Owners have filed 397 complaints
about the 2009 Toyota RAV4 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 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 — 49
Against the median year of the Toyota RAV4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 93
55% 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.
Body
1436.8%
Accelerator Pedal
821.1%
Automatic Transmission
718.4%
Differential Unit
37.9%
Engine
25.3%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
25.3%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
12.6%
Labels
12.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
175.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
7124.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
5117.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4515.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3612.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
289.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3511.8%
150,000+ miles
134.4%
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.
May 2009peak 31May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Toyota RAV4
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA12006Opened 14 Jun 2012Closed 12 Feb 2013ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Power Window Master Switch Fire
On October 10, 2012, Toyota initiated a safety recall of approximately 2.5 million U.S. vehicles involving the following models and model years:2007-2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007-2009 RAV4, 2008-2009 Scion xB and xD, 2008-2009 Sequoia, 2007-2008 Tundra, 2007-2008 Yaris, and 2009 Pontiac Vibe.See NHTSA recall number 12V-491 for more details, including the affected vehicle manufacture dates for each vehicle model.Note that only early-production 2009 model year vehicles are included in the recall.Toyota and GM dealers wil...
PE12002Opened 6 Feb 2012Closed 14 Jun 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Power Window Master Switch Fire
ODI has identified certain Toyota vehicles experiencing a higher rate of fire and thermal event incidents among all Toyota vehicles that use the same power window master switch design.They include a total of approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2007 through 2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Yaris vehicles built from approximately September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all MY 2008 Highlander Hybrid vehicles.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-006) to further study the alleged defect and its consequences.The ODI reports cited above can be...
RQ10003Opened 16 Feb 2010Closed 1 Mar 2011ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additiona...
Recalls on the 2009 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
16V596000
SUSPENSION:REAR
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 vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Risk: Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
16V396000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
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 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
16V096000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
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 frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
Risk: A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
15V689000
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
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 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Risk: 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 risk of a fire.
15V577000
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
Risk: 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 visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
14V743000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
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, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk: 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.
13V383000
SUSPENSION:REAR
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 suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Risk: Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
13V014000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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 Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk: 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 could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 201639821,722 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the rear wheel suspension link arms could separate. This could result in loss of vehicle control and cause a crash resulting in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace both suspension link arms and encase them in epoxy to prevent future improper servicing. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013327. As part of the previous recall, dealers were to inspect the suspension arms for corrosion, replace them depending on their condition, and encase them in epoxy. Only vehicles which did not receive replacement of both suspension arms through the previous recall will need to be repaired under this campaign.
Recall 2016075148,966 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, in the event of a severe frontal collision, there is a possibility that the webbing of the seat belt in both second-row outboard seating positions could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut, and separate. If this occurs, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will install plastic protectors on the seat cushion frame in both second-row outboard seating positions.
Recall 2015493315,091 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, inconsistent application of grease during the manufacturing process could cause the driver's side power window master switch to stick or become inoperative due to electrical contact point wear. This could cause debris to accumulate between the contact points, potentially resulting in an electrical short circuit. If a short circuit occurs, the switch assembly may overheat, produce smoke, melt and/or potentially lead to a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the driver's power window master switch and apply a specialized grease that inhibits heat build-up, or replace the power window master switch circuit board, as necessary. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2012-338.
Recall 201540993,652 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles equipped with a water channel located underneath the cowl louver at the base of the windshield and above the windshield wiper link assembly, due to stresses applied to the water channel during the manufacturing process, a section of the channel in some vehicles may become deformed and prevent water from draining properly. If water were to collect in the channel, it may drip onto the joint that connects the windshield wiper link and wiper motor. Over time, water dripping on this joint could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link from the wiper motor crank arm. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the water channel, the wiper link and wiper motor crank arm with ones of an improved design.
Recall 2013327100,100 units in Canada
Suspension
On some vehicles, if the rear wheel alignment toe adjustment locking nuts are improperly tightened when an alignment is performed in the field, backlash may develop in the threaded portion of the suspension arm (shaft and turnbuckle), followed by the formation of rust. If this occurs, threads may wear, causing the arm to separate which could result in loss of vehicle control. Correction: Dealers will inspect the suspension arm threads for corrosion. If corrosion is found, the arm(s) will be replaced. If no corrosion is found, an epoxy sealer will be applied to the suspension arm to inhibit corrosion. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2012253. Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.
