We were informed of safety recalls for our Toyota Rav 4 2009 . We called the local Toyaota dealership for the recalls and was told on the phone after we dropped it off that they did the inspection to make sure the recalls could be completed and informed us that they could ,but they needed to keep overnight because they had to order the parts. Prior to dropping the vehicle off the car was able to be driven and no known issues were visible. Received call following told to come pick it up and that they officially refused to perform the recalls repairs. They stated that excessive structural damage and unsafe to drive to this degradation. Because the structural rust is directly in the exact suspension components targeted by this safety recalls. The vehicle cannot be remedied under standard recall procedures. By refusing the repair without providing an alternative solution The manufacture is failing its federal obligation to remedy a known safety defect. The vehicle is currently trapped in a regularity deadlock. It can not legally or safely be repaired. It is now deemed unsafe to be driven period. When the dealership gave the vehicle back, They wanted us to sign off and yes we refused because they told us it was inspected and was going to be repaired. When they did the inspection it is known that they have to bang , wrench and or pull on these parts to check to see if recall can be completed. Which they told us it could. When the vehicle was picked up we immediately noticed that the steering wheel was no longer in the correct position and that it was making an extreme screeching sound. We did not reach back out to the dealership as we feel they definitely caused more damage and already treated us poorly. We are requesting that the federal safety agency intervenes to compel Toyota to provide an alternative remedy. Either structural vehicle replacement or a KB buyback to remove this 100% unsafe vehicle from the road. because the structural rust is directly impacting the exact components .
The worst 2009 Toyota RAV4 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration99
- Suspension55
- Engine35
- Brakes31
- Transmission28
- Steering26
- Electrical19
- Body17
- Airbags13
- Fuel system10
- Wheels10
- Seat belts7
- Tires7
- Visibility7
- Seats4
- Driver assistance2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Toyota RAV4
Sudden acceleration 37Jerking 14No deployment 10Brake failure 7Adaptive cruise 6Ball joint 6Grinding brakes 6Check engine light 5Fire or smoke 5Steering noise 5
Recalls 15
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
- Risk
- Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V‑383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V‑383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Recall number 16V596000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler
- What is wrong
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- Risk
- If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1‑866‑405‑4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Recall number 16V396000 · Recall details
Seat belts: rear/other
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
- Risk
- A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Recall number 16V096000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
- Risk
- If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Recall number 15V689000 · Recall details
Visibility/wiper
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
- Risk
- Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a protective cover over the wiper linkage joint to minimize water splash and a retainer ring to prevent the wiper arm from separating from the wiper motor. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service number at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 15V577000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler
- What is wrong
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
- Risk
- Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
- Remedy
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1‑866‑405‑4226.
Recall number 14V743000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
- Risk
- Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V‑373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Recall number 13V383000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
- Risk
- If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Remedy
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1‑800‑301‑6859.
Recall number 13V014000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
- Risk
- If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1‑800‑331‑4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1‑800‑762‑2737.
Recall number 12V491000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
- Risk
- Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331 or Lexus at 1‑800‑255‑3987.
Recall number 12V373000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 lexus lx570, 2003 through 2009 toyota 4runner, and 2006 through 2010 rav4 vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
- Risk
- A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- The remedy is now available. The safety recall began early april 2011. The remedy will involve modification or replacement of the accelerator pedal and replacement of any toyota all-weather floor mat. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331 or lexus at 1‑800‑255‑3987.
Recall number 11V113000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
- Risk
- This does not meet the standard requirements.
- Remedy
- Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713‑580‑3300.
Recall number 10V035000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
- Risk
- A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1‑800‑301‑6859.
Recall number 10V036000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 avalon, model year 2007-2010 camry, model year 2009-2010 corolla, corolla matrix, rav4, model year 2010 highlander, model year 2008-2010 sequoia, and model year 2007-2010 tundra vehicles. Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the sliding surface of the lever may become smooth during vehicle operation. In this condition, if condensation occurs on the surface, as may occur from heater operation (without A/C) when the pedal assembly is cold, the friction when the accelerator pedal is operated may increase, which may result in the accelerator pedal becoming harder to depress, slower to return, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position.
- Risk
- The accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. Gm will notify owners for the pontiac vibe please see 10v‑018. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on february 5, 2010 and will be completed on march 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 10V017000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
- Risk
- Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑888‑270‑9371.
Recall number 09V223000 · Recall details
See all 15 recalls for the 2009 Toyota RAV4
Defect 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Toyota RAV4 287
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical...
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used...
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix...
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad...
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for...
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life...
