Owners have filed 61 complaints
about the 1997 Toyota RAV4 with NHTSA between 1997 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 30 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 8
Against the median year of the Toyota RAV4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Gasoline
726.9%
Manual Transmission
519.2%
Underbody Shields
311.5%
Engine
311.5%
Frontal
311.5%
Foundation Components
27.7%
Frame AND Members
27.7%
Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
13.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
211.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1270.6%
150,000+ miles
211.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 1997peak 4Aug 2019
Recalls on the 1997 Toyota RAV4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19961701,144 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 108 - LIGHTING. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (DRL) RELAY THAT SWITCHES THE DRL CIRCUIT TO THE HEADLAMP CIRCUIT, WHICH LEADS TO INCREASED LUMINOUS INTENSITY WHEN THE HEADLAMP SWITCH IS TURNED ON, WAS NOT INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES. THEREFORE THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE HEADLAMP LUMINOUS INTENSITY REQUIREMENT IN THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: DRL RELAY WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Arlington, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STEEP HILL AT 35 MPH, AND UPON GOING DOWN A HILL, VEHICLE FISH TAILED OUT OF CONTROL. HITTING A MEDIAN STRIP. CONSUMER HAD TO SWERVE RIGHT, AND WENT INTO A TAIL SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE SEAT BELT EITHER RELEASED OR BROKE. THE ROOF CAVED IN. ALL THE WINDOWS BROKE. CONSUMER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10111434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STEEP HILL AT 35 MPH, AND UPON GOING DOWN A HILL, VEHICLE FISH TAILED OUT OF CONTROL. HITTING A MEDIAN STRIP. CONSUMER HAD TO SWERVE RIGHT, AND WENT INTO A TAIL SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE SEAT BELT EITHER RELEASED OR BROKE. THE ROOF CAVED IN. ALL THE WINDOWS BROKE. CONSUMER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10111434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgewater, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE SUBJECT IS "IMPROPER CIRCUIT DESIGN CAUSED SELF IGNITED FIRE TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF AN ELECTRIC ABNORMALITY WITHIN THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR" . THE TIME THAT HAPPENED THE MOTOR WAS OFF AND CAR IN PARK IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. VEHICLE IS A 1997 TOYOTA RAV-4 MANUFACTURED IN APRIL 1997 BY THE TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION AT THEIR ASSEMBLY PLANT IN MOTOMACHI-THARA, JAPAN. AT THE TIME OF ITS FABRICATION , THE VEHICLE WAS ASSIGNED UNIQUE PUBLIC IDENTIFICATION NUMBER [XXX]. COMPUTERIZED SCRUTINY OF THIS NUMBER RELATIVE TO CHECK DIGIT"4" AND SEQUENCE NUMBER "056588" HAS CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE IDENTITY. THERE WAS INVESTIGATION BY THE HARD FACTS INVESTIGATIVE ENGINEERING REPORTED ON JANUARY 01, 2003. I WILL BE ABLE TO SEND COPY OF THE WHOLE REPORT. I FILED A COMPLAINT TO THE COMPANY AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:TOYOTA MOTORS SALES , U.S.A.,INC. 19001 S. WESTERN AVENUE,P.O. BOX 2722, TORRANCE,CA 90509-2722 TO [XXX]. , CLAIM ANALYST ,LEGAL DEPARTMENT, ON 12/23/2002. THE CASE ID #[XXX]. THE ANSWER WAS THE CAR IS OLD AND THE VEHICLE ODOMETER INDICATES A REGISTERED 49,851 MILES ROAD UTILITY. CASE IS CLOSED. