2006 TOYOTA RAV4 Suspension Problems

My 2006 Toyota RAV4 was supposedly repaired under the rear suspension arm recall (C0J / G0V), but the rear tie rod ends still have yellow stickers reading “this is a recalled part” and no epoxy on the bolts. A Toyota dealer refused to inspect the vehicle and relied solely on the VIN record. The car now rides roughly, and I believe additional suspension components have been damaged due to the unresolved recall. I am concerned for my safety and request NHTSA investigation.

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?

AS A RESULT OF HAVING RECALL 16V596000 PERFORMED, REAR TOE ARMS ARE NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE FOR ALIGNMENTS. CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR AT THEIR COST THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT CAUSES PREMATURE RUST, OFFERED NO SOLUTIONS. CAUSES PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, LOSS OF TRACTION.

Mileage: 263,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, IT SHOOK INTERMITTENTLY. NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130, 000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE WEARING OUT THE TIRES DUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION) REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAGUABO AUTO SALES (272 NAGUABO PR 00718), BUT AN ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO THE SEAL ON THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE DEALER WAS SUPPOSED TO REPLACE BOTH SUSPENSION ARMS, BUT THEY WERE SEALED INSTEAD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRES WOULD SLIDE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AN ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO THE SEAL ON THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 182,999. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Mileage: 182,999

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION), HOWEVER THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. HERITAGE TOYOTA CATONSVILLE (6324 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, BALTIMORE, MD 21228, (844) 315-0964) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AND FRONT AXLES WERE RUSTED OUT AND RUST COVERED THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CURRY WATER TOWN TOYOTA (832 STRAITS TURNPIKE, WATERTOWN, CT 06795, (203) 758-8261), BUT THE MECHANICS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. .*BF CONSUMER STATED THE TOYOTA DEALER IN WATERTOWN, CT (CURRY) REFUSED TO DO A SAFETY RECALL ON THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM DUE TO AXLE RUST. THIS RUST WAS NEVER BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION PREVIOUSLY. *JB

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA DE PONCE (URBANIZACIN PERLA DEL SUR, CARRETERA 2, ESQUINA CALLE RAFAEL LUGO GONZALEZ, PONCE PR 00716, (787) 651-8800), BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Mileage: 111,000

FRAME HAS SEVERE CORROSION ROTTED THROUGH. THIS PROBLEM MUST HAVE BEEN PROGRESSING FOR SOME TIME, BUT THE INDICATOR OF A RATTLING WAS MOST EVIDENT RECENTLY. I BEGAN HEARING A CLANGING SOUND UNDER THE REAR OF THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEN I WENT OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD, SUCH AS A MANHOLE OR SMALL POTHOLE. IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE IN A MATTER OF DAYS, OCCURRING OVER SMALL CRACKS IN THE ROAD SO I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC. HE HAS DEEMED IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH SEVER ROTTING THROUGH OF THE FRAME. MY RESEARCH ONLINE INDICATES THIS IS SIMILAR TO BRIAN WARNER ET AL. V. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC., CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT ON THE TACOMA, TUNDRA AND SEQUOIA AND RECENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE 4RUNNER BY NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA).

Mileage: 117,450

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A BUMPING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION EXPERIENCED SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ARLINGTON TOYOTA (2095 N. REND RD, PALATINE, IL) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN 2013 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Mileage: 104,000

HAD A RECALL ON THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS OF MY 2006 RAV 4 WHICH I WENT AND HAD FIXED. IT IS NOW A NON ADJUSTABLE BAR WHICH MEAN THE REAR TIRES OF MY CAR CAN NOT BE ALIGNED. THIS IS CAUSING SEVERE WEAR OF THE INNER SIDE OF MY TIRE WHICH IS A HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE A MAJOR TIRE BLOW OUT WITHOUT THE OWNER EVEN KNOWING. YOU CANNOT SEE THE WEARING OF THE TIRE FROM THE OUTER SIDE. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THEY INSISTED THAT THE SUSPENSION ARM IS ADJUSTABLE AND THAT IT ISN'T CAUSING MY PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC IS MORE THAN WILLING TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT MY CONCERN. SINCE I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE I HAVE REPLACED MY TIRES ONCE (I TOOK PICTURES OF THE TIRES THAT WERE REPLACED) AND SINCE THEN I HAVE OBSERVED WEAR TO THE INNER RIM OF THE NEW TIRES. LUCKY FOR ME WHEN I WENT TO MY AUTO SHOP FOR MY OIL CHANGE THEY MADE ME AWARE OF THIS MOST SERIOUS ISSUE. I COULD OF HAD A BLOW OUT AND CAUSED OR BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER (RIVERTOWN TOYOTA, 706-322-8891, LOCATED AT 1661 WHITTLESEY RD A, COLUMBUS, GA 31904) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY ORDERED THE PART WITHOUT CONFIRMING AN AVAILABILITY DATE OR INQUIRING ABOUT A LOANER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT A LOANER OPTION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

