2008 Toyota RAV4 Toyota RAV4 2008

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2008 Toyota RAV4 repairs by problem area

Engine (40%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (18%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 247 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Toyota RAV4.

2008 Toyota RAV4 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (4%)

$500 - $999 (21%)

$100 - $499 (25%)

< $100 (49%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 198 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Toyota RAV4

Engine not specified

Toyota RAV4 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2011 - Feb 2011
Feb 2011

81000 mi
Engine Blown 

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2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV

turbocharged 134hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual AWD

Toyota RAV4 in Great Britain
Dec 2008 - Apr 2016
Oct 2010

38300 mi
Car was in for 40,000 service. Mechanic found a leak in water pump. This was replaced with new unit as a warranty item. (I was unaware of a problem) 
Feb 2014

78000 mi

£400
Bushes worn. Cause was thought to be speed humps on roads 
Aug 2014

83000 mi

£180
Parking brake stuck on. Shop stripped cleaned and replaced brake shoes, readjusted. Sway bar securing bolt sheared 

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2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV

269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

Toyota RAV4 in Louisiana, United States
Oct 2008 - Jul 2023
Dec 2009

6000 mi
T-SB-0067-08 Noise from Auxiliary Port with External Device. Not really having a problem with Ipod noise but thought I would go ahead and get this fixed while under warranty. 
Jun 2010

8000 mi
After accelerating, a strong sulphur smell is detected in the passenger compartment. Seems to be worse when the A/C is in recirculate mode. No relevant TSB's seem to apply to my VIN. They say it's "normal". 
Jan 2011

11800 mi
Rear window defroster inop. Dealer replaced rear glass under original factory warranty. 
Sep 2011

19000 mi
Transmission whine per T-SB-0192-10. Phase 1 performed, specifically replacing mounts and dampers to solve a whining noise. The noise was still there, so a new transmission was ordered. Transmission replaced under warranty. 
Oct 2011

20000 mi
Creaking sound from driver's seat. Seat frame replaced under warranty. 
May 2015

43000 mi
Noisy water pump--bad bearing. 
Apr 2016

47200 mi
Clunking sound and feeling in steering wheel during low speed maneuvers such as looking for a parking space. 
Toyota RAV4 in Michigan, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012

62000 mi

US $150
Noise coming from rear that sounded like a pump was running. happened at various times. Spent 3 days trying to diagnose, but no luck. Could be fuel vapor release pumps failing? Spent money to diagnose, but no resolution. 
Toyota RAV4 in Illinois, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2018
Mar 2013

51000 mi
Rear shock absorber was leaking 
Sep 2013

56000 mi
02 sensor died 
Oct 2013

56300 mi
catalytic converter had a hole in it. 
Nov 2013

57400 mi
Fuel pump stopped working 
Toyota RAV4 in Alabama, United States
Nov 2011 - Jan 2018
Oct 2015

115500 mi

US $680
Replace left front wheel bearing. 
Mar 2016

123000 mi

US $860
Replaced water pump 
Toyota RAV4 in South Carolina, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2014
Oct 2013

101000 mi

US $280
O2 sensor replaced 
Toyota RAV4 in Texas, United States
Aug 2008 - Jan 2015
Jan 2010

34600 mi
There was, apparently, a TSB on my electric power steering, and I noticed no problem before. It was fixed in a couple of hours. The steering feels slightly heavier now but it is barely noticeable. 
Aug 2012

42600 mi
Water pump was leaking coolant at a slow rate. Coolant got onto the drive belt, causing squeaking. Belt was replaced as it had coolant on it, and was not covered under warranty, but it was borderline needing replacement anyway. 
Toyota RAV4 in Georgia, United States
Jan 2013 - Mar 2015
Jan 2013

56000 mi

US $100
Battery died, replaced 
Feb 2015

109000 mi

US $50
Random misfire threw engine code. Replaced spark plugs, issue resloved. 
Toyota RAV4 in California, United States
Nov 2008 - Sep 2014
Dec 2009

14000 mi
CD #6 stuck in JBL changer. After dealer "looked at" the unit, none of the CDs would play or eject. Dealer installed new JBL audio unit 
Aug 2014

