Vehicles / Toyota / Rav4 / 2006

2006 Toyota Rav4

705 federal complaints (882 component records) · 11 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 227 service bulletins · 8 Canadian recalls
See all 33 model years of the Toyota Rav4 →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
705
Recall campaigns
11
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
232
Engine & cooling
151
Speed control
75
Suspension
73
Air bags
58
Power train
54
Electrical system
42
Brakes
33
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 77 complaints01 years old: 42 complaints2 years old: 34 complaints3 years old: 72 complaints4 years old: 87 complaints5 years old: 50 complaints56 years old: 60 complaints7 years old: 61 complaints8 years old: 55 complaints9 years old: 30 complaints10 years old: 39 complaints1011 years old: 39 complaints12 years old: 18 complaints13 years old: 15 complaints14 years old: 7 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 4 complaints17 years old: 2 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 702 of 705 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 80 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 87 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 107 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 84 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 66 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 44 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 29 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 11 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 8 complaints200,000+ miles: 5 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 526 of 705 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

232 complaint records4 crash reports
"WHEN I MAKE A TURN AT SLOWER SPEEDS THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK COMING FROM THE TIRES AND I FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

151 complaint records2 fire reports2 crash reports
"BURNING ENGINE OIL, TURNS OUT NEED TO FILL ENGINE OIL VERY FREQUENTLY. SEARCH ONLINE, IT'S A RECALL. BUT IT'S EXPIRED FOR ME..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Speed control

75 complaint records12 crash reports
"HESITATION PROBLEM - '06 RAV4 I4 SPORT MODEL WHEN TRYING TO OVERTAKE, WHEN PRESSING THE PEDAL HARDER, ENGINE DIDN'T RESPOND RIGHT AWAY. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE12013
opened Jun 2012
closed Sep 2012SuspensionRear Suspension Arm Assembly Failure - led to recall 13V383000
In a letter dated August 1, 2012 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No.
RQ10003
opened Feb 2010
closed Mar 2011Vehicle Speed ControlUnintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration - led to recall 11V115000
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,...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V596000SuspensionToyota 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,...Normally free
16V396000SeatsSoutheast 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...Normally free
16V096000Seat BeltsToyota 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...Normally free
15V689000VisibilityToyota 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...Normally free
14V168000Air BagsToyota 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.Normally free
13V383000SuspensionToyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010.Normally free
12V373000SuspensionToyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010.Normally free
11V113000Vehicle Speed ControlTOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES.Normally free
Show 3 more recall campaigns
CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
10V036000EquipmentSOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
10V035000EquipmentGULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
09V223000EquipmentTOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021723
2021-11-24
Electrical55,683Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.
2016398
2016-08-11
Suspension21,722On certain vehicles, the rear wheel suspension link arms could separate. This could result in loss of vehicle control and cause a crash resulting in injury and/or damage to property.
2016075
2016-02-17
Seats And Restraints148,966On certain vehicles, in the event of a severe frontal collision, there is a possibility that the webbing of the seat belt in both second-row outboard seating positions could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut,...
2015493
2015-10-21
Electrical315,091On certain vehicles, inconsistent application of grease during the manufacturing process could cause the driver's side power window master switch to stick or become inoperative due to electrical contact point wear.
2014124
2014-04-09
Airbag344,870On certain vehicles, electrical circuitry in the steering wheel assembly may become damaged. As a result, the driver's airbag may not function as intended, causing the instrument panel airbag warning lamp to illuminate.
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2013327
2013-09-25
Suspension100,100On some vehicles, if the rear wheel alignment toe adjustment locking nuts are improperly tightened when an alignment is performed in the field, backlash may develop in the threaded portion of the suspension arm (shaft and turnbuckle),...
2012253
2012-08-01
Suspension100,100This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2013-327. On some vehicles, if the rear wheel alignment toe adjustment locking nuts are improperly tightened when an alignment is performed in the field, backlash may develop in the...
2011082
2011-02-24
Other115,600On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0055-24 Rev2
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0062-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0055-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0055-24
Jun 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0035-24
Apr 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24
Apr 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24
Apr 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-PANT-2024-004-
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-SB-0057-18
May 2023
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0094-21 Rev
Nov 2022
Air BagsTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
TSB009421Rev1
May 2022
EquipmentTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
T-SB-0014-22
Mar 2022
Parking BrakeTSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
WheelsPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
T-SB-0094-21
Nov 2021
StructureTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0080-19 Rev
Jul 2021
EquipmentTSB: Some 2006 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC evaporator drain hose has become obstructed with an insect nest.
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0063-20
Jun 2020
WheelsTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded.
T-SB-0391-08 Obs
Jun 2020
SuspensionTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20.
DOR-M3J3F-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
DOR-M9J4S-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0142-13_Obs
Feb 2020
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0010-20.
T-SB-0010-20
Feb 2020
EquipmentTSB: Some 2004 ? 2017 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced
T-SB-0008-20
Jan 2020
EquipmentTSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak?
KR3_Region Email
Oct 2019
EquipmentRegion Email: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.
KR3_Region Lette
Oct 2019
EquipmentRegion Letter: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.
KR3_Dealer Email
Oct 2019
EquipmentDealer Email: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.
KR3_Dealer Packa
Oct 2019
EquipmentDealer Package: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.
T-SB-0080-19
Jul 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0033-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2019 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
T-SB-0134-16-Rev
Jul 2019
Power TrainTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ?
T-SB-0033-14_Rev
Dec 2018
EquipmentTSB: Some vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC evaporator drain hose has become obstructed with an insect nest.
G0Y_JR8_Region E
Nov 2018
EquipmentRegion Email: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall and Special Service Campaign follow-up notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall or Special Service Campaign repairs completed.
G0Y_JR8_Dealer E
Nov 2018
EquipmentDealer Email: Safety Recall and Special Service Campaign completion is an integral part of our commitment to meet customer expectations of Toyota products.
G0Y_JR8_Region L
Nov 2018
EquipmentRegion Letter: Toyota will be conducting Safety Recall and Special Service Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall or Special Service Campaign repairs completed.
G0Y_JR8_Dealer P
Nov 2018
EquipmentDealer Packet: Safety Recall and Special Service Campaign completion is an integral part of our commitment to meet customer expectations of Toyota products.
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0057-18
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
T-SB-0187-12_Rev
Feb 2018
TiresTSB: REVISION NOTICE February 12, 2018 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 ? 2018 model year vehicles. January 23, 2014 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2013 ? 2014 model year vehicles.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos.
T-SB-0229-12_Rev
Nov 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0134-16_Rev
Oct 2017
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE October 30, 2017 Rev1: * Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13.
T-SB-0304-17
Oct 2017
StructureTSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.

Showing 60 of 227 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 11 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Rav4 →