2006 Toyota rav 4. consumer writes in regards to disappointment with alternator repair work at dealership. The consumer stated she did not think she needed an alternator replacement. After the alternator was replaced, the battery light illuminated. According to the invoice, the dealer replaced the short engine block. The dealer not charge the consumer for the replacement of the alternator and engine short block. However, there was a charge for an engine gasket and cylinder.

- Houston, TX, USA

I'm a owner of 06 Toyota Rav4 it has 152,488 miles I have been noticing oil consumption dramatically, the dealer has told me that is low but there are no leaks, Toyota says change your oil every 5,000 miles but my engine light starts to flicker at 3,000 I have stop to check my oil stick an it shows less than a quart of oil, I have switched to synthetic oil and the same things is happening. I've been speaking to several owners of Rav4 and it seems that I'm not the only one with this issue it looks like this is a big issue with these Rav4.

- Bethlehem , PA, USA

We were on the road (on a family vacation). The day that we were coming back the check engine light, the vsc light and the slip warning light came on as we were pulling out of the hotel parking lot. On the way to the dealer, I also felt like the car was misfiring. The dealer found "multiple codes P0304, P0305, P0306, P0356, P1578, C1201. #6 coil malfunctioning. Recommend replace #6 coil pack and recheck. Possible that other coil may fail from the result of #6 coil failing." #6 coil pack was replaced and the Rav4 has been running fine since. The dealer also said that "typically after one coil goes the others follow shortly after", so I will keep an eye open for that. It is strange since ignition coils have a long life expectancy. I checked on-line and there seems to be a high failure rate with coil pack part # 90919-02251, which is the original part that came with the car. I made sure the part was replaced with the latest revision (90919-A2007) of the new part numbers (90919-A2002, 90919-A2004 or 90919-A2007) that Toyota changed to. It is also interesting that most of the failures happen with #6, #4 and #5 coils (in that order). The failures seem to concentrate around the right front corner, which is close to the radiator (hot fluid) exit. Maybe that is why the later revision part # coil packs have a double metallic screen outside the plastic housing, to protect the assembly.

- San Jose, CA, USA

I own 2006 Toyota Rav4 with 48,000 miles. My car was driving fine until christmas eve this year. Last year in April I received recall letter saying I should replace the oil rubber hose. 18 months later I notice a lot of oil under my car, there was none left in the engine. I had to call towing company to take the car to the dealer. They said that the hose is broken, the one that supposed to be upgraded lasted only 18,000 miles. They charge us $700 because our warranty finished in July 2011 and the warranty for the recall is only for 1 year. I tried to negotiate with them but nobody even listened. We left the dealer with nothing, my husband was driving the car, he pulled to the parking lot and heard this big noise coming from the engine. It was 15 minutes after we left the dealer service department. My husband called the right away and they said that they tested this car and everything was fine but if we want we can bring the car back. We had to call for towing company again. The car came back to the same dealer and they admitted there is a noise but for them to even look at the engine they have to charge us $1200. I have already called the Toyota customer service and they sending me back to the dealer to talk to their customer relation manager. The manager said he did some investigation and my problem with the engine is not connected with the repair they did. I talk to many different mechanics outside of Toyota and the said it is impossible for engine to just die. Besides every mechanic says the hose should last much longer than 18 months and they believe that it was not installed the right way. Toyota main office says the support the dealer decision and there is nothing they can do. I don't know what to do. They don't feel any responsibility for this situation. You have more experience with that, maybe you can give me some advice. Thank you.

- Mount Prospect, IL, USA

I own a 2006 Rav4 V6. At roughly 60,000 miles the engine, vsc and 4WD light would start going on and then off after shutting down. The dealer said it was probably the gas cap after filling up not being tight. At 64,000 miles the lights went on and stayed on. Because my local Toyota dealer is worthless, I went to a trusted mechanic. The codes showed a bad coil in the #2 cylinder so I replaced it. They suggested that these coils have been known to be bad and that I should replace all of them. I didn't want to drop $1300 at the time and now at 70,000 the lights are on again and the codes are showing all 6 coils are bad again. How is it that a car that is supposed to be able to go 100,000 miles before you even need to change the plugs has all the coils go bad at the same time. There are web sites for Rav4 owners all over the internet complaining of the same thing and Toyota has done nothing.

- Boulder, CO, USA

Driving back from gas station all three lights came on in dash -- vsc, check engine & 4WD. Researched and found that gas cap not sealing cold cause problem, removed / retightened gas cap numerous times. Lights won't go off. I had car tested with obd reader attached and codes (PO300, PO303, PO305 & PO356 says it's ignition coil F--primary/secondary circuit malfunction. Car only has 43000 miles and checking on the internet, seems to be a lot of Toyota ignition failures between 40000 & 55000 miles.

