2008 Toyota RAV4 problems
Owners have filed 708 complaints about the 2008 Toyota RAV4 with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 19.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of vehicle speed control at 13%.
Complaints708
Crashes56
Fires20
Injuries48
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Engine 19.4% · 137
Vehicle speed control 13.0% · 92
Suspension 11.6% · 82
Steering 10.5% · 74
Air bags 8.8% · 62
Power train 5.5% · 39
Unknown or other 4.1% · 29
Electrical system 4.0% · 28
Severity
Of those complaints, 56 describe a crash, 20 describe a fire, 48 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 25 model years of the Toyota RAV4 in this data, 2008 sits 5th by complaint volume. 2007 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 10 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 66,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Engine burning oil http://forums.Edmunds.Com/discussion/9562/Toyota/RAV4/Toyota-RAV4-burns-oil/p8 http://www.Google.Com/url?Sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0cckqfjab&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.Newscionxb.Com%2fattachments%2f2nd-gen-scion-xb-talk%2f278d1322767463-will-scion-follow-toyotas-tsb-release-oil-consumption-t-sb-0094-11.Pdf&ei=jmrxto2gmugaial09pyudg&usg=afqjcnenao8ytdvzlwclj6sjnz8r0llcnq. Engine
The car is burning oil. I was told that it was burning 1/2 quart every 1200 miles & to keep adding oil. That this usage was wnl. After an online search I find this is a common problem that Toyota has not been dealing with. I have an extended warranty that will be running out soon. I feel the car should be recalled and they should do the right thing. I have filled a complaint with the usa cooperate office. Engine · reported at 78,950 miles
I noticed that I was losing oil between oil changes. The dealer that has always changed my oil found no leaks. They told me that my engine had a recall covering loss of oil but that the warranty had expired six weeks prior. I was never notified about this warranty. If Toyota manufactured a defective engine, why is the recall time sensitive? The dealer never notified me that my year model vehicle had this issue. Engine · reported at 65,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…