NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Toyota RAV4. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
FIRE UNDER THE HOOD
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.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EXPERIENCE HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED THE SPARK PLUGS TO BURN OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA CARLSBAD (6020 AVENIDA ENCINAS, CARLSBAD, CA 92011) WHERE THEY TESTED THE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS AND WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA HAS DIAGNOSED YHIS VEHICLE AS HAVING AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. IT FAILED THE TEST 1/23/19 ON THE 3RD TESTING USING 1 QUART OF OIL FOR 598 MILES. AT 107,000 MILES I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CONSUMPTON. THEY TOLD ME I HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY SO THEY EXAMINED THE CAR. LATER I WAS TOLD THAT I WAS TOLD INCORRECT INFO. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN A THIRD TIME. BOTH VISITS I WAS TOLD THE CAR PASSED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE.*JB
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 !!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CAR IS 7 YEARS OLD WITH 123,000 MILES. RECENTLY STARTED BURNING OIL EXCESSIVELY. MY CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE TOYOTA TSB RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. HAD IT TESTED AT TOYOTA DEALER & IT FAILED. LITERALLY RAN OUT OF OIL & DIDN'T KNOW IT; CAR JUST STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. TOYOTA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME.
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.
THE ELECTRONICS. THE RADIO WILL COME ON BY ITSELF OR EVEN TURN OFF WHILE TURNING STATION OR EVEN EJECT MY CD, WITHOUT ME DOING IT. THIS HAS BEING KINDA CREEP. IT BEEN GOING ON ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW. NORMALLY IN WINTER MONTHS, I SPOKE WITH CO WORKER SHE HAD SAME PROBLEM ALSO ..ARE THE A RECALL ON THIS ?
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.
LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEAL ON DRIVER SIDE. ONLY 70000 MILES
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.
RADIO DISPLAY BECOMES UNREADABLE AND RADIO TURNS OFF IF I TRY TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL.
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.
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.
TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL
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.
MY RAV4 HAS 66,000 MILES. I NOTICED AN OIL LEAK COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. MY LOCAL DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR AND TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR A PINION BEARING INSIDE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BUT AFTER ONLY LISTENING FOR NOISE OF A FAULTY BEARING THEY DETERMINED THAT MINE WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. HOWEVER THE OIL LEAK IS COMING FROM THE PINION SEAL WHICH IS THE SAME SHAFT AS THE BEARINGS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. ONE OF THE FIRST SIGNS OF A BEARING FAILURE IS A LEAKING SEAL. THE FAILING BEARING CAUSES A VIBRATION OFTEN TIMES NOT HEARD OR FELT BUT WHICH CAUSES AN OIL SEAL TO FAIL. THE DEALERSHIP DID INFORM ME HOWEVER THAT I HAVE A FRONT WHEEL BEARING THAT IS FAILING. I DO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE EVERYTHING FIXED WITH A TRUSTED LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP HOWEVER I AM CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA IS USING POOR QUALITY PARTS THAT COULD LEAD TO INCREASED ACCIDENTS.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, CHECK ENGINE, OIL LIGHT, AND OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (SLOANE TOYOTA OF PHILADELPHIA, 1546 COTTMAN AVE, PHILADELPHIA,PA, 19111) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, HOWEVER THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THAT IT MIGHT RE-ILLUMINATE BUT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE TO STAY OFF. IN ADDITION, IF THE FAILURE REOCCURRED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN, HOWEVER HE HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
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
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
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. AT LEAST ONE QUART OF OIL NEEDS BE ADDED EVERY 600 MILES. PROBLEM STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. OIL SLUDGE BUILT UP IN A VALVE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY.
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.
TODAY WHEN I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN PARKING LOT, I REALIZED THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL TO LEFT AND RIGHT. IT WAS REALLY DIFFICULT OR REQUIRED A LOT OF FORCE TO MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL WHILE PARKING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN STATIONARY OR MOVING VERY SLOWLY AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION EASILY. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE FACED THIS STEERING WHEEL ISSUE I HAD NEVER FACED THIS ISSUE BEFORE WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE.
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
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, IT ROLLED DOWN HILL INTO THE BACK YARD, THROUGH LAWN FURNITURE, AND STOPPED IN THE WOODS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
CPCS:TOYOTA RAV4 WITH WIRING THAT HAS SOY COATED INSULATION.THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS "RODENT" DAMAGE. WE CONTACTED OUR INSURANCE COMPANY, ETC., BUT NO ONE WANTS TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. *BD UPDATED 06/28/2017*JS
AT A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WAS TOLD THERE WAS A "TRANSAXLE LEAK" THAT REQUIRED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE LEAK IN THE DRIVEWAY, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OTHER WARNING. SO WHEN THIS DEVELOPED IS UNKNOWN. TOLD NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. REPAIR WOULD BE $3000. TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL HAD TO BE REMOVED TO SEAL LEAKING. THIS VEHICLE HAS 34K MILES ON IT. WAS TOLD THIS ONLY SEEN IN CARS OVER 100K. HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED--ALL SERVICE CHECKS AND RECALLS COMPLETED. TOYOTA ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY. NO SIGN OF A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
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???
CAR SITTING IN PARKING LOT. STARTED ENGINE IN PARK, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED HAD TO TURN IGNITION KEY OFF TO STOP ENGINE FROM RUNNING AT HIGH SPEED. WHEN RESTARTED ENGINE RAN AT NORMAL IDLE SPEED. CHECKED FLOOR MAT AND HOSES ON ENGINE, ALL OK. SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH TOYOTA DEALER FOR 3/6/2017. CAR HAS 28,563 MILES ON ODOMETER AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. CAR IS GARAGED, NO ACCIDENTS AND IS REGULARLY SERVICED BY TOYOTA DEALER. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS 41 DEGREES. I CHECKED THE FOOT PEDAL (THROTTLE) FOR FREE TRAVEL IT WAS OK.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026