THIS MODEL TOYOTA HAD A RECALL FOR A TRAILING BAR ON THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE PROBLEM WAS THE BOLTS RUSTED. THE FIX PUT ON NEW TRAILING BAR WITH FIXED BOLTS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN THE CAR LOSES ALIGNMENT, THE ALIGNMENT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED AS THE BOLTS ARE PERMANENTLY FIXED. THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE COME UP WITH A SOLUTION THAT ALLOWS ALIGNMENT TO BE ADJUSTED. ONCE THE ALIGNMENT IS OUT, THE CAR IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE AS TRACTION AND CONTROL IS IMPERFECT WITH AN OUT OF ALIGNED CAR

Mileage: 126,744

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOBBLED AND A CLINKING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TEAM TOYOTA OF PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY (2871 US HWY 1, LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ 08648; 609-883-4200 OR 1-800-521-0623) AROUND 8/15/2016 TO HAVE THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS REPLACED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS FAILED AND WERE CAUSING UNEVEN WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1709020227. THE MANUFACTURER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING WHO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Mileage: 93,000

VEHICLE WAS PART OF RECALL ID: 16V596000. THE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS THAT WERE INSTALLED AS A CORRECTIVE ACTION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TEAM TOYOTA LOCATED IN LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 4 WEEKS SINCE DIOGNOCED AND BOTH TOYOTA AND THE DEALER ARE TRYING TO FIND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NEEDED REPAIR. I THINK THIS PLACES THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS AT RISK BECAUSE NEITHER PARTY WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE IMPROPER PARTS AND/OR INSTALLATION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. TOYOTA OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

SUSPENSION RECALL BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP KEEPS ON BEING DELAYED. DEALER CONTINUES TO USE THE EXCUSE THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND ARE SLOW TO TAKE ACTION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE WHICH INCREASED WHILE REVERSING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IN ATLANTA (LOCATED AT 2345 PLEASANT HILL RD IN DULUTH, GA 30096) PREVIOUSLY PLACED A SAFETY NOTICE STICKER ON THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

Mileage: 64,000

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A BUSINESS TRIP ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, TRAVELLING ABOUT 70 MPH. OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE CAR BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. EVEN THE SMALLEST BUMP WOULD CAUSE THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO FEEL AS IF I WAS LOSING TRACTION AND "FISH-TAILING." I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME SAFETY BY REDUCING MY SPEED TO ABOUT 50 MPH. WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR RIGHT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN TWO PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THE IDENTICAL DANGEROUS CONDITION. THERE IS PRESENTLY A THIRD RECALL (SAFETY RECALL GOV) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN AND INCLUDES SOME VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE TWO EARLIER RECALLS. TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE COULD NOT OR WOULD NOT EXPLAIN TO ME WHY MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE GOV SAFETY RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE FIRST TWO RECALLS. OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR AS MINE ARE INCLUDED IN THE GOV RECALL. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT RECALL GOV NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS DEFECT OUT OF POCKET.

Mileage: 194,301

I HEAR A RIDDLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE EACH TIME I START THE CAR. CLICK SOUND WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL.

TOYOTA SENT ME A RECALL NOTICE (NHTSA RECALL # 16V-596) IN EARLY OCTOBER 2016 SAYING I NEEDED TO BRING MY RAV4 IN TO INSPECT AND REPAIR THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM DO TO POSSIBLE EQUIPMENT FAILURE "RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH". I CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY SAID THE PARTS WERE NOT IN YET. I HAVE CALLED BACK EVERY MONTH FOR THE PAST 8 MONTHS AND THEY SAY THE PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER WITH NO ETA. THIS SEEMS EXCESSIVE AND RIDICULOUS. IF THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY DOESN'T TOYOTA MAKE NEW PARTS OR SEND OUT A LETTER SAYING THIS WAS NO BIG DEAL AND THERE IS NOT A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. DRIVING AROUND FOR 8 MONTHS WORRYING ABOUT A SUSPENSION FAILURE AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT IS CAUSING MY PTSD TO FLAIR UP. I WOULD LIKE AN OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM A TOYOTA EXECUTIVE EXPLAINING WHY THEY ARE TAKING SO LONG TO GET A SIMPLE PART AND GIVE ME SOME ASSURANCE THAT THEIR RECALL IS NOT JUST A JOKE.

Mileage: 122,000

REAR NO. 1 SUSPENSION ARM ASSEMBLY RECALL WAS PREFORMED AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR TOE WAS LOCKED IN PLACED AND IS NON ADJUSTABLE. NOW WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR TIRES, THE REAR TOE IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND TOYOTA WILL NOT COREECT IT.

