550 of the
12,161 complaints filed about the Toyota RAV4
are about the suspension —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2007.
Rear suspension control arm assembly (that supports the springs, control arm rods, shocks, as well as the the hub, brakes and wheel ) breaks completely due to rust and corrosion. It is a poor design that you can see this would happen at the weakest and narrowest section of the part. This causes the entire wheel assembly to drop or twist off, as it did mine and fortunately not on highway however on a busy local road. This vehicle was bought in [XXX], but original owner primarily had it in [XXX] where I can understand there was lots of salt on the road during snow time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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 the rear suspension arms were detaching from the subframe. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously included in TSB: 0042-14, NHTSA ID Number: 10060729 (Suspension), and was repaired in 2013. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V596000 (Suspension), and the campaign had since expired in 2019; and the repair was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Had safety inspection done when having oil changed on 3/5/26. was informed by dealer that it needed both outer tie rod ends replaced has play in it. this came to a cost of $735.00 with alignment. Of course not covered by vehicle warranty which is useless at this point. I have never had this problem on any vehicles I have owned since starting to drive in 1975. This is a safety and quality issue and I should be reimbursed. I will seriously think about about an American owned company in the future. Having Friend at another dealership TCO 3/18/26 I was away last week and SUV parked in garage.
NHTSA complaint #11724605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was swaying back and forth. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle became inoperable and failed to properly switch lanes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front and rear wheel alignment had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #11720782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was water leaking from the sunroof. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that front alignment was needed, and that the roof rails needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,782.
NHTSA complaint #11716210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2024 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, VIN [XXX]. Steering defect appeared at approximately 12,000 miles (April 2025). Vehicle pulls significantly to the right, requiring constant steering correction. Driver must continuously hold left side of steering wheel to maintain straight path. If steering wheel released, vehicle immediately drifts right. Pull is constant and especially noticeable at highway speeds. THREE REPAIR ATTEMPTS FAILED: June 2025 (14,715 miles): Two wheel alignments performed same day - both failed to correct pull. November 2025 (16,091 miles): Replaced blown passenger rear shock absorber - pull persisted. December 2025 (16,819 miles): Performed 10+ wheel alignments. Toyota Corporate Technical Assistance filed case #53530239 and instructed ABS/SAS reset - failed. Technicians documented "rear suspension binding" but did not mechanically repair. SUSPECTED CAUSE: Strut mount bearing binding/failure or suspension binding. Dealership replaced shock but not strut mounts (industry best practice is replacing both together when shock fails at low mileage). Documented binding issue was not mechanically repaired - only software reset attempted. CURRENT STATUS: Vehicle unsafe to drive. 16,819 miles in two years. New rattling noise developed in right front dashboard after December repairs. This is a manufacturing defect appearing in first year at low mileage, not wear and tear. SAFETY CONCERN: Driver must maintain constant corrective pressure on steering wheel to prevent rightward drift. Risk of vehicle drifting into adjacent lane or off road if driver momentarily distracted. Defect creates dangerous driving condition, particularly at highway speeds. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11708110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Refusing to replace bad suspension components under warranty due to Toyota being above the law and more concerned about profits than safety on the road ways.
NHTSA complaint #11700217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2006 Toyota RAV4 was supposedly repaired under the rear suspension arm recall (C0J / G0V), but the rear tie rod ends still have yellow stickers reading “this is a recalled part” and no epoxy on the bolts. A Toyota dealer refused to inspect the vehicle and relied solely on the VIN record. The car now rides roughly, and I believe additional suspension components have been damaged due to the unresolved recall. I am concerned for my safety and request NHTSA investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11696689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving to Kansas on a road trip and we stopped for gas when we noticed the rear drivers side tire tilting inwards (top of tire angled towards the car). We then drove it to a mechanic in Kansas to see if it is safe to drive further. She noticed the bolt for the rear suspension loose and almost out entirely. She then told us we could not drive the car any further because a few more bumps and the bolt would fall out and create major safely concerns. She also noted that she could see where the bolt was rubbing on the rear suspension sub-plate and could see the old rusted damage along with the new damage from recent driving. She also noted the uneven wear on the tire with the tread worn significantly more on the inner side of the tire. We towed it to Denver to have it looked at and the said the bolt and nut need to be replaced along with a tire alignment. There were no warning signs other than my car felt more bouncy than normal. The car bolt has been replaced but you can inspect the surrounding damage if needed. Both the safety of the people in my vehicle and those around me would have been at risk if we didn't notice the tilt and continued the road trip.
