NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Toyota RAV4. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. BEGAN LAST SUMMER. I'VE HAD TO ADD AT 5 QTS SINCE THEN. I BOUGHT A CARTON OF 12 AND ONLY 3 OR 4 REMAIN, SO PROBABLY MORE THAN 5. FIRST OCCURRENCE THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON IN A HARD RIGHT (?) TURN. IT TOOK 2 QTS. I'M HAVING TO TRAIN MYSELF TO CHECK THE OIL FAR MORE FREQUENTLY. THE DATE BELOW IS ESTIMATED.
2008 TOYOTA RAV4. 1006,000 MILEAGE. SUDDENLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. TAKEN TO NEWARK TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES SINCE JUNE THIS YEAR UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ON A CITY STREET.
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR BACK ROW SEAT BELTS. *SMD
AT 149,000 MILES MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 STARTED TO CONSUME OIL. IT IS CURRENTLY CONSUMING A LITTLE OVER 3 QUARTS OF OIL IN 3000 MILES. THIS HAS CAUSED A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN NOISE IN THE VALVE TRAIN WHICH I PRESUME IS DUE TO OIL STARVATION. I SUSPECT THAT MY VEHICLE WILL NEED TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT 230,000 MILES. THIS IS BEYOND UNACCEPTABLE FOR AN AUTO MANUFACTURER NOT TO RECALL.
I FOUND OUT TOO LATE ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN THE 2AZ-FE ENGINE. MY PROBLEM STARTED AFTER THE WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT. MY CAR BURNS A LOT OF OIL AND I HAVE TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE OR ADD OIL FREQUENTLY (EVERY FEW WEEKS OF ADDING OIL). I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THIS PROBLEM AND DIDN'T FIND OUT THAT THEY WERE FIXING THIS UNTIL I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THE PROBLEM. I SEE CLASS ACTION SUITS AND OTHERS THAT WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. I EVEN HAVE HAD MY CAR INTO TOYOTA FOR REPAIRS AND WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SO NOW I HAVE A CAR WITH ONLY 147,000 MILES THAT NEEDS FREQUENT OIL THAT TOYOTA WON'T STAND BEHIND. IF IT WAS JUST MY CAR I MIGHT NOT BOTHER REPORTING IT, BUT ITS NOT
DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT ABOUT THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH, PART OF THE PLASTIC WHEEL WELL COVER ON THE UNDERSIDE CAME LOOSE AND CAUGHT BETWEEN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE/WHEEL AND THE CAR BODY, AT FIRST SOUNDING LIKE WE MIGHT HAVE A FLAT TIRE. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE PLASTIC COVER WAS WEDGED BETWEEN THE TIRE AND THE CAR BODY. I HAD TO UNSCREW THREE SCREWS TO REMOVE THIS PIECE. IT EXPOSED SOME OF THE CAR BODY AND WHAT MIGHT BE OPENINGS INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WE TURNED AROUND TO HEAD HOME. AS WE PROCEEDED, DRIVING MORE SLOWLY BACK THE WAY WE CAME ON THE INTERSTATE, WE COULD HEAR SOME SCRAPING NOISE AROUND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, ANOTHER LARGE PLASTIC UNDERSIDE WHEEL WELL, (AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT?) COVERING FELL OUT BESIDE THE SIDEWALK AND STREET. UPON PARKING IN MY GARAGE, I COULD SEE THE UNDERSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL EXPOSED LIKE THE OTHER WHEEL AREA AND WHAT MIGHT BE UP INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SEVERAL PLASTIC PINS USED TO HOLD IT IN PLACE HAD FALLEN OFF BY THE SIDEWALK. FOR THIS SET OF PLASTIC PIECES TO COME LOOSE, CREATING A HAZARD, WAS VERY CONCERNING. PIECES POSSIBLY COULD HAVE FLOWN AWAY ON THE HIGHWAY, HARMING OTHER CARS OR DRIVERS. WE WERE GRATEFUL WE WERE NOT HURT AND DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. THIS APPEARED TO HAPPEN ON ITS OWN, WHICH REVEALS POTENTIALLY SHODDY MATERIALS AND ANCHOR MECHANISMS FOR THIS SET OF UNDERSIDE PIECES. THIS WAS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I WONDER IF OTHER RAV4 OWNERS HAVE HAD THESE PIECES COME LOOSE OR FALL OFF.
