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2008 Toyota RAV4 Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 575 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Toyota RAV4, most often about the engine (28% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is 5th of 26 RAV4 model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.

Complaints575
Recalls14
Crashes reported42
Fires reported16
Injuries reported322 deaths reported

Most common 2008 Toyota RAV4 problems

  1. Engine

    160 complaints · 28%

    Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.

    Was at a complete stop at a signal. Had foot on the brake. Engine surged to approx 6500 RPM plowed into the vehicle in front of me. I climbed on the other vehicle. Car would not stop moving until I turned and pulled out the key from the ignition. Airbags did not go off. Reported incident to tarpon city officer, while…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 80,000 miles
    The car is burning oil. I was told that it was burning 1/2 quart every 1200 miles & to keep adding oil. That this usage was wnl. After an online search I find this is a common problem that Toyota has not been dealing with. I have an extended warranty that will be running out soon. I feel the car should be recalled and…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 78,950 miles

  2. Speed control

    92 complaints · 16%

    Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles.

    I own a 2008 Toyota rav 4 which I purchased new. On several occasions I have had the accelerator pedal become stuck fully open when accelerating to merge onto an interstate highway. I was told several months ago that an aftermarket floor mat was slipping forward and trapping the pedal. Recently when this event…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 25,000 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2008 Toyota rav 4. While driving 40 MPH and attempting to engage the brake pedal, the vehicle did not respond. The brake pedal was engaged with excessive pressure and the rpms increased rapidly. The vehicle came to complete stop after pressing her foot firmly on the brake pedal and shifting gears…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 25,500 miles

  3. Suspension

    81 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear.

    The contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. While driving approximately 15 MPH, a popping noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger side tie rod fractured. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 75,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the rear driver's side suspension fractured. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear driver's side tire and the rear driver's side suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 72,372 miles

  4. Steering

    73 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, electric power assist system, column.

    Makes a clunking sound when I turn and I feel a "bump" in the steering wheel. I was charged $594.45 at the dealership for the repair replace the intermediate steering shaft. After searching online, I found that there are many complaints about this problem. Please enforce a vehicle recall for this problem.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 63,347 miles
    I was making a slow speed turn when, without warning, it became very difficult to steer, as if the power steering quit working. As I accelerated the steering started working again. A few days later it happened again and this time the battery warning light came on. Both times this happened it almost caused a collision.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 65,000 miles

  5. Air bags

    58 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: side/window, frontal, sensor.

    The contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that air bag warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag spiral cable was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who filed a report and did not offer any…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 78,201 miles
    Was at a complete stop at a signal. Had foot on the brake. Engine surged to approx 6500 RPM plowed into the vehicle in front of me. I climbed on the other vehicle. Car would not stop moving until I turned and pulled out the key from the ignition. Airbags did not go off. Reported incident to tarpon city officer, while…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 80,000 miles

  6. Transmission

    37 complaints · 6%

    Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, transfer case (4-wheel drive).

    Just learned today that I need a new transmission for a 2008 RAV4 with only 74,000 miles on it. Had the car in for service at 72,000 miles where they did the 70k mi service to include multipoint/floor mat, replaced the water pump, brake fluid flush and "engine minor". I think something is wrong here. My 5 year or 100k…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 74,200 miles
    The contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. The contact heard a really loud grinding noise emerging from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to downeast Toyota in brewer, maine for diagnostic testing on july 6, 2017, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle back when…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 80,000 miles

  7. Brakes

    31 complaints · 5%

    Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: pedals and linkages.

    Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while the driver drove at 5mph and attempted to park the brake failed to engage caused the driver lose control and crashed into a tree and the vehicle rolled over onto the roof. The driver body suffered bruises. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 40,000 miles
    Brake releases on its own. We were at the stop light, brake paddle floored as if it was loosing pressure. Immediately re applied the brake and it happened again. Subsequently it started happening same, and it now happens most of the time, we nearly avoided collision with the front vehicle. If break is held for more…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 35,000 miles

  8. Other or unspecified

    29 complaints · 5%

    Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles.

    Intermediate shaft making loud clunking noise when backing up and going forward. After further discussion with other RAV4 owners many experience the sameness issue. Mine is out of warranty but had less than 100,000 miles on I think when it started.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 80,000 miles
    Toyota RAV4 2008 limited sunroof exploded going 70 MPH on interstate (no other factors, such as we were not under/had not just gone under an interstate overpass). I was driving - sounded like a gunshot. Husband in passenger seat and sounded like a loud pop. Glass shattered all over US. We pulled over, patched it the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 82,000 miles

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

2008 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 2008 Toyota RAV4

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota RAV4?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (160 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); speed control (92 complaints, typically around 25,000 miles); suspension (81 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2008 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 2008 a bad year for the Toyota RAV4?
It is 5th of 26 RAV4 model years by number of complaints, with 575 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