- Essex, MD, USA

2006 Toyota rav 4. consumer states ignition coil and plug failure the consumer stated while driving, various dashboard lights illuminated and the transmission shimmied and the engine misfired and the vehicle became disabled. An inspection by the dealer revealed a misfire code and that a number two coil and plug had to be replaced. A month and a half later, the consumer experienced the same problem again. It was determined that another ignition coil had failed and the SUV was operating in four cylinder mode. The consumer was informed his model vehicle had a design/engineering problem which was identified and does not occur on subsequent year rav 4 models.

- Reston, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on several occasions, while driving at various speeds. The check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel during all of the failures. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that an ignition coil failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not offer any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 52,056. Updated 08/31/11 updated 09/14/11

- East Lansing, MI, USA

Took vehicle to dealer for oil change, vehicle is now out of warranty at 78,000 miles and they found a engine coolant leak at the rear of engine and they claim engine may have to be replaced. Have had no indications of any problems with vehicle, no overheating, nothing. Estimated cost of engine that may need to be replaced is $8,000 that dealer claims Toyota will pay half. I have service records showing that I complained of a smell of coolant at 4,000 miles and the dealer claimed it was undercoating burning off. Says that the complaint at 4,000 miles is no way related to my current problem and will not honor my original complaint as anything related to new issue. I have seen the area of my vehicle where the coolant is leaking and it is at the very same spot that other Toyota vehicles are having issue with the bolts corroding due to manufacturing defect and leaking coolant. Took to another mechanic for second opinion and he says vehicle is in mint condition and should not have this type of problem at all. Why is Toyota willing to pay 50% if there is not a legitimate problem?

- Chicago, IL, USA

Check engine light, vsc and slip indicator light came on at 71000 miles. Cruise control stopped working, car began to sputter every few minutes, feeling like it was going to stall. Dealer said it was ok to drive unless lights were blinking, which they were not. Took it to advanced autocare who told me 4 pistons were registering as misfiring. Took it to the dealer who checked it out, stating that the only thing wrong was a coil which needed to be replaced. Barely avoided an accident while car stopped accelerating! Toyota is saying it's not under warranty and is normal for this to happen. This is the latest of issues with this car! door seals not working properly and had to replace the back door seal after standing water was found in the back after it rained.

- York, PA, USA

2006 Toyota Rav4. S10 appropriate handling- letter from regarding Toyota problems the consumer stated her make, model and year vehicle has a widely known defect in the steering column and the ECM computer is also defective and needs to be replaced. There is also an associated rattling sound. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer on two occasions regarding the problems. The consumer was given an estimate of close to two thousand dollars for the repairs. In addition, the mechanic stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive because the steering could fail at any time. Also, the tires were leaking air.

- Washington, DC, USA

My 2006 Rav4 4WD (40,000 miles) began leaking oil at a very fast rate, leaving a large puddle of oil on the garage floor, which wasn't immediately noticed by me. The oil pressure indicator light never illuminated, therefore I had no way of knowing that there was almost no oil in the car. I would not have known there was a problem if my boyfriend had not called me from the house to warn me that most of the oil that should be in my car was on the garage floor. Toyota replaced the defective oil line and says that the oil pressure indicator system is working correctly, but I am concerned that the next time there is a problem with my oil delivery system, I won't have any warnings to prevent me from burning up the engine.

- Austin, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. While driving at approximately 25 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle would not accelerate or shift into higher gears without difficulty. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a timing chain. The vehicle was repaired. The contact had not called the manufacturer at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. The current mileage was approximately 50,000.

- Oakland, NJ, USA

When first driving my new 2006 Toyota Rav4, I noticed at slow speeds it would sometimes accelerate when I hit the brake. I attributed this to big feet and a new car where I did not yet master the relative positions of the pedals. I started driving with two feet, just as I was taught as a teenager in drivers ed. Occasionally, this has happened again in the ensuing 3 years. Until this unintended acceleration problem came to light in 2010, I thought it was just "operator error." Now, I am beginning to think there is some defect - maybe it's hardware linkages, but I suspect there is a software problem in the electronic computer of the car. I also had the steering mid-shaft problem after warranty and screamed until they fixed it under warranty for $50. There was also a "runaway" fuel pump service bulletin I made them cover as well. I have worked with Toyota quality engineers since the 1980S and am disgusted by their responses reported in this ODI site. Toyota's claim to fame was there quality and customer Focus. Looks like the current generation of Toyota people have lost this, and that points directly to top management there. Shame, shame, shame. As they say in Japanese, they are "on shirazu" (do not understand their obligation to their customers).

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Driving on I-495 on my way to school at 70 mph, on cruise control, 2006 Rav4 started making noise, low oil sort of noise, and I started to pull over. No oil light, no check engine light, before I could even pull over to the side of the road the engine blew. Car was towed to dealership, where they replaced entire engine because of the damage. Cost of new engine and labor was around $9,000. Was told by the dealer that water pump failed, causing engine to overheat and blow piston 3 through the side wall, but as a amateur mechanic, I am 100% positive this is not what happened to the car. The vvt-I oil line ruptured on the highway, causing the engine to lose all oil and blow, but the dealership refused to agree and forced us to pay for the repairs out of pocket, rather than covering it because Toyota knew that it was a defective part, as it had been the cause for many tsb's, as well as many many dollars spent by consumers trying to replace all of these defected parts.

