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ProblemsByVin File / 2007-TOYOTA-RAV4 NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Toyota

2007 Toyota RAV4 problems

The 2007 Toyota RAV4 has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 1,002 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

The 2007 Toyota RAV4 has 1,002 NHTSA owner complaints and 14 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 271 complaints, typically surfacing around 55,807 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Toyota RAV4 owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2005 RAV4 141 5
2006 RAV4 703 11
2007 RAV4 (this page) 1,002 14
2008 RAV4 575 14
2009 RAV4 327 15
2010 RAV4 400 14
2007 Toyota RAV4
Photo: Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the Toyota RAV4
0 5 10
Reliability score
3.6 / 10

Significant reliability concerns on file. Read the trouble spots before buying.

1
Critical
12
Severe
1
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2007 RAV4?
Avoid — the suspension

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the suspension was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Buying a used 2007 Toyota RAV4? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: suspension is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 97,831 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 14 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 3.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2007 Toyota RAV4

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2007-toyota-rav4/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2007 Toyota RAV4 reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2007-toyota-rav4/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2007 Toyota RAV4 reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
271 reports · fails ~55,807 mi · avg $700
moderate
engine
204 reports · fails ~90,089 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
suspension
108 reports · fails ~97,831 mi · avg $900
severe
airbags
86 reports · fails ~86,441 mi · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
81 reports · fails ~38,458 mi · avg $600
severe
electrical
55 reports · fails ~80,678 mi · avg $850
severe
powertrain
42 reports · fails ~71,350 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
visibility
35 reports · fails ~71,412 mi · avg $350
severe

Your road ahead on this 2007 Toyota RAV4

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~30,815 micruise control~$600
  2. ~46,781 misteering~$700
  3. ~47,000 miwheels~$400
  4. ~59,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
  5. ~60,035 mibody~$1,500
  6. ~67,000 mivisibility~$350
  7. ~71,000 mibrakes~$450
  8. ~85,000 mielectrical~$850
  9. ~87,000 miairbags~$1,100
  10. ~90,000 miengine~$3,100

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2007 RAV4's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2007 RAV4?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2007 RAV4 · steering
My 2007 Toyota rav4 has developed a loud clunk and slight binding when the steering when turning at slow speeds. The diagnosis from Toyota appears to be a worn intermediate steering shaft. In my opinion, the steering shaft on this vehicle does not resemble those on other cars in…
12/31/2014 · at 105,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669264.0 · see steering pattern →
2007 RAV4 · cruise control
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota rav4. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, all of the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the cruise control failed to activate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
12/31/2014 · at 51,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669321.0 · see cruise control pattern →
2007 RAV4 · cruise control
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota rav4. While at a stop light, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact had to place the vehicle in neutral in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the accelerator pedal…
12/30/2014 · at 90,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669135.0 · see cruise control pattern →
2007 RAV4 · steering
"klunking" noise from steering column. Noticed intermittently initially,now all the time. Occurs at any speeds but primarily lower speeds and while stopped. Worsening over time. *kb
12/30/2011 · at 80,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10441709.0 · see steering pattern →
View all 1,002 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2007 Toyota RAV4? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 14

critical NHTSA 11V113000 February 24, 2011

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 Lexus lx570, 2003 through 2009 Toyota 4runner, and 2006 through 2010 rav4 vehicles

A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Fix: The remedy is now available. The safety recall began early april 2011. The remedy will involve modification or replacement of the accelerator pedal and replacement of any Toyota all-weather floor mat. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
severe NHTSA 16V596000 August 12, 2016

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

Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
severe NHTSA 16V396000 June 2, 2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element

If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
View all 14 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2007 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 3.6 out of 10 based on 1,002 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 Toyota RAV4 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2007 Toyota RAV4?

On the NHTSA data, the 2007 Toyota RAV4 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the suspension was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 25 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Suspension: 108 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 68,000–125,000 mi; Cruise-control: 81 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 19,000–50,000 mi; Reliability score 3.6/10 — below the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2007 Toyota RAV4?

Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 271 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 55,807 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2007 Toyota RAV4 a good used car to buy?

It scores 3.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,002 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 55,807 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2007 Toyota RAV4?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 271 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 55,807 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 55,807 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota RAV4 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2007 Toyota RAV4?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,002 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Toyota/RAV4. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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