Suspension Problems of Toyota RAV4 - part 1

I went to get my car aligned and new tires as I noticed the rear tire was completely bald on the inside rear. I was advised by the tire shop that they cannot adjust the rear camber. So I took it to the dealership and they advised me that itis not adjustable and they would need to do another alignment and place shims to get the adjustment right. This was a brand new car when I got it. Always up to date on all the services. I also looked it up and its being said on a-lot of websites that a bunch of these vehicles was shipped out of alignment. They will not fix it without me paying for one of their mistakes because they say its maintenance. Maintenance is not modifying a vehicle to get the alignment correct. It has to be a safety issue because someone is going to have a tire fly apart because of tremendous early wear.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

After routine service at south coast Toyota in costa mesa, CA, I unknowingly drove my 2023 Toyota Rav4 hybrid for over a week with two missing lug nuts and one extremely loose lug nut on the front passenger wheel. The service performed on April 5, 2025, included an oil change, tire rotation, and full inspection. No issues were reported to me at pickup. Over the next several days, I heard increasing thumping and metallic noises from the front right wheel area, especially at highway speeds. On [xxx], while driving with children in the car, the vehicle made loud metal screeching noises and the steering became impaired—I could not complete a basic turn. I limped the car home at 4 mph. Upon inspection, I found two lug nuts missing and one so loose I could unscrew it by hand. I had the car towed back to south coast Toyota on April 18. The dealership admitted two lug nuts were missing but failed to apologize or fully document the issue. I was told via text that the only action needed was replacing the missing lug nuts. I received no formal inspection report or confirmation that the vehicle was safe. I paid out of pocket for a third-party inspection at a separate Toyota dealership, which confirmed that the previously recommended sway bar replacement was unnecessary and that my tires and components were in better condition than initially claimed. This was a clear service-related safety failure that could have led to wheel detachment and a serious accident. I drove over 200 miles on freeways with children in the vehicle. The dealership failed to follow basic safety protocols and has not taken responsibility. I am reporting this to NHTSA in the interest of safety and accountability. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The vehicle is owned and operated in costa rica. I submitted the vehicle for the 4 incomplete recall items associated with its VIN. I was told by grupo purdy Toyota of costa rica that manufacturer recall number g0v NHTSA recall number16v596 does not apply in costa rica and they declined to complete the recall remedy. Is this correct or should they be completing the recall remedy?.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Subframe rusted in half, the only way I found it was when we put new shocks on it. It peeled off about 1/2 the tread on a brand new tire. Dangerous, if passengers side rear tire would've broke loose it would throw rear of car into oncoming traffic!.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

I took my car to the dealer this week and was told I need to replace both front lower control arms. I noticed other cars for that year have a recall for this specific problem so I called Toyota but I was told that I had 0 recalls on my vehicle.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the sound was coming from the tires. The contact was informed that no issues were found. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Abs lights have been on since I bought vehicle the dealership that sold it to me cleared the code and did not fix vehicle.

Nhtsa campaign id 16v596000 Aug 12, 2016 recalls supercedes 13v-383 vehicles inspected but did not have both arms replaced. Vehicles need to have both arms replaced. Recall done on vehicle (rav4 2010) were coj - 1/9/2013 stevens creek Toyota csj - 9/21/2014 capitola Toyota control arm were not replaced at these times. My car is currently being serviced at iq autoworks in campbell CA. I've been told the control arm needs replacement. Quoted $1700 to replace one control arm.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

I noticed at 3 thousand miles my abs light would come on and the abs would kick in and hear a grinding noise when braking over a slight dip in the road and entering a parking lot (breaking on incline slope or decline slope. I brought it into the Toyota dealership and they said they looked at everything (only 5 minutes) and nothing was wrong with brakes. The abs kicking in while braking on dry pavement has never gone away. At about 28,000 miles, I started to hear a brake squeaking noise coming from the front drivers side tire while braking at slow speeds, and when backing up. It came and went and now it is consistent and does it all the time and also squeaking when not breaking and turning to the right. I had a mechanic remove my tire and he said the bolt to the brake caliper is loose and the caliper itself is loose and that the brake pads are fine. I am now seeing there is a safety recall for this exact complaint for my exact car, Toyota Rav4 hybrid 2024 , however, when checking if my vechile is part of the recall, by entering my VIN #, it says my vehicle is not part of this recall. This needs to be addressed and fixed by Toyota as this is a manufacturing defect. A caliper bolt should not come loose on its own if properly installed.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

