Skip to content
KLUNK
KLUNK

2009 Toyota Rav4

The Verdict

41 Proceed with Caution

The 2009 Toyota Rav4 has 327 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (207 complaints) and engine (42 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 41/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Toyota Rav4, consider the 2000 model year which has 87% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2000 has 87% fewer complaints

View the 2000 Toyota Rav4 dashboard →

41

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

15V577000 VISIBILITY/WIPER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufact...

Risk

Over time, the dripping water may cause corrosion and wear at the joint, potentially resulting in the separation of the wiper linkage. Once this occurs, the wipers would not function, reducing dri...

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water diverter channel. In addition, a new wiper linkage with a wiper motor crank arm will be installed. The wiper linkage will have a prot...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2009 Toyota Rav4. No spam, no marketing.

Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000213196
200146223142179
200260125669358
20034622954194
2004417533022
2005441160168
2006377298616546
20075223715025142
2008272277917026
200920729244225
201025030404832
201114836314723
201214236413115
20139521723827
20146512673416
201512224814925
20167242792810
201784321234213
2018107251284018
2019228279445659
20201781513127623
2021142191395513
202263627315
2023641224318
2024811326383
202541510103

By Category

Body
207
Engine
42
Brakes
29
Transmission
25
Electrical
24

By Severity

1
148
2
124
4
55

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2009 Toyota Rav4 stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 2

We were informed of safety recalls for our Toyota Rav 4 2009 . We called the local Toyaota dealership for the recalls and was told on the phone after we dropped it off that they did the inspection to make sure the recalls could be completed and informed us that they could ,but they needed to keep overnight because they had to order the parts. Prior to dropping the vehicle off the car was able to be driven and no known issues were visible. Received call following told to come pick it up and that they officially refused to perform the recalls repairs. They stated that excessive structural damage and unsafe to drive to this degradation. Because the structural rust is directly in the exact suspension components targeted by this safety recalls. The vehicle cannot be remedied under standard recall procedures. By refusing the repair without providing an alternative solution The manufacture is failing its federal obligation to remedy a known safety defect. The vehicle is currently trapped in a regularity deadlock. It can not legally or safely be repaired. It is now deemed unsafe to be driven period. When the dealership gave the vehicle back, They wanted us to sign off and yes we refused because they told us it was inspected and was going to be repaired. When they did the inspection it is known that they have to bang , wrench and or pull on these parts to check to see if recall can be completed. Which they told us it could. When the vehicle was picked up we immediately noticed that the steering wheel was no longer in the correct position and that it was making an extreme screeching sound. We did not reach back out to the dealership as we feel they definitely caused more damage and already treated us poorly. We are requesting that the NHTSA intervenes to compel Toyota to provide an alternative remedy. Either structural vehicle replacement or a KB buyback to remove this 100% unsafe vehicle from the road. because the structural rust is directly impacting the exact components .

1mo ago
Body 1

I am writing to report a suspected case of odometer fraud involving a vehicle currently listed for sale at Stacey’s Auto Sales, located at [XXX] . Vehicle Details: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport VIN: [XXX] Asking Price: $8,995 Current Listed Mileage: 108,540 I obtained an NMVTIS vehicle history report which shows this vehicle was listed at a dealer (Revolutionary Auto) in December 2020 with 150,439 miles on the odometer. The vehicle is currently being sold with only 108,540 miles — a discrepancy of approximately 42,000 miles over five years. The current Utah title lists odometer reading as ‘EXEMPT,’ which may have been used to obscure this discrepancy. I am not the buyer or seller of this vehicle. I am a private citizen who identified this discrepancy while researching the vehicle prior to a potential purchase. I am submitting this report in the interest of protecting other consumers. I have the NMVTIS report available as supporting documentation upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Body 2

Repairs of the control arms indicated on recall NHTSA 16V-596 were never done on my vehicle after the recall was issued in 2016. Smart motors Toyota in Madison confirmed that the replacement of the control arms was never done on my vehicle, but they are showing no open recalls on my vehicle in their system due to this being a re-recall. From what I've read many vehicles were incorrectly marked "complete" after the 2012 inspection, but the 2016 update (G0V) was issued specifically because those earlier inspections were found to be insufficient. I am entitled to this repair through Toyota due to this recall as Toyota has confirmed my vehicle was recalled and this repair was never completed. My rear control arms are showing signs of failure consistent with the re-recall.

2mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine at startup. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil caused by a gasket failure inside a piston in the engine. Due to the failure, the contact was frequently adding oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and an estimate was provided for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

2mo ago
Engine 1

Engine timeing system rattle on startup. Even basic web research shows this is a common problem for select model years and acorss mulitple models. This issue has a high probility of causing catastrophic engine damage, where the timeing chain & VVT system fails to keep timing causing the valves to colide with the pistons. There is a TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE risk with each and every engine start. The fix on the 3.5L requires the engine to be removed, VVT and timing chain tensioner to be replaced. This is a $4000 to $5000 dollar repair. This is a clear manufacuting wide spread defect and should be repaired by toyota via recall!

8mo ago
Body 1

I was hit with a rock right between my eyes while driving, took Toyota into shop they were surprised it had not fell in on my lap. Window frame has corroded, glass shop said the manufacturer did not paint were the seals meet around the window and has allowed moisture in and corroded the frame. I have 160,000 miles on a Toyota that the window could fail anytime.

11mo ago
Body 1

We have a 09 Toyota Rav4 with a Blizzard Pearl paint that continues to fail. Apparently there were notices sent out in 2022 indicating a recall that would cover these repairs. We were unaware of these notices and continue to experience paint degradation on multiple areas of the car. I have contacted Toyota and they claim no responsibility past the 2022 expiration date. I am hoping that NTSB will reopen the recall regarding this issue. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

28mo ago
Body 2

My son was looking to get his new tires aligned, and was informed by the mechanic that he would need to replace both side rear lower control arms, as Toyota had performed a safety recall GOV, resulting in the arms being epoxied, and therefore cannot be adjusted/ aligned. I contacted Toyota customer experience center (800 331 4331 - 1/16/2024) and she could not even call up the original recall. My question is: How can Toyota permanently remove a vehicle feature (adjustability of the suspension arms), and then require car owners to bear the brunt of re-installing the arms when you need to align your tires? This "solution" is totally unfair. I just purchased a new set of tires, and based on Toyota's "solution" I need to pay out of pocket to replace the control bars and/or damage my tires and have to replace them early. I was not able to find any other information on this issue on the web, and was wondering if Toyota had done anything to address this issue?

30mo ago
Engine 1

Four incidents of unintended acceleration , in all instances foot was on break petal NOT on gas petal, 3 instances vehicle was stopped at traffic light, last incident was pulling into a parking space foot on brake, in all instances braked hard and shifted vehicle into neutral and turned vehicle off to avoid collisions, personal injury and property damage

35mo ago
Transmission 1

My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.

36mo ago
Body 2

paint recall the problem was confirmed twice by sansone dealership avenel, nj. 4/28/2021 and 12/1/2022. on both occasionspictures were submitted and i was told it would be taken care of. on 1/23/2023 i dropped car off to be repainted and was told it would be about 1.5 weeks. i picked up the car unrepaired on 2/21/2023. they said they would not honor recall

40mo ago
Engine 1

Engine rattle on cold start ups.

40mo ago
Brakes 1

My car was being seviced today for rear brakes and the Toyota dealer needed to unseal previous safety recall in order to perform the service. I'm being charged to undo the recall to perform the service and then to reapply the recall. I do not understand how this cost is not the responsibility of the manufacturer, Toyota. If there is a recall issued for an auto, shouldn't the recall correction allow for future auto maintenance where the recall doesn't need to undone and then reapplied?

44mo ago
Body 1

The rear lower suspension arms recall notice solution was replacement of arms if needed and than sealed with epoxy. Labels were applied stating the arm is no longer adjustable. The vehicle no longer can routinely get a wheel alignment at a market expense. The Toyota company suggests for further alignments go to a Toyota dealership and have a alignment done for 900.00 dollars every time you need a alignment. This is not a safe solution. This only makes owners go to their dealerships and give them thousands of more dollars for taking away a routine adjustable maintenance capability with this permanent one time fix.

