MyCarTSB

2007 Toyota Rav4 Electrical Problems

55 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

55
Complaints
25
Fires
Jan 2015Dec 2018
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (55)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Oct 2025

Your driver's side door caught fire and was completely destroyed, along with all the wiring in that door. Toyota had your contact information on file but never reached out to notify you about any safety recalls that may have been related to this issue.

NHTSA #: 11696168
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: May 2024

Your car caught fire while driving at 25 mph—flames came from the driver's side door panel near the window control buttons. You smelled smoke before noticing the fire, and the vehicle had to be towed. This appears to be an electrical system issue in the door control area that caused the fire.

NHTSA #: 11589719
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FireFiled: Jan 2023

Your engine caught fire while you were driving, with flames visible coming from under the car and from under the hood. You were alerted by other drivers and were able to pull over safely. This is a serious electrical or engine fire that requires immediate professional inspection to determine the cause.

NHTSA #: 11503039
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2025

While driving, your RAV4 suddenly lost engine power with no warning light appearing, but it restarted right away. A mechanic diagnosed a battery failure and replaced it, but the problem happened again after the repair. The underlying cause may not have been fully resolved, and your vehicle could lose power unexpectedly while driving.

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NHTSA #: 11652383
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. THE CONTACT ADDED ADDITIONAL OIL AND THE ENGINE WAS COLD. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, SLIP TRACTION CONTROL, AND 4WD WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BREWER AIRPORT TOYOTA (8900 UNIVERSITY BLVD, MOON, PA 15108, (412) 357-5503), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 *BF *JS PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA #: 11268466
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Jun 2019

POWER SWITCH CONTROL ON DOOR PANEL WAS ON SMOKE AND MELTED . IT WAS INTOXICATING AND SCARY. WHY DD IT HAPPEN? VERY DANGEROUS. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS ? I WAS DRIVING WHEN IT HAPPENED.

NHTSA #: 11217286
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Dec 2018

WHETHER I'M DRIVING OR PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CAR SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY. I CANT TURN ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS OR ROLL DOWN THE POWER WINDOWS. I HAVE NO LIGHTS WHATSOEVER, SO NO ONE CAN SEE ME AT NIGHT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER A BUS ALMOST REAR-ENDED ME. PREVIOUSLY THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY CANNOT FIX MY CAR.

NHTSA #: 11163973
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2017

ALTERNATOR FAILS AT 45000

NHTSA #: 11020625
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Jul 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT OBSERVED WATER IN HER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER (A1 TOYOTA, 50 AMITY RD, NEW HAVEN, CT, 06515, 203-389-1521) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING CABINET FILTER AND DRAIN HOSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW COWL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,663.

NHTSA #: 11010359
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2017

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT BUT WHEN I WANTED TO OPEN THE DOOR, THE FOB WOULDN'T WORK. THE BATTERY HAD BEEN DEPLETED AND WHEN I REPLACED THE BATTERY, BY AAA, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAYED ON EVEN AFTER I TOOK OUT THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. THIS CAN CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DIE AGAIN. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY SO THAT THE LIGHT THAT STAYS ON WILL NOT DEPLETE THE BATTERY. THE CAR SHAKES BECAUSE THE POWER ISN'T GETTING TO THE RECEIVER VERY WELL. THIS IS A PROBLEM INSIDE THE ELECTRIC HUB. AT ANY MOMENT MY CAR CAN SHUT OFF BECAUSE THE ELECTRIC CURRENT ISN'T STABLE WHEN THE CAR IS ON. ONE OF THE FUSES OR SOMETHING ISN'T DISCONNECTING PROPERLY, CAUSING THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS TO STAY ON.

