10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,822 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.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2007 Toyota RAV4:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #22

Mar 222021

RAV4

  • 129,000 miles
I bought the car 3 months ago from price auto. The tires wee fine at that point although after about 30 days I noticed the driver rear tiire was wearing a lot and the passenger rear was wearing also so I decided to buy new tires 4 of them from tire warehouse. When doing so I asked for an alignment thats when I found out that there was a recall on my vehicle and it was with the alignment. The rear alignment has to E sealed shut after initial adjustment or it could come loose and a bad accident could happen. I immedietly made grappone Toyota in concod nh aware of this and they scheduled me to come in so they could take pics and send a report to headquarters to see if they would cover the costs since it was a recall. I spoke with a scott at Toyota.. also at this point its almost 30 days since I ought the 4 new tires and as of yesterday 3/27 the driver back rear tire had to be replaced due to the fact it was down to the metal. All Toyota will do is pay for the parts which is $251. They want me to pay for the labor and the alignment and that comes to $484. So theyve admitted fault by offering to pay for any of it. I just believe they should be liable for all of it. I mean I already paid tire warehouse for an alignment but they cant touch it because of the recall only Toyota can and that is for the life of the vehicle thats not right. If the vehicle has a recall and you can only bandaid the problem then the recall isnt fixed and the car is unsafe.. I mean and what about the tires I have already gone through whos paying for those?

- Penacook, NH, USA

problem #21

Jul 192019

RAV4

  • 76,500 miles
77000 mile lower control arms with bushings went bad, lower ball joints bad inner & outer tie rods bad, sway bar end links ball joints bad.alignment & re-balanced tires after replacement.began swaying in road fighting steering on every bump with dipping of front end & vibration badly of car especially steering wheel, worn new tires on outsides.complete records in Toyota vehicle repair service site.total cost so far for the above is $158 plus $44.95 plus 1 week down time, due to all joints bad and vibrations and swaying around has caused the cv shafts to get loose good shake and not in to out sideways direction - up to down they have slight play and hear a clunk both ways (to be replaced when have money will be another 150 to 195 bucks and another day or 2 down time, not sure of front wheel bearings yet or the rear sway bar all them links, this is how bad the swaying got so needs checked any back parts will cost me approx $240 -- replaced parts lower control arms with ball joints and bushings along with inner plus outer tie rods along with sway bar links were bought through amazon from detroit axel seller so may be able to get receipt if needed-- the tire re-balanced was done at lynn layton Ford of Decatur Alabama 256-350-2120 customer [xxx] invoice [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Hartselle, AL, USA

problem #20

Aug 032017

RAV4

  • 122,000 miles
In late summer/early fall 2016 my 2007 Toyota Rav4 began experiencing rear suspension, alignment, and tire wear problems associated with the Toyota recall at the time, although my car was not included in the recall. When my mechanic examined the car, he said it made no sense that Toyota's solution in their second suspension recall was to epoxy pieces in place and not allow the vehicle's suspension to adjust to movement on the road while driving. I had to argue with the dealership who sold the car to get them to make the proper repairs (perform the recall work on my car) at no charge to me. The damaged ruined my relatively new tires and I had to get another set. Recently during general servicing, my mechanic discovered the same tire wear problem and that the rear tires are severely tilting inward, and the most recent repair by the dealer was done using a solid tie bar. In my mechanic's professional opinion (he's been in business for several decades and does contract work for a government entity), that kind of repair should not have been done with that piece of equipment because it would lead to the failure and damage I'm experiencing again. If the same recall "fix" that was performed on my car is being performed on all others that were part of the 3rd recall and beyond, other vehicles may be in danger of failed parts that could cause loss of steering, as noted per previous recalls. I have reached out to the dealer, district manager, and danica sorenson at Toyota without success. My claim is being denied despite the evidence of an ongoing suspension problem. When you look at my car, the improper tilt of the tires and irregular tread wear are visible to the naked eye. My car will no longer pass inspection due solely to the tire damage.

- Elysburg, PA, USA

problem #19

May 082017

RAV4

  • 70,000 miles
I was turning my 2007 Toyota Rav4 South onto interstate 182 to head East, the car sudden out of my control and went off the road and hit a concrete barrier at 5:49 pm at 5/8/17. Two passengers were hurt.

- Richland, WA, USA

problem #18

Apr 082016

RAV4

  • 140,000 miles
The wheels were designed with a lip that does not drain, causing them to rust over time as water and road waste sits in the lip. I only learned about the rust, which is not visible, when I recently purchased a new set of tires. Surprisingly, my new tires immediately started losing air. After checking the tires and replacing the valve stems, my mechanic used the soapy water test to determine that the wheels themselves are so rusted that they are letting air escape. The lip of all four wheels are rusted to the point where the rust is flaking off. Given the deterioration of the wheels, I am concerned for my safety. My initial contact with Toyota resulted in no action by them. I am writing to the vp of marketing to make him aware of my concerns.