55mo ago
Brakes 4

My mother had the exact same issue reported in Toyota Manufacturer case 1707311582 and NHTSA report 11396355 from Feb 15, 2021. My mother had not reported to me, until it happened while I was driving her around Dec. 24, 2021, that her Rav. rev'd and accelerated when she applied the brake while leaving a parking spot. Here's what I've reported to my Toyota dealership where we bought the vehicle. Until last month (Nov. 21), the vehicle had an immaculate operation and maintenance record. To the repair shop "Twice in the past month, we've had brake failure, accelerator failure issues. The first time, my mother was pulling forward at less than 5 miles per hour in a parking lot. She pushed the brake pedal when pulling forward, but the car did not slow, the brakes did not engage, and instead, the RAV revved and accelerated forward. She crashed into the parked vehicle and incurred damages that already have been fixed by USAA at a service location in Richmond. The airbag did not deploy. Dec. 24, here in Churchland, I was driving with her. While coasting to a stop light at less than 10 miles per hour, I attempted to stop by pressing the brake. The car revved and accelerated to the light, I pressed both feet again, and the car continued to accelerate and I ended up running a red light and luckily we did not have an accident or cause the person behind us to rear end us. It was not until after my driving on Dec. 24 that my Mom told me she had an accident a month earlier and it was because she couldn't get the car to stop. She assumed it was her. The vehicle has almost 90k miles. Looking for recalls, because this is not normal for brakes to malfunction this way, I found a consumer article describing to my Mom's and my description to almost exact detail captured in Manufacturer case number provided above. That vehicle had approximately 77k miles. I will be contacting USAA to report the issue, this is clearly a safety issue."

55mo ago
Body 1

The paint on my white 2009 Toyota RAV4 has been coming off. Sheets of color is peeling on the roof. I have several large (1-2 inches) bare spots on the top and many tiny ones on the body hood and doors, rusting for years. The manager of Titus-Will Toyota advised me not to do anything about it when I showed them the recall letter from Toyota and let him take pictures of the affected areas of my car. He said he would send a request and let me know about the repair decision. It has been more than two years since my complaint. I ask about it almost every time I go there for my scheduled service maintenance, and I get no answer so far. Until now, I still don’t have a response from them, and I am a little unhappy. Also, I see that I am not their favorite customer and avoided by management as they are always swamping. I showed them how bad the paint continues to come off, and the rust is awful. I could off taken care of it by now, but the manager clearly said not to paint it or do anything about it until he gets confirmation about the issue. My roof could start licking with all this rain and rust. Thank you.

55mo ago
Body 1

MY PROBLEM IS UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD A RECALL (16V596000) FOR MY REAR SUSPENSION ARMS WAS AVAILABLE AND I NEEDED TO HAVE IT DONE AS THE BACK END NUTS COULDN'T BE ADJUSTED. I CALLED A DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS TAKEN CARE OF 3 YEARS AGO, YET THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS.

65mo ago
Engine 1

WHILE DECELERATING ON A FREEWAY OFF-RAMP AT APPROX. 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE CAR. GOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH, I LIFTED OFF SLIGHTLY THEN DEPRESSED THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR; THEY DIDN'T ENGAGE PROPERLY BUT FINALLY SLOWED THE CAR ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR KEPT WANTING TO GO FORWARD. I THREW THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION.

65mo ago
Body 1

THE PAINT ON OUR 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 COMES OF WITH THE SLIGHTEST BUMP FROM SOMETHING LIKE A BRANCH, WHICH SHOULD NOT NORMALLY CAUSE PAINT TO COME OFF. BECAUSE OF THIS WE HAVE SEVERAL BARE SPOTS WHICH ARE BEGINNING TO RUST.

68mo ago
Engine 1

I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON OCTOBER 12, 2020 BECAUSE THE OIL LIGHT WAS FLICKERING THOUGH I AM NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE UNTIL JANUARY. I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. UPON RESEARCHING ONLINE LEARNED THAT THIS IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE PISTON RINGS AND IN 2011, TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. AT THIS POINT, THEY ARE REFUSING TO CORRECT THE ERROR WITH THE DESIGN OF THE PISTONS.

70mo ago

327 total

1/ 17
Report a Klunk