TAKATA RECALL
I HAVE A TOYOTA RAV4 THAT CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR SUDDENLY DROPPING OUT OF THE CEILING MOUNT. OF COURSE THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM DRIVING AND BECOMES A HUGE DISTRACTION WHILE TRYING TO GET IT BACK IN PLACE. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHER RAV4 OWNERS AND NEARLY EVERYONE HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE . IT SEAMS THAT THE VISOR STUB ARM THAT GOES INTO THE CEILING MOUNT WEARS OUR WHATEVER IS HOLDING IT INTO THE SOCKET . THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS AND DOES SEEM TO BE MORE OFTEN IN THE SUMMER TIME
ON SATURDAY MAY 21 2016 AT 11:00AM I WAS PARALLEL PARKING. I BACKED UP IN THE SPACE. I THEN PULLED UP A BIT AND STOPPED, EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. I THEN PUT IT IN REVERSE ONCE MORE TO CENTER THE VEHICLE. THAT'S WHEN THE ENGINE REVED UP. I LOOKED AT THE SHIFTER (IN REVERSE) AND MY FOOT(ON THE BREAK PEDAL). THE ENGINE REVED UP SO HARD THAT THE VEHICLE JOLTED TWICE! I THOUGHT I HAD HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. I WAS PUSHING ON THE BREAK REALLY HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL / FLOOR MAT ISSUE. THE ENGINE REVED UP PREVIOUSLY ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO IN MY DRIVEWAY BUT I WASN'T TOO CONCERNED ABOUT IT. NOW THIS HAPPENED A 2ND TIME AND MORE VIOLENTLY, I AM VERY CONCERNED.
MY 2008 RAV4 WITH 69,548 MILES WAS IN MOTION (APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH) WHEN MY DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR BECAME DETACHED FROM THE HEADLINER. THE VISOR FELL ON MY LAP CAUSING ME TO BECOME VERY STARTLED. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL. I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0068-10 ISSUED FOR THIS DEFECT BUT NO RECALL. THE DEALER CHARGED ME $127.52 TO REPLACE THE VISOR AND THE BRACKET.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC TIME FRAME THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT ONLY HAD AN OPTION TO PLACE A CHILD IN THE MIDDLE SEAT DUE TO THE REPAIRS NEEDED FOR THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
THERE ARE HAVE BEEN 6 RECALLS TO DATE SINCE WE PURCHASED 2008 RAV4. MOST RECENTLY, SEATBELTS WERE DEEMED UNSAFE IN THE REAR, WHERE WE HARNESS OUR CHILDREN'S CARSEATS. THIS WAS IN APRIL 2016, AND WE HAVE YET TO BE CONTACTED ABOUT A REMEDY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO PUSH FOR A FIX TO THIS SITUATION. WE ARE FRUSTRATED THAT THIS CAR IS A LEMON, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO LAW, SINCE THE RECALLS ARE ROLLED OUT OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 6-8 YEARS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A CLICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
SUDDEN ACCELERATION. CAR WAS STOPPED IN PARK AND SHIFTED TO DRIVE. TRANSMISSION MADE A LARGE CLUNK SOUND AS IT WENT INTO DRIVE AND THEN ACCELERATED TO WHAT SOUND LIKE FULL THROTTLE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE MUCH BUT WAS BUCKING AGAINST THE BRAKE. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. I THEN PUT IT INTO PARK. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDER THE DASH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOOKED LIKE IT WAS IN A NORMAL POSITION AND THE FLOOR MATS WERE SEVERAL INCHES FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS TOOK PLACE AT THE BEMIDJI HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I THEN RE-STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME WITH NO INCIDENT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND NO INJURIES.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR LONGER THAN TWO MONTHS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE SECOND NOTICE WOULD BE SENT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/28/16*LJ
THIS WAS MY PROBLEM ONE YEAR AGO AND LISTED ON THIS PAGE UNDER THE DATE 3/6/2015 ABS LIGHT, VSC LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING ALL SYSTEMS TO BE INOPERATIVE. AFTER TAKING CAR TO LOCAL DEALER PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE BAD LEFT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, HARNESS FOR SENSOR AND WHEEL HUB THAT HAD CORROSION ON IT POSSIBLY FROM LIVING IN AN AREA THAT DEICES ROADS WITH SALT. IN MY RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THROUGH SEVERAL TOYOTA BLOGS THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AROUND THE COUNTRY. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT AND THE ASSOCIATED COST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS EXPENSIVE. IF AN OWNER FAILS TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE OUTCOME COULD BECOME CATASTROPHIC IN INCLIMATE WEATHER. EXACTLY ONE YEAR LATER THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL HUB ASSY. AND WIRING HARNESS WENT OUT. THIS TIME I CHANGED IT ALL MYSELF SAVING ALMOST $600 FROM HAVING IT DONE AT TOYOTA DEALER. THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE. WHILE WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO COME IN THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY WIFE DURING A RAINSTORM. ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HER AND SHE HAD TO BRAKE HARD. DUE TO THE ABS BEING INOP. IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE. I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE BUT I'M ALMOST POSITIVE IT HAS HAPPENED TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT'S A TERRIBLE DESIGN AND LIKE I SAID SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED DUE TO THE LACK OF CONCERN.
