2007 Toyota RAV4

High concern

Owners filed 1,004 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 14 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

804 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,00050,000 miles; the median is 63,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering246
400
Engine180
220
Suspension96
803
Air Bags83
12114
Vehicle Speed Control72
1605
Electrical System49
0230
Unknown or Other26
130
Power Train25
101
Engine and Engine Cooling23
000
Visibility/Wiper20
000

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear16V596000
Filed Aug 12, 2016337,449 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota 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, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Risk. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler16V396000
Filed Jun 2, 20167,749 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. Southeast 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 Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other16V096000
Filed Feb 19, 20161,123,752 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota 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 August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.

Risk. A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls15V689000
Filed Oct 22, 20151,814,284 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota 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 Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.

Risk. If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler14V743000
Filed Nov 19, 20143,233 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Risk. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module14V168000
Filed Apr 9, 20141,486,413 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota 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. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Risk. If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.

Remedy. Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.

Suspension › Rear13V383000
Filed Aug 28, 2013780,584 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Risk. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls12V491000
Filed Oct 10, 20122,519,424 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.

Risk. If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.

Remedy. Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.

Suspension › Rear12V373000
Filed Aug 2, 2012780,584 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Risk. Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Air Bags › Side/Window11V245000
Filed Apr 21, 2011307,848 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.

Risk. INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy. TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Showing 10 of 14 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 3, 2026CA

This vehicle never got a incident, l don’t know why l got this recall

Steering
Filed Jan 13, 2026TX

UNKNOWN

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 28, 2025NY

My driver side door caught on fire and was completely destroyed to include all associated wiring. Toyota had my contact information but never contacted me about any of the recalls.

Suspension
Filed Sep 15, 2025182,342 milesFL

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be aligned. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V596000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to a tire shop, and the contact was informed that the rear tie rods were welded, and an alignment was impossible. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 182,342.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 8, 2025AZ

Other people keep using my Bluetooth from my Toyota RAV4 2007. I don't even use it anymore. I found out because my android vehicle app keeps activating. Also, I live in a apartment complex, and notice when I look out my window, people walk by and slow down and stop right in front of my car and start messing with their phone. It appears they are hacking into the Bluetooth. I've also had much financial theft from my bank account.. including I paid for my auto insurance months ago, now I go on the AZ MDV and it's saying that my car is not insured! I'm a domestic violence victim..Its causing safety issues for me..I'm really upset. Also, your website is saying it's September 8, 2025. My phone is saying it's September 7th 2025. I don't know what to do!?!? Someone is causing me a lot of mental anquish. I know I have Recalls on this car, it says I have nun on the Toyota site yet in other places it says I have Recalls. I just feel extremely unsafe and angry that Toyota never sends me anything about my car.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 16, 2025NH

Sub frame is rusted to the point of not being able to pass state inspection requirements.

Air Bags
Filed May 24, 2025AZ

Unknown I just strongly feel like I'm not getting the information on purpose..it has caused me much stress. I'm really upset. I've not once received any communication from you since I bought this vehicle 2nd hand. In 2018.. And to make matters worse, I've had my vehicle plates stolen 3 separate times including my cell phone number ( had to change it) and my driver license number was changed. I'm not having any help from my state DMV. Please help me.

Steering
Filed May 15, 2025222,822 milesGA

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 222,822.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 2, 2025NJ

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 5, 202593,000 milesNH

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse, the brake pedal was fully depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed and remained reversing slowly. The contact frantically turned off the vehicle to avoid crashing into the vehicle behind. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

Suspension
Filed Dec 9, 2024GA

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.

Suspension
Filed Oct 23, 2024IN

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!

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 20, 2024MN

I own a 2007 Toyota Rav-4 with 155k miles. I had bought the vehicle used from a licensed Toyota dealership about 3 years ago and have been diligent about conducting the routine scheduled maintenance. The vehicle had no known recalls. I was driving about 25mph when I started to smell smoke. The drivers side door caught on fire while the vehicle was in motion. There were literally flames coming out of area with the buttons used to control the windows. I immediately pulled the vehicle over and the car ended up having to be towed. On Google, Toyota has had several other incidents where this exact same recall issue happened and the vehicle caught on fire. I called the dealership where I purchased the vehicle and the Toyota Corporate as well. I smoke to a representative on a Wednesday and they let me know my case number and that someone would be in touch to follow-up within 48 hours. However, it has been 6 days and I haven’t received any update.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 10, 2024NJ

Rear subframe rusted through

Air Bags
Filed Jan 29, 2024CA

Last year around December the passenger side airbag started separating from the cover it is in. I contacted toyota told was nit in recall list . Also called dealer they said to contact toyota. You can pop it back in but afraid airbag may explode open

Structure › Body
Filed May 20, 2023IL

I took my car in to address the panel warning symbols. Was told that my unibody style was no longer safe to drive due to severe rust. Was informed that the car could possibly fall apart.

Suspension
Filed Apr 24, 2023PA

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

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Jan 24, 2023179,002 milesFL

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while installing new tires on the vehicle, the mechanic stated that the wheel bearings fractured and that both front axles were rusted. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, and it was confirmed that the wheel bearings were fractured and that the front axles were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and the contact left a message. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 179,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 22, 2023MD

I was driving and the engine caught on fire. Thank God for people telling me that my car was having flames coming from under my car. By the time I pull over flames were coming out of my hood

Steering
Filed Oct 4, 2022CA

While driving down the big bear mountain, the vehicle lost power steering i could not turn the wheel and hit the railing, thank god i didn't hit another car. The battery light was flashing steering locked up other dash lights came on. The mechanic could not give me any answers, Toyota says there is no recall on this and after reading other complaints about the 2007 Toyota RAV 4 i am shocked that the dealership has nothing to say and can not fix the problem, this is so dangerous and i am at a loss on how to fix the problem. who has to die for them to take this problem seriously!!!

20 of 1,004 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202586300Routine
2024173300Routine
2023153310Routine
2022144102Fatalities reported
2021385170Above average
2020634650Above average
2019877720Above average
20183313320High concern
20173073242Fatalities reported
20162393120Above average
20153034411Fatalities reported
20141974250High concern
20132572291Fatalities reported
2012260540Above average
20112871180Above average
20104001430High concern
20093271530High concern
200857514162Fatalities reported
2007 — this page1,00414370High concern
20067041151Fatalities reported
2005141520Do not drive
2004154240Do not drive
2003314040Above average
20025270150Above average
2001309021Fatalities reported
200030302Fatalities reported
199962540Routine
199877500Routine
199754120Routine
199647120Routine
19951000Routine
19944000Routine

Compare every RAV4 year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 12, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.