2008 Toyota RAV4 problems and complaints

Owners have filed 575 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Toyota RAV4. The most-reported areas: Engine (137), Vehicle Speed Control (92), Suspension (81).

Key takeaways

  • 575 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 42 involve a crash, 16 a fire, 32 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine13724%
Vehicle Speed Control9216%
Suspension8114%
Steering7313%
Air Bags5810%
Power Train376%
Service Brakes346%
Unknown Or Other295%
Electrical System275%
Engine And Engine Cooling244%
Structure193%
Seat Belts183%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2008 Toyota RAV4 4-DR. w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Air Bags - filed 2026-04-13

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 didn’t own the vehicle and it seems like it didn’t last long because my airbags are not working so this will be the last tim...

Engine - filed 2025-12-04

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...

Engine - filed 2025-08-21

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

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More for the 2008 Toyota RAV4

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.