72900 mi

US $361
Driver side front bearing hub assembly was replaced Rear shocks replaced Non-dealer shop replaced shocks with wrong length then refused to even look at their work, so I went to dealer who diagnosed and corrected the problem with the right shocks. 
Toyota RAV4 in Ohio, United States
Mar 2009 - Mar 2012
Mar 2009

31252 mi
Reprogrammed Computer 

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2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV

269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

Toyota RAV4 in Alberta, Canada
Feb 2011 - Jun 2021
May 2011

38640 mi

C $128
clamp came off hose going to part of radiator and antifreeze leaked out 
Mar 2017

128960 mi

C $900
Front wheel liners damaged from ice snow build up. Large chunk broken off. Leading to outside air tempersture sensor malfunctioning. 
Toyota RAV4 in Colorado, United States
Aug 2010 - May 2011
Sep 2010

60000 mi
Water pump was leaking 2 days after I had the vehicle the noise happened and I had to take it in to check. The dealer service dept found the problem and replaced the water pump. 
Toyota RAV4 in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada
Nov 2009 - Nov 2016
Jun 2010

20460 mi

C $5120
Water pump replaced..coolant leak. New brake pads and resurfaced rotors. 
Mar 2011

29760 mi

C $35
water in muffler. 
Mar 2015

76880 mi

C $95
Swaybar bushings replaced in front end 
Jun 2015

80600 mi

C $400
sensor 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2009 - Jun 2018
Dec 2011

61380 mi
water pump bearing wearing out and getting very noisy 
Toyota RAV4 in Virginia, United States
Jun 2010 - Sep 2019
Jul 2011

56000 mi
TSB for the engine whine for the V6 completed, which meant a new transmission was installed. 
Apr 2017

160000 mi

US $1488
Left #1 and #2 Camshaft Timing Oil Control Valves removed and replaced Bank 1 Ignition coils and spark plugs replaced. Rear brake pad set and rotor replaced. 
Sep 2017

166000 mi

US $2327
Replaced steering rack. 
May 2018

177000 mi

US $600
Headlight restoration, front tires,  replaced muffler 
Toyota RAV4 in Colorado, United States
Mar 2011 - Oct 2014
Oct 2011

54000 mi

US $450
Slow start, cleaned intake and replaced battery. 
Toyota RAV4 in Alberta, Canada
Nov 2010 - Aug 2019
Feb 2013

57660 mi

C $90
ENGINE TAKES MORE CRANKING TO START. REPLACED BATTERY WITH HIGHER COLD CRANKING AMP. 
Oct 2013

79360 mi

C $560
Airbag light always on. Dealer diagnosed " code b1801, open in D circuit ", Spiral cable. Paid $65 for diagnostics. Bought spiral cable from dealer $480. Friend mechanic installed spiral cable for $60. Problem solved. Changed airbag spiral cable 
Jan 2015

49600 mi

C $280
Water pump leaking. Replaced water pump from dealer by independent shop. 
Toyota RAV4 in Virginia, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2018
Oct 2010

34000 mi
Water pump replaced at 33K. Cannot prove but dealer may have bent oil pan during repair. Bend was noticed later during an oil change. 
Oct 2017

100000 mi

US $1500
warped rotors 
Toyota RAV4 in California, United States
Aug 2007 - Sep 2014
Oct 2007

1000 mi
Hand brake needed to be raised very high for it to grab. It isn't normal as none of the others do it but they won't fix it since it still works. 
Sep 2010

60000 mi

US $80
Brakes making scraping noise. Diagnosed to aftermarket pads that were installed. 
Aug 2011

87500 mi

US $650
Water pump broke 
Toyota RAV4 in Quebec, Canada
Feb 2012 - Mar 2012
Mar 2012

74400 mi
oil leak timing cover 
Toyota RAV4 in Kansas, United States
Aug 2015 - Nov 2017
Aug 2015

125000 mi

US $150
Rear wheel bearings were replaced on both sides of vehicle 
Jun 2016

132000 mi

US $175
CV axle driver's side front replacements 
Mar 2017

132500 mi
Water Pump 
May 2017

142250 mi

US $25
High-pressure VVTI oil line replacement Front main seal replacement 
Toyota RAV4 in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2015 - Jan 2017
Oct 2016