NHTSA #: 10944667
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2016

DROVE FOR OVER AN HOUR IN DRY, STABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS. UPON SLOWING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING GARAGE ON SURFACE STREETS THE STEERING COMPLETELY STALLED WITH MULTIPLE ALARM LIGHTS FLASHING, INCLUDING BATTERY. VEHICLE WAS STILL ON AND ABLE TO DRIVE BUT WITH VERY POOR ACCELERATION. THIS CAUSED ME TO BLOCK TRAFFIC ONCOMING TRAFFIC FOR OVER 10 MINUTES AS I LABORED (WITH A LOT OF STRENGTH) WITH THE STALLED POWER STEERING BACK AND FORTH UNTIL INLINE WITH THE GARAGE. CALLED TRIPLE A IMMEDIATELY AND HAD BATTERY CHANGED. DESPITE THE CAR WORKING AGAIN WITH STABLE STEERING, STILL CONCERNED ABOUT STALLING AGAIN, PARTICULARLY IN CITY STREETS (INCLUDING THE SF HILLS) AND FREEWAYS. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME FIX FOR POWER-STEERING BEING THE FIRST THING TO FAIL WITH THE BATTERY/ALTERNATORS.

NHTSA #: 10926799
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA #: 10875642
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: May 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED AND SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT USED WATER TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA #: 10862845
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2015

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SUDDENLY LOSES ALL ELECTRICITY, ALL THE LIGHTS, EVERY LIGHT INDICATOR, THE RADIO ARE OFF. THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING AND THE CAR STOPS IMMEDIATELY. THIS NORMALLY HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BUT ALSO HAPPENED ONCE WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND THE KEY WAS OUT. AFTER I ENTERED AND TURNED THE KEY THE CAR WOULDN'T START AND THERE WAS NO ELECTRICITY IN THE CAR. NO LIGHTS, NO INDICATORS, ETC WERE ON. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK BUT HE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. ALSO TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED IT AND RAN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST BUT COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM EITHER.

NHTSA #: 10811251
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE RADIO OR TURN SIGNAL WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10807171
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT HAD OIL CONSUMPTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

NHTSA #: 10714778
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
Filed: Mar 2015

2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE POWER WINDOW MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY RECALL NOTICE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOW WOULD ROLL UP. *JB

NHTSA #: 10677137
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2015

OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION (ECU). TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO COVER THE REPAIR SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. WAS ADVISED AT THE DEALERSHIP (KENDALL TOYOTA) THAT THIS MALFUNCTION WILL PREVENT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FROM DEPLOYMENT IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IS NOT SPECIFICALLY A WEAR N TEAR ITEM AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY TOYOTA. RAV 4 HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS BUT NONE FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10670624
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, THE AIR BAG, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE TACHOMETER DID NOT INDICATE THE RPM. THE SPEEDOMETER AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WERE INOPERABLE. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO INDICATE WHAT GEAR WAS IN SHIFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,526.

NHTSA #: 10661196
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2014

ALL DASH LIGHTS TURNED ON AND STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. DROVE HOME. RESTART THE VEHICLE, NO ISSUES, LEFT IT RUNNING, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND SMELLED A BURNING SMELL. HAD IT TOWED TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED BATTERY. YESTERDAY 11-18-14, SAME ISSUE GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. HAD IT TOWED TO SAME DEALERSHIP. ALTERNATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TOYOTA ALSO INFORMED THAT WATER PUMP IS FAILING. THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, THESE ARE EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY TOYOTA AND PEOPLE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR SUCH AN EXTENSIVE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10659233
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME WHEN THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,925.

NHTSA #: 10640397
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2014

ON 08/09/14 WE WERE DRIVING IN PARKING LOT WITH 5 PEOPLE IN CAR. STARTED DRIVING AND ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. CAR GLIDED TO A STOP WITH GEARS AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. CALLED AAA FOR A TOW 20+ MILES AWAY TO CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEN GOT TRANSPORT FOR OURSELVES TO HOTEL FOR THE NIGHT. NEXT MORNING GOT RENTAL CAR TO DRIVE TO TOYOTA DEALER WHERE CAR HAD BEEN TOWED TO. REPAIR WAS SIMPLY A BLOWN FUSE FOR VEHICLE REMOTE STARTER WHICH WAS ODDLY LOCATED UNDER STEERING WHEEL. SIMILAR INCIDENT HAPPENED (03/12/08) WHILE DIVING IN CANADA AND REPAIRED THEN AT A TOYOTA DEALER AT 12,101 KM. THE REMOTE STARTER WAS PART OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON THE NEW CAR. NOW, WE FEAR DRIVING RAV4 ON HIGHWAY AT ANY SPEED FOR FEAR CAR WILL SUDDENLY STOP AND STEERING WILL LOCK UP. REMOTE STARTER NEEDS TO BE REMOVED OR FIXED AT IT IS NOT SAFE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10625986
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2014