CAR STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISE, COMING FROM THE ENGINE, WHEN DRIVING. THE NOISE OCCURS AT ANY SPEED ONCE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I BROUGHT IT INTO AN AUTO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP AND BEARING. THE CAR ONLY HAS 47,093 MILES.
THE PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE. GOING UPHILL ON A HIGHWAY AT AROUND FIFTY MPH WITH SPEED CONTROL ON. VEHICLE SPEED HAS DROPPED ABOUT 2 MPH BELOW THE SET POINT. I TAP THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER ONCE TO REDUCE THE SET POINT BY ABOUT 1 MPH. THE SPEED CONTROL INSTANTLY OPENS THE THROTTLE WIDE AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO A LOWER GEAR. THE RESULT IS AN ABRUPT INCREASE IN SPEED RATHER THAN THAN THE INTENDED DECREASE. IF, UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES, I PULL THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER TO TURN OFF THE CONTROL THE SAME THING HAPPENS BUT IS QUICKLY TERMINATED WHEN THE CONTROL DISCONNECTS, WITHOUT MUCH INCREASE IN SPEED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NOTIFICATION 16V096000, COMPONENT SEAT BELTS. THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (RIVERTOWN TOYOTA, 1661-A WHITTLESEY RD, COLUMBUS, GA 31904, (706) 322-8891) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND 4WD WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000(SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
I LOOKED AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS ALREADY FILED AND I HAVE THE SAME THING. MY MECHANIC AT A PRIVATE CAR SERVICE PLACE COULD NOT ALIGN MY TIRES BECAUSE THERE WAS A PERMANENT FIX PUT IN PLACE DURING A RECALL NOTICE THAT I RECEIVED BACK IN 2014. MY MECHANIC CALLED TOYOTA DEALER AND ASKED WHAT COULD BE DONE AND WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA COULD REPLACE THE ARMS FOR $1,500. MY MECHANIC SAID HE COULD DO A RETRO FIT FOR $100 WHICH IS WHAT I TOLD HIM TO DO. MY MECHANIC WAS REALLY DISGUSTED ABOUT THE WAY THIS WAS HANDLED. HE SAID I WAS REALLY LUCKY THAT THE WEAR ON MY TIRES HAD NOT CAUSED ME AN ACCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY THAT I HAPPENED TO NOTICE THAT THE INSIDE RIM OF MY TIRES WAS WORN ON ALL 4 TIRES AND WENT TO THE SERVICE DEALER.
MY OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON LESS THAN 1600 MILES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. I HAVE HAD THE "OIL CONSUMPTION" TEST THREE TIMES. EACH TIME, I HAVE BEEN TOLD MY CAR HAS "PASSED" THE TEST BECAUSE IT IS "NORMAL" FOR A CAR TO BE A QUART LOW ON OIL AFTER 1000 MILES.
I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL NO.16V-596, I CALLED TOYOTA TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS, WHEN THEY CALL ME TO TELL ME THEY HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE, WE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT UNFORTUNATELY I DIDN'T MAKE IT BECAUSE I HAD TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO THE HOSPITAL, I WENT DIRECTLY TO TOYOTA TWO WEEKS LATER JUST TO HEAR THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABE AGAIN IS BEEN ABOUT 4 WEEKS AND I STILL HAVEN'T HEAR BACK FROM THEM. HOW LONG DO THEY HAVE TO FIX THE RECALL?
MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY CONSUMING 4 QUARTS APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,000 MILES. THE TOYOTA DISTRICT PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER DECLINED MY REQUEST FOR A LOANER VEHICLE, HOWEVER, TOYOTA HAS APPROVED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR ANY EXTRA OIL PURCHASED. THEY DO NOT HAVE AN ESTIMATED TIME OF DELIVERY FOR YOUR PART AT THIS TIME AS IT IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER WITH TOYOTA.
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT THAT IS BURNING 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY THOUSAND MILES. I TOOK IT IN FOR THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST IN FEBRUARY 2016. IT PAST BUT BARELY PASSED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I COULD ONLY DO ONE TEST EVERY YEAR. THAT IS ALL TOYOTA WILL COVER. SO NOW TODAY AT THE END OF APRIL 2017 I TOOK IT BACK IN AGAIN SINCE USING A LOT OF OIL AND NOW HAVING PERFORMANCE ISSUES (SLOW ACCELERATION ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS). TOLD IT DEFINITELY FAILS AND THEY'VE NEVER SEEN AN ENGINE USE THIS MUCH OIL. IT IS NOW OVER 150,000 MILES IN AND OCTOBER 2016 TOYOTA CHANGE THEIR POLICY OF UNLIMITED MILES AND UNLIMITED AGE TO EITHER 10 YEARS FROM FIRST DATE OF SERVICE OR HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES. THEY SAID NOTICES WERE SENT OUT BUT THEY DID ADMIT THAT OUR NOTICE PROBABLY WENT TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER. WE BOUGHT THIS IS A CERTIFIED USED IN 2011. SO AFTER ADMITTING THAT THEY DID NOT NOTIFY US OF THE CHANGE AND HAVING THEM WAIT TO DO ANOTHER TEST UNTIL AFTER THE FREE REPAIRS WERE AUTHORIZED THEY DEFINITELY TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THIS DISABLED VETERAN. TOTALLY UNWILLING TO HELP CORRECT THEIR OWN ENGINE ISSUE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE AT 35 MPH, A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HEAT SHIELD FROM THE MUFFLER WAS DETACHED AND WEDGED NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DETACHED HEAT SHIELD WAS REMOVED. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPOT WELD ON THE MUFFLER WAS WEAK AND THE MUFFLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,536.
PRIOR TO 2015, 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE COMPANIES ON 2 SEPARATE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAD NO OIL. IN 2015,RECEIVED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM RELATED TO EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION FROM TOYOTA. SINCE BEING TOLD ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THAT THE CAR HAD NO OIL DURING OIL CHANGE SERVICE, I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO SCHEDULE FOR THE CONSUMPTION TEST. BROUGHT THE CAR ON 7/7/15 THEN RETURNED ON 9/2/15 BETWEEN 1100-1300 MILES AS INSTRUCTED AND WAS TOLD IT PASSED. HOWEVER, ON 1/20/16 BROUGHT CAR TO ANOTHER SERVICE COMPANY FOR SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE (FIRST OIL CHANGE AFTER IT SUPPOSEDLY PASSED TEST) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO OIL MARKING ON DIP STICK. THEREFORE,WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT BACK TO TOYOTA. NO OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED BUT SERVICE COMPANY ADDED OIL (APPROX 3.5 QUARTS)PER MY REQUEST. SPOKE WITH A LADY MANAGER AT TOYOTA VIA PHONE TO REPORT THE FINDINGS AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT FOR RE-TEST. I BROUGHT CAR TO TOYOTA ON 1/29/16 AS SCHEDULED AND WAS TOLD BY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT A RE-TEST WILL NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE IT ALREADY PASSED THE TEST IN SEPT. 2015 DESPITE THE LATEST FINDING OF A DRY DIP STICK IN JAN. 2016. TOYOTA SUGGESTED TO CHANGE THE OIL AT MY EXPENSE AND TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A LEAK. I DECLINED IT BECAUSE I EXPECTED THE APPOINTMENT TO BE A RE-TEST FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AS INDICATED BY A TOYOTA MANAGER. I EVENTUALLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE ON 2/17/16 PERFORMED BY A NON-TOYOTA SERVICE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THE OIL DRAINED WAS 2.5 QUARTS WHICH IS 2 QUARTS BELOW FACTORY STANDARDS.
