Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Subframe rusted in half, the only way I found it was when we put new shocks on it. It peeled off about 1/2 the tread on a brand new tire. Dangerous, if passengers side rear tire would've broke loose it would throw rear of car into oncoming traffic!
On March 29, 2016, I was driving to work in the far left lane when a gentleman driving a green pickup truck come rushing up beside me. He was waving at me pointing down at the right front side of my Toyota. I thought that maybe I was driving on a flat tire and didn't realize it so I rolled down the window. He yelled as he was still pointing down at the front of my Toyota "your car is on fire". He got ahead of me and I pulled over to the right shoulder of the freeway. He got out of his truck and ran back to my 2007 Toyota RAV4 and said "ma'am, you better get your purse and things and get out, your car is on fire". At that time, smoke was pouring out somewhere up front on the passenger side by the tire. I got my things and we moved to the back of my Toyota when at that time, it went up in flames. I took care of that vehicle because I can not afford another. …
This just happend to me on the morning of 07/26/2012. I was on a business trip and leaving the airport. As I was about to pay my parking fee the driver side door started smoking and I saw a small fire starting to flare up on the driver's seat door by the window switch. I turned off the car and within 3 minutes the whole door was up in flames.
I took my car in to address the panel warning symbols. Was told that my unibody style was no longer safe to drive due to severe rust. Was informed that the car could possibly fall apart.
Sub frame is rusted to the point of not being able to pass state inspection requirements.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under a manufacturer recall where all four tires were aligned. The dealer used an epoxy resin on the rear of the vehicle near the tie rod assemblies and the framing. Months later, after the manufacturer recall repair was performed, the vehicle was not able to receive an alignment and two independent mechanics stated that the epoxy prevented the tires from receiving a rear alignment. The contact was informed that only the front alignment could be performed. The vehicle was not repaired and the dealer refused to remedy the removal of the epoxy resin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
While driving on the interstate between 65-70 MPH on January 25, 2014, we started to notice the hood of our Toyota 2007 rav 4 starting to vibrate up and down. We pulled over, opened it and slammed it shut. It continued to vibrate up and down, but not as much. Yesterday, February 3, 2014, driving to work, on the interstate, the hood starting vibrating up and down hard at 70 MPH. By the time I got to the office and looked at the hood it was open 1". The front latch had evidently failed completely; the back latch had evidently held the hood on. It was extremely frightening since the interstate was packed and I couldn't get over. My rav 4 is presently at our local Toyota dealership hopefully being fixed.
I have a Toyota rav-4. If I apply the brakes and my foot is placed partially too far to the right, it comes in contact with the accelerator pedal, causing the engine to race and the car to lunge forward. The brake pedal travels below the accelerator pedal. I notice an increased level of accidents where a vehicle crashes into a building. I believe this might be a cause of this type of accident. I discussed the problem with the Toyota service representative and he said that this condition is typical with the new type of braking system.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota RAV4. While parked the contact noticed water intrusion through the fresh air intake under the front passenger side, causing the carpet to become moist and grow mold. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician advised that the gasket would have to be replaced and a plastic sealant would have to be installed around the windshield. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota RAV4. When the contact had the vehicle inspected, the mechanic noticed severe rust on the exhaust pipe. The mechanic informed the contact of an unknown recall regarding the failure; however, the contact found that the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Body complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2007 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the body & structure of the 2007 Toyota RAV4, 2% of the model year's 1,004 complaints. The component named most often is body (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Toyota RAV4 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2007 Toyota RAV4, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Toyota RAV4 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.