WELL-MAINTAINED 2007 RAV4 (67K MILES, NO ISSUES IN THE PAST) STALLED COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. NEARLY GOT REAR ENDED AS HAZARD FLASHER LIGHTS DID NOT WORK AT ALL. ALL POWER CUTS OFF TO INSIDE OF CAR. ONCE FAN IN ENGINE TURNS OFF (ABOUT 6 MINUTES) CAR CAN START AGAIN. DEALERSHIP SAID "DIRTY THROTTLE BODY PART" SO THEY CLEANED IT. HAPPENED 2ND TIME THE NEXT WEEK! THEN DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. HAPPENED 3RD TIME THE FOLLOWING WEEK! IT'S AT DEALERSHIP AGAIN NOW. EACH TIME IT HAPPENS, CAR IS DRIVING AND ONCE ABOUT 6 MINUTES PASSES, I CAN DRIVE AGAIN. BARELY HAVE TIME TO GET NEAR THE SHOULDER OF ROAD. *TT

NHTSA #: 10583159
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2014

TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS AS SEVERAL LIGHTS WERE ON. WAS CALLED BY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THE D SQUIB CIRCUIT/SPIRAL CABLE IS FAULTY AND THEREFORE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATIONAL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS I WAS UNAWARE OF MY AIRBAGS NOT FUNCTIONING. THANK GOD, WE DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT! THE TOYOTA DEALER WHOM WE PURCHASED OUR 2007 RAV 4 FROM BRAND NEW OF COURSE WANTS TO REPAIR IT FOR APPROX. $500.00. THAT IS INSANE AS THIS ISSUE SHOULD NEVER OCCUR. AFTER READING MANY POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET, OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND CLEARLY THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10573874
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2013

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THIS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SAFETY SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS THE AIRBAG TO INFLATE DURING A FRONTAL OR SIDE IMPACT CRASH. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION IN THE SPIRAL CLOCK CABLE WHICH RESIDES UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AND IS AN INTRICATE PART OF THE SAFETY, DRIVER SIDE AND OTHER AIRBAGS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. IF THIS PART WAS NOT REPLACED THEN I COULD BE FATALLY HURT OR KILLED IF THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT TOYOTA HAD DONE A RECALL ON THIS EXACT PART BUT ONLY ON THE TOYOTA TACOMA, THIS EFFECTED OVER 700,000 VEHICLES RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS DONE TO MY VEHICLE. I RECEIVED A MESSAGE BACK FROM THEM STATING THAT THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE PART PLUS THE TAX BUT NOT FOR THE LABOR CHARGES, THEY CLAIM THAT THE LABOR CHARGES WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED DUE TO THE NUMBER OF MILES ON MY VEHICLE, BUT IF THEY HAD INCLUDED THE RAV4S IN THE RECALL THE LABOR CHARGES WOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. I HAVE HAD MORE THAN 4 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE DONE IN JUST THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. ALTHOUGH I AM GRATEFUL THAT I AM RECEIVING THE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PART AND TAX I THINK THAT THE LABOR SHOULD BE INCLUDED, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PART WAS A MAJOR RECALL ON OTHER MODELS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10536378
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Filed: Aug 2013