NHTSA complaint #11689996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be aligned. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V596000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to a tire shop, and the contact was informed that the rear tie rods were welded, and an alignment was impossible. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 182,342.
NHTSA complaint #11687356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I went to get my car aligned and new tires as i noticed the rear tire was completely bald on the inside rear. I was advised by the tire shop that they cannot adjust the rear camber. So i took it to the dealership and they advised me that itis not adjustable and they would need to do another alignment and place shims to get the adjustment right. This was a brand new car when i got it. Always up to date on all the services. I also looked it up and its being said on a-lot of websites that a bunch of these vehicles was shipped out of alignment. They will not fix it without me paying for one of their mistakes because they say its maintenance. Maintenance is not modifying a vehicle to get the alignment correct. It has to be a safety issue because someone is going to have a tire fly apart because of tremendous early wear
NHTSA complaint #11684766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V383000 (Suspension) in 2015. The contact stated that in 2015 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a tire dealer, and it was determined that the rear tires were worn and needed to be replaced. The contact replaced all four tires. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in 2020 the low tire pressure and the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to another tire dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rear tires were worn and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that the rear tires could not be aligned because of the rear suspension arms, that was causing the quick wear of the tires. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to a tire dealer in 2024 and observed that the low tire pressure and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while driving at various speeds prior to the warning lights being illuminated. The contact was informed that the rear tires could not be aligned due to a failure with the rear suspension arms. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who aligned the front wheels, but the rear tires could not be aligned. The contact informed the dealer about NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V383000 (Suspension) and was informed that the recall had been completed. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11682455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After routine service at South Coast Toyota in Costa Mesa, CA, I unknowingly drove my 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for over a week with two missing lug nuts and one extremely loose lug nut on the front passenger wheel. The service performed on April 5, 2025, included an oil change, tire rotation, and full inspection. No issues were reported to me at pickup. Over the next several days, I heard increasing thumping and metallic noises from the front right wheel area, especially at highway speeds. On [XXX], while driving with children in the car, the vehicle made loud metal screeching noises and the steering became impaired—I could not complete a basic turn. I limped the car home at 4 mph. Upon inspection, I found two lug nuts missing and one so loose I could unscrew it by hand. I had the car towed back to South Coast Toyota on April 18. The dealership admitted two lug nuts were missing but failed to apologize or fully document the issue. I was told via text that the only action needed was replacing the missing lug nuts. I received no formal inspection report or confirmation that the vehicle was safe. I paid out of pocket for a third-party inspection at a separate Toyota dealership, which confirmed that the previously recommended sway bar replacement was unnecessary and that my tires and components were in better condition than initially claimed. This was a clear service-related safety failure that could have led to wheel detachment and a serious accident. I drove over 200 miles on freeways with children in the vehicle. The dealership failed to follow basic safety protocols and has not taken responsibility. I am reporting this to NHTSA in the interest of safety and accountability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11659811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine oil is burning with out discharging from the engine. Can find no leak anywhere in the engine compartment. Constantly adding oil to the car as the oil indicator isn’t working either. The engine compression is spot on to manufacturers specifications. If the engine runs out of oil it could lead to a crash. Suspension: Loud popping in the rear drivers side when first moving. Don’t know if it is tie rod or something else. Don’t need whatever is causing the pop to break as that could lead to a crash.
NHTSA complaint #11650156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the sound was coming from the tires. The contact was informed that no issues were found. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11629684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle is owned and operated in Costa Rica. I submitted the vehicle for the 4 incomplete recall items associated with its VIN. I was told by Grupo Purdy Toyota of Costa Rica that Manufacturer Recall Number G0V NHTSA Recall Number16V596 does not apply in Costa Rica and they declined to complete the recall remedy. Is this correct or should they be completing the recall remedy?
NHTSA complaint #11628448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subframe rusted in half, the only way I found it was when we put new shocks on it. It peeled off about 1/2 the tread on a brand new tire. Dangerous, if passengers side rear tire would've broke loose it would throw rear of car into oncoming traffic!
NHTSA complaint #11621510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.