Home › Toyota › RAV4 › 2007

2007 Toyota RAV4 Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 1,004 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Toyota RAV4, most often about the steering (27% of complaints, typically around 46,000 miles). It is the most complained-about RAV4 model year since 2000 and has 14 recalls.

Complaints1,004
Recalls14
Crashes reported53
Fires reported37
Injuries reported41

Most common 2007 Toyota RAV4 problems

  1. Steering

    271 complaints · 27%

    Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, column, electric power assist system.

    Electric power steering failure,had to drive from lorsburge n.m.to el paso tx 180 miles with no electric power steering. Took car to dick poe Toyota on 5/14/08 car had 2 failure codes 1-computer failed 2-power steering motor failed dealer would not make repairs,car is covered by Toyota with 100,000 miles warranty.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 46,799 miles
    Clunking in front when turning; dealer says the linkage in steering shaft (connecting the two pieces that it is comprised of) is loose and creating the noise - but not a safety issue. $833 estimate to repair. Purchase at 41,587 miles - at 45,442 whenit was checked by dealer. Did not repair (do not have funds) and not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 45,442 miles

  2. Engine

    236 complaints · 24%

    Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.

    Check engine light came on, followed by all of the maintenance lights. The vehicle had recently had an oil change but when oil was checked, there was no oil left. Took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership and they checked for leaks and completed an oil change. 1500 miles later, the vehicle is low on oil again. Repeated…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 90,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2007 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the engine oil warning light illuminated briefly. The contact inspected the engine and found that the engine oil had been consumed prematurely. The dealer inspected the vehicle and was unable to locate a leak in the engine area. The dealer was also going to…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 86,069 miles

  3. Suspension

    125 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 91,500 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.

    There was an intermittent, loud clunk sound from the rear of the vehicle. It was eventually determined that a rear stabilizer link was corroded and failed. Parts on both sides were replaced based on the recommendation of the Toyota service center.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 91,355 miles
    Heard "pop" sounds from rear while driving car. Stopped to examine car but didn't see anything unusual. Resumed driving and shortly afterwards there was a loud pop and immediately the car began swerving as if it were on a skating rink - very scary. Managed to get control of the car and came to a stop. Rear right wheel…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 92,000 miles

  4. Speed control

    101 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 29,500 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control, accelerator pedal.

    Tl contact owns a 2007 rav 4. While driving 30 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle down the gas pedal remained stuck causing the vehicle to accelerate. The contact had to pump the brakes which released the gas pedal. Occasionally, the contact had to shift the vehicle into neutral and pump the brakes to slow down.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 30,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2007 Toyota RAV4. While driving at 35mph she attempted to slow down and when she applied the brake the vehicle didn't stop and she collided into the vehicle in front of her twice. The driver frontal air bag deployed. She received injuries to her face, and knee. She contacted the insurance company…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 30,000 miles

  5. Air bags

    99 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles. Parts named most often: side/window, frontal.

    2007 Toyota RAV4 was waiting to turn left when it was impacted by a 2004 ford f-150 on the front/left side lifting and turning the vehicle clockwise hitting 1st a 2000 ford mustang with the front/right side and then hitting the right front door against a 2008 nissan quest. None of the airbags on the Toyota RAV4…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 87,000 miles
    Srs warning light comes on when car is put in gear and remains on. The Toyota dealership technician stated the code indicated by computer analysis is b1801. Spiral cable and air bag sensor need to be replaced for a cost of $933.31 parts, labor and tax. It seems this problem is occurring with some frequency, evident…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 87,250 miles

  6. Electrical

    76 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, instrument cluster/panel.

    On 08/09/14 we were driving in parking lot with 5 people in car. Started driving and engine suddenly stopped. Car glided to a stop with gears and steering wheel locked. Car would not restart. Called aaa for a tow 20+ miles away to closest Toyota dealership and then got transport for ourselves to hotel for the night.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 80,450 miles
    My wife started vehicle in garage to warm it up when she smelled smoke. She then noticed smoke and flames coming from the drivers side window/power lock switch area. She poured her cup of coffee on the flames to extinguish them. Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who had to replace the drivers side master…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 77,950 miles

  7. Transmission

    53 complaints · 5%

    Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.

