1996 Toyota RAV4

Recalls

1 recall names the 1996 Toyota RAV4. Newest first.

• Exterior lighting

  Apr 7, 2009NHTSA 09E01200016,270 vehiclesEquipment

  Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.

  Remedy

  Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Service brakes, hydraulic13
2. Power train9
3. Engine and engine cooling5
4. Latches/locks/linkages4
5. Air bags4
6. Seat belts2
7. Electrical system2
8. Fuel system, gasoline2
9. Seats2
10. Steering2

Latest complaints

• Oct 29, 2016NC70,000 mi
  Engine

  Excessive engine oil use, 1 qt every 1000 miles

• Feb 7, 2014OR6,000 mi
  Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Door
  TL* the contact owns a 1996 toyota RAV4. The contact stated that when the temperature would drop, the doors would shut abnormally and the locks would malfunction. the contact was unable to open the doors unless the vehicle was completely warm. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the…

  TL* the contact owns a 1996 toyota RAV4. The contact stated that when the temperature would drop, the doors would shut abnormally and the locks would malfunction. the contact was unable to open the doors unless the vehicle was completely warm. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 6,000 and the current mileage was 70,000.

• Jul 31, 2013OH367,000 mi
  Seat belts

  TL* the contact owns a 1996 toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt became unlatched while driving. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the vehicle was not examined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 367,000.

• Jan 24, 2013OH150,000 miFire
  Electrical system
  I got the car off of my brother for $4,000.00, it looks great, never ever been wrecked, paint great, brand new tires, new exhaust, new brakes, etc. I was waiting on him to get the title notarized and he brought it over today, but this morning when I shut the door in the driveway, the fuse box burst…

  I got the car off of my brother for $4,000.00, it looks great, never ever been wrecked, paint great, brand new tires, new exhaust, new brakes, etc. I was waiting on him to get the title notarized and he brought it over today, but this morning when I shut the door in the driveway, the fuse box burst into flames, both windows came down and luckily I had a large fire extinguish in my house and was able to put the fire out, otherwise it was parked between 3 buildings worth 1/2 million $$$ and surely would have burned all 3 down if I had not had the ability to put the fire out. The flames were as high as the window and the car a total loss as all the wiring burned up in less than 2 minutes in the fuse box area. if this had happened on the highway, I am sure it would have been disastrous and at the very least the entire car would have burned up. I am 55 years old and this IS the very first car I have ever owned that caught fire. *tr

• Oct 16, 2006TN
  Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor

  The catalytic converter IS clogged up and I think it should have not happened like that. Nm

• Mar 28, 2006MN130,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine
  Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 mph the vehicle started to accelerate out of control. the vehicle was turned off and coasted to the side of the road without incident. there were no prior warnings to indicate a problem. oil and smoke came from the engine compartment; however there was…

  Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 mph the vehicle started to accelerate out of control. the vehicle was turned off and coasted to the side of the road without incident. there were no prior warnings to indicate a problem. oil and smoke came from the engine compartment; however there was no fire. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic noticed a hole that was blown through the engine.

• Sep 22, 2004NJ
  Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
  Note: toyota called and said that since I had the car repaired, they could not do anything.....i saved the part. I am writing now because I saw a tv news story about the roll-over concern with suv's. this would have been a tragic roll-over if not for the location and low speed. dear toyota…

  Note: toyota called and said that since I had the car repaired, they could not do anything.....i saved the part. I am writing now because I saw a tv news story about the roll-over concern with suv's. this would have been a tragic roll-over if not for the location and low speed. dear toyota (edited for space), it IS rare that I would take this step unless I thought not speaking up could be far more tragic or disastrous. last week, as I was slowly turning the corner down a side street at work (i work on an army installation), I heard and felt a tremendous crash. My RAV-4 dropped on the right side and the tire instantly blew. My momentum was stopped by a large concrete barrier or I may have hit someone. after I was towed (the car was not drivable), the mechanic confirmed what I was told by some of the engineers - something snapped (completely severed) underneath ("in a weird spot")....that something was part of the steering knuckle. as I travel route 80 in northern nj, I am very grateful when I was told that if I had been on a highway, I would have flipped, possibly several times, and, obviously, would not be writing to you now.....i bought my RAV-4 in 1996 when they first came out. Although it cost me $1800.00 in repairs, the money IS least important in the scheme of things. I'm constantly looking at the road surface to avoid any bump....braking inappropriately, but this IS not the way it should be. I would not be this upset if this was a small car, but this IS a SUV and I expect it to handle the rigors of a nj winter. Even a toyota mechanic told me this should not have happened...to paraphrase him....'these trucks are built to last forever'. could there be a flaw in the part? I took a digital photo of the part that was completely severed (and no, it IS not the ball joint). I cannot attach it to this e-mail. Telling me a bought the car in '96 and have over 100,000 miles on it IS not an acceptable answer. thank you, celeste goodhart. *ak