83000 mi

US $250
Replaced all brakes and rotors. Broke lose a seized caliper pin. 
Toyota RAV4 in Utah, United States
Sep 2015 - Jun 2022
Aug 2016

79000 mi

US $590
Replaced front struts 
Mar 2022

141000 mi

US $800
Water pump, thermostat, and belt 
Toyota RAV4 in Utah, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2018
Feb 2017

70000 mi

US $75
Sun visor pulled out of roof while being moved to window position 
Nov 2017

77000 mi

US $300
Bad amp. Replaced head unit and amp 
Toyota RAV4 in Wisconsin, United States
Jun 2017 - Feb 2022
Jul 2020

170000 mi

US $2600
Viscous coupler and rear end 
Toyota RAV4 in New York, United States
Dec 2012 - Nov 2017
Sep 2017

67000 mi

US $1200
Gas Canister leakage - Gas filter replacement 
Toyota RAV4 in Illinois, United States
Aug 2013 - Aug 2017
Sep 2014

77000 mi
Steering clunked when driving. Had to replace part of steering column. Noise when vehicle is idling. Parts ordered to stop noise. Engine was making noise. Idle pulley had to be replaced. Noise still happens sometimes, but not others. 
Feb 2017

95000 mi

US $8
Side Marker Lamp out. Replaced. Easy for me to do. 
Toyota RAV4 in North Carolina, United States
May 2014 - Jul 2017
Nov 2016

66400 mi

US $800
Replace struts 
Toyota RAV4 in Georgia, United States
Mar 2012 - May 2018
Nov 2012

44100 mi
Driver side door locks. TSB. 
Jul 2015

68000 mi

US $800
replace water pump 
Toyota RAV4 in Texas, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2022
Oct 2011

36000 mi
Humming noise from fuel pump; 1st visit was to confirm and order resistor 
Nov 2011

36000 mi
Fuel pump noise. Hum seems a little louder than before the service. I'll probably ask for another opinion when I take my car in for the side-curtain airbag recall. 
Jun 2015

65000 mi
Courtesy switch failure (interior lights) Grating or rattling noise on start (intermittent) 
Jul 2016

71500 mi

US $300
Battery died (Not sure if this counts as maintenance) Leaking strut. I also had other things like oil change and other maintenance done at same time; can't remember total for all things done but it was around $300. Not sure how much the strut alone was. 
Feb 2017

78000 mi
Grinding noise. Thought it was solenoid sticking on starter. Techs looked, determined starter fine. Noise is VVTI cam rattle. Nothing they can do about it short of major repairs that would be out of pocket. Since the problem is intermittent and only on startup, they said it likely is cosmetic. No work done outside of diagnosis. 
Toyota RAV4 in Alberta, Canada
Aug 2012 - Oct 2012
Sep 2012

37200 mi
just under 61K - water pump started to growl. Covered under powertrain warranty but that only had 3 months left on it. 
Oct 2012

37200 mi
Dealership didnt top-off reservoir for coolant after they replaced water pump. Service adviosr was told this and he put in WIPER fuild. Now system needs to be entirely flushed. 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2012 - Jan 2014
Oct 2012

58900 mi

C $800
automatically switch and lock at 4x4 mode, which keep engine running like crazy and crashed water pump. 
Toyota RAV4 in Alberta, Canada
Mar 2014 - Jun 2019
Apr 2014

115100 mi

C $450
Pinion Seal in rear differential leaking 
Jun 2017

142600 mi

C $365
Right Rear Brake Caliper wouldn't release 
Toyota RAV4 in British Columbia, Canada
Apr 2013 - Aug 2015
Aug 2015

77500 mi

C $960
Replaced water pump 
Toyota RAV4 in British Columbia, Canada
Mar 2012 - Oct 2012
Oct 2012

34100 mi

C $700
Fuel tank canister, warning lights on, no other symptoms. 
Toyota RAV4 in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2010 - Aug 2014
Dec 2010