Recall 2012338239,459 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, due to improperly applied grease, the driver's side power window master switch could stick or become inoperative. If attempts are made to lubricate the switch, the switch assembly could overheat and melt. A melting switch may produce smoke and potentially lead to a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the driver's power window master switch and apply a specialized grease that inhibits heat build-up, or replace the power window master switch circuit board, as necessary.
Recall 2012253100,100 units in Canada
Suspension
This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2013-327. On some vehicles, if the rear wheel alignment toe adjustment locking nuts are improperly tightened when an alignment is performed in the field, backlash may develop in the threaded portion of the suspension arm (shaft and turnbuckle), followed by the formation of rust. If this occurs, threads may wear, causing the arm to separate which could result in loss of vehicle control. Correction: Dealers will inspect the arms and verify the tightening torque of the lock nuts, or replace the arms, as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Maidens, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
My mother had the exact same issue reported in Toyota Manufacturer case 1707311582 and NHTSA report 11396355 from Feb 15, 2021. My mother had not reported to me, until it happened while I was driving her around Dec. 24, 2021, that her Rav. rev'd and accelerated when she applied the brake while leaving a parking spot. Here's what I've reported to my Toyota dealership where we bought the vehicle. Until last month (Nov. 21), the vehicle had an immaculate operation and maintenance record. To the repair shop "Twice in the past month, we've had brake failure, accelerator failure issues. The first time, my mother was pulling forward at less than 5 miles per hour in a parking lot. She pushed the brake pedal when pulling forward, but the car did not slow, the brakes did not engage, and instead, the RAV revved and accelerated forward. She crashed into the parked vehicle and incurred damages that already have been fixed by USAA at a service location in Richmond. The airbag did not deploy. Dec. 24, here in Churchland, I was driving with her. While coasting to a stop light at less than 10 miles per hour, I attempted to stop by pressing the brake. The car revved and accelerated to the light, I pressed both feet again, and the car continued to accelerate and I ended up running a red light and luckily we did not have an accident or cause the person behind us to rear end us. It was not until after my driving on Dec. 24 that my Mom told me she had an accident a month earlier and it was because she couldn't get the car to stop. She assumed it was her. The vehicle has almost 90k miles. Looking for recalls, because this is not normal for brakes to malfunction this way, I found a consumer article describing to my Mom's and my description to almost exact detail captured in Manufacturer case number provided above. That vehicle had approximately 77k miles. I will be contacting USAA to report the issue, this is clearly a safety issue."
NHTSA complaint #11444982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,112 milesEnon, OHCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS PARALLEL PARKING THE 2009 RAV 4 IN YELLOW SPRINGS OHIO. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE I WAS STRAIGHTENING THE CAR OUT WITH THE GEARSHIFT IN ONE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT A VERTICAL SIGN POST THAT IDENTIFIED THE PARKING SPOT AS A HANDICAPPED SPOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY $1800 DAMAGE TO THE CAR WHICH WAS REPAIRED AND DRIVEN UNTIL A SIMILAR ACCIDENT ON 5 JAN 2020 WHICH WILL BE FILED IN A SEPARATE COMPLAINT. A COMPLAINT WAS LODGED WITH TOYOTA WHO INVESTIGATED, READOUT THE EDR/VCH DATA, TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THERE WAS NO DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #11297696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,300 milesEnon, OHCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO AND THE SAME TYPE OF COMPLAINT AS COMPLAINT #11297696. IT ALSO IS A DUPLICATE OF COMPLAINT # 11297717 WHICH I NOTICED WHEN I PRINTED IT OUT DELETED ALL BUT THE FIRST TEN WORDS OF WHAT HAPPENED. ON 5 JANUARY 2020 I WAS PARKING THE RAV 4 IN A LARGE PARKING LOT AT THE GREEN TOWN CENTER IN BEAVERCREEK, OHIO. THE PARKING LOT WAS SET UP WITH HEAD-TO-HEAD PARKING. I PULLED INTO THE SPACE AND BACKED-UP TO EVEN THE CAR OUT BETWEEN THE DESIGNATED WHITE LONES. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN THE LOWEST GEAR I WAS EDGING FORWARD WHEN THE RAV 4 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT THE HONDA ODYSSEY VAN IN FRONT OF US.I WAS ABLE T BACK THE CAR UP AND SINCE THE HONDA WAS UNOCCUPIED WE CALLED THE POLICE WHO FILED A REPORT IN BEAVERCREEK AND LEFT A CRD ON THE HONDA'S WINDSHIELD. THE DAMAGE TO THE VAN WAS BUMPER SCRAPES AND THE DAMAGE TO THE RAV WAS BUMPER SCRAPES AND A TEAR IN THE BUMPER. AN ESTIMATE HAS NOT BEEN MADE ON REPAIR COSTS AND TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #11297729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,300 milesEnon, OHCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS COMPLAINT IS THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM IDENTIFIED IN COMPLAINT #11297696. ON 5 JAN 2020 I WAS PARKING THE RAV 4 IN A LOT AT THE GREENE TOWN CENTER IN BEAVERCREEK OHIO. I PULLED INTO A SPACE WHICH WAS HEAD -TO-HEAD PARKING. I THEN BACKED UP TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR OUT BETWEEN THE DESIGNATED WHITE LINED PARKING SPACE. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN ONE/LOW THE CAR WAS EDGING FORWARD WHEN IT ALL OF A SUDDEN ACCELERATED AND HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. SINCE THAT CAR WAS UNOCCUPIED A POLICE CALL WAS MADE IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIND THE DRIVER WHICH WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DAMAGE TO THE HONDA ODYSSEY (THE CAR IN FRONT) WAS SCRAPES ON THE BUMPER. THE RESPONDING OFFICER LEFT HIS CARD ON THE WINDSHIELD OF THE HONDA. THE DAMAGE TO THE RAV 4 CONSISTS OF A TEAR IN THE FRONT BUMPER AND SOME SCRAPES AND REPAIR COSTS HAVE NOT BEEN ESTIMATED. TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT THIS LATEST INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11297717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesSAN Jose, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
NHTSA complaint #11288227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesVirginia Beach, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 65MPH ON INTERSTATE WHEN LARGE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER DROPPED THEIR DRIVE SHAFT. SHE TRIED TO STRADDLE THE OBJECT DUE TO NO SHOULDER AND ANOTHER VEHICLE IN NEXT LANE. REPORT STATED IT RUPTURE GAS TANK AND LOSS ABILITY TO STEER VEHICLE SENDING GET INTO AND THROUGH GUARDRAIL. TOTALLED EVERYONE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SHE SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH.
NHTSA complaint #11265257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
EGG Harbor TWP, NJ
WHEELS
We were informed of safety recalls for our Toyota Rav 4 2009 . We called the local Toyaota dealership for the recalls and was told on the phone after we dropped it off that they did the inspection to make sure the recalls could be completed and informed us that they could ,but they needed to keep overnight because they had to order the parts. Prior to dropping the vehicle off the car was able to be driven and no known issues were visible. Received call following told to come pick it up and that they officially refused to perform the recalls repairs. They stated that excessive structural damage and unsafe to drive to this degradation. Because the structural rust is directly in the exact suspension components targeted by this safety recalls. The vehicle cannot be remedied under standard recall procedures. By refusing the repair without providing an alternative solution The manufacture is failing its federal obligation to remedy a known safety defect. The vehicle is currently trapped in a regularity deadlock. It can not legally or safely be repaired. It is now deemed unsafe to be driven period. When the dealership gave the vehicle back, They wanted us to sign off and yes we refused because they told us it was inspected and was going to be repaired. When they did the inspection it is known that they have to bang , wrench and or pull on these parts to check to see if recall can be completed. Which they told us it could. When the vehicle was picked up we immediately noticed that the steering wheel was no longer in the correct position and that it was making an extreme screeching sound. We did not reach back out to the dealership as we feel they definitely caused more damage and already treated us poorly. We are requesting that the NHTSA intervenes to compel Toyota to provide an alternative remedy. Either structural vehicle replacement or a KB buyback to remove this 100% unsafe vehicle from the road. because the structural rust is directly impacting the exact components .