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10013717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairbanks, AKCrashFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MY RAV 4 - 57348 MILES. IT STARTED MAKING A TAPPING SOUND IN THE ENGINE AND IT HAS MAKES A METAL ON METAL VIBRATION UPON ACCELERATION AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I MAKE A GRADUAL LEFT TURN AND DECELERATE. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER. THEY SAY IT MAY BE THAT THE LIFTERS ARE A BIT WORN AND THAT THIS WILL NOT HARM ANYTHING. THIS IS ODD BECAUSE A NEW ENGINE WAS PLACED IN THE CAR AT 49,000 + MILES. THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHAT THE VIBRATION NOISE WAS AND SAID THAT IT IS POSSIBLY A ROCK IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I KNOW WHAT THAT SOUNDS LIKE AND STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THEIR ANALYSIS. THE NOISE IS DEFINITELY COMING FROM THE ENGINE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10010158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olathe, KSCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
IT WAS RAINING, NOT HEAVY, THOUGH. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND TRIED TO BRAKE BECAUSE THE TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WAS SLOWING DOWN. THE CAR STARTED LOSING CONTROL AND I COULDN'T BRAKE AND STOP THE CAR AT ALL. THEN THE CAR STARTED MOVING TOWARDS THE LEFT QUICKLY AND SPINNED FOR ABOUT 2 OR 3 TIMES. THE REAR END ON THE RIGHT SIDE FINALLY HIT THE MIDDLE BARRIER ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR TURNED OUT TO BE FACING THE INCOMING TRAFFIC. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WASN'T HURT TOO BADLY BECAUSE I DIDN'T HIT ANY OTHER CARS (LUCKILY) AND IT WAS THE REAR END THAT GOT HIT. I GOT A BIG BRUISE ON MY THIGH AND MY WHOLE BODY WAS SORE FOR 3 DAYS. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S A DEFECT WITH THE BRAKE OR THE WHEELS OR NOT, BUT I THOUGHT I'D REPORT THIS FOR OTHER OWNERS TO BE AWARE OF.
NHTSA complaint #746108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD COMING TO A RED LIGHT CONSUMER TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE, CONSUMER TRIED TO PUT ON BRAKES AND PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE, CONSUMER SWERVED HITTING A SCHOOL BUS THAT WAS CROSSING IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO A MECHANIC, AND HE SAID IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW, A COVER THAT COVERS ACCELERATION CABLE ASSEMBLY, IT FELL INTO PLACE AND LOCKED ACCELERATION OPEN. *AK INVESTIGATION BY INDEPENDENT GROUP INDICATED THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS THE RESULT OF FAILED/ STUCK ACCELERATOR.
NHTSA complaint #871972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mamou, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE ALARM ADD ON MODULE AND HARNESS WERE FOUND TO BE FAULTY AND HAS SHORTED OUT UPON INSPECTION OF MODULE I HAVE FOUND BURNT CIRCUITS . VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO START ALSO LEADING TO BELIEVE THE ECM HAS BEEN EFFECTED .
