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2006 Toyota RAV4

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, the 99 refers to the load rating, though it's so close it probably won't make much difference.

    As for the S vs. H speed rating, that is mostly a measure of resistance to heat at sustained high speeds. Again, probably won't matter much unless you take it to the salt flats at Bonneville for a land speed record (doubtful).

    Do this, though - make sure the tire pressure is never low. The 99S tire is less resistance to heat and rated for smaller loads, so at the very minimum make sure that pressure is always, always good.
  • buddg4buddg4 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 Rav4 Limited 4 cyl. I did replace brakes at about 38,000 and the only other repair was a leaking water pump at about 60,000. I am now at 78,000 and figure I will need brakes sometime soon since I tend to sit in traffic. Other than changing fluids and tires once, that's it. I do only use the Toyota dealer and I tell them what maintenance I want, I don't want to be sold a package of goods. This is now my 6th Toyota and it ranks high in reliability for me. My Highlander was great, but had some rattles that were never resolved. My 4Runner had an electrical problem that shorted out lights, but a complaint to Toyota in California netted a 7 year bumper to bumper warranty that I didn't have to use.
  • raviola4raviola4 Member Posts: 52
    Curious what tires you replaced originals with? And more importantly how they ride, etc etc. I have original Geolanders. Mine's an 06 as well, but only a little over 30,000 miles so still no problems, brakes, tires etc. but at some point i may opt for new tires (maybe before next summer).....thanks. And i too use only dealer and car's been great (except the $#&*$# radio which is the 3rd one (and so far hopefully the last - 1.5 years now.).
  • zivbndzivbnd Member Posts: 4
    I don't ride the brakes, and I drive pretty gently because I have clients in the car very frequently. When I quizzed the service manager, he said it was because the RAV4 was built using the Corolla platform and its extra weight meant that the brakes were under more stress. But I thought that the 2006 RAV4 on had their own, newer platform.
    Anyway, a couple months after the brake job, the car started rattling at stop lights, so far the mechanic hasn't found the problem, but it is irritating as all get out. Between those issues and the intermittent low tire pressure light that comes on for no reason, probably my last Toyota. 33,000 miles and the car looks great, but drives like a geriatric geezer.
  • mark19mark19 Member Posts: 123
    The service manager is lying to you. Typical toyota dealer service lies. They make stuff up as they go along.

    The brake pads are cheap quality that's why they're not lasting. Toyota obviously saved money by putting on a cheaper quality pad that wouldn't last as long. You're not alone in short life on the brake pads. I don't blame you for not wanting to keep the car. If you do keep it and still need brake pads. You should get a longer lasting pad. Porterfield R4-S pads come to mind. Performance and longevity.

    Plus if they cannot fix the problem of the rattling in 3 times before your warranty is gone, you can claim lemon law! :lemon:
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Brake pad HIGH frictional content, GREAT braking ability......SHORT PAD LIFE.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    rattling in 3 times before your warranty is gone, you can claim lemon law!

    Nope - in most states it's only for the first year, much shorter than most warranties.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    There's also usually a trade-off in noise.

