1997 Toyota RAV4
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › RAV4 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Toyota RAV4. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Toyota RAV4. Newest first.
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.
Owner complaints
54 complaints9 involved a crash2 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Vehicle alarm add on module and harness were found to be faulty and has shorted out upon inspection of module I have found burnt circuits . Vehicle IS unable to start also leading to believe the ecm has been effected .
- Structure › Body
1997 RAV4 AWD 109000 dealer serviced took in for a oil change 2/18/16 dealer informed me that the cradle assy has a tennis ball size hole in it near next to left control arm , $2361.30 to replace or junk the vehicle not safe to drive, vehicle serviced every 5000 miles and its brought to my attention now, my 22 yr old daughter has been driving this vehicle the last 6 1/2 yrs a very poor design by toyota
- Engine
Received warranty enhancement notice-ze7, as instructed, dealer test was performed. Oil loss totals under 1QT. For ea. 1200 miles driven. Was told this did not qualify for repair. My concern IS this: toyota service required for oil change IS every 5,000 miles. My car has excessive oil consumption…
Received warranty enhancement notice-ze7, as instructed, dealer test was performed. Oil loss totals under 1QT. For ea. 1200 miles driven. Was told this did not qualify for repair. My concern IS this: toyota service required for oil change IS every 5,000 miles. My car has excessive oil consumption of just under 1QT per 1,200 miles, so driving 5,000 miles would effectively burn 4QTS., or more, thereby starving engine for oil and resulting in engine failure. Service department advised me to keep checking oil level, and add oil as required. I am disappointed in toyota's solution to this problem and advised them of my opinion. I am able to add oil as required, but questioned customer service about other senior citizen's ability to self maintain the oil level, or for that matter, any consumer that has this problem. Toyota has assigned me a case number from regional ca. Office. I was told that perhaps toyota will change qualification requirements so that at 5,000 miles, oil consumption would not result in engine starvation and failure. Also, in my case continue to monitor oil loss, and if it increases in volume, come back to dealer and test again. I think that design failure due to manufacturing defect should be fully covered under this warranty enhancement notification that was mailed to me. *tr
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
Rav 4 toyota 1997-was unable to drive more than 30 miles without the rpr increased without control, transmission and engine become extremely hot, fluids were drained . Car sent to darcars toyota thermostat was replaced, and now facing severe transmission issues, because lack of recall rpr 's issue very detrimental and risky . *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
My son was driving, hit a pothole, and the sub frame completely broke in half. Upon inspection, I found that it had been rotting out from the top. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
We took our 1997 RAV4 to the mechanic for a routine tire rotation and oil change. The mechanic informed us the subframe was severely rusted and dangerous to drive. I did some research on the problem and found out it IS a common occurrence with all rav4's and that toyota refuses to accept…
We took our 1997 RAV4 to the mechanic for a routine tire rotation and oil change. The mechanic informed us the subframe was severely rusted and dangerous to drive. I did some research on the problem and found out it IS a common occurrence with all rav4's and that toyota refuses to accept responsibility for a major design flaw in these vehicles. I've never heard of this happening in other vehicles I've owned. My mechanic whom I trust implicitly said they've replaced many sub frames on these vehicles exclusively. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota RAV4. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance where they detected that the entire subframe was completely rusted. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer for a second opinion. The technician informed…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota RAV4. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance where they detected that the entire subframe was completely rusted. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer for a second opinion. The technician informed the contact that the body frame would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000. updated 05/11/12 *bf updated 05/21/12
- Structure › Frame and members
The sub-frame IS rusting out and I have been told it IS dangerous to drive. Toyota has told me there IS nothing they can do. *js
