general problems of the 2010 Toyota RAV4

29 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 2010 Toyota RAV4. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2010 Toyota RAV4 based on all problems reported for the 2010 RAV4.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2026

I totaled my car into a fence.

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2023

I just purchased a used 2010 Toyota rav 4 base fwd and when making left or right turn I hear loud clunking noises and when backing up I hear squeaking noises plus I see liquid under car near middle. I also noticed when I add washer fluid and check level couple days later without using it ,,it is not visible . . . And can't find pink coolant in stores that is in resivoir which needs to be topped off according to mechanic.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/10/2022

On August 10 2022 I was pulling slowly into a parking spot with foot lightly on brake to control forward motion car attempted to surge /accelerate . I stepped firmly on brake and since car was nearly stopped I put it in to park. Rpm's went up dramatically and then car reverted to normal rpms. I estimate that the entire process. I estimate that the entire process took place in about 30 seconds or less. I immediately took vehicle to the Toyota dealer and they presumably checked it out and found no problems with vehicle. They "deemed it accidental accelerator pedal engagement by customer" which it was definitely not! a similar situation occurred about 3 months earlier. That time I was pulling slowly into traffic and suddenly car tried to accelerate. I pressed firmly on brake pedal and acceleration stopped. Entire event was very brief seconds and I ignored it as a possible anomaly not requiring attention. I reported that to dealer as well when I took it in for the 10 August incident.

4 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/19/2021

While driving my vehicle, it began to smoke under the hood. I exited the highway in order to pull over in a safer location. Some smoke started coming through the vent in the car as I pulled over. I exited the car and moved away and small flames began at the air vents on the outside. After I called 911, the fire kept building until the front half of the car was engulfed. The fire department came and put out the fire. They weren’t sure the exact cause, but believe it started in the engine. My car was up to date on inspection and was not yet due for an oil change. No dashboard service lights were on beforehand. I had state farm insurance and am not sure yet if they were able to find anything from their investigation.

5 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/25/2021

I was operating the vehicle on 09/25/2021 and at approximately 9:45am, the car accelerated quickly causing me to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a guard rail. I was driving about 35-40 miles per hour and the vehicle took off out of no where and the car wouldn't brake. It was extremely frightful and I am lucky that the guard rail was in place, otherwise the vehicle would of flipped over or worse.

6 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2020

Intermittently, my 2010 Rav4 engine turns off, while driving, and then turns back on shortly after. This is very dangerous, as you lose power steering and brakes, meaning very difficult to steer and stop. This happens when the car is in motion. Never had it cut out at a stop light. I'm thinking it's the ecm. The car's maintenance is very up to date. My daughter drives this vehicle and it has happened to her numerous times. I have experienced it once, shortly after getting the car from the Toyota dealership. I asked them about it and they weren't able to offer any suggestions, other than I could pay them to diagnose the problem. There are no error codes registered when this happens, which is why I think it's the ecm. Toyota has upgraded the code level for the ecm twice, so I'm thinking there are issues they addressed in upgrading the code. I just can't find what those upgrades fixed anywhere online. My daughter is afraid to drive the car, and if the dealership isn't willing to talk to Toyota first about the problem, I'm not going to shovel money into their pockets to tinker around with it. . . It has to happen in their presence, as they say. . .

7 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2019

Transmission.

8 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/07/2017

Since previous recall remedy performed for the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. When raining water has been diverted into vehicle from behind glove box and leaks on floor mats and carpeting. Water is continuing to set on wiper assembly. Verified water not coming from mechanical malfunction or from windshield as this only occurs during raining periods since recall was performed.

9 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2017

Been waiting months to have recalls for wiper blades fixed - Toyota dealer still doesn't have the parts - ira Toyota tewksbury- still waiting.

10 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/21/2017

We were pulling out of a paralllel parking spot on a residential street very slowly. Then suddenly the car unintendedly accelerated very fast and hit another parked car on the other side of the street. It seemed like the car took control on its own as we were pulling out very slowly.