    I have 27k on my Sienna's brake pads and they still look brand new, but I tend to coast to red lights to save gas.
  • steve272steve272 Member Posts: 2
    i too had to replace my brakes at 29,000. i am very easy on brakes and alot of those miles were road miles. also just replaced my water pump at 36,000. thank goodness that was covered by warranty as the bill was quite high. i dont think i have had any vehicle with these problems this early in the mileage count. thought i was getting a better vehicle when i bought a toyota.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It may simply be the weight of the vehicle. More mass (than you're used to perhaps?) means more energy to stop.
  • steve272steve272 Member Posts: 2
    had a 4 runner prior to the rav and didn't have any brake replacements this early.
  • tree329tree329 Member Posts: 6
    I have an 07 rav4 with 55,000 hwy miles today i learned I need a water pump and the labor will be high total repair 1400 Should a water pump go so early
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The powertrain warranty doesn't cover that? :confuse:
  • btownbobbtownbob Member Posts: 1
    I have a mystery problem,we just started to have a total shut down where all the dash lights come on and the steering goes dead and then when you hit the brakes it's running again.My wife said it happened twice in the last month and once before..So we took it ot a Toyota shop they could not duplicate the problem.I drove it after we got it back for two days thenit happen to me twice in a few seconds.Since then it's back in the shop and hasn't happen since going on two days now.Help are we crazy???? :confuse: .
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited April 2010
    Sounds like an electrical gremlin. Have the battery and alternator tested, perhaps? Can't be a fuse if it's self-healing.
  • comem47comem47 Member Posts: 399
    I wouldn't rule out a mechanical looseness to an electrical connection if you are hitting the brakes hard enough (causing the connection to "make again" or undoing a short). Wiggle some wires under the hood while someone else plays with the steering or observes the dash lights. Look around also for any wires that might have been chaffing and shorting on the insulation.
  • nomoretoyota3nomoretoyota3 Member Posts: 1
    have same question, '07 rav4 w/ 72000 miles needs a water pump replacement? been driving toyotas since 1979 incl '97 & '00 rav4 - have never replaced a water pump in any (all had 170,000 + miles). Have a lifetime drivetrain warranty thru the dealer, warranty company refuses to honor (can't show TO THEIR SATISFACTION every oil change, tire rotation, air filter, cabin air filter, etc. that i've had done - cancelled checks aren't proof of service. Dealer says it's out of their hands, even though they provided the warranty as incentive to purchase vehicle. The repair cost in absolute robbery, could have job done at local independent for much less, but traveled 75 miles from home to dealer where vehicle was purchased because they issued the lifetime warranty. Should have bought the Santa Fe - don't think i'll be buying anymore toyotas & i know i won't be having any service done at a toyota dealer.
  • raviola4raviola4 Member Posts: 52
    Interesting. I have an 06Rav, no problems but, we bought a CPO 2007 Lexus ES350 back in October 09. Last month noticed a redish colored spot on floor. First thought tranny fluid but dealer said could be antifreeze etc. Anyway, took it in, and it was the water pump. Not that we have the same mfg. water pumps etc. but interesting anyway. I haven't had a water pump fail since back in the 1960's. At least covered under the extended warranty but still. Our Rav's been flawless except for radio system replaced twice due to major readability glitches. Will knock on wood now.
  • neeners1005neeners1005 Member Posts: 4
    Fair warning - I have even contacted Toyota Corporate direct, through e-mail and phone calls, and they insist that the problems with my vehicle are normal wear and tear issues. This is my 3rd Toyota (2nd Rav4 - I had a 2001 before I bought my 2006) and probably my last, I had no problems with either of the other 2 and performed normal maintenance and tire changes - had both well past 120,000 miles. I plan on getting rid of mine in the next 12 months and replacing it with a Honda!
  • hashedzhashedz Member Posts: 6
    I purchased my RAV4 Limited in 2006, brand new. I've had very little issue with it, and have the normal servicing done on it regularly. In the Summer of 2009 my A/T Oil Temp light came on for the first time. I stopped, checked the A/T Fluid level, and all seemed fine. After a few minutes I started on my way again, the light was still on. I was only a few miles from home, so I figured I'd be fine and worry about it later. Since that light didn't come on again until this Summer I never thought about it again, until now that is. After a long drive the light has been popping on regularly. I don't do towing, nor do I off-road. I decided to be proactive and took it in for a transmission fluid drain before hassling the dealer. At this point my mileage was at 66K. Two weeks after that was done the fluid was no longer red, nor pink, it was black and burnt smelling. The dealer has been giving me the run around after I asked them to check into this problem. The light has come on about 6 times in the last 2 months, and yet they keep telling me they find no codes on the computer, and they insist the fluid is "pinkish". After dropping the car off 2 weeks ago the service rep called and told me to pick up the car, as they found no issue. That morning I picked up the car and as I was nearing my office the A/T Oil Temp light came on yet again. I find their conclusions really hard to believe, so after calling the service rep back, I wrote a letter to the dealership manager, but still have received no response. I am still under Toyota extended warranty I purchased, but the way the service rep. has treated my issue makes it seem like they are trying to avoid having to find, and therefore cover my problem. My warranty is up in approx. 7K miles, and I suspect that they are hoping it runs out before really trying to find an issue. It's sad, but I feel that until my car's tranny fails they will do nothing about it.
  • mark19mark19 Member Posts: 123
    first off, yes they are trying to get you outside their responsibility. You need to make sure you have all the documentation from the service/work orders that you have indicated a problem DURING the warranty period. Secondly, when is the last time that transmission had a fluid replacement? You know, drain and fill? Because your mileage is way too long to leave it in there, regardless if Toyota says its "ok". Usually every 30-40k miles is when I think A/T fluid should be replaced. Don't fall for the power flush either, not safe for the transmission. draining the 3.5quarts (or so), then drive that, drain that, replace it with 3.5qts, it's the poor man's flush. We have done it before on Toyota vehicles, because power flushing isn't safe.