NHTSA complaint #11244233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Papillion, NE
STRUCTURE:BODY
1997 RAV4 AWD 109000 DEALER SERVICED TOOK IN FOR A OIL CHANGE 2/18/16 DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE CRADLE ASSY HAS A TENNIS BALL SIZE HOLE IN IT NEAR NEXT TO LEFT CONTROL ARM , $2361.30 TO REPLACE OR JUNK THE VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, VEHICLE SERVICED EVERY 5000 MILES AND ITS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION NOW, MY 22 YR OLD DAUGHTER HAS BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE THE LAST 6 1/2 YRS A VERY POOR DESIGN BY TOYOTA
NHTSA complaint #10837262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,964 milesBelvidere, NJ
ENGINE
RECEIVED WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTICE-ZE7, AS INSTRUCTED, DEALER TEST WAS PERFORMED. OIL LOSS TOTALS UNDER 1QT. FOR EA. 1200 MILES DRIVEN. WAS TOLD THIS DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIR. MY CONCERN IS THIS: TOYOTA SERVICE REQUIRED FOR OIL CHANGE IS EVERY 5,000 MILES. MY CAR HAS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION OF JUST UNDER 1QT PER 1,200 MILES, SO DRIVING 5,000 MILES WOULD EFFECTIVELY BURN 4QTS., OR MORE, THEREBY STARVING ENGINE FOR OIL AND RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. SERVICE DEPARTMENT ADVISED ME TO KEEP CHECKING OIL LEVEL, AND ADD OIL AS REQUIRED. I AM DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA'S SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM AND ADVISED THEM OF MY OPINION. I AM ABLE TO ADD OIL AS REQUIRED, BUT QUESTIONED CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT OTHER SENIOR CITIZEN'S ABILITY TO SELF MAINTAIN THE OIL LEVEL, OR FOR THAT MATTER, ANY CONSUMER THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA HAS ASSIGNED ME A CASE NUMBER FROM REGIONAL CA. OFFICE. I WAS TOLD THAT PERHAPS TOYOTA WILL CHANGE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS SO THAT AT 5,000 MILES, OIL CONSUMPTION WOULD NOT RESULT IN ENGINE STARVATION AND FAILURE. ALSO, IN MY CASE CONTINUE TO MONITOR OIL LOSS, AND IF IT INCREASES IN VOLUME, COME BACK TO DEALER AND TEST AGAIN. I THINK THAT DESIGN FAILURE DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT SHOULD BE FULLY COVERED UNDER THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION THAT WAS MAILED TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #10712635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAdelphi, MD
POWER TRAIN
RAV 4 TOYOTA 1997-WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 30 MILES WITHOUT THE RPR INCREASED WITHOUT CONTROL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE BECOME EXTREMELY HOT, FLUIDS WERE DRAINED . CAR SENT TO DARCARS TOYOTA THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, AND NOW FACING SEVERE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BECAUSE LACK OF RECALL RPR 'S ISSUE VERY DETRIMENTAL AND RISKY .
NHTSA complaint #10692661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAdelphi, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
RAV 4 TOYOTA 1997-WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 30 MILES WITHOUT THE RPR INCREASED WITHOUT CONTROL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE BECOME EXTREMELY HOT, FLUIDS WERE DRAINED . CAR SENT TO DARCARS TOYOTA THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, AND NOW FACING SEVERE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BECAUSE LACK OF RECALL RPR 'S ISSUE VERY DETRIMENTAL AND RISKY .
NHTSA complaint #10692661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAdelphi, MD
ENGINE
RAV 4 TOYOTA 1997-WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 30 MILES WITHOUT THE RPR INCREASED WITHOUT CONTROL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE BECOME EXTREMELY HOT, FLUIDS WERE DRAINED . CAR SENT TO DARCARS TOYOTA THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, AND NOW FACING SEVERE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BECAUSE LACK OF RECALL RPR 'S ISSUE VERY DETRIMENTAL AND RISKY .
NHTSA complaint #10692661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesNineveh, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
MY SON WAS DRIVING, HIT A POTHOLE, AND THE SUB FRAME COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT IT HAD BEEN ROTTING OUT FROM THE TOP.
NHTSA complaint #10608257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSt.paul, MN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
WE TOOK OUR 1997 RAV4 TO THE MECHANIC FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION AND OIL CHANGE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED US THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH ALL RAV4'S AND THAT TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW IN THESE VEHICLES. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING IN OTHER VEHICLES I'VE OWNED. MY MECHANIC WHOM I TRUST IMPLICITLY SAID THEY'VE REPLACED MANY SUB FRAMES ON THESE VEHICLES EXCLUSIVELY.
NHTSA complaint #10554577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesAppleton, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THEY DETECTED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BODY FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 05/11/12 *BF UPDATED 05/21/12
NHTSA complaint #10453175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesAppleton, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
THE SUB-FRAME IS RUSTING OUT AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. TOYOTA HAS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO.
