The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV. This vehicle has been produced by Toyota since 1994. There are many versions of this vehicle, and some of them have experienced recalls. If you are thinking about purchasing one or you own one, it is worth taking a closer look at the recalls for various model years. Ensure these recalls are taken care of as soon as possible if they have not been yet.
About the Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is in its fifth generation as of 2018. Since its original founding and arrival to the U.S. in 1998, this compact SUV has provided many owners with an easy-to-drive, fuel-efficient vehicle. It is also recognized for having ample cargo room, four-wheel drive options, and easy maneuverability. Each model year has had numerous trim options. The current line up offers five gas variant options, including hybrids that pair a fuel-efficient, gas-powered engine and electric features.
Finding Current Recalls on the Toyota RAV4
If you own a RAV4 or you plan to buy one, it is easy to find out if recalls apply to the vehicle. The Toyota Lookup Safety Recalls and Service Campaign tool makes this very easy to do. You can use your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the make, model, and year, to search for any applicable recall for the car. This makes it easy for you to find the information you need quickly.
Some of the Toyota RAV4 Recalls
To give you an idea of some of the recalls for the RAV4, consider these examples. These apply to the most recent vehicles. Other vehicles have had numerous recalls over this vehicle’s long history.
Power Steering Assist Power Loss
One of the most recent recalls applies to the Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid for model years 2019 and 2020. This applies just to those vehicles that have an electric power steering (EPS) system. As of this time, just 46 vehicles were impacted by this recall.
The recall, NHTSA recall Campaign Number 20V373000, involves a loss of power steering assist function. If this happens, it could lead to improper steering and an increase in steering effort when the car is at low speeds. This can lead to an increased risk of a crash. The problem relates to water getting into the steering gearbox cover, leading to the system becoming damaged. Toyota is replacing these boxes at no cost for owners.
Lower Suspension Separation Risk
A larger recall, NHTSA recall Campaign Number 20V286000, relates to the front lower suspension arm on the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models from 2019 and 2020. This recall impacted over 9,500 vehicles and was issued in May of 2020.
The problem relates to the suspension control arm’s risk of breaking. If that happens, it could lead to a loss of control of the car. That increases the risk of a crash occurring.
The problem is the front lower suspension arms on the vehicle. These may have cracks in them. No information is available about why the cracks develop or if they have been present.
However, if they do have cracks, this can lead to the suspension arm separating from the vehicle’s front wheel assembly. To fix this problem, Toyota is replacing both of the front lower suspension arms for drivers.
Engine Coolant Leak Risk
In February of 2020, Toyota issued another recall. This one applies to some RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles for the model years 2019 and 2020. It applies to those vehicles with a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine.
NHTSA recall Campaign Number 20V064000 relates to a potential engine coolant leak. This impacted about 44,000 vehicles, including other Toyota, Camry, and Lexus vehicles.
In this recall, Toyota states the porosity in the engine castings can develop cracks. If this happens, it can cause the coolant to leak either externally or internally. This can lead to the engine overheating, creating a risk of the vehicle stalling out. It may also cause the risk of a fire or mechanical problems to the engine itself.
To fix this problem, Toyota had dealers inspect and then replace the engine if necessary. This included potentially replacing the entire engine block.
Back-up Camera Failures
Toyota recalled the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid for the model year 2019 due to a potential for the back-up camera to fail to activate. NHTSA recall Campaign Number 19V576000 relates to the back-up camera failing to turn on to allow the driver to check his or her surroundings prior to reversing the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash occurring.
This recall impacted over 14,000 vehicles. The problem stems from damage to the electrical connector. This problem can lead to a failure of the car to comply with the Federal Motor Safety Standard number 111, “Rearview Mirrors.” To fix this problem, Toyota notified owners, had dealers inspect the entire back-up camera system, and then replaced the audio display unit if it was necessary to do so.
Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Labeling
Another recall for the Toyota RAV4 impacted model years 2019 to 2019. The NHTSA recall Campaign Number 19V503000 relates to incorrect labeling of the carrying capacity of the vehicle. This recall impacted over 1,300 vehicles, including other Toyota vehicles.
The problem relates to a label that incorrectly notes the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle as higher than it should be. This could result in the driver overloading the vehicle. This can lead to mechanical concerns as well as increase the risk of an accident.
Toyota fixed this problem by providing a corrected label for any accurate labels, and this was done at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Paying Close Attention to Recalls
Though the Toyota RAV4 is a trusted vehicle with a number of outstanding benefits to owners, all drivers should pay close attention to recalls. Research them to determine what types of risks are a potential for any vehicle based on the VIN or the make, model, and year of the car. Toyota RAV4 recalls differ between each trim model and by the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid options.
Photos: Toyota