MY 8 MONTH OLD BABY WAS AUTO- LOCKED IN THE CAR ON AN 80 DEGREE SUNNY DAY! I DOUBLE CLICKED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY CAR'S KEY FOB ON APPROACH, OPENED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND PUT MY CHILD IN THE CAR SEAT AND PUT MY PURSE (KEYS ON TOP) IN THE FLOOR WITH THE DIAPER BAG. ENTIRE CAR STILL UNLOCKED, I CLOSED THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND WALKED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO GET IN. THE CAR BEEPED ALOUD BEFORE I COULD GRAB THE DOOR HANDLE TO GET IN, LOCKING ALL DOORS OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY THERE WAS A MECHANIC ON THE SAME STREET I WAS ON, BUT IT STILL TOOK 15 MINUTES START TO FINISH TO FINALLY GET MY CHILD OUT. UPON READING THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT STATED THAT THERE IS A 30 SECOND TIMER FOR THE AUTOLOCK FEATURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IF A DOOR IS NOT OPENED IN THAT TIME AFTER BEING UNLOCKED. I HAD, HOWEVER, OPENED THE REAR DOOR TO PLACE THE CHILD IN HIS SEAT. THERE IS NO WAY THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AN ERROR ON MY PART AS I WAS NOT ONLY OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN IT LOCKED ITSELF, BUT THERE ARE NO LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTONS IN THE CAR EXCEPT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHICH I HAD YET TO ENTER. SO I COULD NOT HAVE EVEN HIT ONE BY ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10535855
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2013

MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION, I WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE FOR AIRBAG LIGHT THAT HAD SHORTED OUT. THE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF $442.01. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AN EARLIER RECALL FOR AN AIRBAG SENSOR AND I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE AS WELL AND NOT THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CAR OWNER. *TR

NHTSA #: 10499830
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2012

WITH NO WARNING, THE THREE LIGHTS CAME ON: 4WD, VSC, ENGINE. NOW THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT COIL #5 FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR A STAGGERING $350 PARTS AND LABOR. AMAZING, BECAUSE THE PART COSTS ONLY $40, WHAT IS THERE WORTH LABOR FOR $310? I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE TOYOTA RAV4 CARS. I FIXED IT AND TWO WEEKS LATER, COIL #4 FAILED, THIS ONE FOR ANOTHER $350! WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS CAR. IT IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH COILS FAILING.

NHTSA #: 10485586
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2012

I WAS DRIVING DOWN FOREST AVE IN BROCKTON, MA, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR STATED SMOKING, I QUICKLY TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, GOT ME AND MY SON OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND SUGGESTED THAT I GOT IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. SO I DID, TO COPLAND TOYOYTA WHERE IT WAS TROUBLESHOOT TO A MASTER SWITCH ASS. IT WAS REPAIRED AND I HAD TO PAY $580.70 BECAUSE THEY SAID ITS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10478657
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2012

TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT. WENT TO APPLY BRAKES PRIOR TO APPROACHING TURN LANE AND COULD NOT STOP. BRAKES WERE THERE (PEDAL WAS FIRM AND DID NOT GO TO FLOOR) BUT ACCELERATOR SEEM TO OVERRIDE THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROCEEDED TO STAND ON BRAKES TO ATTEMPT TO STOP AS THERE WERE THREE LANES OF STOPPED TRAFFIC AND NO WHERE ELSE TO GO. SHIFTED CAR INTO PARK TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP TO AVOID HITTING 8+ CARS AND PUSHING THEM INTO A VERY LARGE INTERSECTION. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 46000 MILES ON IT AND HAD NEW BRAKES INSTALLED 8 MONTHS PRIOR. CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED 1 MONTH PRIOR FOR GENERAL SERVICE POINT CHECKS. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP SAME DAY OF THIS INCIDENT - THEY COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. OFFERED TO SERVICE BASED ON A PREVIOUS RECALL TO REMOVE THE CURRENT FLOORMAT AND ADJUST ACCELERATOR. ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE RADIO STOPPED WORKING FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY SOMETIMES DISPLAYING GARBLED TEXT ON THE RADIO DISPLAY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10477102
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Sep 2012

