2008 Toyota RAV4 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Toyota RAV4, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine16024.1%
- Driver assistance9614.4%
- Suspension8112.2%
- Steering7311.0%
- Airbags588.7%
- Brakes345.1%
- Powertrain (other)314.7%
- Electrical274.1%
- Body & structure192.9%
- Visibility182.7%
- Seat belts182.7%
- Fuel system162.4%
- Other / unspecified132.0%
- Interior & seats60.9%
- Tires & wheels60.9%
- Transmission60.9%
- Exterior lighting30.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My daughter and I are leasing our Toyota Rav4 almost paid off. Our last 2 oil changes done by professional the engine has burned off the oil in between the oil changes. I seen multiple complaints for this same issue for other owners and that there's not been any recalls only investigations. I read 1 person their engine caught fire. I'm disabled if what happened to that person's family happened to my Toyota I might not be as lucky as I, my daughter and my oldest daughter who is disabled and needs help moving and I'd have to get my dog out of the car and we all get safely away from the car and pray we were in a safe area no one else gets hurt. This oil burning from these cars is a dangerous safety hazard and expensive. Instead of a investigation recalls are needed to get the malfunctioning pistons replaced before someone physically gets injured or killed. This is a known issue by the Toyota manufacturer and obviously more and more owners are finding and coming forward with complaints. As for me and my daughter the car is not a new model but it's a new vehicle to use and we didn't know about the pistons malfunctioning issues or oil burning off until it happened. Please do a recall so this issue will be resolved not just investigations because investigations aren't helping nor protecting the consumers/owners. Toyota knew/knows of the safety issues and won't step up to the plate to fix something they know is faulty. Oil is burning out of my car's engine in between oil changes, done by a professional, it really needs to be addressed and safety recalls sent out to hold Toyota accountable for something they know is faulty on their cars
My engine recently start to burning oil. Toyota had an extended Warranty for this issue which had to do with piston rings failure. which has expired. Searching the internet this problem is popping up all over the internet. Calling you
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Starting in June 2018, I have had seven episodes of unintended acceleration. (I have owned the car, purchased in private sale, since June of 2013.) There were common elements to each incident:1. gradually slowing; 2. foot on brake; 3. engine accelerates sharply, a moment before complete stop in first six, a moment after in seventh and last. In each incident able to maintain control as foot already was on brake; yet in three of the incidents, including the last two, the car bucked forward a few inches despite the pressure on the brake. Situation resolved when I turned off the ignition, a reflex developed after the first incident. This last incident was particularly upsetting as I was in a long line of slow moving cars on a relatively narrow road with pedestrians on each side of my car. Each incident has been reported to the local dealer with which I have been trading for many years. They did a thorough inspection when I reported the incidents to them in January of 2020 and again just today after the last incident that occurred on May 19, 2023. They could find nothing wrong and include on their report "TAS STATES SUSPECTED DRIVER ERROR, PEDAL MISS [sic] APPLICATION." I do NOT accept this conclusion. I note in the last incident I had come to complete stop momentarily before the engine accelerated and despite my heavy pressure on the brake bucked forward, with control established only when I shut the engine down. During the entire period of these incidents I also have been driving two other vehicles, a 2008 Camry and a 2023 Camry. I have had no such incidents while driving these two cars. I do NOT drive with two feet, always the first question asked when such an incident is reported. Finally, I believe my car dates from a period when Toyota was vehemently denying such a problem in their cars when they knew full well that such was the case, a deception for which they were found criminally liable. Such history does not instill confidence in corporate Toyota.
I'M CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THE EXHILARATION OF GAS PEDAL. EVERY TIME I STAT THE TRUCK IT HAS A LOUD AND HIGH EXHILARATE IN AN STATIONARY POSITION. WHEN I PUT IT INTO DRIVE IT TAKES OFF AT A FAST RATE
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to drive in a straight line and would erroneously drift out of the lane. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear suspension was faulty and needed to be repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 16V596000 (Suspension) however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.