34000 mi
Was misfiring an all cylinders. after restart problem went away and mechanics didn't know what happened 
Mar 2012

60000 mi
Water pump leaking. Replaced water pump 
Dec 2012

75000 mi
Transmission slipping, could not replicate. Update: stayed this way until sold, dealer never found any problems. Muffler rusted through. They put screwdriver through the muffler but still said it is normal. Muffler is on the same pipe as converter and they did not want to deal with it. So I will have to find a shop which can replace only muffler for me. 
Jul 2014

98000 mi

US $500
All shocks and breaks needed to be replaced 
Aug 2014

98000 mi
Bought replacement muffler but never installed it. I used putty to cover the muffler holes and it did help a little. 
Toyota RAV4 in Iowa, United States
Oct 2008 - Jan 2022
Sep 2014

65000 mi
Replaced 4wd coupler Transmission mounts 
Apr 2015

70700 mi

US $750
Water Pump Failed 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2008 - Jun 2022
Feb 2010

24800 mi
Also not a recall but preventative - Water pump was leaking. 
Mar 2018

127100 mi

C $900
shocks/struts and stabilizer bushings front brake pads and rotors 
Apr 2022

181660 mi

C $600
replaced muffler due to hole 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2008 - Jul 2013
Feb 2010

27280 mi
VVT oil supply hose replaced. 
Jun 2010

31620 mi
A/C not effective. Replaced leaking service valve and recharge system under warranty. 
Mar 2011

42160 mi

C $280
Slush and ice buildup on unprotected vapor canister filter assy. Pulled unit off of underside. New unit installed with an optional shield now offered on newer models. Very poor engineering for a suv in a winter climate! 
Jul 2012

57660 mi

C $150
AC low, needed recharge. 
May 2013

65800 mi
Electric coupler for rear differential. 
Toyota RAV4 in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2008 - Jan 2015
Jul 2008

6000 mi
replaced rear door upper rubber stop/bumper 
Oct 2008

9000 mi
Broken door latch, drivers side rear door. 
Toyota RAV4 in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2008 - Dec 2014
Apr 2011

60000 mi
water pump failure 
Toyota RAV4 in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2008 - Mar 2010
Jul 2008

186 mi
Rattling sound from centre console when going tough bumpy roads.  rattling sound from centre console when going tough bumpy roads. Taking it back next Tuesday 
Aug 2008

310 mi
Factory installed remote starter was not installed properly. After started with remote starter car does not need a key to drive. And it doesn't shut down with the key.  The headlight indicater also lights up incorrectly. factory installed remote starter was not installed properly. After started with remote starter car does not need a key to drive. And it doesn't shut down with the key. The headlight indicater also lights up incorrectly. 
Toyota RAV4 in Maryland, United States
Jun 2008 - Apr 2013
Dec 2012

68000 mi
Water pump replaced due to leak. 
Apr 2013

72000 mi
Transmission replacement per T-SB-0130-12 
Toyota RAV4 in Minnesota, United States
Feb 2008 - Dec 2012
Apr 2010

22300 mi
Water pump was leaking. Mechanic discovered the problem while in for an oil change and oil hose. 
Toyota RAV4 in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2007 - Jun 2018
Sep 2015

150000 mi

US $260
Replaced muffler. 
Jan 2016

60300 mi

US $197
Had to replace both rear sway bar links. 
Jul 2016

161200 mi

US $775
Both front struts were leaking; both front struts, strut mounts, and strut boots were replaced. 
Jan 2017

158500 mi
Air/Fuel sensor had to be replaced. 
Toyota RAV4 in Minnesota, United States
May 2008 - Jun 2017
Sep 2013

125000 mi

US $700
Needed to replace water pump 
Jun 2015

189000 mi

US $600
replaced rear shocks and installed electronic brake 
Sep 2015

200000 mi
airbag warning light and recall repairs 
Mar 2016

211000 mi

US $240
water pump replaced. still under warranty 
Toyota RAV4 in Missouri, United States
Dec 2007 - Jan 2018
Sep 2010

30000 mi
broken middle seats folding mechanism Ordered wrong piece, not repaired correct part ordered Repaired rear seat folding mechanism 
Aug 2016

