While driving from maryland to maine for a vacation, I noticed my transmission was slipping and grinding gears frequently in the range of 20-35 MPH. I noticed it happening more frequently during slowdown for making a turn and then acceleration to resume driving. I did not have any accidents, but this has been happening more frequently. I had previously reported the problem, when it happened less frequently, to my dealership (darcars of frederick) and they told me that 1)they could not duplicate the sound during their test run and 2) if such a thing had happened, my ecu would have made a note of it and recorded it. Since there was no record of it happening, it was nothing. However, upon reading several complaints about the rav4 02-03 models, regarding transmission problems, I find that their issues of hanging before slipping into gear, grinding gear and not finding the gear at all are the same ones I have been experiencing in my '06 rav4. Could it be that my ecu is bad? Yes, but my dealer won't acknowledge that possibility. They check my floor mats, but not the ecu for faulty issues. This is my primary vehicle and I transport my daughter in it all of the time. I am worried one day I am going to be driving and get into a serious accident because of this issue. I have all of my maintenance records and recently had the transmission flushed and filled completely. I used oem fluid and am on schedule with all of my maintenance.
2006 Toyota RAV4 acceleration complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 74, newest first, as owners wrote them.
For the second time this year (I also documented the same problem 2/24/13), we experienced unexpected acceleration and the car bucking. We were backing out of a driveway. My husband backed up and realized he needed to straighten out on the curved driveway so put it in drive for a few feet and then when he put it in reverse, the engine started revving up to a maximum RPM's. He is 200 pounds and had to hold his foot on the break to keep it from moving. He put it in neutral and turned the car off. My 20 year old son was in the car with us and got out and could smell the engine from revving up so high. My brother and sister in law came running out of the house because they could hear the engine revving up and knew something was very wrong. Last time this happened, we brought it to the dealership twice and they couldn't replicate the issue. I am not safe in my own car. Toyota has got to take responsibility for this and fix the issue! It is a huge problem. Had I been driving, no telling what would have happened as I would have been caught totally off guard and I'm not sure I would have had responded appropriately under pressure. This is unacceptable!!!!! I am afraid to drive my car!!!
Car at about 37,000 miles. Only drive to store and drop kids off to school. Car parked for 10 minutes while at store shopping. Came back, started the engine. The engine light, vsc and 4wd lights all lighted up. When to local toyota dealer, dealer said can't service it at this time need to make appointment. Dealer stated based on the lights, this might be the ignition coil.. It's known to have problem. Estimated cost to fix about $1500. But we need to computerized the codes..
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove onto a dirt road. The vehicle continued to accelerate with the brake pedal depressed as the vehicle turned around several times. The contact was able to turn the vehicle off and the vehicle was towed to local body shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 70,000.
I took my 2006 rav4 into the leith toyota dealership in raleigh, nc for the accelerator pedal recall. Service manager calls me and said that there is a banging vibration and noise coming from the steering column when the steering wheel is turned. (this did not exist before.) the manager said there is a technical service bulletin on the manufacturers defective design and that failure to correct the problem could result in an accident. This repair is nearly $400 and is not covered under any recall nor my now expired warranty. When I next drove the rav4 the banging was so strong that the front seat passenger could feel it. I call toyota customer care program, who confirmed the technical service bulletin but said that the problem is not a safety issue and that I should contact the dealership to inquire about them paying for the repair. The dealership said that the repair is not covered and that toyota customer care would contact me as to what further would be done. After waiting more than 60 days for toyota to call me, I called customer care again only to be told that nothing more would be done. I asked to speak to a supervisor, but none was available. I was told that a supervisor would call me back within 24 hours. 30 hours later toyota customer care left a phone message for me to call them back. I have also had electrical problems that have caused this rav4 to loose power and stop while traveling down the road and the battery goes dead about every two months.
