MyCarTSB

2008 Toyota Rav4 Airbags Problems

50 owner-reported airbags complaints from NHTSA data

50
Complaints
2
Recalls
7
Crashes
1
Fires
Jan 2013Dec 2013
Date Range

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

Airbags Recalls (2)

RECALLCampaign #14V168000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Fix: 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.

RECALLCampaign #11V245000

AIR BAGS

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.

Fix: 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.

Owner Complaints (50)

mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2019

I HAD JUST GOTTEN IN MY VEHICLE. I WENT TO GO START IT AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON!!! THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. NO REASON AS TO WHY THE AIRBAGS SHOULD OF DEPLOYED SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY STATIONARY. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS ON AT ALL.

NHTSA #: 11241603
mediumAIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2019

MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN FIXED AND THEN I STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE OCCUPATION DETECTOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT IS NOT REGISTERING THAT THERE IS AN OCCUPANT OVER 1/2 THE TIME. SINCE THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR (ABOUT 500$) I TAKE IT TO HEART KNOWING MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AT ALL TIMES. I DO HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND THIS IS OUR PRIMARY FAMILY VEHICLE. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A PART THAT AN OWNER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WILL FUNCTION BUT IT'S BEEN ON SOLID FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. HENCE MY EMAIL.

NHTSA #: 11190561
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AVONDALE TOYOTA (10005 PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323, PHONE: (877) 554-6890) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA #: 11048694
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA #: 11048050
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2017

TAKATA RECALL - RECALL ON FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - TO DATE THE RECALL IS INCOMPLETE. WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THE RECALL TO BE COMPLETED????

NHTSA #: 11046948
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jun 2017

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A 3-LANE CITY STREET, CROSSING A TWO-LANE INTERSECTION. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE AT THE PASSENGER REAR QUARTER PANEL, SPUN AROUND 720 DEGREES BEFORE COMING TO REST. VEHICLE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT. PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY, ONLY DRIVER WITH NO PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. DRIVER DID GET PUSHED INTO DRIVER'S DOOR/WINDOW DURING THE ACCIDENT, BUT WAS UNINJURED. 3 ATTACHED PICTURES SHOW DAMAGE TO VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. NO DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

NHTSA #: 10995470
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO J.WOLF TOYOTA WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A PART OF THE RECALL HOWEVER THE UPDATED REMEDY WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE ORIGINAL SPIRAL CABLE WITH A SPIRAL CABLE OF THE SAME DESIGN AND ADVISED THAT THE RECALL WOULD STILL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE WORK BEING PERFORMED DURING THE INTERIM NOTICE THEY REMOVED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,330.

NHTSA #: 10992213
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2016

BACKING MY RAV4 OUT OF THE GARAGE AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, I DID A THREE POINT TURN IN THE DRIVE WAY. WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE AGAIN TO GET CLOSER TO MY GARAGE THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ONLY THE SIDE BAGS AND SEAT BELTS, AND I DID NOT CONTACT ANYTHING. TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS (OR DIAGNOSIS), AND INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS!

NHTSA #: 10894637
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR LONGER THAN TWO MONTHS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V096000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE SECOND NOTICE WOULD BE SENT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/28/16*LJ

NHTSA #: 10874444
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2016

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA #: 10871436
mediumAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Mar 2016

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE EMERGENCY BREAK CABLE ON 1/13/16. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING REMOVED FROM THE REPAIR STALL THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A FLAT FLOOR AT THE TIME OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON1/27/16, THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS OPERATING PROPERLY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. A SAFETY RECALL BOE-CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG SENSOR WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE ON 1/19/12 ACCORDING TO THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA AFTER THERE INSPECTION. I REALIZE THAT TOYOTA ONLY READ THE EVENT RECORDER. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS WOULD INADVERTENTLY BLINK AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES BUT NEVER WHEN THERE WAS A CHANCE TO GET A DIAGNOSIS FROM A COMPUTER READING AT A SERVICE FACILITY.