NHTSA complaint #11739536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EGG Harbor TWP, NJ
STEERING
We were informed of safety recalls for our Toyota Rav 4 2009 . We called the local Toyaota dealership for the recalls and was told on the phone after we dropped it off that they did the inspection to make sure the recalls could be completed and informed us that they could ,but they needed to keep overnight because they had to order the parts. Prior to dropping the vehicle off the car was able to be driven and no known issues were visible. Received call following told to come pick it up and that they officially refused to perform the recalls repairs. They stated that excessive structural damage and unsafe to drive to this degradation. Because the structural rust is directly in the exact suspension components targeted by this safety recalls. The vehicle cannot be remedied under standard recall procedures. By refusing the repair without providing an alternative solution The manufacture is failing its federal obligation to remedy a known safety defect. The vehicle is currently trapped in a regularity deadlock. It can not legally or safely be repaired. It is now deemed unsafe to be driven period. When the dealership gave the vehicle back, They wanted us to sign off and yes we refused because they told us it was inspected and was going to be repaired. When they did the inspection it is known that they have to bang , wrench and or pull on these parts to check to see if recall can be completed. Which they told us it could. When the vehicle was picked up we immediately noticed that the steering wheel was no longer in the correct position and that it was making an extreme screeching sound. We did not reach back out to the dealership as we feel they definitely caused more damage and already treated us poorly. We are requesting that the NHTSA intervenes to compel Toyota to provide an alternative remedy. Either structural vehicle replacement or a KB buyback to remove this 100% unsafe vehicle from the road. because the structural rust is directly impacting the exact components .
NHTSA complaint #11739536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EGG Harbor TWP, NJ
SUSPENSION
We were informed of safety recalls for our Toyota Rav 4 2009 . We called the local Toyaota dealership for the recalls and was told on the phone after we dropped it off that they did the inspection to make sure the recalls could be completed and informed us that they could ,but they needed to keep overnight because they had to order the parts. Prior to dropping the vehicle off the car was able to be driven and no known issues were visible. Received call following told to come pick it up and that they officially refused to perform the recalls repairs. They stated that excessive structural damage and unsafe to drive to this degradation. Because the structural rust is directly in the exact suspension components targeted by this safety recalls. The vehicle cannot be remedied under standard recall procedures. By refusing the repair without providing an alternative solution The manufacture is failing its federal obligation to remedy a known safety defect. The vehicle is currently trapped in a regularity deadlock. It can not legally or safely be repaired. It is now deemed unsafe to be driven period. When the dealership gave the vehicle back, They wanted us to sign off and yes we refused because they told us it was inspected and was going to be repaired. When they did the inspection it is known that they have to bang , wrench and or pull on these parts to check to see if recall can be completed. Which they told us it could. When the vehicle was picked up we immediately noticed that the steering wheel was no longer in the correct position and that it was making an extreme screeching sound. We did not reach back out to the dealership as we feel they definitely caused more damage and already treated us poorly. We are requesting that the NHTSA intervenes to compel Toyota to provide an alternative remedy. Either structural vehicle replacement or a KB buyback to remove this 100% unsafe vehicle from the road. because the structural rust is directly impacting the exact components .
NHTSA complaint #11739536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamer, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to report a suspected case of odometer fraud involving a vehicle currently listed for sale at Stacey’s Auto Sales, located at [XXX] . Vehicle Details: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport VIN: [XXX] Asking Price: $8,995 Current Listed Mileage: 108,540 I obtained an NMVTIS vehicle history report which shows this vehicle was listed at a dealer (Revolutionary Auto) in December 2020 with 150,439 miles on the odometer. The vehicle is currently being sold with only 108,540 miles — a discrepancy of approximately 42,000 miles over five years. The current Utah title lists odometer reading as ‘EXEMPT,’ which may have been used to obscure this discrepancy. I am not the buyer or seller of this vehicle. I am a private citizen who identified this discrepancy while researching the vehicle prior to a potential purchase. I am submitting this report in the interest of protecting other consumers. I have the NMVTIS report available as supporting documentation upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
SUSPENSION
Repairs of the control arms indicated on recall NHTSA 16V-596 were never done on my vehicle after the recall was issued in 2016. Smart motors Toyota in Madison confirmed that the replacement of the control arms was never done on my vehicle, but they are showing no open recalls on my vehicle in their system due to this being a re-recall. From what I've read many vehicles were incorrectly marked "complete" after the 2012 inspection, but the 2016 update (G0V) was issued specifically because those earlier inspections were found to be insufficient. I am entitled to this repair through Toyota due to this recall as Toyota has confirmed my vehicle was recalled and this repair was never completed. My rear control arms are showing signs of failure consistent with the re-recall.