87600 mi

US $500
Rear sway bar link broke, had both replaced 
Nov 2016

93500 mi

US $750
Replaced leaking pinion seals on the rear diff. Replaced right rear wheel bearing/hub 
Mar 2017

96000 mi

US $200
replaced front rotors and pads 
Toyota RAV4 in New York, United States
Nov 2007 - Nov 2010
Apr 2008

5000 mi
The driver's side seat belt was installed backwards from the factory causing it to be twisted. 
Jul 2008

9000 mi
New seatbelt was installed. 
Dec 2008

14000 mi
Air bag light on. Air bag computer replaced 
Toyota RAV4 in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2008 - Feb 2015
Mar 2012

40000 mi

US $60
Latch on armrest broke. 
Aug 2014

69000 mi

US $400
Viscous coupler replaced due to whining noise. 
Oct 2014

70800 mi

US $900
Water pump grinding. Replaced. 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2008 - Oct 2015
Jun 2013

60760 mi
engine knock.. discovered water pump was failing. Dealer replaced it and covered it under warranty 
Aug 2013

61380 mi
after car returned from replacement of water pump, it began taking a long time (4seconds)for initial start. Car engine would turn over but would take lengthy time to start. Dealer replaced Fuel Pump. Toyota paid rest of cost, about $1,000. car continued to take a lengthy time to start after fuel pump was replaced. Dealer then replaced fuel resistor. No charge. 
Sep 2013

63860 mi

C $185
Car took 3 to 4 seconds to start after being left overnight. The dealer determined the cold amp was low and recommended battery replacement. Car starts great now. So there were two problems with car..fuel injection system and battery. 
Toyota RAV4 in Utah, United States
Sep 2007 - Mar 2010
Dec 2007

1000 mi
Plastic over steering column clips were damaged when remote engine start was installed. You could see inside the column from the passenger seat. Parts are in waiting for an installation appointment. 
Jan 2008

2000 mi
Parts arrived and were put on for steering column. 
Feb 2008

3000 mi
Plastic steering column cover was coming loose again over remote start, looks as though they finally have it tightened down correctly. Steering was rubbing against it because it was so loose. Antifreeze smell shop said there was too much coolant they drained some out, ran a pressure test and called it good. 
Toyota RAV4 in Quebec, Canada
Jul 2009 - Apr 2022
Jul 2012

59820 mi
water pump on warranty, was leaking 
Mar 2015

76260 mi

C $766
front bushing missing, 2 replaced. on the back, a sway arm was broken and changed. also battery changed 
Sep 2017

91760 mi

C $200
right sided front airbag light on dealer said corrosion on a wire. fixed 
Apr 2018

96100 mi

C $600
4 shocks changed... after 11 years of co untru roads! 
Toyota RAV4 in California, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2014
Mar 2008

1000 mi
Grounding noise from the aux and 12v jack. Parts ordered to filter out noise. Took 1.5 hours to fix. 
May 2012

56800 mi
Whining noise when accelerating. High pitched noise starts around 40 - 65 mph. There is a TSB to fix this issue. Ordered parts for Phase 1. If it fails, then replace transmission. Phase 1 fix was not successful, new transmission ordered. Transmission replaced. 
Jul 2012

60200 mi
Faulty repair job from previous trip. Front differential seal seeping, replaced axle nut, installed new seal, added fluid. took 4 days because they ordered the wrong parts. 
Jul 2013

67200 mi
Power window lever was sticky. 
Mar 2014

68000 mi
Engine sounded like a diesel engine. Service technician identified the car needed a new water pump 
Toyota RAV4 in Virginia, United States
Dec 2008 - Oct 2012
Jul 2011

30000 mi
Transmission making noise. Problem with isolator mounts on transmission and drive shaft. Dealer replaced transmission and drive shaft isolation mounts under warranty this solved the problem. 
Toyota RAV4 in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2009 - Sep 2017
Apr 2016

85000 mi

US $900
water pump bearing failed. 
Toyota RAV4 in Maryland, United States
Sep 2008 - Mar 2010
Aug 2009

