The 2006 Toyota RAV4 has 9 recalls, the most serious being a rear suspension arm that can separate from the vehicle, causing sudden loss of steering and directional control.
Recalls 1, 4, 5, and 6 all point to the same underlying chassis problem: the rear suspension's adjusting lock nuts and tie rod arms can loosen, corrode, and eventually break free, leaving the driver unable to steer or hold a lane. This is the most critical concern on the vehicle.
Two fire-related recalls round out the higher-severity issues. Aftermarket seat heaters on certain vehicles contain a copper heating element that can short circuit if the element is damaged, raising the risk of a fire inside the cabin. Separately, the power window switch assembly can trap moisture and debris when its internal lubricant breaks down, causing the switch to short, overheat, and melt.
On the occupant restraint side, there are three recalls. The rear outboard seatbelts can be cut by a sharp edge on the seat cushion frame during a frontal crash, leaving passengers in those seats with a severed belt that cannot hold them. This defect is described across two filings covering the same physical failure. The driver's airbag also has a concern: wiring in the steering wheel assembly can sustain damage that prevents the airbag from deploying in a crash where it would normally fire, and the warning light on the instrument panel may illuminate as the first sign of trouble.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear suspension arms have lock nuts that may be loose after service. This can damage threads, cause rust, and lead to arm failure, making the vehicle's alignment suddenly change.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and seal the lock nuts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The rear wheel suspension link arms may separate, which could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both suspension link arms and coat them with epoxy to prevent them from separating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a frontal collision, the rear outboard seat belts may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a severe front crash, the seat belt webbing in the second-row outboard seats may rub against the metal seat frame, get cut, and tear apart. A damaged seat belt won't restrain an occupant properly.
What the fix does
Plastic protectors will be installed on the seat cushion frame in both second-row outboard positions to prevent the webbing from contacting metal.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power window master switch may have inconsistent grease lubrication on its sliding electrical contacts, potentially causing the switch to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the switch and apply lubricant if needed, or replace the circuit board if abnormalities are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Electrical wiring in the steering wheel assembly can become damaged, preventing the driver's airbag from deploying properly during a crash and triggering the airbag warning light.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly in the steering wheel.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
If rear wheel alignment nuts are not tightened properly, the suspension arm threads can develop rust and wear. This may cause the arm to separate, leading to loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the suspension arm threads for corrosion. Corroded arms will be replaced; uncorroded arms will receive an epoxy sealer to prevent rust.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear wheel alignment adjustment nuts may be improperly tightened during field alignment work. This creates movement in the suspension arm threads, allowing rust to form and threads to wear. The arm could separate, causing loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear suspension arms, check that lock nuts are tightened to the correct torque, and replace arms if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