While driving on the highway at approximately 65 MPH the car suddenly would not and behaved as if in neutral. The engine reved upon applying the gas. We pulled over to the shoulder and put on hazard lights and put the car in park. Then put the car back in drive and the car behaved normally.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact was waiting to enter a highway with the brakes depressed when the entire instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle then abnormally accelerated and swerved into traffic as another vehicle crashed into the driver side of her vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to the hands and arms. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 65,132.
2006 rav4 : speed control: sudden acceleration and sudden decrease in acceleration on highway. Starting in november 2010 our toyota rav4 would suddenly acceleration on highway,lunge forward while parking for no reason. In december 2010 all senor lights on the dashboard panel came on and the car actually decelerated while I while trying to change lanes on the highway. I quickly turned on my four ways and moved to the far left of highway for safety . All the dash board lights went off and car resumed normal driving functions. On february 16, 2011 I was on the highway again attempting to change lanes and the car decelerated and appeared to be stalling-out also all the dashboard lights when on:check engine ,ABS,vsh,and 4wd. I again put my four ways on and moved to shoulder of highway, my vehicle resumed normal driving functions and all dashboard lights went off. About 5 minutes later the same thing happened again. I took my car to my mechanic the next day and he states it appears to be a malfuction in the senory panel. He contacted the toyota dealer and is awaiting a response. My car in undrivable at the present time due to the fact it could stop running at any time for no apparent reason.
2 unintended acceleration instances --- I have had two unintended acceleration instances in a 2006 toyota rav4. In both cases I was wearing boots and the boot hitting the brake overlapped and hit the accelerator at the same time. Neither case resulted in a collision. One of the problems here is that the brake pedal fully depressed position is well below the accelerator pedal position so overlap can apply the brake and accelerator at the same time.
Tl* the driver owns a 2006 toyota rav4. After driving approximately 45 MPH the driver came to a stop. Once the vehicle was stopped the engine began to rev very loudly and the driver had to apply heavy pressure to the brake pedal to keep the vehicle stopped. Numerous lights began illuminating on the dashboard. The contact was not the driver, so the specific light names were unavailable. Once the engine stopped revving the vehicle hesitated when the driver attempted to accelerate. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. The failure and current mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2006 toyota rav4 'full throttle stick', without recall - (second occurrence). Toyota will not repair/replace throttle unless they can replicate condition, due to the fact that this vehicle is not on recall list.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated intermittently. The dealer stated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle and bolted down the floor mats. The engine continued to rev and the contact had to shift into park while in the idle position to get the rpms to decrease. The contact stated that the problem did not occur when the vehicle was being driven. The failure mileage was 50,785 and the current mileage was approximately 56,000. Updated 1/19/2010 *cn updated 03/31/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact was driving 60 MPH and attempting to pass another vehicle when the accelerator became stuck in the open throttle position. The pedal would not release and the contact shifted into neutral. The brakes were applied with extreme force and the contact was able to stop the vehicle and shut the engine off. The dealer was informed of the failure and they advised the contact that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 29,000. Updated 01/13/11*lj updated 01/27/11.
When trying accelerate my toyota 2006 rav 4, at any speed car will hesitate for second and suddenly accelerate to much faster speed that is intended. I have checked, ignition system, found nothing, my personal experience. In heavy rain fall have water inside the car at front passenger side coming from air blower area. Dealer says they don't know anything about both issues. These issues are not a onetime issue and happens all time.
2006 toyota rav4. Unexpected acceleration. *gr the consumer stated on three separate occasions, he experienced unwanted acceleration. The first incident occurred while he was traveling out of town and he discovered he had difficulty stopping the vehicle twice. First at a traffic light, and another time at a toll booth. On both occasions, the engine revved very loudly. The second incident happened one year later and the consumer had to quickly place the gear in neutral and press hard on the brakes in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was examined, and the consumer was informed the problem was with the mat and it was subsequently removed. The last episode was on feburary 13, 2010. Upon arriving at an establishment driving 20- 30 MPH, he attempted to stop, but the vehicle did not respond to the brakes being applied. The consumer was finally able to stop after putting the gear in neutral.