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE EMERGENCY BREAK CABLE ON 1/13/16. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING REMOVED FROM THE REPAIR STALL THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A FLAT FLOOR AT THE TIME OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON1/27/16, THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS OPERATING PROPERLY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. A SAFETY RECALL BOE-CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG SENSOR WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE ON 1/19/12 ACCORDING TO THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA AFTER THERE INSPECTION. I REALIZE THAT TOYOTA ONLY READ THE EVENT RECORDER. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS WOULD INADVERTENTLY BLINK AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES BUT NEVER WHEN THERE WAS A CHANCE TO GET A DIAGNOSIS FROM A COMPUTER READING AT A SERVICE FACILITY.
2008 RAV 4 HAS LESS THAN 60K MILES. WAS EXPERIENCING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW STEERING SHAFT AT A COST TO ME OF $688. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT IT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE, YEAR AND MODEL FOR A LONG TIME. WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL GENERATED FOR THIS AS TOYOTA OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BEAR THE COST OF FAULTY MANUFACTURING.
I OWN TOYOTA RAV 4 2008 LIMITED FOR 9 YEARS. I AM TIRED OF CHANGING OILS FOR THE CAR FOR LAST 2 YEARS. I GOT A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING THAT THEY WILL FIX THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY MAINTENANCE. BUT WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS RUST ON THE CAR AND THEY WILL FIX IT ONLY IF I PAY THE COST THAT MIGHT BE RANGING FROM500 DOLLARS TO MORE THAN 1000 DOLLARS. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA EXECUTIVE OFFICE TO DISCUSS THE MATTER BUT SORRY TO INFORM YOU ALL THAT I GOT A VERY HARSH TREATMENT FROM THE EXECUTIVE REP. SHE WAS NOT EVEN READY TO REPLY MY EMAILS AND INFORMED ME THAT SHE WILL ONLY TALK TO ME THROUGH PHONE, NOT THRU EMAIL. AFTER A SERIOUS DISCUSSION OVER THE PHONE, SHE FINALLY REPLIED MY EMAILS BUT SAID THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY ISSUES. I FEEL TERRIBLE NOW. I AM CHANGING MY CAR OIL EVERY 1000 MILES AND TOYOTA IS NOT READY TO DO ANYTHING TO FIX MY ISSUES. I AM SCARED THAT MY CAR WILL STOP RUNNING SOON. I EVEN COPIED MY MAIL TO THE PRESIDENT AND NEVER GOT A REPLY FROM HIM ALSO REGARDING THE HARSH TREATMENT FROM THE REP.
THE CAR IS LOOSING ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL IN 1100 MILES AND IT STARTED ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT THE TOYOTA DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS INDUSTRY STANDARD.
REAR U JOINT SEIZED AT 100519 MILES. NOTED VIBRATION AND REAR WHEEL INSTABILITY STARTING APPROX 30 MPH.
2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS CONSUMER 15 QUARTS OF OIL IN 36,000 MILES. ALSO, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WAS SOME RUST IN THE DRUM AREA THAT PROBABLY CAUSED THE NOISE. *JB
MY VEHICLE WAS CHECKED FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN NOVEMBER 2015. THE DEALERSHIP STSTED MY VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE AN OIL PROBLEM. I AM STILL ADDING OIL TO MY VEHICLE LESS THAN 1,000 MILES.