• Feb 12, 2004NC99,000 miCrash
  Air bags › Frontal

  While driving at 45 mph consumer hit ice pot hole, lost control of vehicle, and hit a guard rail, passenger's air bag deployed, but driver's air bag deployed half way. *Ak *nm

• Jan 27, 2004OR60,000 mi
  Power train › Manual transmission

  While driving 55 mph, the owner heard a loud bang. The vehicle swerved all over the highway. the vehicle would no longer go into 5TH gear. the 4TH gear also began showing symptoms of failure. the manufacturer eventually replaced the transmission. after 40,000 miles the exact same failure recurred with the 5TH gear failing. they are not claiming any responsibility for the repair. *jb

• Feb 11, 2003ME
  Air bags

  The air bags deployed without forceful impact.*jb

• Dec 23, 2002ME12,200 mi1 injury
  Air bags

  While driving the driver and passenger air bags deployed although there was no crash. *ts *nlm

• Aug 15, 2002PA
  Power train › Automatic transmission
  When I was driving down the highway, my friend (who was sitting in the passenger seat and likes to sit with his knees up) accidentally bumped the gear shift into neutral. I was in the passing lane on a busy highway and found that all of the sudden I had no power to the wheels. it was very…

  When I was driving down the highway, my friend (who was sitting in the passenger seat and likes to sit with his knees up) accidentally bumped the gear shift into neutral. I was in the passing lane on a busy highway and found that all of the sudden I had no power to the wheels. it was very frightening. I pulled over as soon as I could. I feared that if I put the gear shifter back into drive, the car would drastically lurch (faster or slower). After this happened, I noticed that the gear shift IS actually located closer to the passenger side than the driver side and easily bumped into neutral. I called a local toyota dealer and asked that they fix the problem. I was told that all cars are designed to be able to switch into neutral should you be sliding on a slippery road. And that they therefore could and would do nothing about this problem. I have read only great things about toyotas but after this experience, I plan to sell this car and never get another toyota. this, I think, IS a very, very serious safety design flaw. people with kids in the passenger seat must have this happen to them all the time. I think these cars should be recalled. no automatic gear shift should be easily accidently tapped into neutral while driving on the highway.*ak

• Jul 17, 2002PA
  Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)

  While driving on highway with any pump or tap to gear shift it will go into neutral, losing all power, almost caused an accident.contacted dealer.*ak

• Feb 12, 2001OH
  Seat belts › Front › Retractor

  Driver' s seat belt fails to release for usage, needs to jerk hard to pull it out. Would retract back very slowly.also, seat belt will not allow driver to move in seat. Took vehicle to dealer, and was informed that retractor needs to be repaired due to being broken on inside. *ak

• Jan 18, 2001NY1 injury
  Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch

  In windy conditions or on parked incline rear liftgate which opens like a door, slammed into occupant who sustained injuries. *ak the device which holds the door open IS not adequate because of that the door closes too easily. *yh

• Aug 23, 2000MT
  Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut

  The front struts on my 1996 toyota RAV4 have been leaking for sometime. when this was dicovered the vehicle only had 30,000 miles and has never been off raod.*ak

• Mar 20, 2000VA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
  I noticed a grinding noise toward the front of the car. a short time later an additional sound of something rolling around freely in the front driver side wheel was heard. I suspected brake trouble and took the car to sears automotive where the front brakes were worked on 1 month prior. upon…

  I noticed a grinding noise toward the front of the car. a short time later an additional sound of something rolling around freely in the front driver side wheel was heard. I suspected brake trouble and took the car to sears automotive where the front brakes were worked on 1 month prior. upon inspecting the vehicle, the mechanics noticed the problem to be the front axle snapping at the wheel. the sound was the broken off piece and nut rolling around. the broken axle caused damage to the front brake pad and caliper and front-end alignment. according to the mechanics, the axle had a material or design defect. I have both axle pieces in my possession. please contact me if you would like to examine them or if there IS more information needed. thank you for your attention to this matter. - darryl robb. *ak

• Oct 17, 1999TX
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
  5/7/96-Front wheels cleaned of brake dust; 3/5/97-mileage-14118: front brake job done(brakes grinding); 9/13/97 brakes squeaking-rear brakes cleaned and adjusted.; 12/1/97-front brakes worn out-replaced; 12/98-front brakes grinding-pads replaced again; 10/16/99-front brakes replaced again. I…

