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.
2008 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems
27 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 69,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 27
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 69,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Alternator/generator/regulator1
- 12v/24v/48v battery1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota RAV4 electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Toyota RAV4 electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Power Window Master Switch Fire
On October 10, 2012, Toyota initiated a safety recall of approximately 2.5 million U.S. vehicles involving the following models and model years:2007-2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007-2009 RAV4, 2008-2009 Scion xB and xD, 2008-2009 Sequoia, 2007-2008 Tundra, 2007-2008 Yaris, and 2009 Pontiac Vibe.See the federal safety agency recall number 12V‑491 for more details, including the affected vehicle manufacture dates for each vehicle model.Note that only early-production 2009 model year vehicles are included in the recall.Toyota and GM dealers will inspect the power window master switch (PWMS) assemblies and apply a specialized grease that inhibits heat build-up.The circuit board in the PWMS may be replaced with a new one if notchy or sticking feeling is observed during the inspection.The failure report summary above shows counts for the vehicles identified at the start of this Engineering Analysis, specifically the approximately 1.4 million vehicles that share an identical PWMS assembly design including, model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, and Yaris built from September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all 2008 Highlander Hybrid.Toyota subsequently identified approximately one million additional vehicles that have a slightly different PWMS design but contain the same defect condition.Note that the totals for complaints and fires shown above may include duplicative reports (between ODI and manufacturer reports).This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10323848, 10360414, 10392622, 10394453, 10411328, 10429983, 10436663, 10446699, 10447416, 10447417, 10447419, 10447444, 10447515, 10447845, 10447947, 10449270, 10450133, 10450568, 10450606, 10450641, 10451821, 10455540, 10455614, 10456353, 10456438, 10457854, 10457955, 10459730, 10460166, 10460691, 10461220, 10462140, 10462200, 10462247, 10462404, 10462705, 10462761, 10464451, 10464769, 10465421, 10466279, 10466667, 10468126, 10468265, 10475230, 10470313, 10470684, 10471551, 10471824, 10472336, 10472910, 10473753, 10473967, 10473969, 10476921, 10477469, 10478563 and 10478657.
EA12006
Power Window Master Switch Fire
ODI has identified certain Toyota vehicles experiencing a higher rate of fire and thermal event incidents among all Toyota vehicles that use the same power window master switch design.They include a total of approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2007 through 2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Yaris vehicles built from approximately September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all MY 2008 Highlander Hybrid vehicles.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-006) to further study the alleged defect and its consequences.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10461220, 10460691, 10460166, 10459730, 10457955, 10457854, 10456438, 10456353, 10455614, 10455540, 10451821, 10450641, 10450606, 10450568, 10450133, 10449270, 10447947, 10447845, 10447515, 10447444, 10447419, 10447417, 10447416, 10446699, 10436663, 10429983, 10411328, 10407290, 10394453, 10392622, 10360414, 10323848.
PE12002
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, the federal safety agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V‑388, 10V‑017, and 10V‑023.the federal safety agency also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, the federal safety agency requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to the federal safety agency pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V‑112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V‑113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V‑388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V‑115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After the federal safety agency opened RQ10-003, the federal safety agency launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.the federal safety agency launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.the federal safety agency enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on the federal safety agency's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the federal safety agency on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).the federal safety agency's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. the federal safety agency did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
RQ10003
What 2008 Toyota RAV4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the alternator was smoking. The vehicle was turned off and towed back to the residence. The contact purchased the alternator and fixed the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000
Vehicle lost power and shut down as I was driving on a busy main road with lots of traffic. As it continued to slow down I was able to pull into a driveway and stop. I tried to start vehicle again without success but it made loud grinding noise. After short time I attempted to restart vehicle made a loud grinding sound but would not start. Called for tow and they determined it was not the battery and towed vehicle to my house. Paint peeling off vehicle in large patches. Windshield wipers will not work but not a result of latest incident. Wiper motor hums but do not work. Cd player stopped working few months ago. Makes clicking noises but will not play cd or eject discs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle's odometer stopped functioning and the diagnostic box had two burnt wires. The vehicle quickly shut off when the contact attempted to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to penske toyota of downey (9136 east firestone blvd, downey, ca 90241, (562) 904-5600) to be diagnosed, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 11,000.
Vehicle lost power when accelerating at highway speeds. No power steering, lights flickering, gauges died.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. While driving 45 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The contact could not pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and it returned to normal. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator, battery, and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the failure recurred several other times after the repair. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 800‑331‑4331 and asked the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. A case number was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 213,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the check engine and 4wd warning indicators illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v096000(seat belts); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was not provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. While in park, the power window master switch caught fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. Shortly after parking, the vehicle caught fire. A police and a fire report were filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000. Updated 5/5/15*cn updated 9/16/2015
Questions about the 2008 Toyota RAV4 electrical
Does the 2008 Toyota RAV4 have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints about the electrical of the 2008 Toyota RAV4, 5% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 69,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Toyota RAV4 electrical?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Toyota RAV4 have the most electrical problems?
The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2018 (130 complaints), 2020 (120 complaints) and 2017 (108 complaints).
Other 2008 Toyota RAV4 problems
Engine 160Acceleration 92Suspension 81Steering 73Airbags 58Transmission 37Brakes 34Body 19Seat belts 18Visibility 18Fuel system 16Driver assistance 7Wheels 6Tires 5Seats 4Lights 3Locks 2
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