At estimated 25500 miles in the vehicle, I started to feel vibration at 65- 75 mph. Bouncy ride and slight bad bearing noise at 45 mph . After taking to the dealer, they also felt vibration and recommended tire balancing. After having that done, the problem still existed. I took the car next day and at first they where not willing to check my car but then when I forced, they test drove and confirmed light road noise and light vibration. After a little checking, they said the tires are feathering and should get new tires and or alignment. The tires only have 25500 miles and they were serviced by totota . I got new tires from from ntb and rebalanced and the issue still existed. I then also got alignment from another shop even then the vibration and bad bearing noise still exist. After searching, I have read many others had this issue with their Rav4 and dealers just say it's normal . I as years of experience know it's not normal. The origin equipment tires that came with new vehicle were dunlop grandtrek pt20. The new tires I got are cooper endeavor plus. Issue is definitely not the tires. Humbly request NHTSA to look into this as this is ongoing issue with many new Toyota Rav4.

Engine oil is burning with out discharging from the engine. Can find no leak anywhere in the engine compartment. Constantly adding oil to the car as the oil indicator isn’t working either. The engine compression is spot on to manufacturers specifications. If the engine runs out of oil it could lead to a crash. Suspension: loud popping in the rear drivers side when first moving. Don’t know if it is tie rod or something else. Don’t need whatever is causing the pop to break as that could lead to a crash.

Loud clunk over bumps, suspension sounds loose and dangerous. Vehicle was purchased new and has 24,443 miles, this sound is not normal for a new vehicle.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Happened at ~644pm on 04/08/24- I heard the noise like a thump or thunk, the car initially pulled towards the roadside, then I corrected the wheel and slowly stopped the car. Upon exiting the car, it became apparent that the ball joint broke just above the plate that attaches to the axle.

Driving home at 3:30 on 2/5/2024 from winters CA to davis CA with a temperature of 55 degrees f and some rain in the area. The sunroof exploded. A large bang happened. Pulled over nothing hit the sunroof, and the glass was protruding outward (not inward which would have happened if the glass was hit from an object from above). The sunroof was part of the new car when we purchased it.

My son was looking to get his new tires aligned, and was informed by the mechanic that he would need to replace both side rear lower control arms, as Toyota had performed a safety recall gov, resulting in the arms being epoxied, and therefore cannot be adjusted/ aligned. I contacted Toyota customer experience center (800 331 4331 - 1/16/2024) and she could not even call up the original recall. My question how can Toyota permanently remove a vehicle feature (adjustability of the suspension arms), and then require car owners to bear the brunt of re-installing the arms when you need to align your tires? this "solution" is totally unfair. I just purchased a new set of tires, and based on Toyota's "solution" I need to pay out of pocket to replace the control bars and/or damage my tires and have to replace them early. I was not able to find any other information on this issue on the web, and was wondering if Toyota had done anything to address this issue?.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Car loses traction over minor imperfections in the road. When braking and dropping speeds to 20-30 mph, car will lose traction over imperfection in the road, causing the abs to engage. The car shutters and grinds/vibrates until traction is regained. With an awd system, a minor 6-inch drop in the road due to a pot hole or dip should not cause traction to be lost. The car consistently loses traction when braking and 1 tire runs over imperfection in the road (pot hole, dip, uneven pavement, etc. ). If car drives over speed bump (which keeps tires aligned), car does not lose traction. Issue is only present if 1 tire different than the other 3 which shows instability of the vehicle. Issue has been verified by manufacturer and has shown up in the car log. Dealer said that the car recorded a loss of traction 4 times in the last month. Issue has been escalated to Toyota corporate and they do not see the sensitivity of the traction control as an issue. Issue has been persistent since the purchase of the car in early 2023. All components on the car are oem and have only been looked at by Toyota dealers. Multiple online forums have shown that other owners face the same issues. Video proof of the issue can be provided.

