KnownCarProblems2006 Toyota RAV4 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 705 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Toyota RAV4, most often about the steering (33% of complaints, typically around 41,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about RAV4 model year since 2000 and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2006 Toyota RAV4 problems
Steering
230 complaints · 33%Half of these problems showed up before 41,000 miles. Parts named most often: rack and pinion, column, hydraulic power assist system, electric power assist system.
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.…
At around the beginning of the year, the steering column started knocking when turned left or right at low speeds. I brought it to a dealer and they seemed to be able to fix the problem by tightening something down in the steering assembly, but later the problem came back. I have since discovered that there are many…
Engine
149 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
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…
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.
Speed control
74 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 24,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
I have a 2006 RAV4 Toyota SUV. My gas pedal has been sticking since 2007. I have had a accident because of it, where I had over $7000.00 worth of damage done to repair it. At a Toyota dealership. I mention about the pedal, but no one believed me, so I just dropped it. It is still happening sometimes, where I have to…
Tl contact owns a 2006 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that as he was driving at 55 MPH the vehicle accelerated up to 70 MPH and would not stop. As he depressed the brake pedal the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own. The dealer was called and stated that he had to wait until he received a recall notice before…
Suspension
73 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
The rear suspension arm on my Toyota RAV4 failed, causing the wheel to drop off the car as I entered I-95. When I reported it to Toyota, they said the recall had been fixed in abq, nm. I live in va; the recall had never been fixed, and the car has never been in abq. Turns out abq dealer had reported the wrong VIN # on…
Dealer fails to complete work on recall in a timely manner. Recall on 2006-2011 model year RAV4 vehicles; rear lower suspension arm. "safety recall c0j" march 2014 - receive notice from Toyota "urgent safety recall". Made an appointment june 2014. Told on arrival parts not available. Was put on wait list. Called…
Air bags
57 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 89,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
With out any cause the airbag light on at 55mpg these RAV4 never has front accident and never replace air bags .the service manger at pep boys said the computer analyzer said a bad sensor and air bags not going to inflate if we has accident .
Airbag light came on and I took car to my dealer (for repair of another problem) on 9/22/11. I was informed that the spiral cable controlling the driver airbag was defective and that it would be about $500 or more to repair. I told then that I felt that it should be Toyota's problem to repair since it was definitely a…
Transmission
53 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle hubs, driveline, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Steering wheel "clunks" at relatively low speeds - clunking increases over time. Concern is if steering fails as a result. Toyota's fix is to replace intermediate driveshaft and an alignment. Apparently this is a pervasive problem on a number of RAV4 model years (based on hundreds of postings on internet discussion…
2006 Toyota RAV4 v-6 engine. Sudden and massive loss of all engine oil. Dealer is aware that this is caused by a defective oil hose. No recall issued yet. Dealer states "we're just fixing them as they come in". I was fortunate I was close to home. Engine was bone dry of oil in less than 3 miles. Should this have…
Electrical
42 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, ignition, software, instrument panel.
2006 Toyota RAV4 FWD v6 engine w/65,000 miles is showing check engine light, vsc light and traction light. Ecm generating p0606 fault code. Dealer replaced ECM under warranty, but 10 minutes later same lights and fault codes recurred.
A warning light appeared on the dashboard indicating an airbag malfunction. I called Toyota service and was told the car required a repair, and the airbags would not function at all until this repair was done. Today the Toyota tech told US a "spiral cable assembly had gone bad." he said it will cost $514.00 to make…
Brakes
31 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 40,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, pedals and linkages.
Purchased a 2006 Toyota RAV4 new in 2006. Replaced new brake shoes in early 2008 on july 19th brakes stopped working, but was able to avoid accident after two years I am told that the brake booster was leaking.