I I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOUD SOUND FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR... I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS I HAD TO HAVE THE SWAY BARS REPLACED WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.. I AM HIGHLY AFRAID THAT THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH RECALL THAT SUPERSEDE 13V-383 WHICH WAS PRIOR TO WHEN BOUGHT THE SUV.. IT'S HARD TO TELL IF THE SOUND GOES AWAY AFTER SOME TIME DRIVING BUT IS VERY NOTICEBLE AT LOW SPEED
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a toyota rav4 2008 2.4 the motor is no leaking oil, no blue smoke but i put 4 quarts oil on 1.000 miles,the comsuption oil is too much and the steering wheel column have problem and that is danger .i see on Google the problem on this car toyota rav4 2008 2.4 is came with factory problem on pistons and rings I call bernardi toyota framingham,ma on 08/27/2022 and i talk a service guy the problem and he say the recall for my car expires on 2018 but i read on Internet recall nver expires if the company o factory Still on ,I did call to service on toyota weslleyle,ma on 08/29/2023 and the service guy toll me the same My phone number [XXX] .. [XXX] my name Thank you.very much for help me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was starting to back out of my driveway and my steering wheel made a loud clunking noise and became free floating. The plastic air vent fell on my right foot. I did not attempt to drive the car after this incident. I had it towed to Toyota Service. I was told that the steering bracket had come loose and that they had never seen anything like it before. I did some online research and found that this has happened many times with 2006, 2007 and 2008 Toyota RAV 4 vehicles. I believe there are even case numbers for some of them. It was determined to be a failed weld each time! If this had happened to me over the summer, when I was driving in the mountains it cold have caused a serious or even fatal accident. I don't understand why this hasn't been recalled?! This is very dangerous for the unsuspecting people driving RAV 4s! The repair estimate for this is over $5,000!
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My airbag light came on and I received a letter saying there was a recall but unfortunately I threw out the letter and when I called Toyota said there was a recall but it was fixed in 2012 when I didn’t own the vehicle and it seems like it didn’t last long because my airbags are not working so this will be the last time I buy a Toyota!! Thanks for Nothing
The issue relates to the spiral cable assembly in my 2008 Toyota RAV4, which falls under Safety Recall 14V-168. According to the recall documentation, this part may fail, which could affect the vehicle’s safety features, including the airbag system. My vehicle is potentially affected by this recall, as it falls within the specified VIN range, but after contacting Toyota Customer Support, I was informed that my vehicle is not eligible for the recall, despite meeting the criteria outlined in the official recall notice. This inconsistency puts my safety at risk, as the failure of the spiral cable could lead to the malfunction of the airbag system. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, as I have not yet been able to have the issue inspected or repaired. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There have been no warning lamps or messages related to this issue prior to my inquiry, as the recall issue was identified through the NHTSA database and Toyota’s recall records.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE FINE BUT THERE IS A GRINDING AND SCRAPING FROM BACK END OF CAR. I KEEP UP WITH BRAKE MAINTENANCE. IT HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING OR STOPPING ON ALL ROADS,WHEN ITS WARMED UP OR NOT.
DEALER IS REPLACING BRAES 04465-42180 WITH 04465-AZ021-TM IS NOT SUPPORTED WITH RAV4 WITH 3RD ROW SEATS.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS MAKING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE IN THE BEGINNING OF 1ST, AND 2ND GEAR. BROUGHT IT IN TO TOYOTA AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT LEAKING AND I WENT INTO THE SHOP AND ALSO LOOKED AT IT MYSELF AND IT WASN'T LEAKING. DID THE REAR DIF SERVICE LIKE TOYOTA RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THE CAR HAS BEEN SUPER RELIABLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IT THAT WAY. I HAVE DONE 2 REAR DIF SERVICES BEFORE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS. RIGHT WHEN THEY DID THE SERVICE A COUPLE DAYS LATER IT STARTED MAKING THE RUMBLING NOISE AGAIN AND IS NOW LEAKING AND MADE A PUDDLE IN MY DRIVEWAY. I TOOK A LOOK AT IT MYSELF AND ALL PLUGS ARE TIGHTENED BUT IT IS NOW LEAKING FROM THE COUPLING WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT CONNECTS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AXLE SEAL. THEY WANT ME TO PAY 1000 DOLLARS FOR A WHOLE NEW COUPLING ASSEMBLEY THAT IS REFURBISHED NOT INCLUDING THE DS AXLE SEAL AND LABOUR. I WILL POST PICTURE BELOW OF THE PROBLEM.