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
I took my vehicle in for some routine maintenance to be done and was called to come in by the mechanic. He showed me under my car, more specifically the frame on my car. It had extensive rust damage. The rust was not just on the surface, but had large holes eaten away within the entire frame. The…
I took my vehicle in for some routine maintenance to be done and was called to come in by the mechanic. He showed me under my car, more specifically the frame on my car. It had extensive rust damage. The rust was not just on the surface, but had large holes eaten away within the entire frame. The body of the vehicle IS in very good condition. The mechanic stated it was not safe to drive, because of the holes/damage on the frame. He did not think it was normal wear. updated 10/20/11 *bf
- Vehicle speed control
Gas pedal sticks. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
My 1997 toyota rav 4 gas pedal was sticking I took it to two place they suggested that it was dangerous to keep driving the vehicle. I took it to dealership they fixed it. was my vehicle a recall. *Tr
- Tires
Driving on I -10 in buckeye az @ speed of 65-70 when saw sparks coming from front driver side of my RAV4 then a load thumping sound and then the car weaving from side to side and I thought it was going to roll over. I was able to get the rav to the side of the freeway and when exiting the car saw…
Driving on I -10 in buckeye az @ speed of 65-70 when saw sparks coming from front driver side of my RAV4 then a load thumping sound and then the car weaving from side to side and I thought it was going to roll over. I was able to get the rav to the side of the freeway and when exiting the car saw that the tread had separated from the tire but the tire was fully inflated this caused damaged to the wheel well , bumper and fender resulting in an insurance claim and alot of jittery nerves as there were 2 small grandchildren and a pregnant daughter in the car. tire IS a uniroyal p215/70r 99S bw tiger paw touring sr. Bought at 61,194 and I now have 83,000 so I have put 22,000 miles on these tires in 3 years. *tr
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
TL*- the right front wheel bearing has failed since purchasing the vehicle on march 1, 2001.. the first incident occurred at 59,000 miles on june 30, 2001. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and it was repaired at no charge while under warranty. the second incident occurred at 98000…
TL*- the right front wheel bearing has failed since purchasing the vehicle on march 1, 2001.. the first incident occurred at 59,000 miles on june 30, 2001. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and it was repaired at no charge while under warranty. the second incident occurred at 98000 miles on january 28, 2003. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and fixed it, the contact paid $300.00 for the repair. the third incident was at 98,050 miles on february 28, 2003. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer where they found the bearings failed, noted code f on their report. it was found that the bearings were bent. the dealer repaired the vehicle at no charge, but the contact had to go to the senior mechanic of the dealer for approval. the forth incident was at 160,000 miles on june 14, 2006. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer after hearing the same noise again. the contact was told that they could not find any problems after test driving and looking under the vehicle under a rack. on june 20, 2006 the contact took the vehicle to performance service center, where the vehicle was placed on a rack and it was diagnosed with a bad front wheel bearing, and replaced. the contact paid $348.45. *Ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Pops out of 5TH gear! had fixed, and 6 months later it happened again. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Dt: the contact stated the driver's side seat shifted forward and backwards. also, engine check light appeared. Took vehicle to dealer, who replaced gas recirculation valve (egr valve). *Ak
- Air bags · Service brakes, electric
While driving and approaching a steep hill at 35 mph, and upon going down a hill, vehicle fish tailed out of control. Hitting a median strip. Consumer had to swerve right, and went into a tail spin out of control. The seat belt either released or broke. The roof caved in. All the windows broke. Consumer was injured. *Ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Fifth gear failed, need to replace entire manual transmission.*ak
- Fuel system, other
Manufacturer recently issued a warranty extention to certain components of the emission system and selectively excluded my component (egr valve) exhaust gas recirculator. I beleive this component should be inlcuded in the list of exhaust systems which should receive extended care due to poor workmanship.