    And make sure that you see the mechanic replace it with Toyota brand fluid, not whatever they have in bulk. They go cheap at the dealer replacing it with whatever is "compatible" should be the branded stuff out of the bottle.

    Thats where I'd start first. If they dont want to help you at that dealer, take it somewhere else to get the trans fluid changed. Sounds like it's been in there way too long.
  • hashedzhashedz Member Posts: 6
    I probably should have done the drain/fill on the AT fluid before 66K miles, but it's too late to worry about shoulda's and coulda's. It was done a month ago, and not at the dealer. The dealer started pointing fingers at everyone but themselves when I brought it back last week. The Toyota service rep was telling me that I should have done the power purge, even though I know that's not healthy for the tranny?! Then they tried to blame the place I did the drain/fill at by saying they probably used the wrong fluid, then they said why didn't I bring it in to have them service it when the light first came on... I swear it's been a nightmare, and my RAV4 is still in the shop right this minute. Svc Rep called me yesterday and said they drove it and still found nothing, but then the curious thing was he then asked me what light is the one that keeps coming on?! Are these jokers morons or just great at playing dopey? He was telling me that they would keep it another day to check things out and then let me know. I haven't heard back yet, don't know if that's a good thing or not. They made it clear to me that if they wind up taking apart the tranny and find nothing wrong they would have to bill me. Aren't they great at making their customers want to return to buy another Toyota?
    In any case it's not a fluid issue at this point, it's a tranny issue. You can't tell me that fresh fluid should be black and burnt smelling only 2 weeks after doing a drain/fill. Something is not right. Maybe the original fluid needed replacing earlier, but for the dealer to blame my cars woes on everybody else and then to tell me that now things are just peachy is beyond belief. Waiting for the next chapter to begin. Will keep ya posted.
  • mark19mark19 Member Posts: 123
    edited July 2010
    i missed that part where you said you had the drain and fill done just two weeks prior. remember also that draining and filling only gets rid of approx 1/3 of the fluid in the transmission. You still have 2/3 that is dirty and needing replacement. I'd suggest draining and filling it again, and a 2nd time after that. That way you can make sure you get rid of all the dirty old fluid. i find it terrible that toyota says this fluid is "for life", not true at all.

    Also, speaking honestly, I would take your car away from that dealer you've been going to! They don't know where the indicator lights are on the dash and have to ask you? what's next? they ask where the oil goes for an oil change?! Wow the incompetence you're dealing with is astonishing. But your patience of actually putting up with it, is even more incredible. you don't have to put up with it, take it elsewhere. Please do yourself a favor and DO NOT let these morons take apart your transmission! They DO NOT know what they are doing, it's obvious. Get your car to another dealer while still under warranty. And to blame someone else? That's typical toyota, been there before with them both dealers and the corporation.

    If it is not solved then you need to get yourself an attorney, now a lot of people will say that approach is "Extreme" and overused. Well let's see, this corporation has postponed recalls and the government had to force them and fined them to make the recalls for the latest gas pedal situation. My point is, to just say "I wont buy another" is great but look they have your money, they're in breach of their warranty they contracted with you to provide. An attorney could remedy it, I dont think Toyota takes their customers serious until they get an attorney. Ridiculous, I know, but it's an option because you shouldn't have to put out $3000-4000 for a transmission (rough estimate) because of them just trying to breach your warranty!

    on a side note about Toyota, they put out these commercials trying to convince the public how good they are. The truth is, the real owners of these vehicles know how they are treated and what the real "quality" of the product is. I dont see it being much better than Ford (yes I know ford has improved lately) or others. There will be people who say "Oh you're just one out of a million cars" or make some other excuse. No it's true, Toyota's quality has been going down the drain for awhile and the tides are turning against them for treating their customers like they are treating you.