MY WIFE LEFT HOME TO DRIVE TO THE STORE - A 3-MILE TRIP, ALL IN-TOWN DRIVING. AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT 1/2 MILE, SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE CAR FROM BEHIND THE PANEL ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. SHE STOPPED THE CAR. THE VOLUME OF SMOKE ACCUMULATING IN THE CAR INCREASED. A PASSER-BY STOPPED, CALLED 911, REPORTED THE FIRE, AND ASSISTED MY WIFE, WHO CLIMBED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND EXITED THE CAR OUT THE FRONT, RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. BY THE TIME THE FIREMEN AND POLICE ARRIVED, APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES LATER, SMOKE WAS DENSE AND FLAMES WERE SURROUNDING THE EDGES OF THE DOOR PANEL. FIREMEN SPRAYED WATER ON THE PANEL, PULLED THE PANEL OFF THE DOOR, AND CONTINUED TO APPLY WATER UNTIL THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THANKFULLY, MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO STOP AND EXIT THE CAR QUICKLY. HAD SHE BEEN IN HEAVY, FAST-MOVING TRAFFIC, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. ALSO, THE NON-AVAILABILITY OF FIREMEN WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN MUCH MORE FIRE- DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND POSSIBLY AN EXPLOSION. *TR

NHTSA #: 10476921
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2012

I WAS DRIVING THE RAV4 IN APRIL 2011 AND AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 WHEN THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED.THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE BATTERY LIGHT DID NOT COME ON, FIRST THE RADIO QUIT PLAYING AND THEN THE CAR WENT DEAD AS I WAS MOVING IN TRAFFIC. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS VERY STRESSFUL BEING STRUCK IN TRAFFIC. THANKS TO SOME KIND LADIES, THE CAR WAS PUSHED OUT OF THE WAY. WE SUSPECTED IT WAS A BATTERY MALFUNCTION, ALTHOUGH THE BATTERY WAS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. WE TOOK THE BATTERY TO PLACE OF PURCHASE AND THEY TRIED TO CHARGE IT, IT WOULD NOT CHARGE SO THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY FOR FREE BECAUSE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THIS TIME THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN THE RADIO WENT OUT AND THE CAR DIED. THIS WAS EXTREMELY STRESSFUL AS TRAFFIC WAS SPEEDING BEHIND ME AND I WAS AFRAID I WOULD GET REAR ENDED. ONCE AGAIN THERE WERE TWO FEMALES THAT HELPED ME PUSH THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC. ONCE AGAIN THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER THIS TIME THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATING, I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM THE RAV 4 'S ELECTRICAL STEERING AND THE FACT THAT IT PULLS TO MUCH POWER. THERE IS NOT REASON WHY THE CAR SHOULD JUST QUIT WHILE YOUR DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. IT IS HARD TO TRUST THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY STOPS IN TRAFFIC AND WILL NOT START AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10475522
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Sep 2012

THE CAR FILLED WITH THE SMELL ,AND SMOKE OF BURNING WIRE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10475230
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Sep 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH BURNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE DOOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT RIGHT BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE IT ENGULF INTO FLAMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

NHTSA #: 10473967
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Sep 2012

WAS DRIVING NORMAL - ONLY A FEW MINUTES AFTER IGNITION - STRANGE SCENT OF PLASTIC BURNING. LOOKED DOWN TO FIND A THICK WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM WINDOW SWITCHES, FLAME SEEN THROUGH CRACKS. HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY @ GAS/SERVICE STATION TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAME - I HAD NO LIQUID TO EXTINGUISH AT TIME OF INCIDENT. WENT DIRECTLY TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DROPPED OFF VEHICLE. THEY ARE SAYING THERE IS NO RECALL - SO THEY WOULD NOT PURCHASE ME A RENTAL HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF. I FOUND THESE LINKS RIGHT AWAY ONCE I GOT IN FRONT OF A COMPUTER: HTTP://WWW.KTVU.COM/NEWS/NEWS/TOYOTA-RECALLING-778000-RAV4-SUVS/NP8CR/ THIS IS THE LATEST ISSUE FOR THE POPULAR RAV4, WHICH IS CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN A GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION OF DOOR FIRES THAT HAVE BEEN LINKED TO POWER WINDOW SWITCHES. HTTP://WOT.MOTORTREND.COM/BURNING-TOYOTA-CAMRYRAV4-WINDOW-SWITCHES-PROMPT-NHTSA-INVESTIGATION-168895.HTML END OF REPORT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10473753
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Aug 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO A TIRE SHOP AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE CONTROL PANEL BECAUSE ALL OF THE WIRES WERE MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO SENT OUT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE FAILURE, ADVISING THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD RESPOND WITHIN THIRTY DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,120.   ..UPDATED 09/12/12 *BF UPDATED 09/12/2012 *JS

