Toyota RAV4 2006–2012 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation (XA30)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,558 complaints, 2,648 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2006 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 705
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2006
- Steering230 reports · median 41,000 mi
- Engine109 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control74 reports · median 24,000 mi
Recall areas Suspension — rear · Seats — front assembly · Seat belts — rear/other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 63,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,004
- Recalls naming this year
- 14
Most reported on the 2007
- Steering271 reports · median 46,000 mi
- Engine195 reports · median 97,000 mi
- Suspension125 reports · median 92,000 mi
Recall areas Suspension — rear · Seats — front assembly · Seat belts — rear/other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 66,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 575
- Recalls naming this year
- 14
Most reported on the 2008
- Engine137 reports · median 86,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control92 reports · median 25,000 mi
- Suspension81 reports · median 75,000 mi
Recall areas Suspension — rear · Seats — front assembly · Seat belts — rear/other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 26,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 327
- Recalls naming this year
- 15
Most reported on the 2009
- Throttle and speed control99 reports · median 11,000 mi
- Suspension55 reports
- Transmission and driveline28 reports
Recall areas Suspension — rear · Seats — front assembly · Seat belts — rear/other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 34,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 400
- Recalls naming this year
- 14
Most reported on the 2010
- Suspension101 reports · median 51,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control83 reports · median 7,500 mi
- Transmission and driveline38 reports · median 30,000 mi
Recall areas Suspension — rear · Seats — front assembly · Seat belts — rear/other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 45,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 287
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2011
- Throttle and speed control69 reports · median 26,000 mi
- Visibility/wiper48 reports
- Brakes43 reports · median 36,000 mi
Recall areas Suspension — rear · Seats — front assembly · Seat belts — rear/other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 25,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 260
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2012
- Visibility/wiper53 reports
- Throttle and speed control49 reports · median 11,000 mi
- Brakes34 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — rear/other · Visibility/wiper · Electronic stability control (esc)
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2008; earliest: the 2012, and the 2008 is 4 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2006–2012 Toyota RAV4 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 53,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 122,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,648
- Recalls
- 20
Most reported
- Steering18.0% of complaints · median 46,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control15.9% of complaints · median 18,000 mi
- Engine15.3% of complaints · median 88,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine (2.4L 2AZ-FE)2006–2008
- Suspension2006–2011
- Steering2006–2011
Owners filed 3,558 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006–2012 Toyota RAV4; the steering leads with 18% of them, and half of the 2,648 that record an odometer reading came by 53,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 23,000 to 88,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2006–2012 Toyota RAV4 last?
On the 2006–2012 Toyota RAV4, half of the 2,648 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 53,000 miles and 90% by 122,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
108 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 23 past 200,000 — each one proof that a RAV4 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Toyota RAV4 2006–2012 · 2,648 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 239 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 23 complaints (0.9%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,000
- 25%
- 23,000
- Median
- 53,000
- 75%
- 88,000
- 90%
- 122,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 239 | 9.0% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 155 | 5.9% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 90 | 3.4% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 115 | 4.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 98 | 3.7% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 94 | 3.5% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 103 | 3.9% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 113 | 4.3% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 98 | 3.7% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 134 | 5.1% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 117 | 4.4% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 88 | 3.3% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 89 | 3.4% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 105 | 4.0% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 105 | 4.0% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 91 | 3.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 88 | 3.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 82 | 3.1% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 75 | 2.8% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 68 | 2.6% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 71 | 2.7% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 52 | 2.0% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 48 | 1.8% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 42 | 1.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 39 | 1.5% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 35 | 1.3% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 27 | 1.0% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 34 | 1.3% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 31 | 1.2% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 14 | 0.5% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 18 | 0.7% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 11 | 0.4% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 12 | 0.5% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 7 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 9 | 0.3% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 13 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 23 | 0.9% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common RAV4 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Toyota RAV4 2006–2012
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Throttle and speed control567 reportsmedian 18,000middle half 6,000–47,000
- Steering642 reportsmedian 46,000middle half 32,000–70,000
- Transmission and driveline253 reportsmedian 48,000middle half 11,000–93,000
- Electrical system228 reportsmedian 66,000middle half 36,000–97,000
- Airbag system297 reportsmedian 78,000middle half 46,000–103,000
- Suspension457 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 50,000–106,000
- Engine544 reportsmedian 88,000middle half 65,000–120,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 642 | 18.0% | 46,000 | 32,000–70,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 567 | 15.9% | 18,000 | 6,000–47,000 |
| Engine | 544 | 15.3% | 88,000 | 65,000–120,000 |
| Suspension | 457 | 12.8% | 80,000 | 50,000–106,000 |
| Airbag system | 297 | 8.3% | 78,000 | 46,000–103,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 253 | 7.1% | 48,000 | 11,000–93,000 |
| Electrical system | 228 | 6.4% | 66,000 | 36,000–97,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 189 | 5.3% | 64,000 | 32,000–95,000 |
| Visibility/wiper | 163 | 4.6% | 67,000 | 40,000–86,000 |
| Brakes | 156 | 4.4% | 50,000 | 22,000–80,000 |
Known problems with the 2006–2012 RAV4
Engine (2.4L 2AZ-FE) 2006–2008
Excessive oil consumption caused by piston-ring design allowing oil past the rings; owners report losing a quart per 1,000 miles or less. Toyota's warranty enhancement covered 2006-2008 RAV4s for 10 years / 150,000 miles with a revised piston assembly.
Suspension 2006–2011
Rear suspension arm corrosion in salt-belt states could allow the arm to separate; subject of a Toyota recall covering 2006-2011 RAV4s.
Steering 2006–2011
Intermediate steering shaft wear producing a clunk and, in some cases, notchy steering feel.
