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2005 Toyota RAV4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota RAV4 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 258.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

84 reports with mileage · 57 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

22 crash reports2 fire reports12 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

6 reports
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120,000 miles · Feb 4, 2021
Service BrakesSteeringUnknown Or Other

WHEN DRIVING AT OR UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT ON SOME TURNS MY CARS SLIP INDICATOR GOES OFF WITHOUT ANY APPARENT ISSUES AND IT WILL START BEEPING AND SOMETIMES IT EVEN BREAKS ON IT'S OWN AND JERKS THE CAR. THE SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT HAS TURNED ONE WHILE DRIVING UNDER 30 MPH IN A DRY AND PAVED ROAD. THE BEEPING AND JERKING HAS HAPPENED …

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WHEN DRIVING AT OR UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT ON SOME TURNS MY CARS SLIP INDICATOR GOES OFF WITHOUT ANY APPARENT ISSUES AND IT WILL START BEEPING AND SOMETIMES IT EVEN BREAKS ON IT'S OWN AND JERKS THE CAR. THE SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT HAS TURNED ONE WHILE DRIVING UNDER 30 MPH IN A DRY AND PAVED ROAD. THE BEEPING AND JERKING HAS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY

NHTSA ODI #11394746

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2019
Electrical SystemService Brakes

NONE OF MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE WORKING I HAVE TRIED REPLACING THEM WITH NEW BULBS AND THEY STILL DON'T WORK I EVEN CHECKED TO SEE IF IT NEED A NEW FUSE AND ALL THE FUSES LOOK GOOD. I'M STARTING TO FEEL LIKE THE VEHICLE HAS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT'S CAUSING THE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK.

NHTSA ODI #11270953

131,885 miles · Jul 31, 2018
Service Brakes

WHEN DRIVING I WILL PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL AND INSTEAD OF BREAKING THE VEHICLE REACTS LIKE I HIT THE GAS INSTEAD AND SURGES FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES, THE LATEST WAS YESTERDAY 7-30-2018, THE TIME BEFORE THAT WAS A FEW MONTHS AGO AND I HIT A PARKED CAR BECAUSE OF IT. WAS TOLD BY A NON-DEALER MECHANIC IT MIGHT…

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WHEN DRIVING I WILL PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL AND INSTEAD OF BREAKING THE VEHICLE REACTS LIKE I HIT THE GAS INSTEAD AND SURGES FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES, THE LATEST WAS YESTERDAY 7-30-2018, THE TIME BEFORE THAT WAS A FEW MONTHS AGO AND I HIT A PARKED CAR BECAUSE OF IT. WAS TOLD BY A NON-DEALER MECHANIC IT MIGHT BE THE AIR INTAKE SENSOR, CLEANED IT AND IT DIDN'T HELP. TOYOTA DEALER OF COURSE CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW OF THE ISSUE. IT HAS DONE THIS ON CITY STREETS AND PARKING LOTS.

NHTSA ODI #11114711

185,232 miles · Dec 3, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering

I'VE BEEN HAVING AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH MY 2005 RAV 4. WHEN EXITING A HIGHWAY ON A SWEEPING RIGHT CURVE EXIT RAMP, THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WILL START TO FLASH AND AN AUDIBLE BEEP CAN BE HEARD IN THE CABIN. THIS USUALLY INDICATES THE CAR IS IN A SKID BUT I ASSURE YOU I AM IN FULL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IN ITS …