- Enfield, CT, USA

problem #17

Aug 032016

RAV4

  • 117,500 miles
On July 31st, 2015, the Toyota dealership performed a suspension recall work to replace both "rear #1 lower suspension arms". that work included a 4 wheel alignment and a permanent sealant that prevented future rear alignment of the rear wheels. On August 3rd, 2016, (approx. 13K miles later) the vehicle was taken to a les schwab tire center to have the brakes inspected. During the brake inspection, the technician noted severe abnormal tire tread wear on the inside shoulders of both rear tires. The inside shoulder of the right rear tire was so severe that it was showing steel belts and was near failure (immanent tire blowout condition). Les schwab noted that the front tires had normal even wear. Note: The 4 wheel alignment performed on 7/31/2015 was the only alignment performed prior to 8/3/2016, the alignment check on 8/3/2016 indicated the front wheel alignment was very close and within tolerant range of the 7/31/2015 alignment, and the vehicle has not involved in any accidents since before 7/31/2015. I believe the safety recall work performed by Toyota on 7/31/2015 did not fix the stated problem in the safety recall (Toyota recall 'operation 77toz-csj' ref: NHTSA campaign number: 13V383000). Either the recall work was not performed correctly or the parts or method of the recall failed to correct the issue leaving my car with an unsafe wheel alignment causing severe abnormal wear on the inside shoulders of the rear tires leaving my car at risk of rear tire blow out. The les schwab tire center replaced the tires and the rear #1 control arms with 'approved after-market parts' to allow for a safe rear alignment of the vehicle.

- Walnut Creek, CA, USA

problem #16

Mar 092016

RAV4

  • miles
The metal rims which hold the tires get rusted due to design. This is a great safety concern. The rims are design such way that they hold water, rainwater, and salty ice/snow inside the rims and never drain out; which causes the wheels to rust, and could cause a safety concern. The rims/wheels should have been rust proof in first place. These rims/wheels are not, and on the contrary hold water inside along the outer edge.

- Ventnor City, NJ, USA

problem #15

Jan 252016

RAV4

  • miles
Driving 50 mpg around curve in heavy traffic steering locked up hardly able to pull.off side of road. Happened again today 2 times and happened at least 5 times before in the past 3 months.steering froze had to get of to the side and restart then it was able to steer but battery.light flickers. Three other lights on the left of the dashboard stayed on after restarting the vehicle. Went to pep-boys and I was asked to replace the battery due to low voltage. Battery was replaced and one day later same thing happened again.

- Plantation, FL, USA

problem #14

Aug 262014

RAV4

  • 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 38 mph, the rear back wheels locked up and the vehicle swerved from side to side. Also, the contact stated that the downward hill assist warning light illuminated when the wheels locked up. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was included in recall NHTSA campaign number: 13V383000 (suspension). However, the part to do the repair was not available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

- St Charles, MO, USA

problem #13

Jul 262014

RAV4 4-cyl

  • 111,000 miles
Right rear lower suspension arm snapped causing the right rear tire to turn to the side, causing us to lose control of the vehicle. I was able to gain control and stop the car due to the low rate of speed. We had a recall for this problem. Toyota installed a temporary fix, however when we received an updated recall, we continually called to have the permanent fix only to be told that the part was not available we asked them to call us when the part arrived and they would not agree to this. We have called them continuously but they never had the part. Called Toyota today and they cannot help me today. They will not approve towing, rental car, or repair as of this date. I cannot get to work, I am handicapped and I do not have access to public transportation. The police did come to the scene of this incident we have photos and the broken part in our possession. Toyota opened a case #[xxx]. they said they are not sure they can help us. We need immediate help with this. Please help us. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Havertown, PA, USA

problem #12

Apr 152011

RAV4

  • 10,567 miles
2007 Toyota Rav4 rear speed sensors can abruptly fail during poor climate, causing failure to the vehicle stability control, ABS, and traction control systems. Toyota has refused to acknowledge that failure of this part is common, which is especially dangerous when driving conditions are poor.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #11

