IllustrationTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, VSC TRACK LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30000.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAV4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
110–25K
1525–50K
1550–75K
1475–100K
18100–150K
11150K+
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, Hydraulic complaints
5 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THERE WAS MINIMAL RESISTANCE. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ABS BRAKE AND TRACK WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THERE WAS MINIMAL RESISTANCE. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ABS BRAKE AND TRACK WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND CONFIRMED THAT A FAULTY ABS ACTIVATOR CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THIS WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE WHICH PREVENTED THE BRAKES FROM COMMUNICATING WITH THE COMPUTER. THE REPAIR PART#44050-42161 IS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED HER WARRANTY WAS NO LONGER VALID. SHE WAS EXPECTING A CALL FROM A TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE. SHE FILED CLAIM#1006300590 WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 21,613.
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE SPEED WAS ALWAYS RELATIVELY LOW (30 MILES/HOUR OR LESS). I NEVER KNEW WHEN IT WOULD HAPPEN, SO I NEVER REPORTED IT BECAUSE IT WAS NON-REPEATABLE. IT HAPPENED EVERY FEW MONTHS. I CAN'T PUT INCIDENT DATES SINCE IT WAS RECURRING, BUT I NEED TO FILL THAT IN, SO I'LL FILL IT I…
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THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE SPEED WAS ALWAYS RELATIVELY LOW (30 MILES/HOUR OR LESS). I NEVER KNEW WHEN IT WOULD HAPPEN, SO I NEVER REPORTED IT BECAUSE IT WAS NON-REPEATABLE. IT HAPPENED EVERY FEW MONTHS. I CAN'T PUT INCIDENT DATES SINCE IT WAS RECURRING, BUT I NEED TO FILL THAT IN, SO I'LL FILL IT IN WITH THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED. *TR
THE ABS BRAKES ON MY 2005 TOYOTA RAV4 DO NOT GRAB PROPERLY ON UNEVEN SURFACES. THEY SEEM TO TRY TO SLOW DOWN RATHER THAN STOP, ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE, OR BEING ON BUMPY ROAD. I ALMOST ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. *TR
HAD 2005 TOYOTA RAV 4 FRONT BRAKE ROTORS DISPLAYED STRAIGHT LINES OF TINY PITS ACROSS BRAKING SURFACE , APPEARED TO BE CASTING FLAWS EXTENDED INTO AND BELOW ROTOR SURFACE. HAD PROBLEMS WITH TIRES PREMATURELY WEARING ON INNER SIDES, SCRAPING NOISE. *AK ASKED DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP ABOUT THESE ROTORS AND WAS TOLD THEY SEE A LO…
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HAD 2005 TOYOTA RAV 4 FRONT BRAKE ROTORS DISPLAYED STRAIGHT LINES OF TINY PITS ACROSS BRAKING SURFACE , APPEARED TO BE CASTING FLAWS EXTENDED INTO AND BELOW ROTOR SURFACE. HAD PROBLEMS WITH TIRES PREMATURELY WEARING ON INNER SIDES, SCRAPING NOISE. *AK ASKED DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP ABOUT THESE ROTORS AND WAS TOLD THEY SEE A LOT OF THEM LIKE THIS.
Official recalls
519V741000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.