2008 Toyota RAV4 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 10%of 575 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,201miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Toyota RAV4, 10% of the 575 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,201 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Backing my RAV4 out of the garage after an oil change, I did a three point turn in the drive way. When I put it in reverse again to get closer to my garage the side air bags deployed. Only the side bags and seat belts, and I did not contact anything. Toyota will not cover the repairs (or diagnosis), and insurance will not pay for the diagnosis!”
NHTSA complaint #10894637, filed 2016-08, 64,400 miles“I had just gotten in my vehicle. I went to go start it and the airbags deployed for no reason!!! There is no damage to the vehicle. No reason as to why the airbags should of deployed sitting in my driveway stationary. I had no warning lights on at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11241603, filed 2019-08, 117,000 miles“Driver side air bag fault lite on. I was told it requires a new sensor and a spring. I own a 2002 Toyota corolla no trouble so far. The car has over 200000 miles on it. I have asked over 65 people with Toyota rav.4/ years 2008 -2009 and -2011 cars, if they have had any trouble with there cars. They all said not so far.”
NHTSA complaint #10557064, filed 2013-12, 102,000 miles“Airbag warning light was on. We received notice that our vehicle was included in a general RAV4 / highlander recall for side airbag sensor issues.after receiving free dealership service for the recall, the warning light was still on. We called the service dept. And were told that it was just a glitch and they would reset it at our next scheduled service (oil change). …”
NHTSA complaint #10470667, filed 2012-08, 73,000 miles“I was driving on the west virginia turnpike when the airbag light came on. The bag didn't open, but it scared me. There is no shoulder on the turnpike to get over and there is lots of truckers. The airbag light stayed on until I got off the turnpike and pulled over to a rest stop. I turned off the car and my son and I rested for about 30 minutes before starting the car again to drive home. When I turned on the car the light was off. It comes on every once in a while. Not sure why and not sure what is causing it to come on?”
NHTSA complaint #10630064, filed 2014-09, 46,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V168000Apr 9, 2014Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors…Covers: Toyota RAV4 2006–2008, Yaris 2006–2010, Highlander 2008–2010 +4 more
- 11V245000Apr 21, 2011Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2007-2008 rav4 vehicles. In the curtain shield airbag (csa) system…Covers: Toyota RAV4 2007–2008, Highlander 2008, Highlander Hybrid 2008
Related service bulletins
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most…
- 10227898Nov 23, 2022TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this…
- 10190460Mar 17, 2021Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10132410Jul 20, 2017TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling…
- 10131852Mar 8, 2017Dealer Letter: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed.
- 10131851Mar 8, 2017Region Letter: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall Follow-Up Notices to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had campaign repairs completed.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 12 | 7% |
| 2023 | 8 | 5% |
| 2022 | 10 | 7% |
| 2021 | 125 | 32% |
| 2020 | 55 | 9% |
| 2019 | 45 | 5% |
| 2018 | 16 | 5% |
| 2017 | 20 | 7% |
| 2016 | 19 | 8% |
| 2015 | 15 | 5% |
| 2014 | 12 | 6% |
| 2013 | 13 | 5% |
| 2012 | 22 | 8% |
| 2011 | 20 | 7% |
| 2010 | 28 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 4% |
| 2008 | 58 | 10% |
| 2007 | 99 | 10% |
| 2006 | 57 | 8% |
| 2005 | 59 | 42% |
| 2004 | 47 | 31% |
| 2003 | 10 | 3% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 13 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
| 1999 | 14 | 23% |
| 1998 | 13 | 17% |
| 1997 | 5 | 9% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota RAV4
137 complaintsVehicle speed control
92 complaintsSuspension
81 complaintsSteering
73 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsElectrical system
27 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsSeat belts
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology