2011 Toyota RAV4 Problems And Complaints

2011 Toyota RAV4 User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints

• Issues with the airbag system: In the 2011 Toyota RAV4 complaints list, buyers have reported two distinct issues with the airbag system. While the first problem is concerned with the non-deployment of the airbags, the other issue deals with the inadvertent illumination of the airbag warning, which can interfere with its normal operation. Both situations increase the risk of injury in case of a crash. 

• Issues with the seat belts: Buyers of the 2011 RAV4 have also reported the seat belts failing to work as intended. In case of a crash, the belts might not restrain the occupant due to damage caused to them by the seat frame. Toyotahas addressed the issue at hand with a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID: 16V096000. 

Electric System Complaints

• Malfunctioning infotainment system: The 2011 Toyota RAV4 radio display malfunction is a recurring concern. In plenty of cases, buyers have reported the radio screen losing its power inadvertently. There are no prior symptoms nor is a reason for the failure known to the buyers. 

• Dead battery: The Toyota RAV4 battery issues are also a common recurrence. In the current iteration, buyers have reported the battery dying consistently, without any known reason. Currently, the battery either needs to be jump-started or replaced for the vehicle to resort to normal operation. 

Mechanical Complaints

• Excessive oil consumption: Buyers of the 2011 Toyota RAV4 have reported the engine consuming oil excessively. Despite regular refills, the oil is used quickly, which causes the lubrication to be at its lowest and can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. 

• Rear seal leak: In the current iteration, complainants have also reported the rear differential leaking fluid. This can cause the vehicle to deliver erratic performance and stall eventually, which can increase the risk of a crash. 

• Service brake failure: The Toyota RAV4 problems also include issues with the braking system. Despite the brake pedal being depressed, the vehicle fails to come to a halt, which increases the distance and time. In some cases, this problem is coupled with the vehicle accelerating and gaining speed when the brake is depressed, which makes it difficult to control the vehicle. Both problems can result in the compact SUV’s chance of getting in a crash. 

• Other mechanical issues: The 2011 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems are not a recurring concern. In a handful of cases, buyers have reported the vehicle slipping between gears or hesitating to shift to a higher gear. The transmission system makes a grinding noise when the problem persists and causes the SUV to deliver erratic performance. 

Structural Complaints

• Interior and exterior structural concerns: On the inside, buyers of the 2011 RAV4 have reported the driver-side sun visor falling constantly. It fails to stay in its place and falls, creating an obstruction. On the outside, the windshield wipers have been reported to become inoperable, due to the corrosion of the arm joint. As a result, it also restricts the driver’s visibility and can increase the crash risk. 

2011 Toyota RAV4 Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	12th Aug 2016	16V596000	Corrosion of tie rods	Due to improper tightening, the rear tie rods might rust after service leading to its failure and affecting the vehicle alignment.	Dealers will replace the rear suspension arms and encapsulate the lock nuts, free of cost.
2.	2nd June 2016	16V396000	Faltering seat heaters	In vehicles equipped with after-market seat heaters, the electrical wiring may get damaged upon compression of the seat cushion.	Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of cost.
3.	19th Feb 2016	16V096000	Possible damage to seat belts	In frontal collisions, the rear seat belts may be cut by the seat frame.	Dealers will install a protector over the rear seat cushion frames.
4.	22nd Oct 2015	15V689000	Malfunctioning power windows	Due to inconsistent grease lubrication, the Power Window Master Switch may overheat and melt.	Upon inspection, dealers will add a lubricant if no problem is found. However, if an issue is found, the PWMS assembly will be replaced, free of cost.
5.	18th Sept 2015	15V577000	Inoperable windshield wipers	Due to dripping water, the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor may corrode.	Dealers will replace the water diverter channel, install a new wiper linkage, and add a protective cover, free of cost.
6.	19th Nov 2014	14V743000	Faltering seat heaters	In vehicles equipped with after-market seat heaters, the electrical wiring may get damaged upon compression of the seat cushion.	Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters and refund the purchase price.
7.	28th Aug 2013	13V383000	Corrosion of tie rods	Due to improper tightening, the rear tie rods might rust after service leading to its failure and affecting the vehicle alignment.	Dealers will replace the rear suspension arms and encapsulate the lock nuts, free of cost.
8.	9th Apr 2013	13V123000	Incorrect load capacity on labels	Due to the incorrect capacity mentioned on the label, affected units fail to comply with federal laws.	SET will provide the corrected label, free of cost.
9.	16th Jan 2013	13V014000	OCS might not perform as intended	After the installation of after-market accessories, the Occupant Classification System might not have been calibrated, which can restrict its intended performance.	Dealers will test the sensitivity of the OCS and recalibrate it, if necessary, free of cost.
10.	2nd Aug 2012	12V373000	Corrosion of tie rods	Due to improper tightening, the rear tie rods might rust after service leading to its failure and affecting the vehicle alignment.	Dealers will replace any tie-rod found loose, free of cost.
11.	1st Feb 2012	12V029000	Non- deployment of curtain shield airbags	Due to improper propellant in the initiator assembly, one or both curtain airbags might not deploy.	Dealers will replace the assemblies in the affected unit, free of cost.

Should you buy the 2011 Toyota RAV4?

The 2011 Toyota RAV4 has been a practical offering. While it resonates with comfort, the compact SUV’s ride demeanor, capacious cabin, and large cargo space make it enticing. However, amidst its strengths, the Japanese proposition feels underwhelming due to its dependability. Though the number of complaints does not seem necessarily high, an extensive recall list does raise questions about the smooth operation of the vehicle. It stains the overall ownership experience and buyers would have to constantly visit the dealership to get the parts repaired. Consequently, we feel that buyers would be better off with other vehicles like the 2011 Nissan Rogueseems to be a more sensible option, despite recording slightly higher complaints.