Alternator/generator/regulator problems of the 2008 Toyota RAV4

The contact owns a 2008 Rav4. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, there was smoke coming up the windshield. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the alternator was smoking. The vehicle was turned off and towed back to the residence. The contact purchased the alternator and fixed the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. While driving 45 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact could not pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and it returned to normal. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator, battery, and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the failure recurred several other times after the repair. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-331-4331 and asked the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. A case number was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 213,000. The VIN was not available.

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. I ended up taking it to the dealer and learned the alternator was going bad. An alternator on a four year old vehicle with 60k miles should last longer. I've since learned, from safety sites, that this is a common safety issue with the rav as the steering is electrically powered. There is also some indication the alternators are failing too soon.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the battery was defective. The battery was replaced twice due to acid leaking however, the failure was not corrected and as a result, battery acid leaked onto the alternator, the engine cover, and the hoses. The failure caused all of the parts to corrode. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage 83,000.