My airbag light came on and I received a letter saying there was a recall but unfortunately I threw out the letter and when I called Toyota said there was a recall but it was fixed in 2012 when I didn’t own the vehicle and it seems like it didn’t last long because my airbags are not working so this will be the last time I buy a Toyota!! Thanks for Nothing
2008 Toyota RAV4 airbags problems
58 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,201. 10 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 58
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 78,201
- crashes
- 10
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Side/window8
- Frontal2
- Sensor: occupant classification1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota RAV4 airbags problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Toyota RAV4 airbags
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
- Risk
- If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑762‑2737.
Recall number 14V168000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2007-2008 rav4 vehicles. In the curtain shield airbag (csa) system, there are two sensors in the airbag sensor assembly which are designed to detect vehicle roll angle. If one of these sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light: mil) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be suspended; however, the airbag csa remains available in the event of a side crash. If both sensors fail nearly simultaneously after initial airbag system check, the csa and the seat belt pretensioner could be inadvertently activated.
- Risk
- Inadvertent activation of the csa and/or the seat belt pretensioner can cause injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- Toyota will replace the airbag sensor assembly with a new one containing improved roll rate sensors, free of charge. Toyota intends to send an interim owner notification to owners early to mid-may, 2011 when sufficient parts and remedy becomes available. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 11V245000 · Recall details
What 2008 Toyota RAV4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The issue relates to the spiral cable assembly in my 2008 Toyota RAV4, which falls under Safety Recall 14V‑168. According to the recall documentation, this part may fail, which could affect the vehicle’s safety features, including the airbag system. My vehicle is potentially affected by this recall, as it falls within the specified VIN range, but after contacting Toyota Customer Support, I was informed that my vehicle is not eligible for the recall, despite meeting the criteria outlined in the official recall notice. This inconsistency puts my safety at risk, as the failure of the spiral cable could lead to the malfunction of the airbag system. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, as I have not yet been able to have the issue inspected or repaired. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There have been no warning lamps or messages related to this issue prior to my inquiry, as the recall issue was identified through the federal safety agency database and Toyota’s recall records.
2021 I was involved in a collision on the highway and my airbag did not deploy but airbag light remained on dash board even after repairing clockspring and attempting to reset airbag.
I had just gotten in my vehicle. I went to go start it and the airbags deployed for no reason!!! There is no damage to the vehicle. No reason as to why the airbags should of deployed sitting in my driveway stationary. I had no warning lights on at all.
My vehicle has never been in an accident. All recalls have been fixed and then I started having an issue with the occupation detector in the passenger seat. It is not registering that there is an occupant over 1/2 the time. Since this is a costly repair (about 500$) I take it to heart knowing my vehicle is not safe at all times. I do have 2 children and this is our primary family vehicle. I do not think this is a part that an owner should be responsible to fix since it is a safety issue. Every now and then it will function but it's been on solid for over two weeks. Hence my email.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v596000 (air bags). The part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called avondale toyota (10005 papago fwy, avondale, az 85323, phone: (877) 554-6890) and was informed that the part was not available for the repair. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. While operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Takata recall - recall on february 17, 2026 - to date the recall is incomplete. When do you expect the recall to be completed????
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 toyota rav4. While driving 40 MPH, the steering seized and the vehicle crashed into a building. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The occupant sustained left and right broken arms, stitches, and a broken rotator cuff. Medical attention was received at west chester medical center. A police report was filed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 116,000. *ln
Vehicle was in motion on a 3-lane city street, crossing a two-lane intersection. Vehicle was struck broadside at the passenger rear quarter panel, spun around 720 degrees before coming to rest. Vehicle driver side curtain airbags failed to deploy during accident. Passenger side curtain airbags did deploy, only driver with no passengers in vehicle at time of accident. Driver did get pushed into driver's door/window during the accident, but was uninjured. 3 attached pictures show damage to vehicle passenger side rear quarter panel and passenger side airbag deployment. No driver side curtain airbags deployed.
Questions about the 2008 Toyota RAV4 airbags
Does the 2008 Toyota RAV4 have airbags problems?
Owners have filed 58 complaints about the airbags of the 2008 Toyota RAV4, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota RAV4 airbags problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,201 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Toyota RAV4 airbags?
Yes, 2 recalls: 14V168000, 11V245000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota RAV4 have bad airbags?
The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2021 (125 complaints), 2007 (99 complaints) and 2005 (59 complaints).
Other 2008 Toyota RAV4 problems
Engine 160Acceleration 92Suspension 81Steering 73Transmission 37Brakes 34Electrical 27Body 19Seat belts 18Visibility 18Fuel system 16Driver assistance 7Wheels 6Tires 5Seats 4Lights 3Locks 2
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