    but back to your problem, just drain and fill it again, then drive around, next week do it again, you'll get out 80-90% of the bad fluid that way. maybe it's easier for me because i do it myself, but that is how it's done without the power purge they're talking about (bad idea and they should know better, they probably do, just want to make sure they destroy your transmission then blame you for that). im confident that should solve your problems.
  • hashedzhashedz Member Posts: 6
    The service rep just called me this morning to say they couldn't replicate the AT Oil Temp light coming on, and that without any computer codes they can't take apart the tranny under warranty. I said I refuse to pay labor on a tranny job when I am under warranty. If the light indicator won't trip a code on the car's computer how is that my problem? I told them I would take the car back, drive it, and take a picture of the dash if they didn't believe me, but he said that wouldn't do. He then told me he would have one of his guys drive it home tonight, as he lives a distance from the dealership to try to get the light to come on. I asked him what the point of that was since the light coming on obviously isn't producing a code, and therefore won't allow me to be covered for labor.
    He had no answer to my question, then he said that his shop foreman is getting involved. What that means I have no clue, as I would have assumed that he should have been in on this from almost the moment they realized they had no answers to this issue.
    The nightmare continues...
  • hashedzhashedz Member Posts: 6
    Cont. from above posts: Call from the service shop foreman on 7/9 confirmed that they were able to recreate the AT Oil temp light condition, but in doing so must have killed the tranny. Was told that they wanted no responsibility, and to have my RAV4 towed, since it was now hemorrhaging AT fluid, to the shop that did the drain/fill! The guy was almost screaming at me, and I simply asked to speak to the Svc or Dealer manager, but of course they weren't available. I said I drove my non-leaking vehicle in, and now I need to tow it away, and you want to offer me no help even though I own a Platinum warranty, nice.
    I opened up a case file with Toyota at 1-800-331-4331, and also did get in touch with the Gen. Mgr. of the dealership. He was very courteous and told me he would get back to me when he has the details, and gets the case file. He also did tell me that he was in a difficult position between me and the warranty company, since they don't necessarily do what the dealer asks, but only what they deem acceptable. We shall see what happens. Things are moving forward, but the outcome is still very much in the air.
  • mark19mark19 Member Posts: 123
    wow.. well i warned you to take your car out of there, but you didn't listen. Now you have a transmission destroyed by them. You were already warned what would happen since you're dealing with morons. Oh sure I have more advice, but i doubt you'd actually listen to it. GET YOURSELF AN ATTORNEY! simple! you're going to need one! But you probably will go on and on about your problems with this dealership and how they still can't fix your car without realizing they're morons. Or actually listening to how Toyota will string you along but eventually try and get you to pay 1/3 of the repair, etc.. But guess some people just like to complain and dont really want to fix things.

    so good luck to you and your saga. oh and if you missed it.. GET YOURSELF AN ATTORNEY!
  • hashedzhashedz Member Posts: 6
    Sounds like you work for that dealership. Thanks for sounding like a nasty auto service tech. I was basically posting for the sake of others in my situation who may be facing the same sad reality.
    I do have a question for ya though: What makes you so sure any other Toyota dealership would actually want to help me when the one that sold me my car is trying very hard not to?
  • mark19mark19 Member Posts: 123
    edited July 2010
    auto tech? so let me get this straight.. you're attacking me now calling me names when you're the person who refused to take it out of the hands of someone who didn't even know your vehicle? And now you're defending a place that destroyed your transmission? that is insane. wow.. i dont think you get to attack me at all. Im sorry I even tried to help you.. with your kind of apathy no wonder your car is in the shape it is. Dont worry I wont try and help someone like yourself again. you attack others when the dealership is the one that DESTROYED your car.

