2008 Toyota RAV4: check engine light

Filed Sep 20, 2018 · Engine · 110,000 miles · WI

Have excessive oil consumption. Engine light kept going on. Took it to the toyota dealer that I bought the car and serviced at. They recommended an oil consumption test. Performed the test and it failed. Dealer and toyota corporate said there is nothing they would do. Claimed they sent a recall letter that I never received. I don't believe there was a recall just a major defect in their powertrain. The vehicle is now in my daughters procession and have grave concerns the engine could seaze or catch fire leading to a crash. In researching I found that this is a common defect amongst various toyota modals and modal years. If there was a recall them I believe the toyota dealer servicing the vehicle was negligent to for prescribing an oil consumption test and not telling me of all recalls for my vehicle. If there was no recall then toyota is negligent for knowingly avoiding a defect and not standing by their product. I would like them to replace the defective engine or repair it so the excessive oil consumption is eliminate. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated

Filed Sep 15, 2017 · Steering · 39,800 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. While pulling out of the driveway, the steering wheel started to make a clicking sound and the check engine and ESC warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist motor needed replacement. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 1709132080. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 39,800. Updated 11/02/17*lj consumer stated the vsc light comes on and check engine. Now that the intermediate shaft does not work correct the cruise control does not work. Updated 7/17/18

Filed Mar 13, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · MN

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.

Filed Feb 25, 2017 · Engine · 94,559 miles · OH

Engine light comes on every approx. 750 miles indicating oil level low. Started doing this 9/5/15 at 90,095 miles. Oil level approx. 1 to 1-1/2 quarts low. Today my husband added more oil. This is still happening and per websites, toyota recognizes piston design defect, but refuses to repair vehicles out of warranty such as mine.

Filed Jul 8, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 64,000 miles · KS

The hose connecting the canister filter to the canister broke off driving in the rain and I didn't see until next day while 8 hrs away from home. Called the local dealer they didn't have the part. No check engine light shown.I got home and have the canister filter replaced with the dealer and next day check engine, vsc and 4wd light came on, dealer says it cost $1800 to fix it. I researched online and lot of 2006 and up rav 4 owner have same issue. Cannister hose broken or filter dropped and water getting into the system. I got toyota service bulletin t-sb-0098-09 which was updated to t-sb0161-11 on october 20,2011 for this issue. Toyota had covered warranty for 2gr-fe engine from 2006-2011 sold on ca, ct, me, md, ma, nj, nm,vt,wa, ri under california long term emission warranty of 64 months or 70,000 miles which ever occurs first. Toyota knew the issue and even added a new cover (part no 77641-0r020) the protect the canister filter and the hoses but they didn't issue the recall. A lot of people have same issue. The filter and hose are unprotected underneath the chassis and it can break or fall driving under normal driving in a rain or snow. I called toyota and they review my case and gave me case # but they won't fix it because my vehicle was not driven and sold on the aforementioned states. Toyota has covered the warranty on the states with heavy snow and rain only. But these things are true for the state I am in too. Remaining state standard 36 months 36,000 warranty. But this thing can happen to anyone at any mileage. Toyota knew it and had a fix by putting the new cover but didn't issue a recall . The service bulletin even states the vehicles manufactured before certain VIN number and mine does fall under it. I paid $220 to replace filter and $62.5 to diagnose. Now they want another $1800 to fix it. I wish I could attached the service bulletin. Updated 09/15/15*lj updated 11/08/2017

Filed Apr 3, 2015 · Engine · 96,000 miles · PA

When starting my car my 4 wheel drive light, engine light, vsc light wouldn't go out. When taken this to my mechanic I was told that the vacuum system. After checking everything , things seemed to be ok. When it happened again I was told that the gas cap was put on to tight. The lights where reset. In january it began to happen again. Took it to a new mechanic, I was to told that the charcoal filter needed to be replaced, which I needed to wait about 10 days for it to come in. Replaced the about 25 miles later lights came back on. New clamps where put on all hoses. 50 miles later lights back on , now code is saying the charcoal canister faulty. Now that needs to be replaced. My mechanic did research, found out that their has been many complaints about this problem. This part cost over 800$ I myself have read other rav4 owners that this isn't a new problem. How long or how many complaints does it take for someone to do something about this. Their have been times when this has happens the car sputters and really doesn't go anywhere. Does my life have end when my vehicle does this and I get hit from behind. Oh don't even get me started on the amount of oil this car uses. Maybe my engine needs to blow up first. Please finally do something before someone gets hurt. Or is this what needs to happen.

Filed Nov 12, 2014 · Engine · CA

There was no accident, however, this inquiry is about the engine oil. My wife bought this vehicle new, the engine is a 4 cylinder (2az-fe). This has been happening for the past two years and it continues. Every 1400 to 2000 miles the check engine light comes on, and when I the engine oil, its always two (2) quarts low. I never see any evidence of oil burning in the exhaust; no oil leaks on the driveway, nothing. It's as if the oil disappears. The dealer won't do anything, they say that it's not a safety issue so they won't investigate. My wife has been taking this vehicle to an independent auto shop and they say that they see this all the time with this particular engine. This shop suggests that we add in ames oil every other oil change (every 3500 to 5000 miles), and that should make the oil changes go from 1400 miles to approximately 3500 miles. This is very frustrating!!! This vehicle shouldn't need oil changes until 7500 miles!! Could you please look into this?

