CarRecallWatchThe 2008 Toyota RAV4 has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 575 complaints with NHTSA, including 42 crashes, 16 fires, 32 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (137 reports).
2008 Toyota RAV4 recalls
Rear Suspension Arm May Fail, Risking Loss of Control
Certain Toyota RAV4 (2006-2011) and Lexus HS 250h (2010) vehicles may have rear suspension arms, also called rear tie rods, whose adjusting lock nuts were possibly tightened improperly after servicing.
Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Certain vehicles were equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that have a copper strand heating element.
Rear seat belts may be cut in a frontal crash
Certain Toyota RAV4 vehicles from model years 2006 to 2012, along with 2012 to 2014 RAV4 EVs, may have rear outboard seat belts that can be cut by the seat cushion frame during a frontal collision.
Power window switch may overheat and cause a fire
Some Toyota vehicles may have a power window master switch where grease was inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts during manufacturing.
Most common 2008 Toyota RAV4 problems
Problem areas named in the 575 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 137 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 92 |
| Suspension | 82 |
| Steering | 74 |
| Air Bags | 62 |
| Power Train | 39 |
| Unknown Or Other | 29 |
| Electrical System | 28 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 25 |
| Structure | 19 |
What owners report
My airbag light came on and I received a letter saying there was a recall but unfortunately I threw out the letter and when I called Toyota said there was a recall but it was fixed in 2012 when I didnât own the vehicle and it seems like it didnât last long because my airbags are not working so this will be the last time I buy a Toyota!! Thanks for Nothing
My daughter and I are leasing our Toyota Rav4 almost paid off. Our last 2 oil changes done by professional the engine has burned off the oil in between the oil changes. I seen multiple complaints for this same issue for other owners and that there's not been any recalls only investigations. I read 1 person their engine caught fire. I'm disabled if what happened to that person's family happened to my Toyota I might not be as lucky as I, my daughter and my oldest daughter who is disabled and needs help moving and I'd have to get my dog out of the car and we all get safely away from the car and pray we were in a safe area no one else gets hurt. This oil burning from these cars is a dangerous
My engine recently start to burning oil. Toyota had an extended Warranty for this issue which had to do with piston rings failure. which has expired. Searching the internet this problem is popping up all over the internet. Calling you
The paint on my car is peeling all over. There has been a recall with other years of this vehicle but my specific year is not included in the recall. The paint peeling is the same color and issue as with the current recall. Please add my year into this recall so I can get some assistance from Toyota.
Issue started when I noticed the vehicle was burning oil, hence why I had to keep refilling the oil levels often. This is an issue many other RAV4 owners have reported. However, the problem was made worse when my mother used my vehicle to pick up some family from the nearest airport. On her way home, my engine blew a hole through itself, causing an engine fire. If it wasn't for the swift thinking of my stepfather, she, him, and my brothers could've been seriously injured or killed. I firmly believe this has to do with the reason why the engine was burning oil.
2008 Toyota RAV4 questions
Does the 2008 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2008 Toyota RAV4: Rear Suspension Arm May Fail, Risking Loss of Control; Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire; Rear seat belts may be cut in a frontal crash; Power window switch may overheat and cause a fire; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota RAV4?
Based on 575 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (137), Vehicle Speed Control (92), Suspension (82).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Toyota RAV4 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.