I have a 2017 Rav4 hybrid xle that I bought brand new. I have done all schedule maintenance on it. I was driving to an appointment on 15 November 2023 and the vehicle all the sudden jerked violently side to side throwing me off the road. I brought the car to the shop thinking an alignment or something. My whole rear subframe was cracked, and by the driver side rear wheel bolt it was broke straight through where the tow bar connects to the subframe. The mechanic said it was from rust from living in the northeast, and the salt from the road during winter months. The mechanic said even though I took care of the vehicle this was going to happen anyways due to the subframe suspension parts that Toyota puts in the Rav4. Being flung into a ditch coming off a highway is a dangerous situation, and could of cost me my life because Toyota wants to save money and put in parts knowing that the rust problem will and could occur. I did my research, and found out this has been going on since 2007 and there have been recalls on models all the way up to 2012. If this is a known thing then why is Toyota being allowed to still make a weak subframe. Does someone have to die for this to be stoped. I’m am asking for a recall on all models of 2017 Rav4 hybrids and on to fix this problem. I am lucky to escape with minor injures, but maybe the next person isn’t. Something has to be done.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Srs air bag mlfunction.

2001 Toyota Rav4 was sold at auction, to a used car dealership. I purchased this car from the used car dealer on August 5, 2023. Unfortunately, the dealer tampered with the brakes. I witnessed their mechanic working on the rear brake system in person on August 4, 2023. The owner told me that because there was a noise coming from the rear, they were "fixing it". Upon buying this car and driving it to a gas station, filled it up, much to my horror, gas spilled out. The gas tank has a leak in it. Also, upon driving it home the engine warning light suddenly illuminated. I promptly brought it to a Toyota dealership in wooster, ohio and requested a complete examination. I have their full report, and they have determined this car to be unsafe to drive. The brakes had been adjusted when in fact, the brakes and brake lines need to be replaced, this was the used car dealer at fault. I feel the used car dealership bought car at auction and was unaware of the gas tank leak and the bearing plates being fragile, the engine cradle could break at any given moment, causing the engine to fall out. The car was purchased at and maintained by an akron Toyota dealership since it was brand new in 2001. After 23 years why did this dealership allow this car to be released into the general public? frame damage so bad, the bearing plates that hold the engine up are beyond fragile, the cradle that holds the engine integrity is grossly compromised, and the gas tank has a hole in it. Bad brakes + leaking gas tank. One spark and = ka boom. I would be dead. So many things wrong in this situation. Personally, my physical and emotional health suffered. I had chronic diarrhea, headaches, and went to the dr several times. Please let me know how this matter should be resolved. I am upset and financially compromised all from this car. Documentation available.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

6/15/23 @ 18,357 miles the car was given a four wheel alignment at the owners request. Due to loud tire noise and visible cupping on the right rear inside edge, it was clear the car's wheel alignment was wrong. The dealer's before and after alignment is attached. When presented the before and after, I noted rr camber was. -2. 3 vs. A range of -1. 8 to -0. 3 degrees. The reading was unchanged from initial. They advised me the camber cannot be adjusted and is "fixed" from the factory. The form also read "one of more value are not within specification. Tire wear, handling and safety problems may result". But they had no remedy. I escalated at dealer. Dealer opened a ticket with Toyota to look at my car. Of note, my sister in law's Rav4car has the same issue. I felt I had made my concerns clear and Toyota corp would address. 2/1/24 at 30,345 the problem is still unresolved and dealer gave me Toyota corp number and I opened case 240201000061. 4 calls later I am told to bring my car to dealer 2/20/24. Research shows TSB 0042-14 for earlier Rav4. My safety problem is not new to Toyota, it is just a later model. When I told Toyota corp their response from 6/15/23 to 2/1/24 is unacceptable, they took no ownership. When I asked if I should drive an unsafe car they said it is my choice. When I advised them of the language from the dealer said the tires were unsafe, they said the dealer is independent from Toyota. In short, the dealer is "independent". Toyota has a problem with their design using a static camber strut which causes premature wear which can lead to a blow out as shown by forums. Toyota is only interested in getting the car to 36,000 miles and little focus on safe design. I was surprised not to see this already listed. Perhaps it exists under another year? a company hard race has made adjustable rear toe arms for the Rav4. The dealer confirmed same.