11000 mi
Sunglasses holder stopped opening.  
Toyota RAV4 in Saskatchewan, Canada
Nov 2008 - Aug 2017
Jan 2009

3100 mi
Heat/cool fan control working intermittently. Drove vehicle to dealership and part was ordered and appointment made. Day of appointment was told by dealership part on backorder. Left vehicle there as fan control had quite working completely. Waited 9 days for car to be repaired. Given a loaner for that time. 
May 2011

7740 mi
Steel wheels showing signs of rust. All four wheels replaced under warranty. 
Toyota RAV4 in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2007 - Jan 2022
Feb 2009

4960 mi
Brake switch too close to the brake pedal, causing cruise to stop when driving over small holes. 
Dec 2010

11780 mi
2 stage TSB for gearbox whining noise; stage 1: replace some rubber parts (engine/gearbox supports) - DONE; stage 2: gearbox should be replaced if stage 1 failed. - NOT DONE YET 
Nov 2011

13640 mi

C $1900
replace gearbox as per TSBreplace brakes because I did not drive; the car for 8 months; replace windshield replaced catalyst converter 
Jun 2021

62000 mi

C $2000
Shock absorbers Engine mounts 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2008 - Jun 2018
Nov 2011

48400 mi

C $315
Noisy muffler. Replaced with new one. 
Jan 2012

49360 mi
Code P2195. Engine, 4WD, and VSC lights on. A/F Ratio sensor, part #89467-0R020 replaced. Exhaust manifold had to be removed since the sensor was seized in place. N/C because of Extended Warranty. 
Apr 2012

54560 mi
Control arm bushings have separated. When I mentioned extended warranty, this became ONE control arm!!! 
May 2013

63240 mi

C $47
Muffler was split. Replaced under muffler manufacturer's warranty. I paid for gasket and labour. 
Sep 2014

70060 mi

C $172
Shuddering on rapid take-off from standstill (V6 engine!) Mechanic did test drive and I rode along. On hoist, he showed me the rear U-joint was very stiff. New driveshaft would cost $1100+. I asked him to use oil to free it up. OK so far. 
Nov 2014

70680 mi

C $480
New lower control arm AWD driveshaft sent out to have two new U-joints welded on to replace original stiff (about-to-fail?) U-joints which are non-replaceable. 
Jun 2018

85560 mi

C $1556
Noisy rear wheel bearing replaced 4 new rotors and 4 new pads. 

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2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV

166-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Toyota RAV4 in California, United States
Mar 2016 - Jun 2018
May 2016

72100 mi

US $1100
Front bearing replacement. 
Toyota RAV4 in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2016 - Oct 2023
May 2021

120000 mi

US $800
Caliper broke 
Toyota RAV4 in Illinois, United States
Aug 2015 - Mar 2019
Jun 2018

75000 mi

US $600
Replace front brakes 
Toyota RAV4 in Texas, United States
Jul 2016 - Dec 2018
Jul 2017

79189 mi

US $191
Engine decarbonization, flush fuel injection system, clean air induction system. 
Dec 2017

84000 mi

US $31
Replaced burnt out driver's side headlight 
May 2018

89000 mi

US $552
Charging warning light came on. Replaced alternator 
Dec 2018

93000 mi

US $200
Brake pads were 3mm and starting to make noises when braking. Replaced rear brake pads, resurfaced rear rotors. 
Toyota RAV4 in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2013 - Jul 2014
Jul 2014

38000 mi

US $750
Muffler replaced. All brakes redone. 
Toyota RAV4 in Florida, United States
Feb 2015 - Mar 2015
Mar 2015

76000 mi

US $1700
I bought a new air condition compressor and water pump. I had to drain the radiator and a new cap. I changed the oil and transmission service too. 
Toyota RAV4 in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2013 - Sep 2017
Feb 2013

51700 mi

US $29
Noticed early in owning that I got lot less oil in drain pan than I put in at oil change. I read online comments about 2.4 engine in my VIN range with consumption problem. Dealer did a 1000 mile test and report it is within spec. I disagree. 
Aug 2013

66100 mi
Engine consuming excessive quantity of oil. Failed dealer consume test. Dealer did new short block and ring kit replacement. 
Toyota RAV4 in California, United States
Apr 2008 - Sep 2018
Nov 2008