NHTSA #: 10849872
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V166000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

NHTSA #: 10809957
mediumAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
CrashFiled: Jun 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ...UPDATED 08/20/15 *BF

NHTSA #: 10730132
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA #: 10724749
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Feb 2015

I'M TELLING WHAT HAPPENED WITH HELP OF PASSENGERS IN CAR WITH ME. I WAS THE DRIVER AND RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 3 INCH LACERATION TO BACK OF FOREHEAD WHICH REQUIRED 10 STAPLES. I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND DON'T REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THE PASSENGERS STATE I PULLED OUT AND TRUCK WAS COMING AND IT HIT ME. MY CAR IS TOTALED. I WAS HIT ON FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE (THE WHOLE FRONT OF CAR WAS TORN OFF. THEY SAY WE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS HIT AGAIN BY TRUCK OVER THE BACK TIRE AND BACK END. WAS TOLD BY TROOPER AND TOW GUY THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. IT WAS A REALLY BAD ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10691174
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA #: 10650813
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2014

I WAS DRIVING ON THE WEST VIRGINIA TURNPIKE WHEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE BAG DIDN'T OPEN, BUT IT SCARED ME. THERE IS NO SHOULDER ON THE TURNPIKE TO GET OVER AND THERE IS LOTS OF TRUCKERS. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON UNTIL I GOT OFF THE TURNPIKE AND PULLED OVER TO A REST STOP. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND MY SON AND I RESTED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING THE CAR AGAIN TO DRIVE HOME. WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR THE LIGHT WAS OFF. IT COMES ON EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. NOT SURE WHY AND NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING IT TO COME ON? *TR

NHTSA #: 10630064
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: May 2014

SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE RECALL ON 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4 (AIRBAG). *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB

NHTSA #: 10592024
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2014

WAS PARKED AT A REST STOP, WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND HAS NEVER TURNED OFF. HAVE NOT RECEIVED A LETTER WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SENT IN APRIL, 2014 FOR THE MOST RECENT RECALL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10586916
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Apr 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,140 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA #: 10584623
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2013

DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAULT LITE ON. I WAS TOLD IT REQUIRES A NEW SENSOR AND A SPRING. I OWN A 2002 TOYOTA COROLLA NO TROUBLE SO FAR. THE CAR HAS OVER 200000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ASKED OVER 65 PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA RAV.4/ YEARS 2008 -2009 AND -2011 CARS, IF THEY HAVE HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH THERE CARS. THEY ALL SAID NOT SO FAR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10557064
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2013

AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON WHEN CAR STARTED. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO GET INDICATOR LIGHT OFF FAILED. CONTACTED DEALER FOR APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE ALL DAY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. BUT IT APPEARS THIS IS FREQUENT FAILURE WITH RAV4'S AND I NOW QUESTION SALES PERSON RELIABILITY AT DEALER. WILL UPDATE THIS AFTER DEALER APPOINTMENT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10547984
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2013

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AT APPROXIMATELY 71000 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY A RECALL. *JS

NHTSA #: 10545423
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *TR

NHTSA #: 10520630
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jun 2013

TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY, I CAME TO A STOP, THE SUV BEHIND ME DID NOT REALIZE WE WERE STOPPED. HE HIT ME AT ALMOST FULL SPEED, THIS PUSHED ME INTO THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, AND THEM INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM. BASICALLY A 4 CAR PILE UP, THE CAR THAT HIT ME AND THE CAR I WAS PUSHED INTO BOTH BLEW THEIR AIR BAGS. I WAS HIT THE HARDEST AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT BLOW, I HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP TWO WEEKS BEFORE FOR WARRANTY WORK AND RECALLS, NOTHING WAS EVER SAID ABOUT THE AIRBAGS. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I'M NOT SURE WHY MY AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF. *TR