- Chelmsford, MA, USA

On Tuesday, 22 September, 2009, I came home and parked my car in the > garage. When I got out, I noticed the smell of burning oil. I investigated > and found oil running out from under the front end of my wife's Rav4. The > oil was continuing to flow and had covered most of the garage floor (I have > pictures). I opened the hood of the rav and found the engine compartment > covered in smoking oil. The underside of the car was also dripping oil from various > locations, with no apparent damage being visible. I examined the dipstick, > but no oil was indicated. When I opened the oil fill cap, smoke came out > with a strong smell of burnt oil being present. I immediately called > american Toyota and requested a service appointment. This was scheduled for > the next morning. Next I called aaa and arranged to have a flatbed take the > rav to american. When the tow service arrived, we pushed the car out of the > garage and positioned it to be winched onto the flatbed. Oil was deposited > all over the driveway. > > I drove my car to american and met with the service advisor for > american. I explained that the rav had developed a serious leak and that > the car was being towed to the dealership. The service advisor related that there is a known issue with the oil supply line (to the head) for the rav and Camry > using the 3.5L V-6 engine. He explained the failure mode for the line and > stated that the part should be in stock. I am very disappointed with Toyota regarding this situation. My on-line research and discussion with the service advisor shows that the rav's failure mode was well known to Toyota. The rav's maintenance has always been performed at american, but no one was proactive and replaced the oil line or even advised us that it might be a subject for concern. What would have happened if my wife had been driving the rav out in remote part of nm or it had burned my house down? Toyota is not cooperating by providing failure or repair information.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

The car was lifted up to replace tires and somehow the exhaust system was pushed up and got stuck with the exit inside the bumper leading to a fire and melting the bumper. The car was taken to the car dealer and they explained that the tires place didn't noticed that the exhausted system was stuck up.the bumper was replaced at my own expense.

- Eagan, MN, USA

Email to Toyota I have been generally very happy with my 2006 Rav4 (6 cyl, 62K miles) but this past Thursday I had a real scare. I was driving home from a meeting about 15 miles away via interstate. When I started my car leaving the meeting, my oil pressure light blinked on then went off. Although it was unusual, I did not do anything about it thinking I would check my oil when I got home. Midway home, I began to hear some strange noises coming from the engine compartment. Since it was fairly hot, I thought it might be the fan and shut down the ac and turned off the radio to listen. The engine continued to make strange noises. After stopping at the end of the exit ramp near home I accelerated onto the side street and the noise became very loud. I drove slowly the last 1/2 mile home. When I got home, I opened the hood and found oil all over the engine compartment. There was no oil reading on the dipstick. Note that the oil pressure light never came on. I added the only quart of oil that I had at home and drove slowly to my mechanic about a mile away. When they looked at the car the next morning, they said there was little or no oil in the engine. A rubber hose that ran from the valve cover to the oil pump reservoir had split and pumped out all the oil. They said that although the hose had some metal shielding, the heat had deteriorated the rubber causing the split. They were able to replace the part and clean my engine compartment for $600. I just drove it about 300 miles today and after a few miles of driving, the engine returned to its normal sound so I am hoping that there was no long term damage. My concern is that I had just returned from a 2000 mile trip to Canada and if that had happened during an extended road trip, my engine would be toast. My mechanic said that he was not aware of this issue even though he has the same engine in his 2008 Toyota. There is nothing I could find in my owner's manual telling me that I had to have this hose checked.

- Annandale, VA, USA

Huge oil leak! started small, noticed a little on the turn around in my driveway - didn't even think it was my car since there was no oil when I parked. About one week later came home after a short trip and noticed the car smelled hot. I checked under the car and the oil was just running out - the bottom of the car was covered with splattered oil and in about 15minutes - no oil left! I haven't taken the car to the dealer yet - I'm afraid of the $$ and with all of the dealerships closing, the towing fee alone will probably be one I can't afford. I have check the internet and there are plenty of comments on this same problem. Where is the recall"?"

- North Branch, MN, USA

Toyota, 2006 Rav4... loose steering arms. Causing clunking noises while turning at low speed. Don't know if this gets bad enough to fall apart while driving? Toyota has a tsb out on this. Many many complaints on this topic online. Toyota wants $800. To fix this problem. I think they should do a recall on these cars. Also vehicle has a 2 to 3 second hesitation if trying to accelerate during a lane change or something similar. This is a safety issue. My car does this also.. and numerous complains with this issue on line. Should be a recall for this. Toyota won't acknowledge there is a problem with this.

- Antioc, CA, USA