NTSB: 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 SECOND RECALL FOR REAR END SUSPENSION. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS STATED THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. INFORMED THE STRUTS LOCKED UP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ON A LIFT FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THE CONSUMER PAID TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 04/17/2017 *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION) 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. LETTER FROM [XXX] RE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 4WD 2.4 L, NHTSA SAFETY CAMPAIGN NO. 16V596000. *LD [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *PM *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION) 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT

TOYOTA DEFECTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

MANUFACTURER HAS NOT MADE PARTS AVAILABLE FOR RECALL #16V596 DATED 8-10-2016 AND THERE IS NO KNOWN DATE WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE. YOUR LETTER EXPLAINS SAFETY RISK IF NOT REMEDIED COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. MY CAR IS 11 YEARS OLD AND I AM CONCERNED. TRIED TO SCHEDULE REPAIR TODAY AND PARTS STILL ON BACKORDER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 03/03/17*LJ *TR

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO TOYOTA'S FAILURE TO REMEDY REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM ASSEMBLIES DEFECT WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. TOYOTA OF ORANGE HAS MADE MULTIPLE APPOINTMENTS FOR THE REMEDY, HOWEVER WHEN VEHICLE IS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE, PARTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. ATTEMPTED TO HAVE RECALL SERVICE DONE AT LONGO TOYOTA, HOWEVER URGENT SAFETY RECALL IS NOT A PRIORITY ON SUNDAYS AND REQUESTS FOR SERVICE ARE REJECTED.

GOOD DAY ' PLEASE: APPRAISE UNSAFETY DEFECTS. THANKFUL.

ON AUGUST 11, 2016, TOYOTA ANNOUNCED A RECALL FOR REAR SUSPENSION NHTSA 16V596 TO AGAIN REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS AND THEN EPOXY THEM TO PREVENT CORROSION. THIS DENIES THE OWNER TO ALIGN THE REAR WHEELS IN THE FUTURE. TOYOTA AND OTHER MANUFACTURERS HAVE BEEN BUILDING CARS FOR YEARS THAT HAVE NOT REQUIRED EPOXYING OF PARTS TO PREVENT CORROSION SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM HERE. HAS TOYOTA USED INFERIOR MATERIALS? ISN'T THERE SOME WAY FOR TOYOTA TO MAKE THE REPAIR AND STILL ALLOW FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT EVEN IF IT COSTS A SMALL AMOUNT MORE? IMPROPER ALIGNMENT WILL RESULT IN INCREASED TIRE WEAR AND DECREASED FUEL ECONOMY AND POSSIBLY DECREASED CONTRO WHILE DRIVING. MY CAR NOW HAS 91,500 MILE ON IT AND I INTEND TO KEEP IT FOR MANY YEARS. WHY SHOULD I BE DENIED THE ABILITY TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN THE CAR?

Mileage: 91,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE REAR TIRES. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). PRIOR TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE FELL OUT OF ALIGNMENT, THE TIRES COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED DUE TO THE EPOXY. THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000.

Mileage: 225,000

R/R SWAY BAR END LINK IS BROKEN IN MOTION ON CITY STREET

Mileage: 101,383

GOOD AFTERNOON, TOYOTA DEFECTS AND MALFUNCTIONS. PLEASE, IMPROVE SAFETY PERFORMANCE. THANK YOU FOR HELPING. *TR

1/30/14 RECALL PART - REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM REPAIRED BY HANDY. SHORTLY AFTER (1-3 MONTHS) I NOTICED SWERVE/SWAY DURING HARD RIGHT TURNS. I SUSPECTED BAD OR UNDERINFLATED TIRE ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR. CHECKED ALL TIRE INFLATION AND LUG NUT TIGHTNESS BUT THE SWERVE/SWAY CONTINUED. ON 10/16/14 I HAD (4) NEW SNOW TIRES INSTALLED AT SUMNER TIRE IN NEWPORT/DERBY, VT. I THOUGHT IT WOULD ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM BUT THE SWERVE/SWAY CONTINUED. ON 10/21/14 I HAD LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORM A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT MAKE THE ADJUST BUT CONFIRMED DRIVERS SIDE REAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. ON 1/16/15 I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT HANDY TO RESOLVE THIS AND OTHER ISSUES. HANDY OFFERED FREE LABOR IF I PAID $309.43 FOR PARTS TO REPLACE THE FAILED RECALL. WITHIN A FEW DAYS I CONTACTED NATIONAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SPOKE TO [XXX]. REF #CAN'T BE ENTERED AS IT FLAGS AS A SS NUMBER. [XXX] CALLED BACK TO STATE THAT HANDY SHOULD BE CONTACTING ME BY END OF THE WEEK CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. RECEIVED A ON-LINE SURVEY ONLY IN WHICH I MADE CLEAR THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A FAILED RECALL ITEM THAT WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY. I CALLED NATIONAL C.S. AGAIN TWO WEEKS LATER TO REPORT THAT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY CONTACT FROM HANDY. AFTER THAT CALL, STILL NO CONTACT WAS RECEIVED. I CALLED HANDY (3) TIMES ASKING TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, [XXX] , WHO WAS ALWAYS BUSY. I FINALLY RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM A SERVICE TECHNICIAN, [XXX], WITH A LOWER OFFER FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS TO FIX THE RECALL OF $226.03. I CALLED HANDY BACK STATING THAT I FELT THEIR OFFER WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND THAT I WOULD BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB FOR ASSISTANCE. MY POINT IN ALL OF THIS IS THAT TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PART AND THE RECALL FAILED AND SHOULD NOT BE REPAIRED AT THE CONSUMER'S COST. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE AS WELL AND LIMITS THE USE OF MY VEHICLE FOR LONG TRIPS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 100,000

THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM ON MY TOYOTA RAV4 FAILED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO DROP OFF THE CAR AS I ENTERED I-95. WHEN I REPORTED IT TO TOYOTA, THEY SAID THE RECALL HAD BEEN FIXED IN ABQ, NM. I LIVE IN VA; THE RECALL HAD NEVER BEEN FIXED, AND THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ABQ. TURNS OUT ABQ DEALER HAD REPORTED THE WRONG VIN # ON FIXING MULTIPLE RECALLS ON ANOTHER RAV. I HAVE DOUBLE CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND MY VA DMV REGISTRATION TO ENSURE MY VIN IS CORRECT. I HAVE BEEN CONTACTING CORPORATE TOYOTA FOR OVER A WEEK, GETTING THE RUN AROUND. I CANNOT GET MY RAV FIXED BECAUSE THEY SAY THEIR RECORDS ARE IN ERROR. TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO FIX THE RECALL, AND THEIR CUSTOMER RESPONSE ON THIS IS HORRIBLE. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIE ROD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, BOTH REMEDIES FAILED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIE ROD FRACTURED WITH THE EPOXY STILL ATTACHED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,239. UPDATED 5/4/15*CN UPDATED 05/26/15*JB

Mileage: 139,239

1/30/14 RECALL PART - REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM REPAIRED BY HANDY. SHORTLY AFTER (1-3 MONTHS) I NOTICED SWERVE/SWAY DURING HARD RIGHT TURNS. I SUSPECTED BAD OR UNDERINFLATED TIRE ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR. CHECKED ALL TIRE INFLATION AND LUG NUT TIGHTNESS BUT THE SWERVE/SWAY CONTINUED. ON 10/16/14 I HAD (4) NEW SNOW TIRES INSTALLED AT SUMNER TIRE IN NEWPORT/DERBY, VT. I THOUGHT IT WOULD ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM BUT THE SWERVE/SWAY CONTINUED. ON 10/21/14 I HAD LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORM A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT MAKE THE ADJUST BUT CONFIRMED DRIVERS SIDE REAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. ON 1/16/15 I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT HANDY TO RESOLVE THIS AND OTHER ISSUES. HANDY OFFERED FREE LABOR IF I PAID $309.43 FOR PARTS TO REPLACE THE FAILED RECALL. WITHIN A FEW DAYS I CONTACTED NATIONAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SPOKE TO [XXX]. REF #CAN'T BE ENTERED AS IT FLAGS AS A SS NUMBER. [XXX] CALLED BACK TO STATE THAT HANDY SHOULD BE CONTACTING ME BY END OF THE WEEK CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. RECEIVED A ON-LINE SURVEY ONLY IN WHICH I MADE CLEAR THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A FAILED RECALL ITEM THAT WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY. I CALLED NATIONAL C.S. AGAIN TWO WEEKS LATER TO REPORT THAT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY CONTACT FROM HANDY. AFTER THAT CALL, STILL NO CONTACT WAS RECEIVED. I CALLED HANDY (3) TIMES ASKING TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, [XXX] , WHO WAS ALWAYS BUSY. I FINALLY RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM A SERVICE TECHNICIAN, [XXX], WITH A LOWER OFFER FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS TO FIX THE RECALL OF $226.03. I CALLED HANDY BACK STATING THAT I FELT THEIR OFFER WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND THAT I WOULD BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB FOR ASSISTANCE. MY POINT IN ALL OF THIS IS THAT TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PART AND THE RECALL FAILED AND SHOULD NOT BE REPAIRED AT THE CONSUMER'S COST. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE AS WELL AND LIMITS THE USE OF MY VEHICLE FOR LONG TRIPS. *TR

Mileage: 120,148

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) 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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

DEALER FAILS TO COMPLETE WORK ON RECALL IN A TIMELY MANNER. RECALL ON 2006-2011 MODEL YEAR RAV4 VEHICLES; REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM. "SAFETY RECALL C0J" MARCH 2014 - RECEIVE NOTICE FROM TOYOTA "URGENT SAFETY RECALL". MADE AN APPOINTMENT JUNE 2014. TOLD ON ARRIVAL PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. WAS PUT ON WAIT LIST. CALLED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ON THE PHONE TO CHECK ABOUT WAIT LIST. TOLD PARTS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. 9/19/2014 - RECEIVED FOLLOW UP NOTICE FROM TOYOTA. CALLED DEALER. TOLD STILL ON WAIT LIST, PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 102,500