VEHICLE BEGAN BRIEF HESITATION AT MODERATE SPEEDS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE IDLE SEEMS TO STAY HIGH RPM FOR LONGER THAN IT DID. THEN JUST TWO DAYS AGO, THE ENGINE BRIEFLY QUIT COMPLETELY WHILE ACCELERATING TO CLIMB A HILL. ALL THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE FIRST USE OF THE DAY FOR A 10 OR 15 MINUTE PERIOD. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The issue relates to the spiral cable assembly in my 2008 Toyota RAV4, which falls under Safety Recall 14V-168. According to the recall documentation, this part may fail, which could affect the vehicle’s safety features, including the airbag system. My vehicle is potentially affected by this recall, as it falls within the specified VIN range, but after contacting Toyota Customer Support, I was informed that my vehicle is not eligible for the recall, despite meeting the criteria outlined in the official recall notice. This inconsistency puts my safety at risk, as the failure of the spiral cable could lead to the malfunction of the airbag system. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, as I have not yet been able to have the issue inspected or repaired. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There have been no warning lamps or messages related to this issue prior to my inquiry, as the recall issue was identified through the NHTSA database and Toyota’s recall records.
2021 I was involved in a collision on the highway and my airbag did not deploy but airbag light remained on dash board even after repairing clockspring and attempting to reset airbag.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The paint on my car is peeling all over. There has been a recall with other years of this vehicle but my specific year is not included in the recall. The paint peeling is the same color and issue as with the current recall. Please add my year into this recall so I can get some assistance from Toyota.
Severe rust on frame and undercarriage. Other 2008 Toyota models were recalled due to the same rust issues. Unsure of when rust first started.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN AS I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY MAIN ROAD WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC. AS IT CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A DRIVEWAY AND STOP. I TRIED TO START VEHICLE AGAIN WITHOUT SUCCESS BUT IT MADE LOUD GRINDING NOISE. AFTER SHORT TIME I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE MADE A LOUD GRINDING SOUND BUT WOULD NOT START. CALLED FOR TOW AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY AND TOWED VEHICLE TO MY HOUSE. PAINT PEELING OFF VEHICLE IN LARGE PATCHES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT WORK BUT NOT A RESULT OF LATEST INCIDENT. WIPER MOTOR HUMS BUT DO NOT WORK. CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING FEW MONTHS AGO. MAKES CLICKING NOISES BUT WILL NOT PLAY CD OR EJECT DISCS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE IN PARK, THE POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR CONSUMPTION MORE OIL IT HAVE ONLY 70000 MILEAGE AND SEAT BELT GETTING STUCK SHOULD BE ENGINE AND SEAT BELT SAFETY ISSUE
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Starting in June 2018, I have had seven episodes of unintended acceleration. (I have owned the car, purchased in private sale, since June of 2013.) There were common elements to each incident:1. gradually slowing; 2. foot on brake; 3. engine accelerates sharply, a moment before complete stop in first six, a moment after in seventh and last. In each incident able to maintain control as foot already was on brake; yet in three of the incidents, including the last two, the car bucked forward a few inches despite the pressure on the brake. Situation resolved when I turned off the ignition, a reflex developed after the first incident. This last incident was particularly upsetting as I was in a long line of slow moving cars on a relatively narrow road with pedestrians on each side of my car. Each incident has been reported to the local dealer with which I have been trading for many years. They did a thorough inspection when I reported the incidents to them in January of 2020 and again just today after the last incident that occurred on May 19, 2023. They could find nothing wrong and include on their report "TAS STATES SUSPECTED DRIVER ERROR, PEDAL MISS [sic] APPLICATION." I do NOT accept this conclusion. I note in the last incident I had come to complete stop momentarily before the engine accelerated and despite my heavy pressure on the brake bucked forward, with control established only when I shut the engine down. During the entire period of these incidents I also have been driving two other vehicles, a 2008 Camry and a 2023 Camry. I have had no such incidents while driving these two cars. I do NOT drive with two feet, always the first question asked when such an incident is reported. Finally, I believe my car dates from a period when Toyota was vehemently denying such a problem in their cars when they knew full well that such was the case, a deception for which they were found criminally liable. Such history does not instill confidence in corporate Toyota.