NHTSA complaint #10452593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,920 milesAlexandria, KY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR SOME ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TO BE DONE AND WAS CALLED TO COME IN BY THE MECHANIC. HE SHOWED ME UNDER MY CAR, MORE SPECIFICALLY THE FRAME ON MY CAR. IT HAD EXTENSIVE RUST DAMAGE. THE RUST WAS NOT JUST ON THE SURFACE, BUT HAD LARGE HOLES EATEN AWAY WITHIN THE ENTIRE FRAME. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THE MECHANIC STATED IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, BECAUSE OF THE HOLES/DAMAGE ON THE FRAME. HE DID NOT THINK IT WAS NORMAL WEAR. UPDATED 10/20/11
NHTSA complaint #10431133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesMT Pleasant, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
GAS PEDAL STICKS.
NHTSA complaint #10320951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,002 milesColumbus, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 1997 TOYOTA RAV 4 GAS PEDAL WAS STICKING I TOOK IT TO TWO PLACE THEY SUGGESTED THAT IT WAS DANGEROUS TO KEEP DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP THEY FIXED IT. WAS MY VEHICLE A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10313982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,997 milesGlendale, AZ
TIRES
DRIVING ON I -10 IN BUCKEYE AZ @ SPEED OF 65-70 WHEN SAW SPARKS COMING FROM FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF MY RAV4 THEN A LOAD THUMPING SOUND AND THEN THE CAR WEAVING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE RAV TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND WHEN EXITING THE CAR SAW THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE BUT THE TIRE WAS FULLY INFLATED THIS CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE WHEEL WELL , BUMPER AND FENDER RESULTING IN AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND ALOT OF JITTERY NERVES AS THERE WERE 2 SMALL GRANDCHILDREN AND A PREGNANT DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. TIRE IS A UNIROYAL P215/70R 99S BW TIGER PAW TOURING SR. BOUGHT AT 61,194 AND I NOW HAVE 83,000 SO I HAVE PUT 22,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES IN 3 YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10238087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesAuburn, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
TL*- THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAS FAILED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON MARCH 1, 2001.. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 59,000 MILES ON JUNE 30, 2001. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 98000 MILES ON JANUARY 28, 2003. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND FIXED IT, THE CONTACT PAID $300.00 FOR THE REPAIR. THE THIRD INCIDENT WAS AT 98,050 MILES ON FEBRUARY 28, 2003. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE BEARINGS FAILED, NOTED CODE F ON THEIR REPORT. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BEARINGS WERE BENT. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE, BUT THE CONTACT HAD TO GO TO THE SENIOR MECHANIC OF THE DEALER FOR APPROVAL. THE FORTH INCIDENT WAS AT 160,000 MILES ON JUNE 14, 2006. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AFTER HEARING THE SAME NOISE AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS AFTER TEST DRIVING AND LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE UNDER A RACK. ON JUNE 20, 2006 THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PERFORMANCE SERVICE CENTER, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A RACK AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD FRONT WHEEL BEARING, AND REPLACED. THE CONTACT PAID $348.45.
NHTSA complaint #10181160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesCalgary, 00
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
POPS OUT OF 5TH GEAR! HAD FIXED, AND 6 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10171221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT SHIFTED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO REPLACED GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE).
NHTSA complaint #10146145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesChicago, IL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT SHIFTED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO REPLACED GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE).