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Prior to a turn, when the left or right blinker IS put on, the headlights go off. After about 4 seconds they come back on. Then, after the turn, as the blinker automatically cancels, the headlights go out again for about 15 seconds. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
My rav 4 has had a very costly and difficult-to-fix electrical problem the last 3 months. Sometimes it starts right up, but it has also had stalling problems and once died completely. Three different mechanics have worked on it and nobody has yet been able to correct the problem completely. It has…
My rav 4 has had a very costly and difficult-to-fix electrical problem the last 3 months. Sometimes it starts right up, but it has also had stalling problems and once died completely. Three different mechanics have worked on it and nobody has yet been able to correct the problem completely. It has always come back. The dealership even said that it has to fail completely again before they can attempt to know what's wrong. That means I will have to wait to be stranded until someone can maybe fix the vehicle. I may be forced to sell the vehicle for parts way before I should for a car of that age and mileage. *la
- Electrical system
The subject IS "improper circuit design caused self ignited fire to the vehicle because of an electric abnormality within the radiator fan motor" . The time that happened the motor was off and car in park in front of my house. vehicle IS a 1997 toyota RAV-4 manufactured in april 1997 by the toyota…
The subject IS "improper circuit design caused self ignited fire to the vehicle because of an electric abnormality within the radiator fan motor" . The time that happened the motor was off and car in park in front of my house. vehicle IS a 1997 toyota RAV-4 manufactured in april 1997 by the toyota motor corporation at their assembly plant in motomachi-thara, japan. at the time of its fabrication , the vehicle was assigned unique public identification number [xxx]. Computerized scrutiny of this number relative to check digit"4" and sequence number "056588" has confirmed the vehicle identity. there was investigation by the hard facts investigative engineering reported on january 01, 2003. I will be able to send copy of the whole report. I filed a complaint to the company at the following address:toyota motors sales , u.s.a.,inc. 19001 s. Western avenue,p.o. Box 2722, torrance,ca 90509-2722 to [xxx]. , claim analyst ,legal department, on 12/23/2002. The case ID #[xxx]. the answer was the car IS old and the vehicle odometer indicates a registered 49,851 miles road utility. Case IS closed. *nlm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My rav 4 - 57348 miles. It started making a tapping sound in the engine and it has makes a metal on metal vibration upon acceleration and especially when I make a gradual left turn and decelerate. I brought it into the dealer. they say it may be that the lifters are a bit worn and that this will…
My rav 4 - 57348 miles. It started making a tapping sound in the engine and it has makes a metal on metal vibration upon acceleration and especially when I make a gradual left turn and decelerate. I brought it into the dealer. they say it may be that the lifters are a bit worn and that this will not harm anything. this IS odd because a new engine was placed in the car at 49,000 + miles. they could not identify what the vibration noise was and said that it IS possibly a rock in the brake system. I know what that sounds like and strongly disagree with their analysis. the noise IS definitely coming from the engine. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My rav has had 2 engine replacements the first at 16,000 miles and the second at 49,000 miles. the first one happened when it stalled out going through an extremely large puddle of water on the access road and the second for no apparent reason. *nlm
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
The car was purchased with alloy wheels but the spare tire has steel rims in which the existing lug nuts do not fit so the spare tire can not be used. I think the company should provide a usable spare tire. I contacted them about that but they said that year, their rav 4 came with steel rims…
The car was purchased with alloy wheels but the spare tire has steel rims in which the existing lug nuts do not fit so the spare tire can not be used. I think the company should provide a usable spare tire. I contacted them about that but they said that year, their rav 4 came with steel rims so they gave me some lug nuts to use but they are too short and cannot lock the tire in place. the existing lugs also cannot lock the tire in place and the tire rattles. one of the managers told me to use these in an emergency only but I do not want to damage the treads on the bolts with the tire sliding on the bolt. I think if they sold the tire as a spare, it should function as a safe spare and I should not be responsible for purchasing another rim, lug nuts, or tire jack so I can use the spare tire safely. this should apply to all '97 rav 4 owners. I did not catch it earlier because I did not need to use the spare until now.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While vehicle was at idle and with no warning the vehicle will stall, causing consumer to pull over. Dealer will be notified. *ak
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.
- 10190460Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 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.
- 10132295This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
- 10132287California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to ensure proper label application.
- 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.
- 10001371Transmission engagement in 5TH gear.
- 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.
- 618314Subject regarding improved cruise control switch.
- 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.
Every Toyota RAV4 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.