Filed Sep 2, 2014 · Engine · 70,000 miles · PA

Excessive oil consumption I went for an oil change as I do every 3000 miles and was told there was little oil. They looked for leaks etc. None found. Thought it was a fluke. About 1500 miles in my engine light comes on my brother in law who is a certified mechanic for 30 years and takes care of my car tells me my car is consuming oil and your talking a big job advised me to take it to the dealer to run a consumption test which I did and yes that is what I am told. There is nothing I can do unless I pay to have it fixes which is very costly I was advised to check oil every 1000 miles and fill. Upon research this has been reported by numerous toyota owners not only on rava4's but other models as well around the 2006/2008 time frame. Toyota admits to problem and fixes in later models but does not do anything to fix a known defect!!!! I have joined every law suit, complaint board, etc. And for this reason will never buy another toyota.

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 77,000 miles · CA

Check engine light, vsc light, and 4wd lights stayed on after we purchased vehicle. We were advised to disconnect battery to reset, it worked until car was shut off. Then the lights care on again, and 4wd would not work. Our driveway requires 4wd! Took it to toyota service near our home, he called warranty company, they would not pay because evap cannister and hoses had previous water damage, and were rusted. Manly honda in santa rosa has put us off for two and a half weeks. This is where we purchased the car for our daughter. They will not return calls. We were informed toyota only covered this problem up to 70,000 miles. To take it to dealer!! They will no longer respond.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Engine · 90,000 miles · NC

My car would not start, and the check engine light and oil light remained on even while key was not in ignition. Also, there was a humming and slight ticking noise coming from the engine while the car was turned off. It seemed like something had shorted out and something electrical was causing something to stay on constantly and it was draining the battery. After researching on the internet someone else had this same problem, and they found that there was a leak coming from the windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle. So I pulled up my carpet and sure enough the entire floor board was covered with water and the pad was completely soaking wet. It appears that water has damaged something in the electrical system. I am not the only one with this problem, and I do not feel that I should have to repair this myself. The vehicle should be void of leaks and able to function in rain and snow conditions. Toyota really needs to address this issue and take responsibility for this defect. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. This is the link to the other toyota owners experience: http://www.rav4world.com/forums/96-4-3-general/93222-random-dash-lights-gauges-even-key-removed-2.html.

Filed Jun 17, 2014 · Fuel system · 74,500 miles · MO

Vapor canister for capture of fuel vapor from fuel tank becomes detached from the vehicle when vehicles go through snow or water. Canister, which is connected to several hoses either dangles under vehicle or pulls loose. The loss of the canister causes engine light to indicate malfunction of emissions system. Toyota has redesigned mounting system on newer models which includes a shield under the canister and more connection points, but has not made available a correction for older models. Canister has come loose or off twice; once driving on snowy roads and the second time when vehicle went through a puddle of water on highway after heavy rain. With canister disconnected it disables 4 wheel drive and also will not pass emissions tests.

Filed Dec 15, 2013 · Engine · 68,105 miles · VA

Was driving on highway when loud sound and vehicle started to reduce speed. Got off at closest off ramp and fortunately made it to firestone. Had to have rav4 towed to the toyota dealership I purchased the vehicle from. They checked it over and informed me that the engine was cracked. There was no oil in it. I purchased the vehicle brand new from haley toyota. Service manager recommended that I contact toyota corporate. Made the call. They were able to learn from all my service records that I have made sure to always have my car serviced on time. Corporate informed me that they would pay for the engine (a short block), but I would be responsible for the labor and rental car (at a discount) - but still paid out $1,505.67. On saturday dec. 7, 2013 - drove my car less than 2 miles to my job and chugging sound started. No lights or warning came on. Drove home that night - no sounds. Sunday dec. 8, 2013 drove to work again (less than 2 miles) and this time chugging starts again and this time engine light, vsc light come on. Parked and turned off car. Drove home later that night - no lights this time, but chugging started entering my garage. Monday dec. 9, 2013 monday morning had aaa tow vehicle to haley toyota. Btw - my rav4 was at 90,200 miles. After an hour plus waiting I was informed (written) "that number 2 coil and spark plug saturated with coolant. Also found oil mixed with coolant. Cylinder head is cracked and needs to be replaced. Aftermarket cylinder head and labor - $2,700" called tues. 12/10/13 to toyota corp. Called again 12/11/13 to follow up. Was informed "upper management will not approve any assistance". Called and spoke with a toyota supervisor on friday - again - was told that toyota could not do anything to assist me. Was told "its not our problem. There is nothing we can do."