HAVING JUST EXITED I-95, I WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO PULL UP TO THE CURB AT THE PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT TO PICK UP A PASSENGER. UPON DOING SO, THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A LOUD POP OR CLUNK SOUND, AND THE STEERING WHEEL IMMEDIATELY LURCHED APPROXIMATELY 6-8" TO THE LEFT - AND NEARLY OUT OF MY HANDS - ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO THE CROWD AT THE CURB. AFTER THIS SOUND OCCURRED, THE STEERING WHEEL (AS IN A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT IN 2013) WAS STILL OPERATIONAL, HOWEVER WAS ABLE TO MOVE APPROXIMATELY 6 - 9" UP, DOWN, RIGHT, OR LEFT WHILE STILL REMAINING OPERABLE. UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, I WAS ASKED IF I HAD BEEN IN A FRONT-END COLLISION (ANSWER, "NEVER"), AS A FACTORY WELD HAD FAILED THAT KEEPS THE STEERING COLUMN ATTACHED TO A SAFETY ROD IN THE DASH. REPAIRS ARE EXPECTED TO RUN APPROXIMATELY $3,700. MATTER HAS BEEN SENT TO TOYOTA CORPORATE, HOWEVER NO WORD HAS COME BACK. IT APPEARS AS IF I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FULL REPAIR COST, DESPITE FAILURE IN FACTORY WELD. APPARENTLY NO FAIL-SAFES ARE IN PLACE SHOULD THIS WELD FAIL, SUCH THAT A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ARISES, ESPECIALLY IF THIS HAD HAPPENED THREE MINUTES EARLIER WHEN I WAS IN VERY HEAVY INTERSTATE TRAFFIC, INSTEAD OF JUST HAVING EXITED, AND MOVING AT 10 MPH OR LESS.
NOTICED WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT APPEARED TO HAVE A BLOWOUT. REPLACED WITH NEW BULB, DID NOT WORK. CHECKED FUSE TO LIGHT, FUSE GOOD. HIGH BEAM DOES WORK, LOW BEAM DOES NOT. CHECKED ONLINE, AND SEE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
MY CAR BURNS MORE OIL THAN IT SHOULD.WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE RECALL, THEY RECOMENDED ,I LET THEM PUT NEW OIL STEM VALVE GASKETS IN FOR $530.00. NOW MAYBE I NEED THEM BUT,EVERYTIME, I TAKE MY CAR IN FOR A RECALL THE DEALERS WANT ME TO PAY TO GET SOME THING FIXED.ENOUGH IS ENOUHG
THE RIGHT REAR SWAY BAR LINK BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 136842 MILES. IT WAS FOUND BY THE TOYOTA DEALER.
ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6, 2015 MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS IN FOR SERVICE AT PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES, FRONT/BACK BRAKES AND FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS, A TOTAL OF $2,000. ON OCTOBER 8, 2015, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BACK FROM STANFORD LUCILE PACKARD OVER DUMBARTON BRIDGE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN MY CAR. JUST BEFORE THIS EVENT, THE ABS, VSC, AND SLIP WARNING LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT VERY STIFF AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO DO ANY REPETITIVE PUMPING OF THE BRAKE. I CALLED 911 AND REQUESTED ASSISTANCE. WHEN THE FRONT TRAFFIC CAME TO A HOLD I HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MY ENTIRE CAR SLIPPED TO THE LEFT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THE BUS BEHIND US. SOME GOOD SAMARITANS SAW WHAT HAPPENED AND HELPED ME TO GET MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. THAT DAY, MY 9 YRS. OLD SON AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I REQUEST THAT TOYOTA INVESTIGATES/RECALLS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES FOR TOYOTA RAV4 2008. IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SYSTEM CONTAINS A BRAKE ACTUATOR THAT ADJUSTS THE FLUID PRESSURE OF EACH WHEEL CYLINDER. WITHIN THE ACTUATOR IS AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL THAT CONNECTS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR MOTOR AND THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE SKID CONTROL ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU). DUE TO MANUFACTURING VARIATION, THERE COULD BE A REDUCTION IN CONTACT FORCE BETWEEN THE TWO COMPONENTS OF THE TERMINAL, CAUSING OXIDE FILM TO INCREASE RESISTANCE. A LARGER THAN NORMAL INCREASE IN RESISTANCE CAN CAUSE THE ILLUMINATION OF VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS, INCLUDING THOSE FOR THE SKID CONTROL (VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL OR VSC) SYSTEM, ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. LFTHIS OCCURS, THESE SYSTEMS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6, 2015 MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS IN FOR SERVICE AT PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES, FRONT/BACK BRAKES AND FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS, A TOTAL OF $2,000. ON OCTOBER 8, 2015, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BACK FROM STANFORD LUCILE PACKARD OVER DUMBARTON BRIDGE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN MY CAR. JUST BEFORE THIS EVENT, THE ABS, VSC, AND SLIP WARNING LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT VERY STIFF AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO DO ANY REPETITIVE PUMPING OF THE BRAKE. I CALLED 911 AND REQUESTED ASSISTANCE. WHEN THE FRONT TRAFFIC CAME TO A HOLD I HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MY ENTIRE CAR