VEHICLE BEGAN BRIEF HESITATION AT MODERATE SPEEDS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE IDLE SEEMS TO STAY HIGH RPM FOR LONGER THAN IT DID. THEN JUST TWO DAYS AGO, THE ENGINE BRIEFLY QUIT COMPLETELY WHILE ACCELERATING TO CLIMB A HILL. ALL THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE FIRST USE OF THE DAY FOR A 10 OR 15 MINUTE PERIOD. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 $2,000. ON OCTOBER 8, 2015, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BACK FROM STANFORD LUCILE PACKARD OVER DUMBARTON BRIDGE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN MY CAR. JUST BEFORE THIS EVENT, THE ABS, VSC, AND SLIP WARNING LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT VERY STIFF AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO DO ANY REPETITIVE PUMPING OF THE BRAKE. I CALLED 911 AND REQUESTED ASSISTANCE. WHEN THE FRONT TRAFFIC CAME TO A HOLD I HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MY ENTIRE CAR SLIPPED TO THE LEFT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THE BUS BEHIND US. SOME GOOD SAMARITANS SAW WHAT HAPPENED AND HELPED ME TO GET MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. THAT DAY, MY 9 YRS. OLD SON AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I REQUEST THAT TOYOTA INVESTIGATES/RECALLS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT THAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED. PIERCEY TOYOTA IN MILPITAS INVESTIGATED THE INCIDENT ON 10/09/15. THEY FOUND C1249 OPEN STOP LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT, C1223 ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, MY VEHICLE HAD INTERMITTENT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. PIERCEY TOYOTA REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
I READ ON YOUR WEBSITE RECALLS RELATED TO WEIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY WHEELS & TIRES APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE. PLEASE INFORM WHETHER DEALER FIXED IT WHILE I WAS THERE FOR OTHER RECALLS. PLEASE INFORM ME IF I NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN FIXED AND THEN I STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE OCCUPATION DETECTOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT IS NOT REGISTERING THAT THERE IS AN OCCUPANT OVER 1/2 THE TIME. SINCE THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR (ABOUT 500$) I TAKE IT TO HEART KNOWING MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AT ALL TIMES. I DO HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND THIS IS OUR PRIMARY FAMILY VEHICLE. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A PART THAT AN OWNER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WILL FUNCTION BUT IT'S BEEN ON SOLID FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. HENCE MY EMAIL.
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FRAME WASN'T PROPERLY CLOSED OUT WHICH RESULTED IN THE DEGRADATION OF PADDING AND EVENTUAL CUTTING THROUGH OF THE SEAT COVER FABRIC OVER THE COURSE OF TIME. THE FRAME HAS A SHARP EDGE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ROUNDED OR COVERED IN A MANNER SO AS NOT TO CUT INTO THE PADDING. AT THIS POINT THE FRAME HAS CUT THROUGH A PORTION OF THE FABRIC AND IS CUTTING INTO THE DRIVER. THE PRIMARY SAFETY CONCERN IS THE SHARP FRAME COULD CAUSE INJURY TO THE DRIVER (ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED IN AN OFF-CENTER, DRIVER SIDE IMPACT) BY CUTTING INTO THE DRIVER'S BACK. PER DISCUSSION WITH THEIR CUSTOMER HOTLINE TODAY, TOYOTA WILL NOT ASSIST IN THE REPAIR OF THE SEAT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I READ ON YOUR WEBSITE RECALLS RELATED TO WEIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY WHEELS & TIRES APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE. PLEASE INFORM WHETHER DEALER FIXED IT WHILE I WAS THERE FOR OTHER RECALLS. PLEASE INFORM ME IF I NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 RAV4 TOYOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A HUMMING NOISE AS UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 114,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
THE VEHICLE, A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4, WAS SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT WITH OPERATOR'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE. INEXPLICABLY AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVVED TO A HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE COLLISION WAS LOW SPEED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO NOTICEABLE DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE. WE IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4 AND IT HAS HAD A WHINING SOUND WHEN IDLING OR ACCELERATING FOR A WEEK. TODAY I WAS DRIVING IT AND THE POWER STEERING QUIT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. I COULD BARELY STEER IT, IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING, SHE COULD NOT HAVE TURNED THE VEHICLE. MANY OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON- BRAKE LIGHT (CHECKED THE PARKING BRAKE), ABS, SRS, BATTERY, VSC, MAINTENANCE, AND SLIP INDICATOR LIGHTS. ALSO THE RADIO QUIT WORKING, ALL AT ONCE. NEW BATTERY INSTALLED LAST MONTH. WE HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP, HAD 2 RECALLS FIXED FOR AIR BAG SENSOR AND FLOOR MATS, BUT NO OTHER PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .