STOP LINE MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SLOWLY MOVE FORWARD NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MY BRAKES HAD FAILED, BUT THEN I HEARD THE WHINE OF THE ENGINE AND I REALIZED THAT I WAS FIGHTING AGAINST AN ACCELERATING ENGINE. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL WHICH I THOUGHT WOULD KICK THE ACCELERATOR BACK TO NORMAL BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING QUITE HIGH, BUT I WAS NO LONGER MOVING FORWARD. I THEN SHIFTED TO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO BACK UP EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE. AT THAT POINT I PLACED THE VEHICLE BACK INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS, I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT PERFORMED NORMALLY. I DROVE 6 BLOCKS TO MY DESTINATION, PARKED THE CAR, CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THERE. I DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AS I THOUGHT TOYOTA HAD SOLVED THE PROBLEM OF UNATTENDED ACCELERATION. OBVIOUSLY NOT. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM THEM AS TO WHAT THEY FIND. FROM THE REPORTS I HAVE READ, I'M NOT HOLDING MY BREATH. THEY MENTIONED THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TO CALL FOR AN INDEPENDENT ENGINEER TO ASSESS THE VEHICLE, AND THAT MIGHT TAKE UP TO A WEEK. I HAVE NO GRUDGE AGAINST TOYOTA, AS I ALSO OWN A 2002 CAMRY WHICH HAS BEEN A FANTASTIC CAR WITH NO PROBLEMS. I JUST DON'T BELIEVE THAT ALL THE REPORTS OUT THERE ARE BECAUSE OF LOOSE FLOOR MATS, STICKY ACCELERATORS OR CON ARTIST TRYING TO GET MONEY OUT OF A BIG CORPORATION. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE ELECTRONICS OF THESE CARS AS SOMETHING IS NOT COMMUNICATING RIGHT. THANK YOU. *TR
Jul 18, 2014
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
OUR 2011 RAV4 WAS TOTALED IN DECEMBER 2013 WHEN A BMW 5 SERIES CRASHED INTO US WHILE MY WIFE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE IMPACT WAS TO THE FRONT TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT WAS SO SEVERE, THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS RIPPED OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND ENDED COMPRESSED AGAINST THE PASSENGER DOOR; HOWEVER INCREDIBLY NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY SON, WHO WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT WAS UNHARMED, HOWEVER MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK WAS SITTING BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT AND FLEW ACROSS THE CAR SMASHING VIOLENTLY AGAINST THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR, LOOSING CONSCIOUSNESS. AS SHE WOKE UP SHE VOMITED AND PER RECOMMENDATION OF THE EMERGENCY CREW ON THE SCENE, WE TOOK HER TO THE ER. I HAVE WRITTEN SEVERAL TOYOTA GROUPS ABOUT THIS INCIDENT AND THEY HAVE NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGED MY REQUEST. I AM ENTITLED FOR A 100% REFUND ON THE ER EXPENSES AND MY DAUGHTER SHOULD BE PLACED ON A WATCH LIST, AS ANY REPERCUSSION OUT OF THESE TYPES OF ACCIDENTS SHOW UP YEARS AFTERWARDS. WHEN SHE DEVELOPS A BACK OR NECK CONDITION AS A RESULT OF THIS VEHICLE NOT FUNCTIONING AS ENGINEERED AND PROMOTED, TOYOTA SHOULD COVER ALL EXPENSES RELATED TO THEIR LACK OF QUALITY; WHICH IS EVIDENT SINCE THE ACCELERATION ISSUES AND THE MORE RECENT (AND PRECISELY) MASSIVE AIR BAG RECALL. *TR
May 12, 2014
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
LOUD BANG WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A HAMMER HITTING THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. PROBLEM FIRST NOTICED AROUND 1000 MILES AND HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. IT HAPPENS TYPICALLY WHEN PASSENGERS ARE IN THE MIDDLE AND OR 3RD ROW SEATS AT SPEEDS USUALLY ABOVE 25 MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE, 3RD ROW SEAT RAV4 NOW AT 73K MILES. IT CAN HAPPEN WITHIN A FEW MILES OF EACH INCIDENT OR GO HUNDREDS OF MILES BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. VERY ALARMING. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES YET EVERY TIME THEIR TECHNICIANS TAKE THE VEHICLE FOR TEST DRIVE, THEY CAN NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Apr 22, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED THE VEHICLE'S STABILITY, ANTILOCK BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTIONS STOP FUNCTIONING AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR ALL TURN ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO DECELERATE RAPIDLY. I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKING APPEAR TO WORK PROPERLY BUT I AM UNABLE TO REENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME SYMPTOMS IN THE RECALL OF THE 2012 RAV4 BUT THE 2011 IS NOT INCLUDED. *JS
Apr 13, 2014
STEERING,TIRES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY AT 63 MPH MY CAR STARTED SHAKING TO THE POINT IT CAUSED ME TO BECOME DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS. MY MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIE ROD'S ETC. THE TIRES WERE ROUNDED AND EVENLY WORN. WE ROTATED THE TIRES AND CAR STILL SHOOK LIKE CRAZY BUT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN THE BACK. BROUGHT CAR TO TIRE SHOP HAD TIRES BALANCED THEY SAID 2 WHERE WAY OFF. WENT ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN AND AT 65 THE VEHICLE STILL HAD A SHAKE TO IT. *TR
Apr 10, 2014
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING NORTH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY I WAS ACCELERATING FROM ABOUT 20 MPH TO ABOUT 35 MPH, WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE VERY BAD, AS IF ALL FOUR WHEELS HAD HIT THE RUMBLE STRIP ON THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR HAS BEEN RIDING A LOT ROUGHER SINCE ABOUT JAN 30TH. *TR
Apr 07, 2013
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD INTENDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. I THEN HEARD A BANG AND A POP SOUND. I COULD SMELL GASOLINE. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I COULD SMELL GASOLINE. WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE I COULD SEE THE GASOLINE DRIPPING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD A VEHICLE TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALER WHO INFORMED ME A DAY LATER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD INCURRED A RUPTURED GASOLINE TANK. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE IF THE CAR IS DRIVEN ON A HOT DAY, OR SOMEONE THROWS A CIGARETTE STUB ON THE ROAD. I HAD FULL GAS TANK OF GAS, AND THERE IS NO WAY TO CONTAIN THE LEAK AS WELL. *TR
Jan 14, 2013
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
PROBLEM 1 - I HAVE BRAKE NOISE AND BRAKE DOES NOT STOP PROPERLY. SPOKE TO TOYOTA DEALER AND THEN CREATED A CASE NUMBER WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. TOYOTA VERIFIED AND THEY SAY NO PROBLEM IN BRAKE. WHAT TOYOTA SAYS AFTER INSPECTION - *INSPECT BRAKE LININGS AND CHECK PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ~|~*INSPECT BRAKE LININGS AND CHECK PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT ~|~ ~|~COULD NOT VERIFY BRAKE NOISE.FRONT BRAKES HAVE 5 MM REMAINING AND REAR BRAKES STILL HAVE 7 MM.ALL GOOD AND NO TSB PERTAINING PROBLEM 2 - THE VEHICLE HAS A WIND LIKE NOISE WHEN DRIVING THE FREEWAY, WHICH TOYOTA SAYS THEY FIXED AND THE PROBLEM WAS "SECURE LOOSE ROOF RACK BAR". *TR
Aug 02, 2012
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
ACCORDING TO OUR INSURED, THE INSURED HAD PULLED INTO HIS DRIVEWAY, AND THE VEHICLE HAD A SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RUN INTO THE HOUSE, DAMAGING THE WALL, THE SLIDING DOOR AND THE TYPHOON SHUTTERS. *TR
Jul 17, 2012
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATION EVENT ON APRIL 6TH. I FOLLOWED TOYOTA'S INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE AND EVEN MET WITH A TECHNICAL EXPERT AND WE AGREE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS: THE EVENT WOULD HAVE SHOWN UP AS TWO SEPARATE EVENTS IN THE ABS HISTORY QUEUE. AN INITIAL VSC EVENT (SUDDEN ACCELERATION) CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY THE ABS EVENT (MY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER IN RESPONSE TO THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION) IF A CHECK OF THE ABS HISTORY QUEUE WOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IMMEDIATELY, BOTH EVENTS WOULD STILL HAVE BEEN STORED IN THE ABS HISTORY QUEUE. THE SMALL CAPACITY OF THE ABS HISTORY QUEUE, COUPLED WITH THE RECORDING OF MANY FREQUENT TRACTION CONTROL (TRAC) EVENTS PUSHED THE RECORD OF MY ABS- AND VSC EVENTS OUT OF THE ABS HISTORY QUEUE. THE ABS SYSTEM SHOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED OR MOVING SLOWLY AS IN MY INCIDENT. SO, THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE CONTROL SYSTEM THAT REMAINS UNRESOLVED. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE THE ABS SYSTEM SHOULD NOT HAVE ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS EITHER STOPPED OR MOVING SLOWLY, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR EVIDENCE THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. I THINK TOYOTA IS ENGAGED IN A COVER-UP REGARDING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. I REQUEST THAT THE US FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ORDER TOYOTA TO DO THE FOLLOWING SINCE THEY REFUSE TO DO IT VOLUNTARILY OR AT MY REQUEST: INCLUDE AN IMMEDIATE EXAMINATION OF THE ABS HISTORY QUEUE IN THE HEALTH CHECK. CREATE, AND INSTALL IN MY RAV4, A NEW VERSION OF ELECTRONIC CONTROL SOFTWARE THAT IMPLEMENTS THE FOLLOWING CHANGES: A.SEPARATE QUEUES FOR EACH FOR EACH OF THE THREE TYPES OF ABS HISTORY EVENTS: ABS, TRAC, AND VSC B.INCREASED ABS HISTORY QUEUE CAPACITY TO ENSURE THAT 90 DAYS OF EACH OF THE THREE TYPES OF EVENTS ARE STORED. C.ALL ABS HISTORY EVENTS ARE TIME-STAMPED AND DATE-STAMPED. *TT
