2009 Toyota RAV4 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 327 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the body and structure of the 2009 Toyota RAV4, 5% of the 327 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On june 6 2012 driving into a parking lot I had an un-intended acceleration on my 2009 Toyota RAV4 and the car only stopped because I hit my doctor's office wall. Even though I pressed the brake pedal, the car wouldn't stop. It was a very scary moment. I filed a claim with Toyota manufacturer, they inspected the car on june 19,2012. I got a letter july 30 2012 from Toyota motor sales USA inc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10469737, filed 2012-08, 17,124 miles“I was driving and the air bag inadvertently went off, exploding in my face. The vehicle filled with smoke, dust, and debris. Because I could not see (airbag in my face and smoke/debris in the vehicle), I crashed into the vehicle in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #10680189, filed 2015-01, 57,668 miles“On june 8, 2014, while driving my 2009 Toyota RAV4, I began to slow for a stop light. Several cars were already stopped. Suddenly, and unexpectedly, my car began to accelerate causing me to crash into another vehicle, and forcing it into a second vehicle. After the initial impact; my engine continued to rev-up, even though my foot was off the accelerator and hard on the brakes. Finally, I shifted into park and turned off the ignition. All three vehicles were damaged, two significantly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10598075, filed 2014-06, 70,500 miles“Rust on the latches that hold the rear door on the 2009 Toyota RAV4. Although not a major concern at this time, however when the rust does get worse the door will not seal exhaust and/or will open in a accident or while driving. This can be a hazard. I can email photos of the latches. If you want them. Toyota motor corporation and its dealership network are not wanting to repair this problem. I thought I can bring up the issue here and please contact me for further information. The repair is simple since the latches are held on with easily removed hardware. …”
NHTSA complaint #10459981, filed 2012-05, 22,000 miles“I bought a Toyota rav-4 sport in january 2009. It is a v-6 with the run flat tires. In july, I purchased a new, very expensive computerized sewing machine--one that I had hoped to be able to buy for a long, long time. It was just over $1400.00. I placed it in the back of my rav and drove home. I swung open the tailgate, not thinking I had to peak inside first. The sewing machine fell right out of the car unto the cement garage floor. I was devastated. Then I thought how lucky I was that my foot or my small dog was not injured. …”
NHTSA complaint #10294582, filed 2009-12, 8,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 9% |
| 2024 | 16 | 9% |
| 2023 | 10 | 6% |
| 2022 | 19 | 13% |
| 2021 | 21 | 5% |
| 2020 | 62 | 10% |
| 2019 | 90 | 10% |
| 2018 | 14 | 4% |
| 2017 | 19 | 6% |
| 2016 | 15 | 6% |
| 2015 | 31 | 10% |
| 2014 | 18 | 9% |
| 2013 | 28 | 11% |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% |
| 2011 | 16 | 6% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 17 | 5% |
| 2008 | 19 | 3% |
| 2007 | 24 | 2% |
| 2006 | 23 | 3% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
| 1999 | 6 | 10% |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 11% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2009 Toyota RAV4
99 complaintsSuspension
55 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsEngine
27 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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