NHTSA #: 10519358
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2013

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON AND SCAN SHOWS THAT IT IS A "SPIRAL CABLE" THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UNKNOWN TO ME WAS THAT AIRBAG WOULDN'T DEPLOY WHILE THIS LIGHT IS ON. CAR HASN'T BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT AND THIS APPEARS TO BE LOW MILEAGE TO HAVE THIS EVENT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND DUE TO HIGH FREQUENCY OF THIS EVENT BEING REPORTED...IT SHOULD BE A RECALL! *TR

NHTSA #: 10514922
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2013

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THOUGHT THIS WAS DUE TO THE RECALL ABOUT WHICH TOYOTA SENT OUT A RECALL NOTICE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO HAVE THE 5 RECALL NOTICES ADDRESSED, IT WAS STATED THAT THE LIGHT WAS ON DUE TO A AIRBAG SPIRAL CABLE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. TOYOTA WANTED @ $500 TO REPLACE THE CABLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10512578
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2013

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND THE LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF AFTER THAT. I HAD THIS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL IN 2011. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE SPIRAL CABLE. THE COST TO FIX THIS WAS $500.00. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE AIR BAG AND IS A FAULTY SYSTEM GIVEN THAT THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I SEE ON THE WEB THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THIS CAR ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS TOO. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A CAR WITH THAT MILEAGE. PLEASE HELP IN GETTING THIS THROUGH AS A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10503397
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

NHTSA #: 10500923
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2013

AIR BAG LIGHT ON...CODE B1801 SEE ITS A COMMON FAILURE ON TOYOTA NOT COVERED ON ANY RECALLS, DRIVER AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10493575
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A WIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH UNTIL THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA #: 10491971
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AS THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,132 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,136.

NHTSA #: 10485311
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIRAL WIRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.

NHTSA #: 10482251
mediumAIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CrashFiled: Aug 2012

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A LOT IN FRONT OF A BUILDING. IN A SPLIT SECOND THE CAR HAD JUMPED THE CURB UP ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH THE BRICK WALL AND WINDOW IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND TRIED AND SUCCEEDED INTO SHIFTING IT INTO PARK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS NOT INJURED AND DID NOT HURT ANYONE ELSE - THANK GOODNESS. THE ONLY EXPLANATION OTHER THAN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS THAT I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD AND I DO NOT BELIEVE I DID THAT. I HAD NOT BEEN DISTRACTED BY ANYTHING AND HAD NO SENSE OF MY FOOT SLIPPING FROM THE BRAKE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10470825
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2012

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. WE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A GENERAL RAV4 / HIGHLANDER RECALL FOR SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR ISSUES.AFTER RECEIVING FREE DEALERSHIP SERVICE FOR THE RECALL, THE WARNING LIGHT WAS STILL ON. WE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT. AND WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS JUST A GLITCH AND THEY WOULD RESET IT AT OUR NEXT SCHEDULED SERVICE (OIL CHANGE). 4 MONTHS LATER, AT THE OIL CHANGE, WE WERE TOLD THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT RELATED TO A SPIRAL CABLE AIRBAG SENSOR (B1801 OPEN IN SQUIB D) WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; ALSO TOLD THIS FAILURE WAS COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL FOR SIDE AIRBAG ISSUES. AFTER COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER, THEY OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE PART (APPROX. $275.00) AND WE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR CHARGE ($109.00) THE SERVICE AND DEALERSHIP MANAGERS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE ALTHOUGH MANY CAR FORUMS ARE RIFE WITH COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED WITH LITTLE COST TO ME, I AM COMPLAINING TO ADD TO THE DATABASE SO THAT OTHERS WILL KNOW THEY ARE AT RISK AND IN THE HOPE THAT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS WILL CAUSE TOYOTA TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN PUBLIC. *TR

NHTSA #: 10470667
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A REPORT AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,201. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 08/16/12

NHTSA #: 10460592
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2012

2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL FOR CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG SENSOR *TGW WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THEY DO NOT PERFORM RECALLS ON SATURDAYS.