NHTSA #: 10472336
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
FireFiled: Aug 2012

I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE DRIVER'S-SIDE DOOR. WHEN I STOP TO CHECK I SAW FIRE INSIDE THE DOOR. I IMMEDIATE ASK FOR ASSISTANCE. WHEN HE UNCOVER THE SWITCH IT HAS A NICKEL SIDE HOLE. THERE IS NO MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE SWITCH NOT WORKING OR MY WINDOWS. I REALLY THINK I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NEAR MY BROTHERS HOME WHEN THIS HAPPEN. IF I WAS SOMEWHERE (LIKE THE FREEWAY) I REALLY TAUGHT MY WHOLE CAR WOULD OF CAUGHT ON FIRE AND LUCKY MY CHILD WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10471824
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
FireFiled: Jul 2012

THIS JUST HAPPEND TO ME ON THE MORNING OF 07/26/2012. I WAS ON A BUSINESS TRIP AND LEAVING THE AIRPORT. AS I WAS ABOUT TO PAY MY PARKING FEE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR STARTED SMOKING AND I SAW A SMALL FIRE STARTING TO FLARE UP ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOOR BY THE WINDOW SWITCH. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES THE WHOLE DOOR WAS UP IN FLAMES. *JS

NHTSA #: 10468126
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jul 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 107,802.

NHTSA #: 10465421
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
FireFiled: Jul 2012

THE DRIVER DOOR'S WINDOW/LOCK CONTROL PANEL SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. I WAS NOT USING THE CONTROLS AT THE TIME. I COULD HEAR THE SOUND OF BURNING AND FEEL HEAT BEHIND THE PANEL, HOWEVER NO ACTUAL FLAMES CAME OUTSIDE OF THE PANEL. COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF SMOKE BEGAN TO BILLOW FROM THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL. I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS THE SOUND OF BURNING CEASED. THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO BILLOW FROM THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO COME IN. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE ABOUT ONE MILE TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHILE I WAS DRIVING SMALL AMOUNTS OF SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT THROUGH THE OPENINGS IN THE CONTROL PANEL. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY PLACED SOME KIND OF "LOCK" ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. I HAVE SINCE SEEN THE ACTUAL CONTROL MECHANISM. A PORTION OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IS CHARRED, AND WHERE THIS CHAR IS THERE IS A HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE PLASTIC ENCLOSURE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10464769
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jun 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA #: 10462705
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jun 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE PARKED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE BEGAN IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER MASTER SWITCH. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION OPEN UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12002 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA #: 10460691
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
FireFiled: May 2012

WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON A SMELL EMANATED AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE WINDOW SWITCH AREA OF THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. THE SMELL LINGERED BUT THE SMOKE STOPPED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10459730
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
FireFiled: May 2012

MASTER WINDOW SWITCH BURNED AND EMITTED SMOKE WITH HIGH CONCENTRATION OF IRRITATING FUMES THROUGHOUT THE SUV WHILE ENROUTE IN MARYLAND. *TR