NHTSA complaint #11735702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesMemphis, TN
ENGINE
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 caused by a gasket failure inside a piston in the engine. Due to the failure, the contact was frequently adding oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and an estimate was provided for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #11732512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bainbridge Island, WA
ENGINE
Engine timeing system rattle on startup. Even basic web research shows this is a common problem for select model years and acorss mulitple models. This issue has a high probility of causing catastrophic engine damage, where the timeing chain & VVT system fails to keep timing causing the valves to colide with the pistons. There is a TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE risk with each and every engine start. The fix on the 3.5L requires the engine to be removed, VVT and timing chain tensioner to be replaced. This is a $4000 to $5000 dollar repair. This is a clear manufacuting wide spread defect and should be repaired by toyota via recall!
NHTSA complaint #11695436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was hit with a rock right between my eyes while driving, took Toyota into shop they were surprised it had not fell in on my lap. Window frame has corroded, glass shop said the manufacturer did not paint were the seals meet around the window and has allowed moisture in and corroded the frame. I have 160,000 miles on a Toyota that the window could fail anytime.
NHTSA complaint #11681160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cornelius, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
We have a 09 Toyota Rav4 with a Blizzard Pearl paint that continues to fail. Apparently there were notices sent out in 2022 indicating a recall that would cover these repairs. We were unaware of these notices and continue to experience paint degradation on multiple areas of the car. I have contacted Toyota and they claim no responsibility past the 2022 expiration date. I am hoping that NTSB will reopen the recall regarding this issue. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11579300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Billerica, MA
SUSPENSION
My son was looking to get his new tires aligned, and was informed by the mechanic that he would need to replace both side rear lower control arms, as Toyota had performed a safety recall GOV, resulting in the arms being epoxied, and therefore cannot be adjusted/ aligned. I contacted Toyota customer experience center (800 331 4331 - 1/16/2024) and she could not even call up the original recall. My question is: How can Toyota permanently remove a vehicle feature (adjustability of the suspension arms), and then require car owners to bear the brunt of re-installing the arms when you need to align your tires? This "solution" is totally unfair. I just purchased a new set of tires, and based on Toyota's "solution" I need to pay out of pocket to replace the control bars and/or damage my tires and have to replace them early. I was not able to find any other information on this issue on the web, and was wondering if Toyota had done anything to address this issue?
NHTSA complaint #11565720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Four incidents of unintended acceleration , in all instances foot was on break petal NOT on gas petal, 3 instances vehicle was stopped at traffic light, last incident was pulling into a parking space foot on brake, in all instances braked hard and shifted vehicle into neutral and turned vehicle off to avoid collisions, personal injury and property damage
NHTSA complaint #11538937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
ENGINE
Four incidents of unintended acceleration , in all instances foot was on break petal NOT on gas petal, 3 instances vehicle was stopped at traffic light, last incident was pulling into a parking space foot on brake, in all instances braked hard and shifted vehicle into neutral and turned vehicle off to avoid collisions, personal injury and property damage
NHTSA complaint #11538937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Four incidents of unintended acceleration , in all instances foot was on break petal NOT on gas petal, 3 instances vehicle was stopped at traffic light, last incident was pulling into a parking space foot on brake, in all instances braked hard and shifted vehicle into neutral and turned vehicle off to avoid collisions, personal injury and property damage
NHTSA complaint #11538937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summit Hill, PA
POWER TRAIN
My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.
NHTSA complaint #11532363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summit Hill, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.
NHTSA complaint #11532363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summit Hill, PA
SUSPENSION
My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.
NHTSA complaint #11532363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fords, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
paint recall the problem was confirmed twice by sansone dealership avenel, nj. 4/28/2021 and 12/1/2022. on both occasionspictures were submitted and i was told it would be taken care of. on 1/23/2023 i dropped car off to be repainted and was told it would be about 1.5 weeks. i picked up the car unrepaired on 2/21/2023. they said they would not honor recall
NHTSA complaint #11514445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Juliet, TN
ENGINE
Engine rattle on cold start ups.
NHTSA complaint #11512656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lititz, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
My car was being seviced today for rear brakes and the Toyota dealer needed to unseal previous safety recall in order to perform the service. I'm being charged to undo the recall to perform the service and then to reapply the recall. I do not understand how this cost is not the responsibility of the manufacturer, Toyota. If there is a recall issued for an auto, shouldn't the recall correction allow for future auto maintenance where the recall doesn't need to undone and then reapplied?