2006 toyota rav4 suddenly accelerated uncontrollably in a residential district; driver applied standard brake which did nothing to slow acceleration, so the driver tried to break the vehicle's momentum by scaling a large chain-linked fence on the driver's side. The car was airborn a few seconds, driver pulled emergency brake, hit a stop sign, landed, the vehicle stopped, and smoke was coming from the left side of the front hood. The impact of landing broke the driver's back, caused several bulging lumbar discs, and broke the left foot. To correct the failure the owner of the vehicle has contacted toyota who is sending out their "smart team" to download information from the car's black box or event data recorder which contains a history of the driver's actions and the history of the car's actions. They should be doing this the week of april 26.
I bought my brand new toyota rav 4 in august 2006. I use it very lightly mostly to commute to work which is about 10 miles. About 9 month later, I heard a squeaking noise when I hit the brakes. When I took my car to the dealer. I was told the front brakes need to be changed. I argued that the brakes have to be defective since with my previous car I changed the brakes once in 16 years. The dealer argued that I have to be an aggressive driver that why I wore the brakes so fast and that it is not covered by warranty. This problem was repeated twice after that. This means that in less than 4 years. I changed the front brake pads twice and the rear brake pads once. I found this extremely unusual. So far I have spent almost $1000 to repeatedly change brake pads and rotors. Recently I believe I found the problem. When I press the gas pedal the car speeds very easily and very fast. However, when I release my foot off the gas pedal the car does not slow down spontaneously. The gas pedal takes an unusually long time to go to the idle position. Hence, I have to use the brakes much more frequently which wears them out very fast. This is a safety issue and needs to be addressed and fixed. I am going to the dealer tomorrow.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. While sitting idle with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Within moments, the contact placed the vehicle into the neutral position and was able to stop the unintended acceleration. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no repairs performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 84,650 and the current was 84,750. Updated 08/03/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact was decelerating approximately 35 MPH while braking when the vehicle began to surge forward unexpectedly. In order to stop the acceleration the contact shifted the vehicle into neutral. The identical failure has occurred on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to authorized dealer for inspection. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure and stated that the vehicle was down shifting. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 32000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 rav4. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle and shifted the vehicle into drive with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated on it's own. The contact applied pressure to the brakes, shifted the vehicle into neutral and shut off the ignition. The contact fears for his safety while driving the vehicle. When the contact purchased the vehicle he noticed that whenever he engaged the accelerator pedal it temporarily became stuck. The failure and current mileages were approximately 36,000.
I purchased a toyota 2006 rav 4 in january of 2006 and had the car serviced at the toyota dealer per the scheduled factory maintenance suggestions. In october of 2006, I was trying to avoid running a yellow light on peachtree street in atlanta, and accelerated hard to avoid the yellow light. The car lunged forward and was out of control. Even though I lifted my foot completely off the pedal. After getting through the initial shock I put the transmission in neutral, the engine revved up to the red line and I turned the ignition switch off. After waiting for a minute I restarted the car in park and the engine idled normally. I took the car to the toyota dealer for the scheduled maintenance and after inspecting it he told me there was nothing wrong with the car. After the recall of the toyota rav 4's I called the toyota dealer I bought the car from and talked to his service manager. He told me that the 2006 rav 4's have not been recalled as they have a different gas pedal and were made in japan. He could not explain the cause of the acceleration. The car has not done that since, however I am not driving the car anymore. My daughter is and this concerns me greatly. No fixes or repairs have been done on the car by the toyota dealer.
Experienced sudden acceleration on many occasions especially after going at substantial speeds such at 45-50 miles and hour where the car will surge to even higher speeds with constant or little pressure on the gas. This car drives unlike any car we've had before in that you can't maintain constant pressure on the throttle you have to constantly accelerate and then drift in order to stay within speed limits. Keeping slight pressure on the throttle will cause it to constantly accelerate, not maintain its speed.