  5/7/96-Front wheels cleaned of brake dust; 3/5/97-mileage-14118: front brake job done(brakes grinding); 9/13/97 brakes squeaking-rear brakes cleaned and adjusted.; 12/1/97-front brakes worn out-replaced; 12/98-front brakes grinding-pads replaced again; 10/16/99-front brakes replaced again. I requested assistance from toyota and met with the customer svc manager, karen sears several times and prior to the repair in dec. 98 I did contact toyota again and was told there was nothing else they could do and I would need to request arbitration. I requested arbitration and they did nothing because I took it to a non toyota facility for repair. I had to take it somewhere else because they refused to replace the brakes and referred me to arbitration and I obviously could not drive a vehicle with grinding brakes. the only work done was they replaced the pads and also told me the rotors and cylinders needed to be replaced and should have been done in dec. 1997, but I was also told that brakes should not be wearing out this soon on a new vehicle. I have had problems with this brake system since I have had the vehicle beginning witht he brake dust accumulation. I do not know what else to do-i have asked toyota to replace the brake system and I have asked them to replace the vehicle, I have requested arbitration and I have appealed the arbitration decision. I am hopeful you can help me because there IS obviously something wrong with the brake system on this vehicle. also when I had my brakes changed over the weekend I met a man who also had a 2 door RAV4 , who also told me he had been having the same problem, having to change brakes pads and shoes often. I don't know if anyone else IS having a problem but I cannot afford to replace brake pads every 6-9 months as I am a single parent and I cannot afford the $600-$1000 worth of brake work the vehicle needs. at this point I truly believe I was sold a lemon with a faulty brake system. I am asking for your help. *Ak

• Sep 15, 1999MD
  Power train › Automatic transmission

  Whenever the brakes are appliedthe transmission would shift into neutral on its own. Took to dealer several times & had vehicle test driven. Brakes were tapped lightly & transmission shifted into neutral. Mechanic could not find cause of problem. *ak

• Aug 17, 1999NC
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc

  I continue to have squeaking noises coming from the front wheels/brakes. these noises occur at all speeds whether brakes are applied or not. despite numerous sets of replacement brakes, the squeaking persists. when brakes are applied, grinding noises are audible, especially as the car nears a stop. these complaints persist regardless of the age of the brakes and no mechanic has offered a satisfactory explanation.

• Jun 15, 1999CO
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  Brakes makes loud grinding sounds. *Ak

• Apr 16, 1999CA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper

  Continuous problems with front brakes squeaking/grinding, due to faulty calipers pressing down too hard on pads causing premature wear, pads replaced twice.

• Apr 5, 1999FL
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components

  Brakes squeal/exhibit extended stopping distances.

• Mar 13, 1999CA
  Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor

  Fracture just forward of catalytic converter. Unit appears to have inadequate support.

• Mar 6, 1999WI
  Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
  In cold weather, below 30 degrees, both front door lock mechanisms are prone to freezing. this sometimes makes it impossible to open the vehicle. other times, the door opens, but then will not shut because the lock mechanism IS frozen. the door just bounces against the frame and does not latch.…

  In cold weather, below 30 degrees, both front door lock mechanisms are prone to freezing. this sometimes makes it impossible to open the vehicle. other times, the door opens, but then will not shut because the lock mechanism IS frozen. the door just bounces against the frame and does not latch. this has occurred on six separate occasions since late december of 1998. on a few of the occasions I was forced to drive while manually holding the door shut, and then tie the door shut from the inside upon arrival to my destination.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10244113TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10214323TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
• 10207946POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
• 10197476Replacement vin plates.
• 10197473Product general information.
• 10190453TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10188913TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10187241TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10186195TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
• 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
• 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
• 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
• 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
• 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
• 10133915Toyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not perform as expected, please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
• 10132812Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
• 10132084The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly
• 10131993This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
• 10131988The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
• 10131984A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
• 10131961Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
• 10131928A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs. The following recommendations are intended to provide general tips for the inspection and/or installation of Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) front brake pads and discs. Always refer to the model specific Repair manual and TIS publications for specific repair instructions.
• 10131713TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. REVISION NOTICE January 11, 2018 ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
• 10123420TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
• 10109492TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
• 10109404TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly.
• 10010473Owner renotification of non-completed special service campaigns and limited service campaigns.
• 10001042Special service campaign to inspect and replace the front differential pinion gear washers.
• 622975Subject regarding branick spring adapter.
• 622728Information regarding shoulder belt anchor tape set.
• 618313Subject regarding special service campaign (ssc X05) - replaced transaxle return procedure (4WD automatic transaxle pinion gear washer replacement).
• 610086Subject regarding final owner notices for special service campaign X05 - automatic transaxle inion gear washer.
• 608125Information on the improved cowl top ventilator louver sub-assemby.
• 608119Special service campaign to inspect and replace the front differential pinion gear washers on vehicles equipped with an a54oh automatic transaxle.
• 604667Subject regarding toyota dinghy towing guide.
• 601608Repair procedures on tailpipe durability.
• 600865Procedures to improve door lock operation "feel".
• 600684Replacement of the front axle hub nut.

Every Toyota RAV4 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.