5000 mi
Faulty airbag sensor 
Dec 2008

6000 mi
Faulty airbag sensor reading low voltage causing the airbag light to go off 
Oct 2010

22200 mi
Auxiliary module for the head unit was replaced. 
Dec 2014

58000 mi

US $300
Cracked water pump 
May 2017

77000 mi

US $100
Replaced leaking water pump, serpentine belt 
Sep 2018

90000 mi

US $250
Alternator 
Toyota RAV4 in Oklahoma, United States
May 2008 - Dec 2010
Oct 2008

7000 mi
Splash Guard under the engine had come loose on one side. 
Toyota RAV4 in Indiana, United States
Dec 2008 - Oct 2015
Dec 2012

59409 mi
Replaced failed water pump. Performed a couple of recalls. Replaced failed water pump 
Jan 2013

34700 mi

US $157
Replaced the intermediate steering shaft no 1 in the steering column, and clamp for boot around shaft. Shaft is a know issue through TSB 
Toyota RAV4 in Oklahoma, United States
Aug 2011 - Mar 2016
Mar 2014

140000 mi

US $300
alternator went out 
Feb 2015

163000 mi

US $520
replaced rotors pads shocks 
Toyota RAV4 in Ohio, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2016
Mar 2013

94000 mi

US $90
Replaced OEM battery 
Toyota RAV4 in California, United States
Feb 2009 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

94000 mi

US $790
Check engine light on due to oil sludge. 

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2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV

166-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2012 - Mar 2014
Nov 2012

36580 mi
Replaced steering shaft Replaced steering shaft 
Toyota RAV4 in Utah, United States
Feb 2011 - Nov 2019
Aug 2011

19500 mi
water pump leaking, replaced Water Pump replaced 
Dec 2011

24000 mi
Slowly started to get a dull roaring from rear axle area which got considerably louder over a couple of weeks. Concluded it was the passenger rear wheel bearing going bad-dealership replaced under warranty No engine crank one afternoon-all dash lights came on, but no radio/locks/stuck in park. Towed to dealer where it started w/no problem. TSB done on neutral safety switch-not the issue. It was the 120amp fuse rigged under pervious owner. 
May 2014

52000 mi
Radio went silent on a 5 hour trip back home, no sound/seek/scan. Radio was on and display showed station, but no sound what so ever. Took to dealer and the said the head unit was dead. They replaced it with another used unit they had. 
Toyota RAV4 in Iowa, United States
May 2011 - Jan 2018
Jan 2018

120000 mi
Leaking oil 
Toyota RAV4 in Rhode Island, United States
May 2010 - Oct 2015
Aug 2011

24000 mi

US $190
leaking water pump replaced, air cabin filter also replaced 
Toyota RAV4 in Spain
Feb 2011 - Sep 2016
Sep 2016

50840 mi

€600
Coming back from a 3 week vacation, Rav4 started O.K, but then shut off. Called AAA and they changed battery, but told us Alternator was dead. Went to an independent shop and changed alternator. Now evaruthing it´s O.K. 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2008 - Jun 2018
Jun 2010

16120 mi

C $110
Wheel rims are rusting ... will be covered under the 3 year warranty so decided to wait to just before the warranty expires April 2011. All is was regular maintenance 
Apr 2011

21080 mi
All 4 wheels were replaced under warranty at no charge as they were rusting. Also had the regular maintenance done at this time. 
Dec 2011

24800 mi

C $285
lubricated pins etc 
Nov 2012

31920 mi
Water pump was leaking ...covered under warranty ... no charge at all .. this is a 2008 !! 
Toyota RAV4 in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada
Aug 2008 - Jun 2017
Jun 2017

71300 mi

C $500
Base pan rusted out. Did not get it fixed. Tired of Toyota service department always reaching into my wallet. Traded in the RAV4 and did not buy another Toyota product. 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2011 - Dec 2016
Oct 2016

64260 mi

C $500
The alternator died at just 100K km or 60K miles. Alternator was changed. 1 year old battery seems ok although it was not tested after the incident. 
Toyota RAV4 in Tennessee, United States
Jul 2014 - Aug 2018
Aug 2015