I have 2006 toyota rav4. Just read my jan. 2009 note. It happen twice on my car. My car accelerate uncontrollable even though I try to pump gas pedal several times car just won't slow down. I thought pedal stuck. Car slow down when I press brake pedal. Just let you know. It never happen again.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. She was driving approximately 35 MPH when she tried to apply the brakes, when the vehicle accelerated on it's own. The driver stated that she tried placing both feet on the brake pedal but it did not help. Eventually the vehicle began to slow down. She also took the vehicle to the dealer but their records indicate that there was a brake problem. The failure mileage was 500. The current mileage was 28,000.
My wife and I have both experienced unintended acceleration while our 2006 toyota rav4 was operating with cruise control engaged or while re-engaging cruise control after slowing for traffic. In each case, the vehicle accelerated well beyond the cruise control set point (typically 55 MPH). This acceleration occurred on flat roads, no ice or water on the road. The engine was fully warmed up,and the vehicle has been serviced on a regular basis at prescribed intervals by our local toyota dealer. This unintended acceleration has occurred 5 or 6 times over the life of the vehicle. The most recent occurrence was february 22, 2010 when I re-engaged the cruise control from a speed of 50 MPH to the previous set point of 55 MPH. The vehicle accelerated to 65 MPH and was still gaining speed when I disengaged the cruise control. Fortunately, the vehicle responded to turning off the cruise control, the brakes functioned normally, and I was able to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead of me on the highway. This vehicle is not involved in any of the current toyota recalls, and our local toyota dealer does not take our reports of unintended acceleration seriously. Therefore, no action has been taken to correct the failure(s) and no parts have been replaced.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact stated that as he was driving at 55 MPH the vehicle accelerated up to 70 MPH and would not stop. As he depressed the brake pedal the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own. The dealer was called and stated that he had to wait until he received a recall notice before he could bring the vehicle in. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while shifting the vehicle from park to drive the vehicle would accelerate and lunge forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred since the vehicle was purchased. The contact has taken the vehicle to a dealer regarding the sudden acceleration but the dealer could not diagnose the failure. The contact stated that the failure was electrical. The failure mileage was 3,000.
Toyota rav4 le 2006 gas pedal got stuck down 4 times since we bought this vehicle 3 years ago. Toyota motor co is saying I got over 30,000 miles so warranty is up.. Pl I need help in this problem.
2006 toyota rav 4 has twice experienced long term acceleration . Both times it experienced high speed acceleration which continued after coming off the accelerator. No damage or injuries occurred. In both cases, the rav 4 was returned to the local toyota dealer for service. After the second occurrence , the dealer kept the car for 4 days for driving and analysis. The problem could not be repeated while in their service facility. The on-board computer did not show and malfunctions. The dealer suspected a "floor mat" problem and installed 2 retaining clips.
Started having intermittent incidents approx 8 mths ago. 3 x occurred. 2 x when pulling into driveway to park, driveway slightly graded up slant, braked but minor increase acceleration occurred. Braked harder & stopped. Increase acceleration continued for approx 15-20 sec longer then returned idle. Took service & tune-up. Told them, serviced and said fine. Also checked electrical as lighting switched from front to back seat for no reason. Told just reprogram needed & ok. After that service had one more incident when over mcdonald's mill valley - drive thru - vehicle ahead moved & I tried to just move slowly too. Accelerated much higher than foot pressure on pedal. Hit brakes hard & just missed car ahead of me. Car was stopped, but acceleration remained higher for 30-45 sec. Line held up until acceleration seemed ok. Then moved ahead w no issues. Now no incidents x approx. 2 months. Note pedal action has always appeared ok. Not human error. Found no known cause. Do use standard rubber rav4 floor mats - ok & clearance to depressed pedal 3 1/2-4 inches. I was unaware of problems toyota when these occurred, then news, & "red light" & thought of my incidents. Will they return again? My VIN# says I am ok? I do know incidents happened. Had spoken with my son who is auto engineer too. Minor or major incidents still do carry risk exposure for me. And cost effect risk exposure too. Note I do not know exact dates of 4 incidents.
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