10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 66,833 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The engine oil light would blink intermittently especially when applying brakes. Upon inspection of oil dipstick, there is no sign of any oil on the dipstick. Brought to a mechanic and had the oil changed (with synthetic mobil 1 as recommended by Toyota). Mechanic noticed very little oil drained. After refilling with new oil, test drove the car and confirmed the dipstick showing oil at maximum level. Around 2000 miles later, inspection of oil dipstick revealed almost no oil again. There were no leaks which mechanic confirmed as the underside was clean as a whistle. Mechanic believes piston problems which will be very expensive to replace.
- Saint Johns, FL, USA
Driving car and the oil light failed to indicate oil was very low. Heard a knocking noise so I checked the oil and discovered the oil was low although oil had just been added a few days earlier. I was not sure if the vechicle was fit to drive, so for safety reasons I had the car towed to my mechanic. The mechanic checked out the car and said the engine was damaged due to the lack of oil and constant burning of oil due to a defect in the Toyota rav 4 engine/oil system which causes the oil to combuse and burn off preventing the oil indicator light to alert the driver to add oil. This defect causes engines to seize. At this time I called Toyota of North America (1800 331-4331) directly to report this issue. I was told that as of today no recall or reimbursement is being issued but if everyone with this problem call Toyota of North America directly to report their problem then an investigation will be issued. So please call today so we may all be reimbursed from Toyota for this issue that they are well aware of and are choosing to do nothing for the consumers. They will then give you a case # that they tell you to keep just in case a recall is activated.
- Manalapan, NJ, USA
Car at about 37,000 miles. Only drive to store and drop kids off to school. Car parked for 10 minutes while at store shopping. Came back, started the engine. The engine light, vsc and 4WD lights all lighted up. When to local Toyota dealer, dealer said can't service it at this time need to make appointment. Dealer stated based on the lights, this might be the ignition coil.. it's known to have problem. Estimated cost to fix about $1500. But we need to computerized the codes..
- Springfield, PA, USA
The check engine oil light began flickering under hard braking. Light never was on under normal idle or travel. Upon checking oil on dipstick - no oil registered on dipstick. I immediately proceeded to the change oil and the oil pan only contained approximately 1.2 quarts or 75% less than the 4.5 quarts specified. Upon web research it appears Rav4 has problems with excessive oil consumption. Registered a complaint with Toyota usa as I know have concerns damage was done to engine as warning light should have come on sooner.
- Sandy Hook, CT, USA
2006 Toyota Rav4, consumer stated within 3 1/2 months after oil, total oil leakage occurred. The pistons, rings and gasket had to be replaced. On Feb 2, 2012 the consumer had an oil changed. On June 1, 2012 the oil warning light illuminated and the dipstick was completely dry. The consumer believed the oil leak was over a period of time and not just suddenly within 3 1/2 months. The technicians who performed the oil changed every 3-4 months should have noticed the shortage of oil, especially on Feb 2, 2012. Also, the steering wheel shaft assembly was replaced.
- Tampa, FL, USA
The engine coil malfunctioned, setting of 3 warning lights on the dash (check engine, vsc, and 4X4). The engine now misfires. This is the fourth time in three years.
- Bettendorf, IA, USA
The check engine light turned on suddenly while the car was in motion on a highway. Even after pressing the gas pedal to the maximum possible extent, it couldn't pick up a speed above 20-25 mph. This could have turned into a serious accident as I could have been rear-ended by other cars. I drove the car to the nearest dealership of the manufacturer for servicing but they couldn't provide any service facility as they had a busy schedule and gave me an appointment for Monday (8/13/2012). Then I called aaa roadside assistance and they towed it to their nearest certified service center, who detected that there was problem with the throttle body which is an electronic part for this type of car. Request your help to get my car thoroughly inspected and get it repaired / replaced / money refund by the manufacturer.
- Fairfax, VA, USA
My car has been making more noise than usual. The engine sounded like it was always revving up, even in a parked position. I took it in to be looked at and they opened up the engine and said that there was metal on metal and metal in the pan (I really don't understand these terms). Overall, it needs a new engine!!!!! how can a 6 year old car with 94,000 miles need a new engine! it is worth nothing it I don't put a new engine in it! seems like I'm not the only one with this problem, but not sure how to get help.
- Plainfield, IL, USA
- New Windsor , NY, USA