NHTSA #: 10457955
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Apr 2012

IT WAS A SUNNY DAY, AND I DROVE MY 2007 RAV4 AT THE SPEED OF 40 MILES PER HOUR. SUDDENLY, I HEARD A NOISE ZIIIII FROM THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH AT THE DRIVER SIDE. I SAW AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AT THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH AT THE DRIVER SIDE. THE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM THE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH. I PULLED OVER MY CAR, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND LEFT THE CAR. WHEN THE FLAME WENT OUT, I SAW A BURNED HOLE ABOUT QUARTER SIZE IN THE SWITCH. NOTE: THERE IS NO WATER LEAKED / COFFEE SPILLED INSIDE THE SWITCH. I WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT THE FUSE DID NOT BLOW OUT. DEALER DENIED TO REPLACING THE SWITCH WITHOUT CHARGING. *JS

NHTSA #: 10455540
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Mar 2012

MY WIFE STARTED VEHICLE IN GARAGE TO WARM IT UP WHEN SHE SMELLED SMOKE. SHE THEN NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW/POWER LOCK SWITCH AREA. SHE POURED HER CUP OF COFFEE ON THE FLAMES TO EXTINGUISH THEM. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH WHICH HAD BURNT UP. *TR

NHTSA #: 10450133
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Feb 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT REMOVED ALL OF THE SWITCHS AND FUSES FROM THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10447417
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Feb 2012

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK LAST JANUARY 19 AT 5PM I SAW MY WINDOW THAT IT LOOKS LIKE SO HOT OUTSIDE AND WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN IT,I SAW A FLAME COMING OUT FROM THE LEFT POWER SWITCH. I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE IT WAS GETTING BIG SO I STOP MY CAR ,TURN OFF MY ENGINE,GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL 911. WHEN POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE FIRE OR FLAMES GONE. IT WAS SO STRANGE AND SCARY. GOOD THING I NEVER GOT HURT AND I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE RIGHT AWAY. I FILE THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I JUST WANT YOU TO BE AWARE SO THAT YOU GUYS CAN DO ANY SOLUTION FOR THIS MATTER AND I DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO EXPERIENCE WHAT HAPPEN TO ME. POLICE REPORT # 12-024482. *KB

NHTSA #: 10446699
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Oct 2011

MASTER WINDOW POWER SWITCH CAUGHT A FIRE IN AUGUST 2011. IT HAD BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS SINCE JULY 2009. TOYOTA WOULD NOT FIX IT BECAUSE TO MANY MILES. HOW DOES A POWER WINDOW STOP WORKING ON A 2007 RAV4 WHEN IT ONLY TWO YEARS OLD. FAULTY MASTER POWER SWITCH. IT HAD A BURN HOLE THE SIZE OF A DIME. I'M GLAD I TOOK A PICTURE OF IT. THE FIRST TIME I SAW SMOKE WAS JUNE 2011. I WAS SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THE FIRE TRAP I TRADED IT IN FOR A NEW CAR. THE RAV4 WAS PAID OFF NOW I HAVE A CAR LOAN AT 19.9%. *KB

NHTSA #: 10429983
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
FireFiled: Jul 2011

AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, I SAW A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVERS DOOR PANEL AND IT SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. AFTERWARDS, THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL. THE PASSENGER WINDOW WOULD ONLY LET DOWN (VERY SLOWLY) BUT WOULDN'T GO BACK UP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE MAIN POWER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAD A HOLE BURNED INTO IT THE SIZE OF A DIME. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. PRIOR TO THIS THE PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2010 AND NOVEMBER 2010. HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENTS STILL NEVER TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM OF THE PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. IN FACT, A COUPLE MONTHS AGO I WAS JUST AT THE DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING THAT I WAS STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW SWITCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE INTERMITTENTLY WORKING. I NEVER GUESSED THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE! NOW I'M A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING MY VEHICLE! UPDATED 11/17/11 *BF UPDATED 06/06/12 *JS