I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE RECALL ON THE REAR SUSPENSION AND WAS LED TO BELIEVE THE REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE BY THE DEALERSHIP - DICK DYER TOYOTA IN COLUMBIA, SC ON JANUARY 13, 2014. TWO MONTHS LATER THE LEFT REAR TIRE ALMOST CAME OFF OF THE CAR AS MY WIFE AND CHILDREN PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY. I SPOKE WITH [XXX] (SERVICE MANAGER) AND HE SAID THAT HE KNEW ABOUT MY CAR. AT THE TIME OF MY INITIAL VISIT IN JANUARY, THEY HAD NOTICED RUSTY BOLTS ON MY SUSPENSION STARTING TO SHEER. AT THE TIME, HE HAD CALLED TOYOTA MOTOR SERVICE TO SEE, IF THE SITUATION WARRANTED GETTING US A RENTAL CAR AND TO SEE, IF THEY FELT THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT VISUALLY INSPECTING (TMS). HE ALSO ADMITTED THAT NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO MY CAR. SO THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND DID NOTHING. I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE CONDITION OF THE SUSPENSION, OR THE FACT THAT THEY CALLED TMS TO DISCUSS. I WAS LED TO BELIEVE THE RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED. I WOULD NEVER OF DRIVEN THE CAR, IF I KNEW OF IT'S CONDITION. WE LEFT FOR DISNEY THE NEXT DAY AND DROVE 2,400 MILES, BEFORE THE SUSPENSION ARM GAVE WAY. LUCKILY, WE WERE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE INTERSTATE OR WE COULD OF BEEN KILLED. YES, THEY MADE THE REPAIRS TO MY CAR, BUT THEY LET ME DRIVE OFF OF THE LOT KNOWING THAT I WAS DRIVING A TICKING TIME BOMB. THERE WASN'T A QUESTION OF IF THE SUSPENSION WOULD GIVE WAY....IT WAS WHEN. OBVIOUSLY, TOYOTA DOESN'T GIVE A [XXX] ABOUT THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS AND THEIR SAFETY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 93,058

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER A RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED, THERE WAS A STRONG VIBRATION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) AND 12V373000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AND THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER DID NOTICE THE VIBRATION UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER DID NOT MENTION THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE STEERING SHAFT PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V168000 (AIR BAGS) AND NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HAD EXCEEDED THE REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY IN THE RECALL BEING REPAIR. THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THREE RECALL NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V383000 (SUSPENSION), HOWEVER THE PART NEEDED WAS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR THE RECALL PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000(SUSPENSION) HAD SURPASSED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HAD SURPASSED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DECLINED TO PROVIDE PART AVAILABILITY INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HAD SURPASSED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE LUBRICATION AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V373000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THERE WAS A SECOND RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY YET AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 45,000

I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL AND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN OCTOBER 2013. THE DEALER DETERMINED MY CAR NEEDED THE RECALL PART FIXED. I WAS NOTIFIED THAT DUE TO AVAILABILITY OF PARTS THE RECALL COULD NOT BE DONE UNTIL MID-FEBRUARY 2014. I CALLED THE DEALER AND TOYOTA ON 2/10/14 WHO BOTH TELL ME IT WOULD BE "MID-FEBRUARY." IT WAS MID-FEBRUARY BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE RECEIVED. I CALLED TODAY, 2/26/14, AND NOW BEING TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE BETWEEN "MID-FEBRUARY AND MID-MARCH" BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THE DEALER WOULD RECEIVE THE PARTS TO FIX IT. IN THE MEANTIME, THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE THE GRINDING SOUND. TOYOTA CONTINUES TO GIVE THE RUN AROUND ON THIS REPAIR. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN OCTOBER! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 03/31/14*LJ

FRONT LEFT CLUNKING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, TOLD BY DEALER ISSUE IS IN THE ELECTRONIC STEERING. DEALER DID NOT SOUND CONFIDENT WHEN STATING IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. HAVE READ ABOUT MULTIPLE 2006 RAV4 OWNERS HAVING DEFECTIVE STEERING. *TR

Mileage: 93,853

DRIVER SIDE READ TIE ROD END RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED CAUSING LOUD NOISES AND HANDING ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 54,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V383000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION AND WHEN MAKING TURNS, THE CONTACT WOULD HEAR AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2013 WHEN MY WIFE AND TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS (AGES 2 & 4) WERE COMING HOME FROM SHOPPING. OUR VEHICLE EXPERIENCE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, ENDANGERING THE LIVES MY WIFE AND MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN. SHE HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND SHE LOST CONTROL. LUCKILY, SHE WAS NOT MOVING VERY FAST AND WAS ABLE TO STOP QUICKLY AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE ON-RAMP TO AN INTERSTATE 71 WITH A POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH AND THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. HAD THE FAILURE OCCURRED 20 SECONDS LATER, MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED IN A RAV 4 WITH ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL. WE CANNOT EVEN FATHOM THE POTENTIAL OUTCOME IF THAT FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH TRUCKS ETC. WE TOOK THE RAV INTO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY DEEMED THE ACCIDENT TO BE CAUSED BY THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM. THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM WAS RECALLED IN THE FALL/WINTER OF 2012, WHERE WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED IN NOV. 2012 WITH THE SO CALLED "CLIP". *TR