11 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/05/2016

At some time between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm on November 5, 2016 my wife and I were driving my 2010 Rav4 south on county route 561 in voorhees township, NJ on the inside lane of this 4 lane highway when I lightly pressed the brake pedal to slow from 45 mph to the lowered speed limit. Suddenly, and without warning, the left rear wheel locked up tight, causing the vehicle to swerve abruptly into and across two lanes of oncoming traffic. I was able to regain some control by releasing the brake and steering to the right to avoid going over the curb, but the rear end of the car slid to the left and hit the curb.

12 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/15/2016

I was coasting up to a red light at an intersection. I was going approximately 10 mph when I applied the brakes. When I applied the brakes I heard the engine roar and I was propelled into the intersection. I continued to apply the brakes but the car was not stopping. I shifted into neutral and the car stopped. Three days later I was parked in my driveway (the car in park) and I went to start the car. My foot was on the brake and I pushed the start button. The car immediately started and the engine raced to 4000 rpm plus. When I took my foot off the brake the rpm immediately dropped to a normal rpm. The car was taken to the Toyota dealership and was there two days. They were unable to find anything wrong.

13 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2016

I was involved in an accident when my Rav4 pulled to over the right side of the road causing the vehicle to strike a tree causing 7 broken ribs and it totaled my car . I saw a recall that was issued in September that the rear tire rods can cause you to lose control causing a crash recently and I know that was the reason for this crash I drive this road frequently and have never had an issue until August 11th my both arms were injured and my chest and shoulder had scrapes and cuts to which I blame on the manufacturer, I am still recovering from my injury and also believe the airbag didn't deploy in time because out of the 7 broken ribs my sternum bone was broken from the steering wheel!!.

14 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2016

While in bumper/bumper traffic - foot on brake - car rapidly accelerated to over 3k rpm's. Almost hit car in front. Had to turn off ignition to stop. Then restarted car without incident.

15 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/25/2016

Your web site shows only one open recall concerning the rear seat belts. There are at least two/three other recalls that I received letters from the manufacturer and have been told that there are no parts to effect repair, should they not be listed as open in your web site? do you think that Toyota has the parts to effect repair?.

16 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/18/2016

Vehicle engine can be shut off without transmission into "park" causing the vehicle to roll away when on a slope/incline causing potential serieous bodely/property damage. Such unexpected vehicle movement disregards basic safety principles: 1st: eliminate potential hazard; 2nd: guard against hazards and 3rd: warn against hazards. Unlike Toyota, other vehicle makes with "Smart-key system" address this hazard by either eliminating, guarding and/or warning safety provisions. Vehicles with conventional key start sytem require driver to shift trransmission into "park" before shutting off the engine. Fyi, I have contacted people in the NHTSA rulemaking devision - fmvss no. 114 who confirmed that this is a "safety hazard" and numerous complains have been filed by consumers. I alsdo contacted the local toyta dealer and Toyota USA corporate to file a complain (#10870836) which neither did respond to.

17 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2015

Dealer unable to remedy recall within reasonable time. Recalls #15v689, and 15v-577.

18 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/17/2015

Power window master switch recall was issued in 2015. Toyota has still not come up with a remedy.

19 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/13/2015

Toyota Rav4's paint is peeling on the roof in the area located between the top of the windshield and the moon roof. The paint color is blizzard pearl white. I have personally observed the same issue on other Rav4s having noticeable missing paint patches in the same area of the roof. The paint also chips very easily over the entire surface of the vehicle.

20 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2015

When my vehicle was stopped I was rear ended at about 15 mph. Airbags did not deploy but all bag lights illuminated.

21 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2015

A/c stopped working and the dealer said the compressor need to be replaced. For a less than 5 year car to have a failed compressor is strange. When we are talking, they mentioned this is a known problem for Toyota with this model. When I asked about possible of recall, they said they don't think there will be a recall because it is not a safety issue. Why is it not a safety issue? there could be harmful air and metal particle blow into car cabin. Now I remembered that before the a/c stopped working, there was an very short episode of "burn smell" and there was some tiny particle blown into my face. However, I didn't think too much about it back then because the a/c didn't stop working right away.

