IllustrationDEALER CLAIMS PART IS NOT AVAILABLE, BUT TOYOTA TELLS ME PARTS ARE AT OTHER DEALERS. DEALER: LOU FUSE TOYOTA, ST. LOUIS THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. *TR
2005 Toyota RAV4
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota RAV4 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 258.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAV4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
110–25K
1525–50K
1550–75K
1475–100K
18100–150K
11150K+
84 reports with mileage · 57 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
22 crash reports2 fire reports12 injury reports
What owners actually said
141 reportsWAS TOLD IN 2010 THAT CAUSE OF THE BACK BRAKES SQUEAKING (IN REVERSE ONLY) WAS BECAUSE ALL RAV4S HAVE THAT PROBLEM. JUST ASSUMED THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. RECENTLY WENT TO NON-DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A FILM (DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS CALLED) THAT WAS PROBABLY MAKING THEM SQUEAK. HAD BR…
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WAS TOLD IN 2010 THAT CAUSE OF THE BACK BRAKES SQUEAKING (IN REVERSE ONLY) WAS BECAUSE ALL RAV4S HAVE THAT PROBLEM. JUST ASSUMED THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. RECENTLY WENT TO NON-DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A FILM (DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS CALLED) THAT WAS PROBABLY MAKING THEM SQUEAK. HAD BRAKES REPLACED ON ALL WHEELS AND HAD THEY INSPECTED AND CLEANED THE WHOLE AREA AROUND THE BRAKES TO SEE IF THEY COULD STOP THE SQUEAKING. IT WORKED BUT JUST FOR A SHORT TIME. IT IS ANNOYING BECAUSE NOW IT SQUEAKS WHEN STOPPING IN FORWARD POSITION AND WHEN IN REVERSE AND APPLYING BRAKES. NEED TO FIND A REMEDY AS I WANT TO SELL MY CAR BUT CAN'T IF THIS ISSUE ISN'T TAKEN CARE OF. DEALERSHIP IS NOT HELPFUL AT ALL (SEE FIRST SENTENCE). *TR
AS I EXIT THE HIGHWAY ON SHARP OFF RAMPS OR TAKE OTHER SIMILAR TIGHT TURNS, VSC TRAC SENSOR LIGHTS TURNS ON AND OFF AND I CAN HEAR GRINDING NOISE WHEN TRACTION CONTROL AUTO-ENGAGES AND DISENGAGES. THE ROADWAYS HAVE NEVER BEEN SLICK OR WET AND THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS (30-50 MPH). *TR
ON MY WAY TO CHESHIRE CT ON THE HIGHWAY MY SUN ROOF BLEW OFF THE TOP OF MY CAR, THANK GOD NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME I HARDLY USE IT AFTER FLYING OVER THE BACK OF MY CAR. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION WERE MY SUN ROOF WAS ITS ALL RUSTED OUT THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED I FEEL TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS ON MY CAR. I HAVE OWE…
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ON MY WAY TO CHESHIRE CT ON THE HIGHWAY MY SUN ROOF BLEW OFF THE TOP OF MY CAR, THANK GOD NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME I HARDLY USE IT AFTER FLYING OVER THE BACK OF MY CAR. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION WERE MY SUN ROOF WAS ITS ALL RUSTED OUT THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED I FEEL TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS ON MY CAR. I HAVE OWED MANY CARS WITH SUN ROOFS THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. *TR
THERE IS A DEFECT AND IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH TOYOTA SUN VISORS. THEY WONT STAY UP. IMPEDES VISION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN THUMBS, CUTS ON THE RIGHT HAND, AND INJURIES TO THE SHOULDER AND SPINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN THUMBS, CUTS ON THE RIGHT HAND, AND INJURIES TO THE SHOULDER AND SPINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 06V096000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 5/19/14*CN UPDATED 06/02/2014 *JS
OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS, THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRING ON 2/14/2014, MY CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AS I AM DRIVING, FOR ABOUT ONE TO THREE SECONDS, THEN JUST AS SUDDEN KICK BACK ON AGAIN. WHEN IT LOSES POWER FOR THAT SECOND OR TWO, I LOSE MY POWER STEERING CAPABILITIES AND THE BATTERY LIGHT COME ON. ONCE THE POWER COMES BACK ON…
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OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS, THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRING ON 2/14/2014, MY CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AS I AM DRIVING, FOR ABOUT ONE TO THREE SECONDS, THEN JUST AS SUDDEN KICK BACK ON AGAIN. WHEN IT LOSES POWER FOR THAT SECOND OR TWO, I LOSE MY POWER STEERING CAPABILITIES AND THE BATTERY LIGHT COME ON. ONCE THE POWER COMES BACK ON, IT CONTINUES TO RIDE FINE AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL PEP BOYS FACILITY. THEY TESTED THE BATTERY AND IT WAS FINE. THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE THE ISSUE WAS ORIGINATING. *TR
THE OIL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR. I WAS VERY SURPRISED SINCE MY CAR IS MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR. I BOUGHT MY CAR USED. WHEN I WENT TO GET IT LOOKED AT THEY TOLD ME I HAVE ENGINE SLUDGE AND MY ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. THIS IS A PROBLEM THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD PAY FOR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. THERE WERE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000.
I NOTICED THAT MY HEATER WASN'T WORKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET BOLTS WERE OVER-TORQUED DURING INSTALLATION AND THEY ARE STRIPPED. I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM IS SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR. TOYOTA ISSUED A BULLETIN REGARDING THIS ISSUE …
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I NOTICED THAT MY HEATER WASN'T WORKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET BOLTS WERE OVER-TORQUED DURING INSTALLATION AND THEY ARE STRIPPED. I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM IS SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR. TOYOTA ISSUED A BULLETIN REGARDING THIS ISSUE IN 2004. THEY KNOWINGLY SOLD DEFECTIVE VEHICLES. *TR
Official recalls
519V741000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Oct 17, 2019
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
15V284000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
May 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. Owners were mailed an interim notice June 17, 2015. The recall began on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
06V096000 · Air Bags
Apr 3, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.