2009 Toyota RAV4 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22 | 28 | 24 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 21 | 27 | 24 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 19 | 26 | 21 |
What 2009 Toyota RAV4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I am writing to report a suspected case of odometer fraud involving a vehicle currently listed for sale at Stacey’s Auto Sales, located at [XXX] . Vehicle Details: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport VIN: [XXX] Asking Price: $8,995 Current Listed Mileage: 108,540 I obtained an NMVTIS vehicle history report which shows this vehicle was listed at a dealer (Revolutionary Auto) in December 2020 with 150,439 miles on the odometer. The vehicle is currently being sold with only 108,540 miles — a discrepancy of approximately 42,000 miles over five years. The current Utah title lists odometer reading as ‘EXEMPT,’ which may have been used to obscure this discrepancy. I am not the buyer or seller of this vehicle. I am a private citizen who identified this discrepancy while researching the vehicle prior to a potential purchase. I am submitting this report in the interest of protecting other consumers. I have the NMVTIS report available as supporting documentation upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Repairs of the control arms indicated on recall the federal safety agency 16V‑596 were never done on my vehicle after the recall was issued in 2016. Smart motors Toyota in Madison confirmed that the replacement of the control arms was never done on my vehicle, but they are showing no open recalls on my vehicle in their system due to this being a re-recall. From what I've read many vehicles were incorrectly marked "complete" after the 2012 inspection, but the 2016 update (G0V) was issued specifically because those earlier inspections were found to be insufficient. I am entitled to this repair through Toyota due to this recall as Toyota has confirmed my vehicle was recalled and this repair was never completed. My rear control arms are showing signs of failure consistent with the re-recall.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine at startup. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil caused by a gasket failure inside a piston in the engine. Due to the failure, the contact was frequently adding oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and an estimate was provided for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Engine timeing system rattle on startup. Even basic web research shows this is a common problem for select model years and acorss mulitple models. This issue has a high probility of causing catastrophic engine damage, where the timeing chain & VVT system fails to keep timing causing the valves to colide with the pistons. There is a TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE risk with each and every engine start. The fix on the 3.5L requires the engine to be removed, VVT and timing chain tensioner to be replaced. This is a $4000 to $5000 dollar repair. This is a clear manufacuting wide spread defect and should be repaired by toyota via recall!
I was hit with a rock right between my eyes while driving, took Toyota into shop they were surprised it had not fell in on my lap. Window frame has corroded, glass shop said the manufacturer did not paint were the seals meet around the window and has allowed moisture in and corroded the frame. I have 160,000 miles on a Toyota that the window could fail anytime.
We have a 09 Toyota Rav4 with a Blizzard Pearl paint that continues to fail. Apparently there were notices sent out in 2022 indicating a recall that would cover these repairs. We were unaware of these notices and continue to experience paint degradation on multiple areas of the car. I have contacted Toyota and they claim no responsibility past the 2022 expiration date. I am hoping that NTSB will reopen the recall regarding this issue. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My son was looking to get his new tires aligned, and was informed by the mechanic that he would need to replace both side rear lower control arms, as Toyota had performed a safety recall GOV, resulting in the arms being epoxied, and therefore cannot be adjusted/ aligned. I contacted Toyota customer experience center (800 331 4331 - 1/16/2024) and she could not even call up the original recall. My question is: How can Toyota permanently remove a vehicle feature (adjustability of the suspension arms), and then require car owners to bear the brunt of re-installing the arms when you need to align your tires? This "solution" is totally unfair. I just purchased a new set of tires, and based on Toyota's "solution" I need to pay out of pocket to replace the control bars and/or damage my tires and have to replace them early. I was not able to find any other information on this issue on the web, and was wondering if Toyota had done anything to address this issue?
Four incidents of unintended acceleration , in all instances foot was on break petal NOT on gas petal, 3 instances vehicle was stopped at traffic light, last incident was pulling into a parking space foot on brake, in all instances braked hard and shifted vehicle into neutral and turned vehicle off to avoid collisions, personal injury and property damage
My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.
Compare the 2009 Toyota RAV4
RAV4 vs Ford EscapeRAV4 vs Honda CR-VRAV4 vs Jeep CherokeeRAV4 vs Chevrolet EquinoxRAV4 vs Nissan RogueRAV4 vs Subaru ForesterRAV4 vs Hyundai TucsonRAV4 vs Kia Sportage
Other model years
19941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Questions about the 2009 Toyota RAV4
Is the 2009 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Owners have filed 327 complaints about the 2009 Toyota RAV4, close to a typical RAV4 model year.
What is the 2009 Toyota RAV4 year score?
The 2009 Toyota RAV4 scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota RAV4: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Toyota RAV4?
Acceleration and speed control, with 99 complaints, typically around 11,200 miles. Next is suspension (55).
How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota RAV4 have?
15 recalls, covering suspension, seats and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Toyota RAV4 acceleration?
Yes, 2 recalls: 11V113000, 10V017000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota RAV4 have the most acceleration problems?
The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most acceleration complaints are 2007 (101 complaints), 2009 (99 complaints) and 2008 (92 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Toyota RAV4 get?
Official estimates for the 2009 Toyota RAV4 range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22 city and 28 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2009 Toyota RAV4?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history