22 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while pulling up at her job location someone stated her vehicle was on fire the vehicle was burnt down within two minutes. The contact doesn't recall where there fire started. The contact stated no injuries sustained. The fire department reported they where unable to diagnosed the vehicle due to damages. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 98,500.

23 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2015

I had been driving app. 10 minutes in snow covered road conditions when I was approaching an interesection with traffic stopped for a red light. As I applied the brake to ease into a stop, the vehicle accelerated uncontrolably. I was in the center lane with stopped vehicles in front of me. I had to exert hard force on the brake pedal to finally bring my vehicle to a stop. The engine was at least over 4000rpms on the tachometer. Whe traffic started moving again, I eased off the brake pedal and slowly applied gas and eased over in to the right(curb) lane. I stayed slow at about 15-20 mph and felt an acceleration again, but was able to brake successfully. I then turned right into the first available parking lot to gain composure before continuing on. I continued home at a safe rate of speed ( under 35mph). In the past 2 years there have been 3 other occurances of acceleration when braking but never to this extreme.

24 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/07/2014

We have received 3 recall notices for issue(s) with our 2010 rav 4 going back to at least October 2012 all pertaining to the same issue. Several weeks ago we received the last one. Called our local Toyota dealer and set an appointment to have it fixed. Appt. Was set for July 2, 2014 as they indicated they had a number to fix and that was the earliest date. At that time I was assured that the parts were all in and there would be no problems except that it was an all day issue and would have to leave the vehicle. On sat. June 7, 2014 I was called by the dealer and they indicated that they would have to cancel that portion of the appt. As they had no more parts and could not seem to be able to get any more and were not sure if / when they would be getting more. This is unacceptable>.

25 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2014

Recall ~ no parts will be available for weeks hello, I received notice of a recall from Toyota two weeks ago. When attempting to get it fixed within a 51 mile radius on June 13, I was told by three dealers that Toyota does not have the parts available. None of the establishments are able to repair the vehicles because Toyota is very slow in supplying the parts. I would imagine that they are still making new cars and would actually have the parts available. Can this please be addressed. This is my only vehicle and it needs to safe to drive. Thank you for all that you do to assist consumers. Sally smock.

26 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/14/2013

Usually after a rain storm or if I go through a deep puddle the idiot lights for "check engine, slip indicator and 4 wheel drive" lights come on and stay on for about 30 miles. Wednesday they came on and stayed on even though it hasn't rained in weeks. I've talked with several dealers and they tell me either there is no fix for it or Toyota is investigating the problem. I've also talked to others with older Rav4's and they tell me that they have the same situation going on. Does Toyota need a little nudge from the gov't?.

27 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/26/2012

I have taken my 1 month certified newly purchased vehicle for what I describe as brakes/suspension problems. According to the dealership, they cannot find any problems with the car. I have already stated that I drive with my grandkids in the car. They seem to ignore and find nothing wrong with the vehicle. I feel there is definitely a safety issue!.

28 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/28/2010

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota rav-4. The contact stated that after purchasing a vehicle that came equipped with a tow package, he decided to have the trailer hitch attached at the dealer. Prior to having the electrical harness and switch module installed, the corporate office advised his dealer not to perform the work due to a known defect that they have discovered. The dealer continued to do the work. The type of defect had not been disclosed and the contact had not experienced any failures. The current mileage on the vehicle was 13,000.

29 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2009

I have a vibration when going between 62-70mph. Have no idea from what have taken it to the dealer, they balanced the tires, we had a private tire dealer check the balance, still there. The owner of our dealership called and said she test drove two other ones, same model as ours and they do it too. In fact she said one vibrates worse than ours. We are being told this is normal, but we know, that no vibration is normal.


Other Equipment related problems of the 2010 Toyota RAV4


RAV4 Service Bulletins
RAV4 Safety Recalls
RAV4 Defect Investigations