3.9

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
31,000 miles

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problem #1

Mar 212005

RAV4 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles
While driving my 2001 Toyota rav 4 ( 31000 total mileage ), with the heater motor on high, I heard aloud whirling noise. After a short time ( 5 or 10 minutes ) the heater fan stopped working and the smell of burning wiring filled the vehicle. I immediately shut the fan switch off. A wisp of smoke came out of the dash vent. Examination of the fuse box showed that the fuse for the fan had not blown. I believe that if I had not turned the fan off there would have been a vehicle fire. After further inspection I discovered the dashboard was covered with fine particles of an undetermined origin which I assumed came out of the windshield defroster vent. Repairs have not been made.

- Troy, MI, USA

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