RAV4 2006 se le han realizado servicios de mantenimiento al da. Presenta sistema de frenos daado, diagnstico segn el centro de servicio el booster daado. No frena por poco ocasiona accidente al conductor. Millaje 43,549.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 Toyota RAV4 recalls
Suspension: rear
Risk: Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on september 30, 2016. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are g0v for toyota vehicles and glk for lexus vehicles. Note: this recall supersedes recall 13v-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13v-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to h
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 toyota rav4 vehicles manufactured october 31, 2005, to september 7, 2010, and 2010 lexus hs250h vehicles manufactured july 6, 2009, to august 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Seats: seat heater/cooler
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on july 14, 2016. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226. Set number for this recall is set16b.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4runner, highlander, sequoia, and sienna, 2005-2010 avalon and tundra, 2006-2008 camry solara, 2006-2010 highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 rav4 and tacoma, 2007-2010 fj cruiser, 2007-2011 camry hybrid, 2009-2010 venza, 2010-2012 prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk: A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on june 24, 2016. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is g0f.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 rav4 vehicles manufactured july 28, 2005, to december 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 rav4 EV vehicles manufactured july 24, 2012, to august 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
Risk: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the pwms circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin december 20, 2015. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is c0m.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor company (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 tundra, sequoia, corolla, corolla matrix and scion xb, 2008-2011 highlander and highlander hybrid, 2007 camry and camry hybrid, 2009 camry and camry hybrid, 2006-2011 rav4, 2006-2010 yaris, and 2009-2010 scion xd and pontiac vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the power window master switch (pwms), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: If the ffc is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Fix: Toyota will notify the toyota vehicle owners, and general motors will notify the pontiac vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in may 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General motors sent pontiac vibe owners an interim letter on june 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General motors sent notices to the pontiac vibe owners on september 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on october 27, 2014. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may con
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 rav4, 2006-2010 yaris, 2008-2010 highlander, and 2009-2010 tacoma, corolla, corolla matrix and general motors pontiac vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a flexible flat cable (ffc). Due to the shape and location of the ffc's retainer, the ffc could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Suspension: rear
Risk: Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from september 2013 through mid-april 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. Important: this recall supersedes toyota and lexus recall 12v-373. All vehicles that have been inspected
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 rav4 and 2010 lexus hs250h passenger vehicles manufactured from october 2005 through september 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Suspension: rear
Risk: Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on november 30, 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 rav4 and 2010 lexus hs250h passenger vehicles manufactured from october 2005 through september 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Speed control: accelerator pedal
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: The remedy is now available. The safety recall began early april 2011. The remedy will involve modification or replacement of the accelerator pedal and replacement of any toyota all-weather floor mat. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 lexus lx570, 2003 through 2009 toyota 4runner, and 2006 through 2010 rav4 vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Equipment: labels
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.
Full defect summary
Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Equipment: labels
Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Equipment: labels
Risk: Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Rear suspension arm assembly failure
Summary
In a letter dated august 1, 2012 toyota motor engineering & manufacturing north america, inc. (toyota) submitted a defect information report (NHTSA recall no. 12v-373) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding possible separation of the rear suspension arm no. 1 assembly (arm) at the threaded portion (shaft and turn buckle) of the component in my 2006 through my 2011 toyota rav4 vehicles built from october 2005 through september 2010 and in my 2010 lexus hs250h vehicles manufactured from july 2009 through august 2010.according to toyota, if the adjustment nuts for the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened when alignment is performed in service, backlash may develop at the th
Unintended and uncontrolled acceleration
Summary
On february 16, 2010, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened rq10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, toyota recalls 07e-082, 09v-388, 10v-017, and 10v-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in toyota and lexus vehicles.I. Pedal interference from floor mats, carpet covers and plastic pads in carpets.during the rq10-003 investigation, odi reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that toyota recall ad
Questions about the 2006 Toyota RAV4
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota RAV4?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (230 complaints, typically around 41,000 miles); engine (149 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles); speed control (74 complaints, typically around 24,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota RAV4 have?
- 11 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 12, 2016 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the Toyota RAV4?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about RAV4 model year since 2000, with 705 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.