Mileage: 97,000

I WAS DRIVING BY 88 ST AND 94 AVE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA WENT THROUGH THE TRAIN TRACKS, AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, LIKE AN EXPLOSION, AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND MOVE TO THE LEFT LANE, THANK GOD THERE WAS NO CARS COMING, SO I FINALLY CONTROL THE VEHICLE, I LOOK FOR A REASON OF THE EXPLOSION, AND THEN DRAG...LITERALLY TO A SHOPPING PLAZA, WHERE I NOTICED THE TIRE BEHIND ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS ALMOST SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. I CALLED MY SON, AND HE SEND A TOW TRUCK, LATER A MECHANIC WOULD TELL ME THAT THE INNER TIE ROD BROKE. I NOTICED MONTHS BEFORE THAT THE CAR MADE FUNNY NOISES FROM THE SUSPENSION. I CALLED THE DEALER SENT AN E-MAIL TO TOYOTA USA WARNING THEM, THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO THE DEALER. THEY DIDN'T CARE WHAT I SAID TO THEM, I WENT THREE TIMES TO THEM, TOYOTA USA INSISTED TO GO TO THE DEALER. THREE YEARS LATER TOYOTA USA SENT ME A WARNING BROCHURE ABOUT THE INNER-TIE ROD PROBLEM AND HOW TO DO THE ALIGNMENT ON THE RAV 4 BUT WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT DOING THIS PROCEDURE. I DID THE ALIGNMENT FOR THE RAV 4 IN A PLACE THAT HAS ALL THE CERTIFICATIONS, IN MY OPINION THE RAV-4 HAS A DEFECT INVOLVING THE SUSPENSION ( AFTER SHOCKS) AND THE INNER-TIE RODS, I HOPE THIS HELPS FIND THE REASON OF THIS PROBLEM. AND HOW TO GET REIMBURSED FOR ALL THE EXPENSES THAT I WENT THROUGH THIS.. *TR

Mileage: 77,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HER VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS PROTRUDING OUT OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V373000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,180. *TR

Mileage: 92,180

MY POWER STEERING P/S WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I NOTICED MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WASN'T WORKING. I DROVE HOME AND THEN TOOK IT BACK OUT OF MY GARAGE, IN WHICH THE LIGHT THEN TURNED OFF AND I HAD MY POWER STEERING BACK. IS THIS A KNOWN DEFECT OF MY CAR? I DID RECEIVE ONE ABOUT THE REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM #1 AND A FLOOR MAT RECALL, BUT THAT'S ALL. *TR

Mileage: 74,400

RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION ROD BROKE. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC, HAD IT WELDED TILL NEW PART ARRIVED. HAD IT REPLACED. TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL AND HAD WORK DONE ON FEBRUARY 13, 2013. ON MARCH 18 THE DRIVER SIDE ARM BROKE. *TR

Mileage: 66,789

OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST 2 MONTHS I HAVE HEARD A QUIET POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK RIGHT TIRE AREA WHEN I MAKE TURNS. I ACTUALLY VISITED A TOYOTA DEALER 1/8/2013 BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOWER SUSPENSION ARM RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. THEY "INSPECTED" AND PUT A STICKER ON, AND A WORTHLESS CLAMP (MIGHT AS WELL BEEN A PAPERCLIP) ON THE THE TIE ROD. ON 2/27/13, I TOOK A FEW CO-WORKERS TO LUNCH AND THEY NOTICED A LOUD POP EVERY TIME I TURNED A CORNER OR HIT ANY UNEVEN SPOT IN THE ROAD. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY PARKING SPOT AT WORK I GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT THE REAR RIGHT TIRE AND IT WAS SLANTED ONLY SLIGHTLY. LATER IN THE DAY, I BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT AND HEARD A VERY SEVERE POP AND THE TIRE MADE A WHOOSHING NOISE AS IT WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE TIRE WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF SERVICE AT THIS POINT. I GOT MY VEHICLE TOED TO A NEARBY SHOP, AND THEY FOUND THAT THE TIE ROD ON THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS BENT SEVERELY. THE MECHANIC THAT WAS INSPECTING MY VEHICLE WAS NOT A DEALER, AND AGREED THAT THE "FIX" TOYOTA DEVELOPED FOR THIS RECALL ISSUE WAS WORTHLESS, AND AGREED THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IF THIS HAD FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE BENT TIE ROD, AND VISITED THE SHOP TO SEE FOR MYSELF THIS AFTERNOON. I TRULY THINK THAT TOYOTA'S FIX SHOULD HAVE BEEN TO REPLACE EVERYONE'S TIE RODS. PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE STILL AT RISK! I PLAN TO SUBMIT MY CHARGES TO TOYOTA FOR REIMBURSEMENT. *TR