NHTSA complaint #10146145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STEEP HILL AT 35 MPH, AND UPON GOING DOWN A HILL, VEHICLE FISH TAILED OUT OF CONTROL. HITTING A MEDIAN STRIP. CONSUMER HAD TO SWERVE RIGHT, AND WENT INTO A TAIL SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE SEAT BELT EITHER RELEASED OR BROKE. THE ROOF CAVED IN. ALL THE WINDOWS BROKE. CONSUMER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10111434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STEEP HILL AT 35 MPH, AND UPON GOING DOWN A HILL, VEHICLE FISH TAILED OUT OF CONTROL. HITTING A MEDIAN STRIP. CONSUMER HAD TO SWERVE RIGHT, AND WENT INTO A TAIL SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE SEAT BELT EITHER RELEASED OR BROKE. THE ROOF CAVED IN. ALL THE WINDOWS BROKE. CONSUMER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10111434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesST Charles, MN
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
FIFTH GEAR FAILED, NEED TO REPLACE ENTIRE MANUAL TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10090936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
MANUFACTURER RECENTLY ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENTION TO CERTAIN COMPONENTS OF THE EMISSION SYSTEM AND SELECTIVELY EXCLUDED MY COMPONENT (EGR VALVE) EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATOR. I BELEIVE THIS COMPONENT SHOULD BE INLCUDED IN THE LIST OF EXHAUST SYSTEMS WHICH SHOULD RECEIVE EXTENDED CARE DUE TO POOR WORKMANSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10068418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milpitas, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
PRIOR TO A TURN, WHEN THE LEFT OR RIGHT BLINKER IS PUT ON, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF. AFTER ABOUT 4 SECONDS THEY COME BACK ON. THEN, AFTER THE TURN, AS THE BLINKER AUTOMATICALLY CANCELS, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AGAIN FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #10048841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
MY RAV 4 HAS HAD A VERY COSTLY AND DIFFICULT-TO-FIX ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THE LAST 3 MONTHS. SOMETIMES IT STARTS RIGHT UP, BUT IT HAS ALSO HAD STALLING PROBLEMS AND ONCE DIED COMPLETELY. THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS HAVE WORKED ON IT AND NOBODY HAS YET BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY. IT HAS ALWAYS COME BACK. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN SAID THAT IT HAS TO FAIL COMPLETELY AGAIN BEFORE THEY CAN ATTEMPT TO KNOW WHAT'S WRONG. THAT MEANS I WILL HAVE TO WAIT TO BE STRANDED UNTIL SOMEONE CAN MAYBE FIX THE VEHICLE. I MAY BE FORCED TO SELL THE VEHICLE FOR PARTS WAY BEFORE I SHOULD FOR A CAR OF THAT AGE AND MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10041719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgewater, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE SUBJECT IS "IMPROPER CIRCUIT DESIGN CAUSED SELF IGNITED FIRE TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF AN ELECTRIC ABNORMALITY WITHIN THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR" . THE TIME THAT HAPPENED THE MOTOR WAS OFF AND CAR IN PARK IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. VEHICLE IS A 1997 TOYOTA RAV-4 MANUFACTURED IN APRIL 1997 BY THE TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION AT THEIR ASSEMBLY PLANT IN MOTOMACHI-THARA, JAPAN. AT THE TIME OF ITS FABRICATION , THE VEHICLE WAS ASSIGNED UNIQUE PUBLIC IDENTIFICATION NUMBER [XXX]. COMPUTERIZED SCRUTINY OF THIS NUMBER RELATIVE TO CHECK DIGIT"4" AND SEQUENCE NUMBER "056588" HAS CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE IDENTITY. THERE WAS INVESTIGATION BY THE HARD FACTS INVESTIGATIVE ENGINEERING REPORTED ON JANUARY 01, 2003. I WILL BE ABLE TO SEND COPY OF THE WHOLE REPORT. I FILED A COMPLAINT TO THE COMPANY AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:TOYOTA MOTORS SALES , U.S.A.,INC. 19001 S. WESTERN AVENUE,P.O. BOX 2722, TORRANCE,CA 90509-2722 TO [XXX]. , CLAIM ANALYST ,LEGAL DEPARTMENT, ON 12/23/2002. THE CASE ID #[XXX]. THE ANSWER WAS THE CAR IS OLD AND THE VEHICLE ODOMETER INDICATES A REGISTERED 49,851 MILES ROAD UTILITY. CASE IS CLOSED. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10013717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.