Jun 222013

RAV4 6-cyl

  • 42,000 miles
We were driving 55mph on highway 168 in North Carolina North towards Virginia coming home from vacation in the outer banks, nc. We were driving in left lane passing a Jeep, pulling a small trailer, in the right lane when we heard a pop and the car started to swerve to the right. Our car struck the Jeep on the driver's side turning the Jeep so it ended up in front of us. Both vehicles finally came to a stop after I applied the brakes. After checking on the passengers (my wife, two children and our dog) in our car and Jeep passengers, I went to move the car at the request of the police and the driver's side rear tire collapsed in at the top at about a 45 degree angle. Thankfully nobody was hurt. After having the car put onto the flat bed tow truck by aaa, the aaa employee and I could see under the car and noticed the rear tie rod was completely separate in two pieces. Received a preliminary recall from Toyota back in October/November about the tie rod. Took the car to our dealership, in November. They inspected it and said nothing was wrong so it didn't need to be replaced. The car is currently waiting to be fixed by my insurance company and I have filed a incident report with Toyota, who will be looking at the car.

- Glenside, PA, USA

problem #10

Apr 012013

RAV4 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
Failure # 1 one of the steel rims on my rav 4 developed a crack causing a sudden loss of pressure. I had the rim replaced with a new one. Since then I have had to replace 2 additional rims with the same (broken weld) symptoms, one with a break over 21" long. Toyota has failed to address this issue of unintended consequences. Failure # 2 the air bag sensing light came on in my rav 4 so I had it checked out at my local dealer. I was told not to worry about it. I'm an emt and I have a tendency to worry about "life safety" issues. I took it to another dealer and was told that there might be unintended consequences and that I should have it fixed. It turned out the "spiral cable" in the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. It's important to know that an air bag works when it should and doesn't work when it should not. I wasn't aware that things as critical as these have a shelf life.

- Cable, WI, USA

problem #9

Jan 132013

RAV4

  • 74,000 miles
Steel wheels are badly corroded to the extent that I am concerned about their integrity. Rusted steel is flaking off in strips.

- N. Huntingdon, PA, USA

problem #8

May 272011

RAV4

  • 49,600 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact was traveling 60 mph when the brakes were depressed after a gun shot like noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. Another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle and something from the passenger's side of the vehicle detached along with part of the passenger side rear wheel. The vehicle was not destroyed. The crash caused no injuries, but the police were contacted and a report was filed. The manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 49,600 and the current mileage was unknown.

- Pepperell, MA, USA

problem #7

Mar 102012

RAV4 4-cyl

  • 47,000 miles
Driver side steel wheel partially separated from hub due to shearing of 4 of 5 wheel lugs. Tested an additional wheel lug/nut on passenger rear wheel with torque wrench set at 85 lb-ft and it sheared off. Just prior to wheel separation, loud "pops" were heard which caused vehicle driver to reduce speed and shoulder the vehicle. No body damage, just shaken driver. All wheel nuts were properly torqued to factory specification of 85 lb-ft less than 3 months ago.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #6

Feb 222012

RAV4 4-cyl

  • 74,417 miles
My 2007 Toyota Rav4 had a rear right wheel tie rod break while I was driving with my wife and our one year old child in the vehicle. We were on our way to see my wife's doctor for her medical condition at the time. Thankfully we had just made a turn on to the on-ramp of the garden state parkway and were moving at a relatively slow speed. I can't imagine what would have happened if we were traveling at highway speed when the tie rod broke, I might have lost control of the vehicle and had a terrible crash with serious injury (or worse) to our family and possibly other drivers on the road. After searching on the internet about Toyota Rav4 tie rod incidents, it seems that it has happened to other Rav4 drivers many times on all different model years of the vehicle. Just like us they all say they did not hit any pot holes or other objects to have caused the tie rod to break. This failing of tie rods on Rav4S seems like a manufacturing or design defect. Some action needs to be taken to address this issue before someone is killed or seriously injured from this tie rod failures on Toyota Rav4 vehicles.

- Sayreville, NJ, USA

problem #5

Jun 262010

RAV4

  • miles
Alloy rims are rusted on 2007 Toyota rav 4.

- Hurley, WI, USA

problem #4

Apr 092011

RAV4

  • 43,500 miles
Driver owns a 2007 Toyota rav 4. while driving approximately 35 mph, car began to skid and intermittent warning beep came on. Driver pulled over, and upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, driver saw that the rear drivers side tire was slanted inward approximately 45 degrees. Car was towed to dealership and driver was informed that the tie rod had rusted through and broken. All other tie rods appeared normal. Tie rod was replaced by dealership. Failure occurred at 43,500 mileage.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #3

May 152009

RAV4

  • 30,000 miles
My 2007 Toyota Rav4 sport rims oem are rusting a at fast pace. Some big chunks are falling off. I am afraid that the wheel will fall off while driving. I wrote to Toyota Corp they have not responded.

- Boston, MA, USA

Read the next 2 complaints »