The problem
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.
The risk
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 12V-373 (12V373000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Component | Suspension › Rear |
| Report date | August 2, 2012 |
| Owners notified | November 30, 2012 |
| Vehicles affected | 780,584 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the suspension
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 12V-373 repair free?
Yes. Lexus dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 780,584 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.