2015 Toyota RAV4: engine failure

Filed Nov 9, 2023 · Engine · 70,000 miles · TN · fire

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was inoperable and all the warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel was seized and the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the street. The contact's daughter noticed the vehicle was smoking from under the hood. The contact's daughter exited the vehicle and the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire or police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard. The insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System), however, the contact stated he did not receive the recall notification. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Brakes · OH

This is regarding potential safety issue related to the brake system. Last week (10/1/23) I changed the rear brake pads for the first time since I got the car from the dealer. The pads are original ones installed at the Toyota plant/line. Shocked was that there was no sign of grease on right/passenger side caliper guide pins, and pins were rusted and seized on the caliper as a result. This explains why the pad thickness is still 4-5 mm. Braking was done mostly by the front bakes. If the front brakes failed, it's like driving the car without brakes. I and my family narrowly escaped collision because it needs extra distance to make complete stop compared to other normal cars. I checked the front brake pads also just for safety reasons. The pins glide freely in the caliper, but not like normal guide pin behavior. This is the manufacturer's fault and could put me and my family in danger of collision.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Steering · 115,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2022 · Steering · 77,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized while the power steering warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact mentioned that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · MN · fire

Driver was driving on the highway when the screen turned off and on and the steering wheel seized momentarily. Approximately 5 minutes later, screen went blank again and could not accelerate. Driver pulled over to the side of the road. Strange noises were coming from under the hood and the car starting smoking and then caught on fire.

Filed Jul 10, 2020 · 70,000 miles · PA

Rear hatch strut seized and broke causing rear hatch door to not close completely, remote and door release in car inoperable. I had my car serviced and advisor explained that water (from weather) caused rust and left strut broke. The right strut is corroded badly and recommended to replace as well. Total cost would be 1386.00 included left strut part (427.00), right strut part (739.00) and about 200.00 in labor. I called toyota corporate for complains and they said that there was no recalls and their warranty was 3yr/3000 miles which did not apply to my situation. I called multiple toyota parts depts, some out of state to compare prices and they remained the same. One parts employee informed me that this part I needed to provide my VIN number because these struts supply is sparse and they needed to supply local customers. I asked why there wasn't a recall and he agreed that there should be one. Agreed that the design is poor and expectation to lubricate joints to prevent water damage ( which was not in any of my maintenance manuels.). I have the extended warranty when I purchased my new rav4 and advisor called and presented pictures, the claim was denied.

Filed Jun 17, 2019 · Brakes · 61,372 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 toyota rav4. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal seized when it was depressed and the ABS warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to turn the vehicle off and on for it to resume normal operation. The vehicle was taken to kings toyota (4700 fields ertel rd, cincinnati, oh 45249, (513) 683-5440) to be diagnosed, but no failure was found. The dealer updated the ECM, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would need to take the vehicle back to the dealer for a second diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 61,372.

Filed Dec 7, 2017 · Brakes, Engine · 73,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 toyota rav4. While driving 20 MPH, the key indicator illuminated, the steering wheel seized, the brake pedal was difficult to depress, and the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to dch freehold toyota (4268 u.s. 9 s, freehold, nj 07728), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2016 · Steering · 5,500 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2015 toyota rav4. While driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the contact crashed into a utility pole. The contact sustained a cut to the face and arm that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision lot. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,500.

Filed Dec 23, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 140,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, a vehicle stopped in front of the contacts vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond as the steering wheel seized. As a result. The contact crashed into a tree. The air bags deploy, releasing a chemical substance. The contact sustained arm, legs and whiplash injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v144000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 04/07/16*lj...updated 12/06/16 *bf updated 03/09/17.