Mileage: 102,512

ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30TH, AROUND 6 P.M. EST, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, GOING APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH, WHEN SUDDENLY I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE (2006 RAV4, STANDARD NOT SPORT). FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SHOULDER AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS OF SWERVING AND INABILITY TO CONTROL THE CAR. THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO MY PERSON, CAR OR ANYONE ELSE, BUT AS YOU CAN PROBABLY IMAGINE, I WAS ? AND CONTINUE TO BE- VERY SHAKEN UP OVER WHAT HAPPENED, AND HOW MUCH WORSE IT COULD HAVE BEEN HAD I BEEN ON A MORE CONGESTED HIGHWAY, GOING AT A FASTER SPEED. A WOMAN, WHO WAS DRIVING BEHIND ME, STOPPED AND HELPED ME OUT AND WITNESSED HOW OUT OF CONTROL MY CAR WAS. SHE THOUGHT I HAD HIT A DEER (IT WAS VERY DARK, FOGGY AND RAINY, AS WELL). IRONICALLY, I HAD JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA NOT EVEN A FEW DAYS EARLIER. I WAS AWAY THE PREVIOUS WEEK AND IT ARRIVED WHILE I WAS OUT OF TOWN. I HAD THE RECALL IN MY PHYSICAL POSSESSION FOR A TOTAL OF 4 DAYS, ONE OF WHICH WAS NOT A BUSINESS DAY. I HAD MY TIRES CHANGED AND ALIGNED OVER A YEAR AGO (I?D HAVE TO GET BACK TO YOU ON THE EXACT DATE, BUT I?M FAIRLY CERTAIN IT WAS DEC. 2011 OR JANUARY 2012). AT THIS TIME, ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA RECALL NOTICE, AN ADDITIONAL STEP NEEDED TO BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO PREVENT BACKLASH AT THE THREADED PORTION OF THE ARM, FOLLOWED BY RUST. IF THIS OCCURRED, THREAD WOULD WEAR, CAUSING THE ARM TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAME NIGHT OF THE INCIDENT, I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND THE NEXT MORNING, JANUARY 31ST, THEY CONFIRMED THAT WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO MY CAR WAS INDEED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. THIS MEANS THAT I HAD BEEN DRIVING MY CAR AROUND TO MY OWN DETRIMENT FOR OVER A YEAR, WITHOUT ANY IDEA THAT THERE WAS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF OR MY SIX YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AROUND A BEND, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE TIE ROD END WAS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY WELDING THE TIE ROD INTO PLACE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 106,000

THIS IS AN INQUIRY NOT A COMPLAINT I HAD MY CAR CHECKED FOR THE SUSPENSION ARM RECALL NOTHING WAS DONE TO MY CAR I GIVEN A REPAIR ESTIMATE FOR TIRES AND A ALIGNMENT MY CONCERN IS IF THERE WAS NOTHING DONE NOW WHAT HAPPENS IF THIS SUSPENSION ARM CAUSES A PROBLEM NEXT WEEK OR NEXT YEAR CAN I BE CERTAIN THAT A QUICK CHECK IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO ENSURE SAFETY NO CLIPS OR CAUTION LABELS WERE MENTIONED AM I DRIVING A SAFE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 46,401

MY RAV 4 IS MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. MY LOCAL SHOP REPLACED THE REAR SHOCKS AND THE REAR SWAY BAR END LINKS, WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE CLUNKING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO TOYOTA OF WESTPORT IN WESTPORT,CT ON OCTOBER 1, 2012 WHERE THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THEY ARE UNSURE HOW TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM UNTIL TOYOTA PRODUCES A FORMAL RECALL AND FIX, BUT THEY DO KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. IF THE PROBLEMS ARE STATED ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND TOYOTA KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM...HOW CAN IT NOT BE FIXED? I AM WORRIED AS MY WIFE TRAVELS DISTANCES BY HIGHWAY AND I DO NOT WANT THIS TO CAUSE A CRASH IF IT CAN BE SOLVED. WHAT IS ONE TO DO WHEN THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THEIR PRODUCT? I AM AT A LOSS, BUT WILL KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED AND HOPE THAT MY CAR HOLDS UP UNTIL TOYOTA FIGURES THIS OUT. *TR

