2008 Toyota RAV4 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 137about this part
- Share
- 24%of 575 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 137 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Toyota RAV4, 24% of the 575 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2008 Toyota RAV4 4 cylinder, I've noticed that it's been losing around 2qts between oil changes and there are no oil leaks. Are there any recalls I should be aware of? Seems like there is alot of people with the same issue and I just bought this car so its very frustrating. Toyota should be taking care of this matter, very disappointed.”
NHTSA complaint #11241844, filed 2019-08, 150,000 miles“My car has been needing oil changes more frequently. I am in getting oil change today and my car wasn't due for 1000 more mile and 1/18 (whichever came first). I have no leaks,haven't damaged a anything and its always done professionally.. Its been changed at Toyota,good year,oil change shops.no smoke or burning od oil. Car gets regular maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #11045295, filed 2017-11, 130,000 miles“My car is burning oil very quickly. I have to check it weekly and now am putting 1 or 2 quarts of oil every 2 or 3 weeks. I travel 60 miles daily and thought that because of distance and because my car has over 100,000 miles, that this was the reason. Now I am reading about all the many same complaints other owners are having. Is there a recall or solution to this problem? I didn't want to buy a new car yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11309676, filed 2020-02, 170,000 miles“Vehicle engine seized and shut down when I was driving on a main street inside city limits on a straight busy road. Pulled into driveway but vehicle would not start again so had it towed to my house. Replaced battery but still would not start. Had vehicle towed to Toyota dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11323305, filed 2020-05, 225,000 miles“My vehicle is currently consuming 4 quarts approximately every 1,000 miles. The Toyota district parts and service manager declined my request for a loaner vehicle, however, Toyota has approved to reimburse me for any extra oil purchased. They do not have an estimated time of delivery for your part at this time as it is on national backorder with Toyota.”
NHTSA complaint #10851468, filed 2016-03, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11005119Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 11005061Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10132857Oct 11, 2016Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of…
- 10149217Sep 14, 2016TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are…
- 10150414Sep 8, 2016Technical Instructions: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service…
- 10150413Sep 8, 2016Dealer Package: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service Campaign (SSC)…
- 10150412Sep 8, 2016Dealer Package email: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service Campaign…
- 10150411Sep 8, 2016Region Letter: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service Campaign (SSC)…
- 10150410Sep 8, 2016Region Letter email: In our continuing effort to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota has converted Limited Service Campaign (LSC) BST into Special Service Campaign…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 14 | 15% |
| 2024 | 38 | 22% |
| 2023 | 25 | 15% |
| 2022 | 27 | 18% |
| 2021 | 41 | 11% |
| 2020 | 180 | 28% |
| 2019 | 207 | 23% |
| 2018 | 33 | 10% |
| 2017 | 31 | 10% |
| 2016 | 25 | 10% |
| 2015 | 37 | 12% |
| 2014 | 31 | 16% |
| 2013 | 29 | 11% |
| 2012 | 22 | 8% |
| 2011 | 33 | 12% |
| 2010 | 21 | 5% |
| 2009 | 27 | 8% |
| 2008 | 137 | 24% |
| 2007 | 195 | 19% |
| 2006 | 109 | 15% |
| 2005 | 9 | 6% |
| 2004 | 11 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 9 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2008 Toyota RAV4
92 complaintsSuspension
81 complaintsSteering
73 complaintsAir bags
58 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 Oct 28, 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