Two problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 2008 Toyota RAV4. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Toyota RAV4 based on all problems reported for the 2008 RAV4.
The hose connecting the canister filter to the canister broke off driving in the rain and I didn't see until next day while 8 hrs away from home. Called the local dealer they didn't have the part. No check engine light shown. I got home and have the canister filter replaced with the dealer and next day check engine, vsc and 4wd light came on, dealer says it cost $1800 to fix it. I researched online and lot of 2006 and up rav 4 owner have same issue. Cannister hose broken or filter dropped and water getting into the system. I got Toyota service bulletin t-sb-0098-09 which was updated to t-sb0161-11 on October 20,2011 for this issue. Toyota had covered warranty for 2gr-fe engine from 2006-2011 sold on CA, CT, me, MD, MA, NJ, nm,vt,wa, ri under California long term emission warranty of 64 months or 70,000 miles which ever occurs first. Toyota knew the issue and even added a new cover (part no 77641-0r020) the protect the canister filter and the hoses but they didn't issue the recall. A lot of people have same issue. The filter and hose are unprotected underneath the chassis and it can break or fall driving under normal driving in a rain or snow. I called Toyota and they review my case and gave me case # but they won't fix it because my vehicle was not driven and sold on the aforementioned states. Toyota has covered the warranty on the states with heavy snow and rain only. But these things are true for the state I am in too. Remaining state standard 36 months 36,000 warranty. But this thing can happen to anyone at any mileage. Toyota knew it and had a fix by putting the new cover but didn't issue a recall . The service bulletin even states the vehicles manufactured before certain VIN number and mine does fall under it. I paid $220 to replace filter and $62. 5 to diagnose. Now they want another $1800 to fix it. I wish I could attached the service bulletin.
Check engine oil light came on; went o dealer to have checked; lost 3 quarts of oil since last schedules oil change. Dealer says it was within their acceptable range. Today called and said I need new engine which they say will cost me thousands.