The power steering light came on then the steering wheel locked I jerked it to the right to get it to pull off the road. I was driving on a city street going up hill when the car finally disabled, the mechanic told me he found nothing wrong when he put it on the diagnostic I don't feel safe driving the car with my child I've paid 140.00 for and inspection now I'm taking it to the sf toyota mechanic.
2009 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems
19 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 33,960. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 33,960
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Wiring1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota RAV4 electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 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 2009 Toyota RAV4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Back door cannot unlock, no manual accessibility to open door from inside, no key entry from outside, latch actuator failed, if stuck in trunk after accident door cannot be opened due to no handle/no manual function to open door due to no operating latch.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the wire harness wiring was being damaged by animals biting the wiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but it was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.
Inintended acceleration occured while braking. Engine reved while braking -I put the car in park - engine redlined - switched off ignition - car ran normally after the ignition was switched on. This is the second occurrance in one year. The first time we took the car to the dealer but they could find no fault.
While my wife was driving on the highway at 60 MPH the engine lost power. Moving to the right lane to pull over, flames began coming out of the top of the hood, hitting the windshield. She tried stopping but brake pedal went to the floor, requiring her to put the car in park and slide on grass. She jumped out of the vehicle and within 8 minutes the car was completely destroyed.
Driving alone in heavy traffic, on a major road. About 6 pm. Warning light appeared followed immediately by whole dashboard that lit up. No previous warning. Vehicle lost complete power. I made split-second decision to make a quick right turn into small shopping center but only managed, without power, to maneuver vehicle on a slant up the incline. Emergency flashers stopped working shortly thereafter, so car not easily visible to others. No heat in car due to lost power and it was a bitter cold and windy night. Had to be towed to dealer at cost of $190 (insurance reimbursed me only $25). Cost of replacement parts plus labor at dealer was $1499.87. I could have been plowed into from behind by another driver. I was vulnerable with no power to car. An online search reveals toyota has many irate customers re water pumps failing on their rav 4s from various years--not just the year of my model. Yet toyota sent no recall notice re this dangerous flaw in their vehicles. And they maintain that since the warranty expired, they are under no obligation to cover my costs. They have offered only $522 47 to me. An expired warranty is not relevant. This is a safety issue. Suppose I had been on an interstate highway with high speeds?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. While driving 30 MPH, the four wheel drive check warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available. Updated 03/30/15*lj updated 6/22/2015
The brake was engaged in traffic when the car started to accelerate. I applied the brake more firmly and put the car in park. The engine began to rev uncontrollably in a cloud of white smoke. I switched the car off and restarted the motor and it then ran normally.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the ignition button failed to shut the engine off. The contact also mentioned that the door locks failed to function. The failure was experienced numerous times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 60,342. Updated 6/10/14
Extensive rodent damage to wiring harness, passenger air bag, heat/AC ducts, headliner, carpeting front & rear, instrument panel, and many more misc. Parts. Repair costs - $10,257.91 because toyota chose to make this car with a smaller carbon footprint using edible products (soy foam, rice husks, etc.) in place of petroleum for much of the plastic parts. This material is now attractive to rodents and they designed the air inlet to the heater without a screen which allows rodents entry to the vehicle. It becomes a safety issue because the air bag was damaged enough to require replacement. My toyota has become the incredible edible car.
Questions about the 2009 Toyota RAV4 electrical
Does the 2009 Toyota RAV4 have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the electrical of the 2009 Toyota RAV4, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 33,960 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2009 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 2009 Toyota RAV4 problems
Acceleration 99Suspension 55Engine 35Brakes 31Transmission 28Steering 26Body 17Airbags 13Fuel system 10Wheels 10Seat belts 7Tires 7Visibility 7Seats 4Driver assistance 2
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