    have fun with your car, if this story is even true.. you won't get another response out of me, you don't deserve one.
  • hashedzhashedz Member Posts: 6
    Get it straight, the dealer helped ruin my car by refusing to listen to their customer, me. I realize that lots of folks that take their cars in for service know very little about such things, but with a bit of internet research you can find out quite a bit about your cars inner workings and problems that arise.
    The dealer mechanics are supposed to be trained to deal specifically with the cars they sell, so telling me they don't know how to service my vehicle is a ridiculous notion. My particular problem is due to the dealer not wanting to fix my vehicle on their dime due to it being covered under warranty. They did make the problem worse after I dropped it off by trying to recreate the AT Oil lamp condition, and you would think they would start to believe what I was telling them all along, but no, that isn't their stance. I have a case open, and have spoken to the dealer mgr, and we will see how this plays out. Maybe I should have towed it to another dealer if only due to the way my dealer has treated me, but I have faith that the open case file with Toyota of America will help.
  • hkak0129hkak0129 Member Posts: 1
    I am experiencing issue with my Toyota 2006 RAV4. I bought this car brand new and currently have 26,000 Miles.
    Vsc/traction and check engine light (orange lights) click on after about 5-10 sec turning on the car. My car has been at the Toyota’s dealer where I purchased it 3 times for same issue in last 3 weeks and at this point it needs to go back again since issue is still there. When First time these lights came on 3 weeks ago I took it to the dealer and they run computer check. They told me it said something about the exhaust and when they checked my car one of the two kat converter was burned. I asked was that unusual for car in shape as mine and so little mileage on it, they said it normal and it happens from bad fuel. I by fuel at different locations but most of the time Shell since it’s close by, but I would not know if this is true or not since I do not know anything about the car except how to drive. I am female accountant who does not understand car structure. They said fixing price runs $600-$800 and they needed to order this part. However, they told me that car was safe to drive. I left their shop my lights where off. I was waiting to hear from them when part comes in to take my car so that they can change this kat converter they said was burned. When two days later my lights came on I took my car to the different dealer just to be checked for it issue. This dealer told me that his computer shows that I have issue with Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction and they were unable to find any issues with my kat converter. I was advice to take my car back to the same dealer that originally looked into the car. I took car back to same dealer again and this time I was told that I do not have issue with Kat Converter and all sensors are working properly. No issue with the car at all. Took it home and two days later same lights come on. I am about to take my car back to the dealer after work today and I was hoping to find more about this issue so that I can present to the dealer what issue might be. I am becoming really frustrated with the dealer. I think they know what the problem is as well as solution, but they are just running me around so I can keep coming back and they keep charging their fee. I cannot believe this is an issue again and the part that is the greatest problem to me is that the vsc does not work, and the four wheel drive as well when these lights click on
  • tuba06tuba06 Member Posts: 1
    i have the same problem with my toyota 2006 RAV 4...can you please tell me how you solved your problem?
  • neeners1005neeners1005 Member Posts: 4
    GET RID OF IT! The condenser on my AC broke in 2009 (while under warranty) and was told I was impatient - not waiting long enough to blow the hot air out - it gets damn hot here in the summer and I am no idiot but I didn't have the time to deal with it so I ignored it, in 2010 when I had roughly 60,000 miles on it I noticed the transmission was acting up so I took it in the shop and mentioned AGAIN that something was wrong with the AC. Now, the warrenty ran out at 55k so of course they found an issue with the AC but it took them 4 days to diagnose an issue with the transmission. Long story short I picked my car up and promptly went to a NON TOYOTA dealership and traded it in. Honestly, I like my new car MUCH better, it's bigger, gets better gas mileage and I can haul a lot more stuff in it. I personally went to Ford and got the Edge and I LOVE IT!!!! I've had it over a year now and already have 26,000 miles on it with NO ISSUES (knock on wood)!
  • ajg33ajg33 Member Posts: 13
    Has anyone had to replace the alternator on their 2006 Rav4? Ours just went along with the battery. Is 5 years expected life for the alternator? What is a rough estimate on cost to replace? Thanks.
  • luvcasey99luvcasey99 Member Posts: 2
    This is quite a coincidence as my 2006 Rav4 died on me yesterday (nov 1) while i was driving. The battery light came on and I lost my power steering. It is in the shop now and I'm waiting to hear if it's the batter, alternator, or other. I was told its normal for the battery to go after 4-5 years but not so much the alternator. I have a little less than 50k on the car and it's a 4 cyl. I'm curious what the outcome was for you? I'm not happy
  • luvcasey99luvcasey99 Member Posts: 2
    my 2006 Rav4 died on me yesterday (nov 1) while i was driving. The battery light came on and I lost my power steering. It is in the shop now and I'm waiting to hear if it's the batter, alternator, or other. I was told its normal for the battery to go after 4-5 years but not so much the alternator. I have a little less than 50k on the car and it's a 4 cyl.

    Any insight anyone?
  • ajg33ajg33 Member Posts: 13
    Replaced the battery and alternator for around $1200. Working fine now. No real answer as to how and why the alternator died.
  • gilvkonagilvkona Member Posts: 31
    I bought my RAV4 in February 2006. I have had just over 7 years and have 104k miles on it. I have driven it across the country several times and it now resides in Hawaii as a second vehicle. The only thing that went wrong with the vehicle was a noise when I turned the vehicle. Luckily, it was covered under the original warranty. I noticed the noise is coming back slightly as the car ages. Also, as the car ages, I notice the ride is a bit bumpier. Believe it or not, I did not have the brakes redone until I reached 100k. The guy who replaced the brakes didn't believe it had been that long. When I drove it in a mostly city sometimes highway mode, I got about 24mpg. Now that I drive it in a more open road environment, I get 27 or 28 mpg consistently. From the beginning, the car used about 1/2 quart of oil between oil changes. Now it is more like a quart between changes. This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.
  • judy8031judy8031 Member Posts: 2
    Good for you. Wish I could say the same about my 2007 RAV 4 (less than 50,000 miles on it). This will be the LAST Toyota I'll ever own.
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