May 23, 2012
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THIS IS AN INCIDENT INVOLVING SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATION. I WAS STOPPED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE IN THE WHERE GREAT MALL PARKWAY TURNS ONTO EASTBOUND MONTAGUE EXPWY IN MILPITAS, CA. DESPITE HAVING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CREEP FORWARD. I RESPONDED BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM TO ENGAGE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED THROUGH THE RESISTANCE POINT AS IS TYPICAL WHEN THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL ENGAGES. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE SO I QUICKLY MOVED THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR FROM DRIVE INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I REPORTED THE FAILURE TO TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA AND THE COMPLAINT WAS ASSIGNED CASE NUMBER [XXX]. I FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE OF HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, PIERCEY TOYOTA, ON APRIL 13, 2012. THE SERVICE MANAGER COMPLETED AN INSPECTION AND SUBMITTED A REPORT TO TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICES. TODAY, MAY 2, 2012, I FOLLOWED UP WITH BOTH THE PIERCEY TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER AND WITH TOYOTA MOTOR SALES. ANTHONY OF TOYOTA TOLD ME, ESSENTIALLY, THAT TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FAILURE AND REFUSES TO GIVE ME A FORMAL WRITTEN RESPONSE. ANTHONY CONTINUED BY SAYING THAT IF THIS RESPONSE WAS NOT SATISFACTORY TO ME, THEN I SHOULD GET AN OUTSIDE COUNSEL. I SUBMIT THAT THE SUDDEN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION PROBLEM STILL EXISTS WITH TOYOTA--AT LEAST WITH MY VEHICLE--AND THAT IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. IT IS MY OPINION THAT TOYOTA IS 'GIVING THE FINGER' TO THE PROBLEM AND TO THE UNITED STATES AND THAT TOYOTA'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WILL LIKELY KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE IF TOYOTA DOES NOT FIND A REAL SOLUTION. I AM PREPARED TO SUBMIT MORE DOCUMENTS AND DETAILS REGARDING THIS INCIDENT AND THE PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO BE PUT DIRECTLY IN TOUCH WITH AN OFFICER AT YOUR OFFICE SO THAT I CAN ENTER A FULL AND FORMAL COMPLAINT. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
May 02, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STOPPING, HIS FOOT WOULD HAPHAZARDLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO REPAIR THE FLAW IN THE VEHICLE DESIGN. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 5,000. UPDATED 05/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, HE HAD TO IMMEDIATELY APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO PREVENT A COLLISION, AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. UPDATED 05/15/12
Apr 04, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO THE VEHICLE I LEASE, BUT I SUSPECT IT APPLIES TO ALL TOYOTA RAV4 MODELS OF THIS SAME DESIGN VINTAGE, AND MAY ALSO APPLY TO OTHER TOYOTA MODELS. THE BASIC PROBLEM, AS SHOWN IN THE ANNOTATED PHOTO AVAILABLE AT HTTP://JRGSPACE.HOMESTEAD.COM/RAV4_ENGINEERING_DESIGN_FAIL__1.JPG IS THE INADEQUATE SPACING BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS, WHICH ALLOWS EVEN RELATIVELY SMALL SHOES TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DEPRESS BOTH PEDALS DURING "URGENT", OR EVEN "NORMAL" BRAKING SITUATIONS. THE PROBLEM IS EXACERBATED BY THE FACT THAT THE POINT (OR PLANE) AT WHICH EFFECTIVE BRAKING IS ACHIEVED IS AT LEAST 1/2" BELOW OR "BEYOND" THE PLANE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, ALMOST GUARANTEEING THE APPLICATION OF POWER DURING BRAKING. THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE ENGINEERING DESIGN FAILURE AND WILL ALMOST ASSUREDLY LEAD TO ACCIDENTS IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY DONE SO, AS I HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS MYSELF ALREADY WHERE THIS INTERFERENCE WAS A FACTOR. I CONSIDER THIS AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CONDITION AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE NHTSA AS A TOP PRIORITY. *TR
Nov 17, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 have?
The 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 currently has 281 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 2011 TOYOTA RAV4?
The most common problems reported for the 2011 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 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2011 TOYOTA RAV4 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - TOYOTA RAV4
2025 Problems
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
Other TOYOTA Models
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models