    Engine appears to stall under light throttle. Rpm gauge shows the engine speed fluctuation. Transmission shifts in and out of gear rapidly when cruise control is on and you are going up an incline.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 47,000 miles
    Neutral start switch hidden within the confines of the engine management system can fail to work and thus not send a signal to start the engine. According to the head mechanic, the defect is uncertain why it happens other than the standard response that it is normal aspect of wear. I don't agree, since the component…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 47,500 miles

  8. Visibility and wipers

    50 complaints · 5%

    Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, sun/moon roof assembly, glass, side/rear.

    The driver-side sun visor falls down, and will not stay up when stowed. This blocks the driver's view of the road, presenting a serious safety hazard.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 72,000 miles
    Drivers side sun visor on 2007 RAV4 will not stay in the up position. It stays in a semi-down position where it blocks forward vision and also represents a hazard to the head and eyes when getting into/out of the vehicle.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 73,100 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2007 Toyota RAV4 recalls

  1. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 16V596000 · August 12, 2016 · 337,449 vehicles

    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.

  2. Seats: seat heater/cooler

    NHTSA 16V396000 · June 2, 2016 · 7,749 vehicles

    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.

  3. Seat belts: rear/other

    NHTSA 16V096000 · February 19, 2016 · 1,123,752 vehicles

    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.

  4. Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls

    NHTSA 15V689000 · October 22, 2015 · 1,814,284 vehicles

    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.

  5. Seats: seat heater/cooler

    NHTSA 14V743000 · November 19, 2014 · 3,233 vehicles

    Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

    Fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in january 2015. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

    Full defect summary

    Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 prius and corolla, 2009-2011 venza, 2006-2010 avalon, 2007-2010 fj cruiser, 2005-2011 sienna and sequoia, 2006-2011 tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, camry, highlander, tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 rav4 and 4runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

  6. Air bags: inflator module

    NHTSA 14V168000 · April 9, 2014 · 1,486,413 vehicles

    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.

  7. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 13V383000 · August 28, 2013 · 780,584 vehicles

    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.

  8. Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls

    NHTSA 12V491000 · October 10, 2012 · 2,519,424 vehicles

    Risk: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.

    Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their toyota dealer or the toyota customer experience center at 1-800-331-4331. General motors will contact the pontiac vibe owners affected by this recall and gm dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact pontiac customer care at 1-800-762-2737.

    Full defect summary

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 camry, camry hybrid, rav4, corolla, corolla matrix, tundra, sequoia, highlander, highlander hybrid, yaris, scion xb, scion xd and pontiac vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.

  9. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 12V373000 · August 2, 2012 · 780,584 vehicles

    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.

  10. Air bags: side/window

    NHTSA 11V245000 · April 21, 2011 · 307,848 vehicles

    Risk: Inadvertent activation of the csa and/or the seat belt pretensioner can cause injury to a vehicle occupant.

    Fix: Toyota will replace the airbag sensor assembly with a new one containing improved roll rate sensors, free of charge. Toyota intends to send an interim owner notification to owners early to mid-may, 2011 when sufficient parts and remedy becomes available. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

    Full defect summary

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2007-2008 rav4 vehicles. In the curtain shield airbag (csa) system, there are two sensors in the airbag sensor assembly which are designed to detect vehicle roll angle. If one of these sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light: mil) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be suspended; however, the airbag csa remains available in the event of a side crash. If both sensors fail nearly simultaneously after initial airbag system check, the csa and the seat belt pretensioner could be inadvertently activated.

  11. Speed control: accelerator pedal

    NHTSA 11V113000 · February 24, 2011 · 1,363,244 vehicles

    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.

  12. Equipment: labels

    NHTSA 10V035000 · February 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles

    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.

  13. Equipment: labels

    NHTSA 10V036000 · February 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles

    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.

  14. Equipment: labels

    NHTSA 09V223000 · June 15, 2009 · 27,080 vehicles

    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

Questions about the 2007 Toyota RAV4

What are the most common problems with the 2007 Toyota RAV4?
By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (271 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles); engine (236 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles); suspension (125 complaints, typically around 91,500 miles).
How many recalls does the 2007 Toyota RAV4 have?
14 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 2007 a bad year for the Toyota RAV4?
It is the most complained-about RAV4 model year since 2000, with 1,004 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.

Other Toyota RAV4 years

Toyota RAV4 problems by year