86200 mi

US $50
Using oil. About 1.5 quarts between changes. Have letter from Toyota about problem. Having oil consumption test run for next 3000 miles. 
Oct 2015

87000 mi
Engine using oil. Had oil consumption test done. Not burning enough oil for warranty repair. 
Sep 2017

106000 mi

US $460
Altenator went out. Battery ruined. 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2008 - Apr 2015
Apr 2015

66340 mi

C $500
Leaking Water Pump 
Toyota RAV4 in British Columbia, Canada
Jul 2013 - Mar 2018
Oct 2013

91020 mi

C $109
Wiring repair of the passenger side low beam socket due to corrosion and overheating 
Dec 2014

109120 mi
repaired wiring from a previous repair. intermittent continuity of headlight due to a previous repair. Note this might actually be part of a a problem related to a modification I the owner made 5 yrs back. I installed PIAA Halogen lamps. 
Aug 2015

117500 mi

C $15
Replaced a previously Dealer repaired electrical problem. One headlight had intermittent continuity. I rewired the socket and repaired it 
Jan 2016

112220 mi

C $45
Engine was rebuilt by dealer and paid for by Toyota Canada. An oil consumption test was performed as routine maintenance last last year and the engine failed. this is a warranty repair. the engine burns oil at a rate higher than specified. 
Toyota RAV4 in New York, United States
Nov 2013 - Jan 2022
Sep 2015

102000 mi

US $280
Muffler replacement 
Jul 2016

118800 mi

US $622
calipers on the rear wheel had to be replaced. rotors and pads 
Nov 2016

124100 mi

US $330
Engine burned too much oil. 
Toyota RAV4 in Saskatchewan, Canada
Oct 2014 - Dec 2014
Nov 2014

79460 mi
Oil leak in differential, repaired twice already and I need to go back again. 
Toyota RAV4 in Ohio, United States
Apr 2012 - Apr 2018
Jan 2014

85300 mi

US $120
Load roaring noise that increased with speed coming from the passenger rear. It did not grind or crunch. My father is the mechanic who diagnosed the issue as a wheel bearing and replaced the part. Note, the lock nut cannot be reused, must buy a new one 
Sep 2015

99000 mi

US $2500
Differential coupler was bad, so rear wheels could not work in AWD mode. Research showed this as a common problem. 5 months later, Toyota acknowledged a defect with the rear diff coupler and covered the cost of the repair. 
Jan 2017

84000 mi

US $40
Driver's side sway bar end link snapped. Did not affect driveabiliy. 
Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2012 - Jun 2022
Dec 2012

45260 mi

C $220
Slight oil leak from rear diff caused by blocked vent causing pressure build up forcing oil past viscous coupler. Coupler replaced under warranty ($1100) I paid for new vent plus diff fluids front and back. Also 2 recalls no cost 
Sep 2016

88040 mi

C $700
Replaced front struts plus alignment Front and rear differentials leaking 
May 2017

104160 mi
Recall under warranty for rear suspension control arms 

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2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV

150-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

Toyota RAV4 in Ontario, Canada
May 2014 - May 2015
Aug 2014

91760 mi

C $200
Clock spring issue causing Air bag light to come on... had repaired by mechanic before receiving recall notice for same issue 

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2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV

Toyota RAV4 in Virginia, United States
Sep 2016 - Jul 2018
Apr 2017

64500 mi

US $50
Adjust loose parking brake 
Jul 2018

73000 mi

US $35
Door seal loose making closing the door difficult. Glued the strip 

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2008 Toyota RAV4 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Toyota RAV4 in New South Wales, Australia
Feb 2008 - Jan 2011
Jul 2008

3100 mi
Steering column and front passenger area vibration on rough road. Mechanic has identified the problem on the steering column but the other vibration. It will be fixed on next service schedule 
Dec 2009

16740 mi
Exhaust smell inside the cabin sometimes. Dealer can't find any fault. According to dealer, it couldn't fuel with high sulphur content. Suggest to change fuel. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Toyota models.

2008 Toyota RAV4 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Toyota RAV4 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.