NHTSA #: 10411328
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Apr 2011

ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTING INSIDE MASTER WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH. I WAS CLEANING MY CAR WITH THE IGNITION ON BATTERY POWER (IN ORDER TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO). AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES I NOTICED A BURNT PLASTIC SMELL, CONSIDERABLE SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SMALL TONGUE OF FLAME FROM THE SAME PLACE. THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS (LATER FOUND TO BE) THE WHITE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW MASTER CONTROL, WHERE THE PHYSICAL WINDOW SWITCH MEETS THE CIRCUIT BOARD. I WAS NOT TOUCHING ANY WINDOW OR OTHER CONTROLS AT THE TIME OR WITHIN 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE. THE FIRE STOPPED RAPIDLY AFTER I TOOK THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION, DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLES, POPPED OFF THE MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH A SCREWDRIVER AND THEN SMOTHERED THE CONTROLS WITH A WET TOWEL. ALL THE VEHICLE'S WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE AFTER THAT. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY PERFORMED AN INSPECTION AND REPORTED THAT THEY WERE 'MYSTIFIED' AS TO THE CAUSE. THE SERVICE MANAGER'S WORDS WERE: 'I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN MY 25 YEARS WORKING ON CARS.' THE PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS CONFINED TO THE MASTER SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND COST $422 TO REPLACE. TOYOTA REFUSED TO PAY FOR THIS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10394453
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND RECEIVED A JUMP START. AFTER RECEIVING THE JUMP START AND DRIVING 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT BEGAN TO SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BATTERY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF A RECURRING FAILURE IF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE POTENTIAL OF A CRASH. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA #: 10350324
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2009

I PURCHASED MY 2007 RAV4 USED IN EARLY 2008. IT HAS THE FACTORY INSTALLED PREMIUM JBL 6-DISC STEREO. SINCE THE DAY THAT I HAVE OWNED IT, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH RADIO RECEPTION. THE RADIO'S DISPLAY WAS ALSO MALFUNCTIONING, SO THE DEALER REPLACED THAT, BUT I STILL HAVE POOR RECEPTION. THE RECEPTION IS FINE IF I AM WITHIN ABOUT 5 MILES OF A RADIO TOWER, BUT JUST OUTSIDE OF CITY LIMITS, I EITHER GET STATIC OR THE SIGNAL IS LOST COMPLETELY. WHEN I HAD THE DISPLAY REPLACED, I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP (BILL PENNEY TOYOTA, HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA) ABOUT THE POOR RECEPTION, BUT THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10257318
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2009

2007 RAV4 LTD V6 - ALARM SYSTEM THAT KILLS ENGINE -- MALFUNCTIONED. SHORT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BETWEEN ALARM SYSTEM AND BATTERY. DEALER SUPPOSEDLY FIXED, BUT I HEAR A BUZZ NOISE LIKE A WIRE SHORTING OUT AND THE ONE BEEP THE ALARM SYSTEM IS TO MAKE WHEN LOCKING CAR DOESN'T BEEP. SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED 2 X AND LAST TIME WAS LEAVING AIRPORT AT MIDNIGHT. LUCKILY PULLED OFF INTERSTATE. CAR DIED. COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. CAR HORN CONTINUOUSLY BEEPED WHEN MALFUNCTIONING - WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO BE CAR JACKED BY SOMEONE WHO THOUGHT I WAS INTENTIONALLY DOING THE BEEPING OR IT COULD HAVE KILLED THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. DEALER SAID PROBLEM WAS BATTERY THEN SAID SHORT BETWEEN BATTERY AND ALARM SYSTEM. SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT BUT IT APPEARS THAT IT'S STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY 2 WEEKS LATER SO TAKING BACK TO DEALER TODAY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10256916
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2007

LEADS TO BATTERY WERE COLORED WRONG. THE POSITIVE LEAD WAS PAINTED BLACK AND THE NEGATIVE LEAD WAS PAINTED RED. WHEN I JUMP-STARTED THE CAR I PUT THE BATTERY CABLES TO THE ASSOCIATED COLORS. IT WAS CONNECTED FOR ABOUT 1 MINUTE WHEN I NOTICED SOMETHING SMOKING. AFTER I FOUND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS I CORRECTED THE CONNECTION AND STARTED THE CAR. THE CAR WOULD ONLY IDLE DUE TO A BLOWN FUSE, WHICH THE CAR DEALERSHIP HAD TO FIND. *TR

NHTSA #: 10212275

Other 2007 Toyota Rav4 Issues