NHTSA complaint #11492744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clare, MI
SUSPENSION
The rear lower suspension arms recall notice solution was replacement of arms if needed and than sealed with epoxy. Labels were applied stating the arm is no longer adjustable. The vehicle no longer can routinely get a wheel alignment at a market expense. The Toyota company suggests for further alignments go to a Toyota dealership and have a alignment done for 900.00 dollars every time you need a alignment. This is not a safe solution. This only makes owners go to their dealerships and give them thousands of more dollars for taking away a routine adjustable maintenance capability with this permanent one time fix.
NHTSA complaint #11446158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maidens, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
My mother had the exact same issue reported in Toyota Manufacturer case 1707311582 and NHTSA report 11396355 from Feb 15, 2021. My mother had not reported to me, until it happened while I was driving her around Dec. 24, 2021, that her Rav. rev'd and accelerated when she applied the brake while leaving a parking spot. Here's what I've reported to my Toyota dealership where we bought the vehicle. Until last month (Nov. 21), the vehicle had an immaculate operation and maintenance record. To the repair shop "Twice in the past month, we've had brake failure, accelerator failure issues. The first time, my mother was pulling forward at less than 5 miles per hour in a parking lot. She pushed the brake pedal when pulling forward, but the car did not slow, the brakes did not engage, and instead, the RAV revved and accelerated forward. She crashed into the parked vehicle and incurred damages that already have been fixed by USAA at a service location in Richmond. The airbag did not deploy. Dec. 24, here in Churchland, I was driving with her. While coasting to a stop light at less than 10 miles per hour, I attempted to stop by pressing the brake. The car revved and accelerated to the light, I pressed both feet again, and the car continued to accelerate and I ended up running a red light and luckily we did not have an accident or cause the person behind us to rear end us. It was not until after my driving on Dec. 24 that my Mom told me she had an accident a month earlier and it was because she couldn't get the car to stop. She assumed it was her. The vehicle has almost 90k miles. Looking for recalls, because this is not normal for brakes to malfunction this way, I found a consumer article describing to my Mom's and my description to almost exact detail captured in Manufacturer case number provided above. That vehicle had approximately 77k miles. I will be contacting USAA to report the issue, this is clearly a safety issue."
NHTSA complaint #11444982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint on my white 2009 Toyota RAV4 has been coming off. Sheets of color is peeling on the roof. I have several large (1-2 inches) bare spots on the top and many tiny ones on the body hood and doors, rusting for years. The manager of Titus-Will Toyota advised me not to do anything about it when I showed them the recall letter from Toyota and let him take pictures of the affected areas of my car. He said he would send a request and let me know about the repair decision. It has been more than two years since my complaint. I ask about it almost every time I go there for my scheduled service maintenance, and I get no answer so far. Until now, I still don’t have a response from them, and I am a little unhappy. Also, I see that I am not their favorite customer and avoided by management as they are always swamping. I showed them how bad the paint continues to come off, and the rust is awful. I could off taken care of it by now, but the manager clearly said not to paint it or do anything about it until he gets confirmation about the issue. My roof could start licking with all this rain and rust. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11444716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesBuffalo, NY
SUSPENSION
MY PROBLEM IS UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD A RECALL (16V596000) FOR MY REAR SUSPENSION ARMS WAS AVAILABLE AND I NEEDED TO HAVE IT DONE AS THE BACK END NUTS COULDN'T BE ADJUSTED. I CALLED A DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS TAKEN CARE OF 3 YEARS AGO, YET THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS.
NHTSA complaint #11402975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesLayton, UT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DECELERATING ON A FREEWAY OFF-RAMP AT APPROX. 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE CAR. GOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH, I LIFTED OFF SLIGHTLY THEN DEPRESSED THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR; THEY DIDN'T ENGAGE PROPERLY BUT FINALLY SLOWED THE CAR ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR KEPT WANTING TO GO FORWARD. I THREW THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #11396355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesLayton, UT
ENGINE
WHILE DECELERATING ON A FREEWAY OFF-RAMP AT APPROX. 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE CAR. GOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH, I LIFTED OFF SLIGHTLY THEN DEPRESSED THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR; THEY DIDN'T ENGAGE PROPERLY BUT FINALLY SLOWED THE CAR ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR KEPT WANTING TO GO FORWARD. I THREW THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #11396355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.