I took the Rav4 to the dealership for a oil change and wheel alignment 0n 6-6-23. On 6-9-23 I took it back because on the freeway sometime it would start wobbling. They check it out and said the tow arms have play and movement. I said you gave it a 4 wheel alignment and didn`t see that. He recommend to change both rear tow arms and wanted to charge me $1,000. I did not think that was right after 3 days.

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.

The front suspension has problem I noticed recently the sway bar and front studs of the car is not reliable and also the fuel tank also has issue even if the tank is not fuel it refuses to take more fuel.

The rear sub frame broke/ rusted, needing to be replaced unable to drive car safely.

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.

The left rear toe arm bracket became detached from the rear subframe. This caused the vehicle to drive erratically. There is minimal to no rust on the vehicle. The failure happened without warning after hitting a small pothole.

Many things.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Rust under the hood just where the front suspension mounted.

I have replaced the front suspension and the back suspension. I have replaced the driveshaft and the muffler and tail pipes. Now they say the entire undercarriage and the brake lines are all rusting out. This car is 2011 and has just 34,607 miles on it and has been keep in a garage its entire time. Now it is unsafe to drive. Drive shaft fell off in December. 2022.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 mph and turning right onto a main road the contact heard a loud clicking noise coming from under the vehicle front end. The contact said that the noise was intermittent. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v286000 (suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

I have been having continuous problems with the transmission jerking and slipping passengers can also feel this. I am also experiencing vibration in the steering when you get up to high speeds around 60-80 mph. The car also has a habit of lunging forward suddenly when the gas saver light goes off which can cause it to hit other vehicles.

I have discovered that my 2011 Rav4 is part of the NHTSA recall no. : 16v-596 even thought my VIN doesn't list it as being part of the recall. As I recently tried to get a rear wheel alignment done due to misaligned rear tires (bowing out). The 3rd party mechanic stated that doing a rear wheel alignment was impossible due to NHTSA recall no. : 13v-383 repair/fix done by a Toyota dealer where epoxy resin was used to seal the right and left rear suspension lower arm no. 1 (“arm”) for looseness. The only way to complete the alignment safely would be to completely replace the right and left rear suspension lower arms. Which perfectly matches the required fixed from the newer NHTSA recall no. : 16v-596 which remedies the improper temporary repair/fix done by the Toyota dealer to fix the earlier NHTSA recall no. : 13v-383. As such the VIN range and manufacture date for the NHTSA recall no. : 16v-596 likely need to be extended to cover all Rav4 2011 models.

The engine make noise and it leaks under the car inside the car by your passenger side.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Dash lights went out and windows stopped working (incident date is for dash lights). Clocks are often blank. Clearly there is an electrical/wiring issue. I have complained about it to the dealer at the 5k check, 10k check and the 15k check. At the 15k check they reset the radio! also when turning right it feels like the front wheel is curling under the vehicle and makes a terrible sound (but not always). I made dealer aware of this at the 5k check, 10k check and 15k check. My warranty will be up soon so they just keep riding the clock out.

Since I've owned the vehicle it has made loud squeaking, scraping, popping, and clicking noises in the suspension and steering. When I first turn the vehicle on and use the brakes they are very loud as if they are worn. I've had the brakes checked and the dealer said the brakes are fine. When I turn the steering wheel it makes a loud crunching rubbing noise that I can feel in the floor board. My vehicle is less than 5 years old and less than 60,000 miles. I've never had a vehicle made so many noises and it's terrifying to wonder if something is just going to break off or stop working.