SLIPPED TO THE LEFT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THE BUS BEHIND US. SOME GOOD SAMARITANS SAW WHAT HAPPENED AND HELPED ME TO GET MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. THAT DAY, MY 9 YRS. OLD SON AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I REQUEST THAT TOYOTA INVESTIGATES/RECALLS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT THAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED. PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS INVESTIGATED THE INCIDENT ON 10/09/15. THEY FOUND C1249 OPEN STOP LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT, C1223 ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, MY VEHICLE HAD INTERMITTENT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. PIERCEY TOYOTA REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
I HAVE A 2008 RAV4. IN 2010, I EXPERIENCED A "CLUNKING" OR "THUNKING" SENSATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN ON LOW SPEED TURNS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT A FAULTY INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS THE CAUSE AND REPLACED IT. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN IN 2012 AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AGAIN. IN 2015, I HAD STEERING PROBLEMS WHICH HAD A SIMILAR FEEL (A "THUNK" OR "CLUNK" FEELING WHEN TURNING). THIS TIME THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND RELATED PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND CHARGED ME $2,400 FOR THE REPAIR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED LEFT TO RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BOLT THAT ATTACHED THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIE ROD TO THE VEHICLE HAD DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOLT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 01/20/16*LJ *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO GO IN REVERSE, THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE ELECTRIC STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND STEERING COLUMN MOTOR ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. TOTAL COST WAS $3,300. THIS IS BECOMING A COMMON COMPLAINT AND, CONSIDERING THE COST INVOLVED, SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY REVIEWED BY THE NHTSA.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES COULD NOT BE ALIGNED DUE TO THE EPOXY FROM THE RECALL REMEDY. AS A RESULT, THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
MY 2008 RAV4 4-CYLINDERS 85K MILES CONSUMES ABOUT A QUART OF OIL EVERY 150 MILES. NO LEAKS, NO SMOKE, VALVE SOUNDS WHILE IN MOTION. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION!
PREMATURE EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURE BEFORE 80,000 MILES OR 8 YEARS. TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH THE DEALER AND TOYOTA CORP (CASE #1508262478 @ 800-331-4331) BUT THEY WILL NOT REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS CONNECTED TO AN IN-LINE RESONATOR AND MUFFLER ASSEMBLY. THE MUFFLER SEAM HAS SPLIT. MY CLAIM TO THE DEALER AND TOYOTA CORP IS THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WORKS HAND IN HAND AND THE WAY TOYOTA HAS DESIGNED THE SYSTEM IT CAN NOT BE SEPARATED FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS REQUIRED TO REDUCE EMISSIONS AND INCREASE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND THEREFORE COVERED UNDER THE EMISSION WARRANTY. NOT SURE IF IT IS A DESIGN OR MATERIAL DEFECT BUT SOMETHING COSTING OVER $1,400 TO REPAIR IS MORE THAN A SIMPLE MUFFLER REPLACEMENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 52,000 MILES.
VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CLUNK NOISE THAT COULD BE HEARD AND FELT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND ESPECIALLY DURING SLOW SPEED OPERATION. THE PROBLEM BEGAN IN 8/2015 AT ~45,000 MILES. VEHICLE ALSO DEVELOPED A LOOSE FEEL IN THE STEERING AND WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. BY 1/2016, THE PROBLEM GOT NOTICEABLY WORSE. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR. AFTER AN HOUR OR SO OF CHECKING THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM, THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT". THE LOCAL SHOP OWNER STATED HE HAD REPLACED SEVERAL OF THESE SAME STEERING SHAFTS ON OTHER RAV4S AROUND THE SAME VINTAGE (2006-2010). I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE AGENT ALSO STATED THEY HAD "SEVERAL" INCIDENTS WITH THIS VINTAGE OF RAV4S AND STEERING SHAFT PROBLEMS BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS. I THEN LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF ANY OTHER OWNERS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH RAV4S OF THE SAME VINTAGE AND HAD SIMILAR RESULTS WITH LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AS EVENTUALLY THE STEERING SHAFT AND/OR SHAFT U-JOINT KNUCKLES COULD FAIL DUE TO THIS POOR DESIGN AND CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL (STEERING) OF THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA DOES NOT SEEM TO BE TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY, HOPEFULLY THE NHTSA WILL.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026