Problems · by component

2006 Toyota RAV4 suspension problems

73 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2006 Toyota RAV4 cite suspension, 10% of all 704 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
73
10% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the suspension

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“2016 Superseding Recall (Campaign 16V596000): Toyota issued a follow-up recall because some initial epoxy repairs were not enough. Dealers must replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts completely free of charge. These parts are severely rusted and corroded on my 2006 Toyota Rav4. It seems like my vehicle was not included in the recall when it should have been. I am not the original owner, but it seems like the issue was never addressed. The damage was discovered during routine maintenance. I purchased the vehicle on 8/1/2024. The damage must have existed before then based on the amount of damage. Is it possible for Toyota to still extend the recall to this vehicle?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2026Suspension, StructureODI 11767109
“My 2006 Toyota RAV4 was supposedly repaired under the rear suspension arm recall (C0J / G0V), but the rear tie rod ends still have yellow stickers reading “this is a recalled part” and no epoxy on the bolts. A Toyota dealer refused to inspect the vehicle and relied solely on the VIN record. The car now rides roughly, and I believe additional suspension components have been damaged due to the unresolved recall. I am concerned for my safety and request NHTSA investigation.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2025SuspensionODI 11696689
“The vehicle is owned and operated in Costa Rica. I submitted the vehicle for the 4 incomplete recall items associated with its VIN. I was told by Grupo Purdy Toyota of Costa Rica that Manufacturer Recall Number G0V NHTSA Recall Number16V596 does not apply in Costa Rica and they declined to complete the recall remedy. Is this correct or should they be completing the recall remedy?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 2, 2024SuspensionODI 11628448
“AS A RESULT OF HAVING RECALL 16V596000 PERFORMED, REAR TOE ARMS ARE NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE FOR ALIGNMENTS. CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR AT THEIR COST THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT CAUSES PREMATURE RUST, OFFERED NO SOLUTIONS. CAUSES PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, LOSS OF TRACTION.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2020SuspensionODI 11340738
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, IT SHOOK INTERMITTENTLY. NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130, 000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2020SuspensionODI 11302590
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR WHEELS WERE WEARING OUT THE TIRES DUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V596000 (SUSPENSION) REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAGUABO AUTO SALES (272 NAGUABO PR 00718), BUT AN ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO THE SEAL ON THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE DEALER WAS SUPPOSED TO REPLACE BOTH SUSPENSION ARMS, BUT THEY WERE SEALED INSTEAD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRES WOULD SLIDE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AN ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO THE SEAL ON THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 182,999. THE VIN WAS INVALID.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2019SuspensionODI 11290263

Showing 6 of 73 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

3 recalls on this component

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

SuspensionReported Aug 12, 2016NHTSA 16V596000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

SuspensionReported Aug 28, 2013NHTSA 13V383000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

SuspensionReported Aug 2, 2012NHTSA 12V373000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.