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I'VE BEEN HAVING AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH MY 2005 RAV 4. WHEN EXITING A HIGHWAY ON A SWEEPING RIGHT CURVE EXIT RAMP, THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WILL START TO FLASH AND AN AUDIBLE BEEP CAN BE HEARD IN THE CABIN. THIS USUALLY INDICATES THE CAR IS IN A SKID BUT I ASSURE YOU I AM IN FULL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IN ITS LANE. AFTER 2 TO 3 SECONDS OF CONSTANT BEEPING THE ENGINE CUTS POWER AND APPLIES BRAKING TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHEEL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH SLIGHTLY TO ONE SIDE. JUST AS QUICKLY AS THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR RESUMES NORMAL OPERATION AND THE ISSUE CEASES TO EXIST. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THIS VERY ISSUE IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. MOST HAPPEN AT SLOW SPEEDS (UNDER 35MPH) AND ON DRY PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION AND ALIGNMENT ARE WITHIN OPERATING SPECIFICATION. I HAVE NOTICED HOWEVER, THAT THE STEERING RACK BUSHINGS ARE WORN. THIS CAUSES THE ENTIRE RACK TO MOVE ABOUT SLIGHTLY WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS OF ITS MOUNT. TO MY DISMAY, TOYOTA DOES NOT SELL REPLACEMENT BUSHINGS FOR THE STEERING RACK ON 2004-2005 MODEL RAV-4'S, FORCING OWNERS TO PAY FOR A COMPLETELY NEW STEERING RACK. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FROM A BRAND THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON RELIABILITY AND REASONABLY PRICED MAINTENANCE. THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED BY AN SUBSTANDARD ENGINEERED COMPONENTS. IE: STEERING BUSHINGS; CAUSING TOO MUCH PLAY AND ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TO INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATE, CAUSING A DANGEROUS UNSETTLING OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10808302

59,750 miles · Jan 18, 2015
Service Brakes

STARTED MY TRIP FROM HOME AND I BLOCK AWAY I TRIED TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE WOULD NOT HOLD. I PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD HITTING THE FLOOR NO BRAKE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN I HIT THE CURB. CONTINUE DRIVING AND STEPPING ON BRAKE TO SEE IF PROBLEM CONTINUE SAME PROBLEM. HAD TO SLOWLY RETURN HOME. I DROVE THE VEHI…

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STARTED MY TRIP FROM HOME AND I BLOCK AWAY I TRIED TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE WOULD NOT HOLD. I PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD HITTING THE FLOOR NO BRAKE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN I HIT THE CURB. CONTINUE DRIVING AND STEPPING ON BRAKE TO SEE IF PROBLEM CONTINUE SAME PROBLEM. HAD TO SLOWLY RETURN HOME. I DROVE THE VEHICLE THE PREVIOUS NIGHT WHICH WAS 6 HRS EARLIER AND DID NOT RECEIVED ANY INDICATION ON THE DASHBOARD THAT THERE WAS ANY PROBLEM AND STILL THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10676279

60,000 miles · Jun 23, 2014
Service Brakes

WAS TOLD IN 2010 THAT CAUSE OF THE BACK BRAKES SQUEAKING (IN REVERSE ONLY) WAS BECAUSE ALL RAV4S HAVE THAT PROBLEM. JUST ASSUMED THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. RECENTLY WENT TO NON-DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A FILM (DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS CALLED) THAT WAS PROBABLY MAKING THEM SQUEAK. HAD BR…

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WAS TOLD IN 2010 THAT CAUSE OF THE BACK BRAKES SQUEAKING (IN REVERSE ONLY) WAS BECAUSE ALL RAV4S HAVE THAT PROBLEM. JUST ASSUMED THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. RECENTLY WENT TO NON-DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A FILM (DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS CALLED) THAT WAS PROBABLY MAKING THEM SQUEAK. HAD BRAKES REPLACED ON ALL WHEELS AND HAD THEY INSPECTED AND CLEANED THE WHOLE AREA AROUND THE BRAKES TO SEE IF THEY COULD STOP THE SQUEAKING. IT WORKED BUT JUST FOR A SHORT TIME. IT IS ANNOYING BECAUSE NOW IT SQUEAKS WHEN STOPPING IN FORWARD POSITION AND WHEN IN REVERSE AND APPLYING BRAKES. NEED TO FIND A REMEDY AS I WANT TO SELL MY CAR BUT CAN'T IF THIS ISSUE ISN'T TAKEN CARE OF. DEALERSHIP IS NOT HELPFUL AT ALL (SEE FIRST SENTENCE). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10605249

Official recalls

5

19V741000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 17, 2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

15V284000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 13, 2015

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. Owners were mailed an interim notice June 17, 2015. The recall began on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

06V096000 · Air Bags

Apr 3, 2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Toyota RAV4 problems