NHTSA #: 10449794
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2011

I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL ABOUT MY WARNING LIGHT FOR MY AIR BAG. THE WARNING LIGHT FOR MY AIRBAG IS ALWAYS ON, AND IT CAN'T TURN OFF. I WENT TWICE TO MY DEALER (INTERSTATE TOYOTA) ON OCTOBER 8TH 2011 AND OCTOBER 12TH 2011 TO GET THE LIGHT FIXED, BUT THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10432658
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V245000 (AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS MADE AWARE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

NHTSA #: 10429497
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE AIR BAG SENSOR. THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V245000 (AIR BAGS: SIDE/WINDOW). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,288. UPDATED 09/21/11 *BF UPDATED 09/30/11

NHTSA #: 10421025
mediumAIR BAGS
FireFiled: Mar 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE WHEN IT WAS STARTED AND ALL FRONTAL AND REAR CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE HOUSING FOR THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS FLEW ACROSS THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE PET ELEMENT, LEATHER INTERIOR AND FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED SEVERE LACERATIONS TO THE LEFT HAND FROM THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENING AROUND THE HAND UPON DEPLOYMENT. ANOTHER PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE CHEST FROM THE EXPLOSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND THE EVENT DATA RECORDER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND REACTED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SEVENTY DEGREE LATERAL ROLLOVER WITHIN 4.2 SECONDS OF STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,500.

NHTSA #: 10392796
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

NHTSA #: 10376424
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2010

AIR BAG ECU ON 2008 RAV4 NEEDS REPLACING . STARTING AT 52000 MILES DASHBOARD AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD RANDOMLY COME ON. RECENTLY IT WOULD STAY ON (82000 MILES), AFTER DEALER INSPECTION IT WAS DECLARED THAT A NEW AIRBAG ECU IS NEEDED AT A COST OF $670. *TR

NHTSA #: 10360952
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2010

TURNED ON IGNITION AND THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10357824
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2010

MY AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON OFF AND ON FOR TWO YEARS ON MY TOYOTA RAV 4. EVERYTIME I BROUGHT IT IN THE MECHANIC WOULD RUN A TEST AND SAY THAT IT WAS JUST A GLITCH IN THE SYSTEM. WE ASKED THEM IF IT WAS OK TO DRIVE AND THEY SAID IT WAS FINE. ON THE DAY THE AIRBAGS REALLY MESSED UP MY FRIEND AND I WERE SITTING IN MY CAR, I TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE SIDE AIR BAGS ON BOTH SIDES EXPLODED. IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE HAD PUT A BOMB IN MY CAR. MY FRIEND FRACTURED HER STERNUM AND I HAD A SEVERE CLOSED HEAD INJURY, A HOLE IN MY EAR DRUM, AND THE MUSCLES IN MY NECK WERE MESSED UP. THE RAV HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP AND THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME OUT AND DO A FINAL CHECK ON IT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10353402
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2010

2008 RAV 4 SIDE AIR BAGS INFLATE WHEN STARTING VEHICLE CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. VEHICLE IS IN REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10344118
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Apr 2010

I GOT IN MY VEHICLE, SHUT THE DOOR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10326107
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2010

PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND STAYS ON. OWNERS MANUAL SAYS TO TAKE TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY. I WAS TOLD BY ONE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT THIS MEANS THE AIR BAG IS DISABLED, BUT NO LOCAL DEALER WILL BE ABLE TO GET ME IN RIGHT AWAY. IF THIS IS AS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS AS IT SOUNDS, I WISH THEY WOULD TAKE IT MORE SERIOUSLY. I TOOK FIRST AVAILABLE APPT, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, LOOKING AT RAV-4 FORUMS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10312363
mediumAIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CrashFiled: Jan 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, HE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE. THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND WHEN HE TRIED TO SLOW DOWN WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO THE ROCKS OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT THAT POINT, THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE AND HE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED MINOR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT IS WAS TAKEN. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT HE WAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

NHTSA #: 10303139
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2009

DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. *TR

NHTSA #: 10279821

Other 2008 Toyota Rav4 Issues