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SUVs Toyota RAV4 Toyota RAV4 pre-2006
2123 messages, Last post on Aug 20, 2009 at 7:57 PM
You are in the Toyota RAV4 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Finally got around to taking my wife's 2003 RAV4 2WD back to the shop for the dash-rattle which first started to mainfest itself a little over a year ago (I was hoping it'd go away... it didn't). The sound was registered and heard by both the Service Manager and examining tech.. The TSB dash noise-rattle kit was used to fix. On the way home, noise came back worse than ever in the dash. Took it back 2-weeks later and they applied a complete dash noise reduction kit per Toyota. They kept the vehicle overnight, took apart the dash completely to apply the foam-pieces and spacers. This seemed to have solved the problem as of yesterday. This work is covered under warranty and if recognized the dealership will fix-it (at least mine did). They did not argue or attempt to pass this off as 'normal', because it was clearly audible. Apparently this seems to be more of extensive problem with RAV's than Toyota wishes to admit. Don't know about the 2005's, but 2000's - 2004's have had the issue with the cowl/dash noise. My wife loves her RAV4, but the noise was driving her crazy. As frustrating as this is, I refrained from being confrontational with the dealership. Instead both times I used firm but soft(er) tones explaining the problem and that I would be disappointed if Toyota had this issue that couldn't be fixed... yada, yada. In this case positive measures prevailed and for now the RAV is noise-free from the dash. We even got a couple of coupons for free-oil changes thrown in for our patience. Actually, I'm disappointed that Toyota has not fixed the problem at the factory from the 2000 model-up, but at least this dealership didn't seem to run from the issue.
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Replying to: escapenut (Dec 29, 2004 12:01 pm) |
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My wife's RAV4 has been ultra-dependable to date other than the dash-rattle which is a major annoyance over rough surface roads. Ironcically, the dash rattle did not start immediately after purchase. I think my wife first heard it and then me about 1 yr. ago. Then is started to become more intrusive. I will admit that it seems to be worse during the colder-winter months. I printed off the cowl-rattle cure for the RAV4 that someone had thoughtfully written, with pictures. I've filed it but may get it out just to review the procedures for the permanent-fix (aftermarket) fix that was formulated just in case it's needed again. Again, the final fix was a dealer applied complete dash-rattle kit from Toyota. I'll try and supply the kit number from the work order sheet next time I post. Admittedly my wife literally starts the car and within 5-mins. she's at work. Not too good for engine warm-up and carbon-deposit build-up. So at least once per week I take it for real warm-up for at least 1/2-hour or more on the freeway somewhere.
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Replying to: escapenut (Dec 30, 2004 5:43 am) |
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| My 2004, started rattling at about 2000 miles. The dealer installed the kit and it was quiet for about another 1000 miles. Now it rattles on and off, but the loud squeak is there after every bump. At 2300 miles the charcoal canister failed, then the vent hose to the canister cracked a week later, the catalytic converter needed replacement after that and then the air mixture fuel sensor failed at 3300 miles. The squeal sound started at 400 miles and is still there. At 4500 miles now no new problems, but I'm disappointed with the RAV and wonder what will fail next. | |
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As promised, here is the kit # that the dealer used to fix the complete dash rattle : 08231-00801, Noise Kit. So far so good on my wife's '03 RAV4 with the kit. It's been over a week now and seems to be working. The RAV4 has so far been good otherwise,; sorry to hear that some of you have had mechanical problems. You normally don't think of a vehicle assemble in Japan as having that many problems, but it does happen. I've got an '01 Ford Escape and don't have the rattles that the RAV had. But I've had other issues with my Escape too, but it's been a good vehicle so far for me.
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Replying to: escapenut (Jan 03, 2005 7:07 am) |
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Two years ago I was very close to getting into a new '03 RAV4, but I soured on it after reading owner comments about the dash rattle. It was bad enough that the problem continued into the '02 model year, but when '03 owners posted that their RAV4s still had the rattle, it was a turnoff. Who wants to buy a vehicle knowing that it most likely has an annoying problem right off the showroom floor? A co-worker let me take his '02 for a test drive at the time and sure enough, his had the rattle. I believe he ultimately did get it fixed after at least two trips to the dealer. Only a month or so ago I did finally get a RAV4 as a second car, but it's a used 2000 4WD. Still surprisingly tight after almost 50k miles. Hope the '01+ ones age equally well.
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Replying to: cbmorton (Jan 03, 2005 12:39 pm) |
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I've narrowed my choices to the Rav4 and CR5. I'd appreciate knowing what kind of real world Highway mileage you're all getting. Thanks in advance. -Dennis
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