62 of the 708 complaints about the 2008 Toyota RAV4 are about the airbag system — 9% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 78,201 miles.
62
Complaints
10
Crashes
2
Fires
13
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11730948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11654273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I HAD JUST GOTTEN IN MY VEHICLE. I WENT TO GO START IT AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON!!! THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. NO REASON AS TO WHY THE AIRBAGS SHOULD OF DEPLOYED SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY STATIONARY. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS ON AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #11241603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
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$) I TAKE IT TO HEART KNOWING MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AT ALL TIMES. I DO HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND THIS IS OUR PRIMARY FAMILY VEHICLE. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A PART THAT AN OWNER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WILL FUNCTION BUT IT'S BEEN ON SOLID FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. HENCE MY EMAIL.
NHTSA complaint #11190561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN FIXED AND THEN I STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE OCCUPATION DETECTOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT IS NOT REGISTERING THAT THERE IS AN OCCUPANT OVER 1/2 THE TIME. SINCE THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR (ABOUT 500$) 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.
NHTSA complaint #11190561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AVONDALE TOYOTA (10005 PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323, PHONE: (877) 554-6890) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11048694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11048050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - RECALL ON FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - TO DATE THE RECALL IS INCOMPLETE. WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THE RECALL TO BE COMPLETED????
NHTSA complaint #11046948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED LEFT AND RIGHT BROKEN ARMS, STITCHES, AND A BROKEN ROTATOR CUFF. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AT WEST CHESTER MEDICAL CENTER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. *LN
NHTSA complaint #11019311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A 3-LANE CITY STREET, CROSSING A TWO-LANE INTERSECTION. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE AT THE PASSENGER REAR QUARTER PANEL, SPUN AROUND 720 DEGREES BEFORE COMING TO REST. VEHICLE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT. PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY, ONLY DRIVER WITH NO PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. DRIVER DID GET PUSHED INTO DRIVER'S DOOR/WINDOW DURING THE ACCIDENT, BUT WAS UNINJURED. 3 ATTACHED PICTURES SHOW DAMAGE TO VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. NO DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10995470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO J.WOLF TOYOTA WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A PART OF THE RECALL HOWEVER THE UPDATED REMEDY WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE ORIGINAL SPIRAL CABLE WITH A SPIRAL CABLE OF THE SAME DESIGN AND ADVISED THAT THE RECALL WOULD STILL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE WORK BEING PERFORMED DURING THE INTERIM NOTICE THEY REMOVED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,330.
NHTSA complaint #10992213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE AIR BAG RECALL WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V096000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10957328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
BACKING MY RAV4 OUT OF THE GARAGE AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, I DID A THREE POINT TURN IN THE DRIVE WAY. WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE AGAIN TO GET CLOSER TO MY GARAGE THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ONLY THE SIDE BAGS AND SEAT BELTS, AND I DID NOT CONTACT ANYTHING. TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS (OR DIAGNOSIS), AND INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS!
NHTSA complaint #10894637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR LONGER THAN TWO MONTHS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE SECOND NOTICE WOULD BE SENT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/28/16
NHTSA complaint #10874444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #10871436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE EMERGENCY BREAK CABLE ON 1/13/16. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING REMOVED FROM THE REPAIR STALL THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A FLAT FLOOR AT THE TIME OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON1/27/16, THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS OPERATING PROPERLY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. A SAFETY RECALL BOE-CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG SENSOR WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE ON 1/19/12 ACCORDING TO THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA AFTER THERE INSPECTION. I REALIZE THAT TOYOTA ONLY READ THE EVENT RECORDER. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS WOULD INADVERTENTLY BLINK AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES BUT NEVER WHEN THERE WAS A CHANCE TO GET A DIAGNOSIS FROM A COMPUTER READING AT A SERVICE FACILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10849872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V166000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
NHTSA complaint #10809957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ...UPDATED 08/20/15
NHTSA complaint #10730132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10724749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I'M TELLING WHAT HAPPENED WITH HELP OF PASSENGERS IN CAR WITH ME. I WAS THE DRIVER AND RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 3 INCH LACERATION TO BACK OF FOREHEAD WHICH REQUIRED 10 STAPLES. I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND DON'T REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THE PASSENGERS STATE I PULLED OUT AND TRUCK WAS COMING AND IT HIT ME. MY CAR IS TOTALED. I WAS HIT ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE (THE WHOLE FRONT OF CAR WAS TORN OFF. THEY SAY WE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS HIT AGAIN BY TRUCK OVER THE BACK TIRE AND BACK END. WAS TOLD BY TROOPER AND TOW GUY THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. IT WAS A REALLY BAD ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10691174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10650813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING ON THE WEST VIRGINIA TURNPIKE WHEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE BAG DIDN'T OPEN, BUT IT SCARED ME. THERE IS NO SHOULDER ON THE TURNPIKE TO GET OVER AND THERE IS LOTS OF TRUCKERS. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON UNTIL I GOT OFF THE TURNPIKE AND PULLED OVER TO A REST STOP. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND MY SON AND I RESTED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING THE CAR AGAIN TO DRIVE HOME. WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR THE LIGHT WAS OFF. IT COMES ON EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. NOT SURE WHY AND NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING IT TO COME ON?
NHTSA complaint #10630064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE RECALL ON 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 (AIRBAG). *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10592024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
WAS PARKED AT A REST STOP, WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND HAS NEVER TURNED OFF. HAVE NOT RECEIVED A LETTER WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SENT IN APRIL, 2014 FOR THE MOST RECENT RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10586916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,140 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10584623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAULT LITE ON. I WAS TOLD IT REQUIRES A NEW SENSOR AND A SPRING. I OWN A 2002 TOYOTA COROLLA NO TROUBLE SO FAR. THE CAR HAS OVER 200000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ASKED OVER 65 PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA RAV.4/ YEARS 2008 -2009 AND -2011 CARS, IF THEY HAVE HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH THERE CARS. THEY ALL SAID NOT SO FAR.
NHTSA complaint #10557064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON WHEN CAR STARTED. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO GET INDICATOR LIGHT OFF FAILED. CONTACTED DEALER FOR APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE ALL DAY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. BUT IT APPEARS THIS IS FREQUENT FAILURE WITH RAV4'S AND I NOW QUESTION SALES PERSON RELIABILITY AT DEALER. WILL UPDATE THIS AFTER DEALER APPOINTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10547984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AT APPROXIMATELY 71000 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10545423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. OWNER TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE. ALSO, THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING. THE RAV4 ONLY HAS 86,000 MILES. OWNER HAS NOTICED THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTED COMPLAINTS ON THE AIRBAG SPIRAL CABLE DEFECT. HOW MANY MORE "DEFECTS" HAVE NOT BEEN REPORTED? THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE REPAIRS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. OWNER USED TO THINK TOYOTA MADE A RELIABLE CAR!!
NHTSA complaint #10542039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.