Mileage: 63,825

PERFORMING A THREE-POINT TURN ON AN UNEVEN, ROCKY SURFACE. HEARD A LOUD CLANG/POP FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. THOUGHT A ROCK WAS KICKED UP OR IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN SUSPENSION RELATED. WAS INFORMED BY DEALER AT PREVIOUS OIL CHANGE THAT I WAS IN NEED OF REPLACING PASSENGER REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS IT WAS LEAKING BADLY. I HAD FIGURED THAT THE FAILED SHOCK ABSORBER HAD FINALLY GIVEN IN AND HAD CREATED THE NOISE. I WENT AHEAD AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE THAT SAME WEEK AND HAD AN OIL CHANGE DONE AND HAD BOTH REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS REPLACED. PEEKED UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHEN I GOT HOME TO SEE NEW THE NEW SHINY (NOT OILY) SHOCKS AND NOTICED THAT THE BOLT CONNECTING THE ANTI SWAY OR STABILIZER BAR TO THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM HAD SHEARED OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE BOLT, THE BUSHING, WASHER AND NUT WERE MISSING. THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS COMPLETE AND INTACT. THE FAILURE OF THIS CRITICAL PIECE OF SUSPENSION HAD OBVIOUSLY CREATED THE NOISE I HEARD. *TR

Mileage: 56,100

STEERING WHEEL "CLUNKS" AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS - CLUNKING INCREASES OVER TIME. CONCERN IS IF STEERING FAILS AS A RESULT. TOYOTA'S FIX IS TO REPLACE INTERMEDIATE DRIVESHAFT AND AN ALIGNMENT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A PERVASIVE PROBLEM ON A NUMBER OF RAV4 MODEL YEARS (BASED ON HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS ON INTERNET DISCUSSION SITES, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH CLAIMS FAILED STEERING RESULTING IN MULTICAR CRASH). PER THESE ONLINE DISCUSSIONS, SOME TOYOTA DEALERS HAVE STATED IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, SOME HAVE NOT. GIVEN THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS (TOYOTA HAS TWO SERVICE MEMOS ISSUED ON THE PROBLEM AND EVEN DEVELOPED NEW REPLACEMENT PARTS), IF THE NHTSA HAS INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE AND DETERMINED THERE IS NO CONSUMER SAFETY ISSUES, IS THAT CONCLUSION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC? WOULD APPEAR THIS WOULD BE PROPER TO DISCLOSE, AS CONSUMERS GET VERY CONCERNED WITH A POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING AND ITS POTENTIAL CRASH RAMIFICATIONS. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES ISSUES WITH FRONT STEERING, SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEMS STARTED WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND CONTINUED WITH OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING, FRONT SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN. VARIOUS FRONT END COMPONENTS HAD BEEN REPLACED 10 TIMES. AFTER THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN AUGUST OF 2011, THE VEHICLE IS NOW PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. *JB

MY 2006 RAV 4 HAS HAD A SERIES OF FRONT END PROBLEMS DATING FROM JAN 2007 TO APRIL 2009. IT HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP 9 TIMES (WARRANTY WORK) WITH NUMEROUS PARTS BEING REPLACED BEFORE TOYOTA HAD THEIR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REP COME AND LOOK AT IT. THEY ENDED UP REPLACING JUST ABOUT ALL OF THE FRONT END COMPONENT PARTS EXCEPT THE STEERING. THAT WAS THE 10TH TIME THE CAR WAS IN. NOW AFTER 21 MONTHS THE SOUND IS BACK AND I CAN EVEN FEEL VIBRATION KNOCK IN THE STEERING. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2006. MILEAGE AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE WAS 4847. MILEAGE IN APRIL 2009 WAS 26737. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 41800. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR WITH THE FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK WHILE I'M MAKING A SHARP TURN. *TR

Mileage: 26,737

SINCE DAY ONE THERE WAS A KNOCKING/POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AT PARK AND LOW SPEEDS. I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND FINALLY, AND IRONICALLY, THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE. PREVIOUS TRIPS YIELDED THE EVER PRESENT "COULD NOT DUPLICATE". HOWEVER STEERING ADJUSTMENTS VIA AN ALIGNMENT WAS ATTEMPTED. COULD NOT DUPLICATE BUT TRIED SOMETHING ANYWAY? THE IRONIC PART ABOUT WHEN THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE IS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 4000 MILES PAST WARRANTY. FUNNY HOW SUCH AN OBVIOUS THING CAN GO UNNOTICED UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES. *TR

Mileage: 5

TWO SEPARATE PROBLEMS: 1) LEFT REAR SUSPENSION, REPORTED TO TWO DEALERS STARTING 8/11/07 FOLLOWED BY THREE OTHER COMPLAINTS, DIAGNOSED AS WORN BUSHING. PARTS ON ORDER; PROBLEM GETTING WORSE. NOTIFIED DEALER THROUGH FACTORY REP; DEALER HAS NOT INDICATED THAT DRIVING VEHICLE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. 2) HESITATION DOWNSHIFTING WHEN DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL. FIRST REPORTED TO TWO DEALERS ON 9/8/07 FOLLOWED BY TWO OTHER COMPLAINTS. INFORMED IT WAS/IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM CORRECTED AT THE FACTORY, YET PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR

Mileage: 10,846