Before you buy a 2006–2012 RAV4: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,648 mileage-tagged complaints, 20 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 20 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine (2.4L 2AZ-FE) on 2006–2008 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check suspension on 2006–2011 cars.
- Check steering on 2006–2011 cars.
- Years differ here: from 260 to 1,004 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
RAV4 problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi55% below | At 90k mi76% below | At 120k mi89% below | At 150k mi96% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 32,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 6,000–47,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 65,000–120,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 50,000–106,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 46,000–103,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 11,000–93,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 36,000–97,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Toyota RAV4 2006–2012 · 2,648 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 55% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 89% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2006–2012 Toyota RAV4 recalls (20)
NHTSA records 20 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around equipment (4), the suspension (3), seats (3) (why one area can repeat).
Aug 2016 · 2006–2011 · SuspensionFailure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected…
What can happen. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer…
Jun 2016 · 2006–2011 · SeatsIf damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011…
What can happen. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact…
Feb 2016 · 2006–2012 · Seat BeltsA cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a…
What can happen. A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…
Oct 2015 · 2006–2011 · VisibilityIf the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the…
The defect. Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010…
What can happen. If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The…
Sep 2015 · 2009–2012 · Visibility/WiperOver time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected…
What can happen. Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a…
Nov 2014 · 2007–2011 · SeatsDamage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4…
What can happen. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected…
Apr 2014 · 2006–2008 · Air BagsIf the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical…
What can happen. If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically…
The free fix. Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall.…
Feb 2014 · 2012 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel…
What can happen. If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact…
Aug 2013 · 2006–2011 · SuspensionFailure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear…
What can happen. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an…
Apr 2013 · 2010–2012 · EquipmentAn inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 RAV4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ…
What can happen. An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property…
The free fix. Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still…
Jan 2013 · 2009–2012 · SeatsIf the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and…
What can happen. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This…
The free fix. Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact…
Oct 2012 · 2007–2009 · VisibilityIf the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of…
What can happen. If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
The free fix. Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners…
Aug 2012 · 2006–2011 · SuspensionFailure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear…
What can happen. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent…
Feb 2012 · 2011 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, the airbags may not deploy and will not be able to properly protect an occupant…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 RAV4 vehicles, manufactured from november 24, 2011, through december 19, 2011. In the curtain shield airbags, propellant with the incorrect specification was used for the initiator assembled in the airbag inflator.…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the airbags may not deploy and will not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the vehicle identification number to identify the curtain shield assemblies and replace the assemblies as necessary with new ones free of charge. The…
Apr 2011 · 2007–2008 · Air BagsInadvertent activation of the csa and/or the seat belt pretensioner can cause injury to a vehicle occupant.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2007-2008 RAV4 vehicles. In the curtain shield airbag (csa) system, there are two sensors in the airbag sensor assembly which are designed to detect vehicle roll angle.…
What can happen. Inadvertent activation of the csa and/or the seat belt pretensioner can cause injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Toyota will replace the airbag sensor assembly with a new one containing improved roll rate sensors, free of charge. Toyota intends to send an interim owner notification to owners early to mid-may…
Feb 2011 · 2006–2010 · Vehicle Speed ControlA stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 Lexus lx570, 2003 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner, and 2006 through 2010 RAV4 vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible…
What can happen. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
The free fix. The remedy is now available. The safety recall began early april 2011. The remedy will involve modification or replacement of the accelerator pedal and replacement of any Toyota all-weather floor…
Feb 2010 · 2006–2010 · EquipmentA driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying…
What can happen. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact…
Feb 2010 · 2006–2010 · EquipmentThis does not meet the standard requirements.
The defect. Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008…
What can happen. This does not meet the standard requirements.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…
Jan 2010 · 2009–2010 · Vehicle Speed ControlThe accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 avalon, model year 2007-2010 camry, model year 2009-2010 corolla, corolla matrix, RAV4, model year 2010 highlander, model year 2008-2010 sequoia, and model year 2007-2010 tundra vehicles. Due to the manner in…
What can happen. The accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. Gm will notify owners for the Pontiac vibe please see 10v-018. This service will be…
Jun 2009 · 2006–2009 · EquipmentIncorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing…
The defect. Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor…
What can happen. Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact Toyota…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,558 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 310 (8.7%)
- Fires
- 76
- Injury reports
- 131
- Fatality reports
- 3
RAV4 problems by model year
The 2007 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,004, most of them about the steering, and the 2012 the fewest, 260. A typical year drew about 400.
That makes the 2007 stand out at roughly 2.5 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 705 | 539 | 55,000 | Steering (230) | 11 |
| 2007 | 1,004 | 804 | 63,000 | Steering (271) | 14 |
| 2008 | 575 | 431 | 66,000 | Engine (137) | 14 |
| 2009 | 327 | 241 | 26,000 | Throttle and speed control (99) | 15 |
| 2010 | 400 | 278 | 34,000 | Suspension (101) | 14 |
| 2011 | 287 | 192 | 45,000 | Throttle and speed control (69) | 11 |
| 2012 | 260 | 163 | 25,000 | Visibility/wiper (53) | 5 |
What RAV4 owners reported
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine at startup. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil…
2009 · 230,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if the rear suspension had failed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who determined that…
2011 · 195,000 miles · Suspension
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle continued to accelerate unintendedly. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal and shifted to neutral(N), and the vehicle responded as intended. The contact stated…
2011 · 135,000 miles · Throttle and speed control
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where it was…
2012 · 138,000 miles · Engine
Built from 2,648 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other RAV4 generations
- RAV4 2001–2005 1,157 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- RAV4 2013–2018 919 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- RAV4 2019–2025 710 reports with mileage, most about problems owners could not categorise