The 2008 Toyota RAV4 has 4 recalls, the most serious being three equal-severity issues: a seat heater fire risk, a power window switch that can overheat and melt, and a rear suspension arm that can fail and cause sudden loss of steering control.
The seat heater concern affects vehicles equipped with certain aftermarket heated seat components, where a damaged copper heating element can short circuit and start a fire. The power window switch carries a related risk: without adequate lubrication, moisture and debris can work into the switch and cause it to short circuit, overheat, and melt the surrounding plastic. On the suspension side, the rear tie rods have adjusting lock nuts that may not have been properly tightened during servicing, and if a tie rod fails, the driver can lose control of the vehicle without warning. The remaining recall involves the rear outboard seatbelts: in a frontal collision, the seat cushion frame can cut the belt webbing, leaving a rear passenger without effective restraint at the moment it is needed most.
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 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
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.
