Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a quart of oil each was added each week. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the charcoal canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact noticed that his vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil upon inspection. The contact stated that he had to add two quarts of oil to the engine every five weeks. The contact went to a dealer where he purchased a PCV valve and a hose connection; the contact's neighbor performed the work on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the sound was coming from the tires. The contact was informed that no issues were found. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
this is a follow up email regarding my car 2007 toyota rav 4 FWD 4 cylinder ; oil consumption of this model is too much 1 quart every 250 - 300 miles. Toyota already know and acknowledge the problem but with my case when I went to the dealer they just told me that it passed the test. If NHTSA will help us voice our concern maybe toyota will consider this to become a recall
Excessive oil consumption. Oil checked religiously every Friday. (Added 1-1.5 quarts weekly 500-700 miles). Vehicle owned 21 months. Oil checked and added on Friday 10/08, Saturday 10/09 Engine failed, no oil on dipstick and motor has a grinding sound.
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. …
2007 Toyota RAV4, on sat August 26th we were driving from madison wi to milwaukee wi on i94. Just shortly before we reached johnson creek the car made a strange noise and then the noise went away. As we were driving past johnson creek the engine made a pop sound and I lost power and I coasted to a stop along the side of the freeway. I noticed smoke or steam coming from the engine compartment, I opened the hood and there was a fire in the engine compartment. I removed some items in the car and my wife called 911. By the time the johnson creek fire department arrived the rav 4 was completely engulfed in fire. The car was a complete loss
I was driving and the engine caught on fire. Thank God for people telling me that my car was having flames coming from under my car. By the time I pull over flames were coming out of my hood
I have just experienced sudden acceleration while pulling into a parking spot. I slammed on the brake and it didn't want to stop. I ended up bumping the car in front of me as I continued to brake. The engine was still surging and wouldn't go into reverse. I called mountain states Toyota here in denver and explained the problems to the service manager. He told me that he had never heard of such a thing. There are numerous complaints with the same issue on the internet. The service manager, of course, is telling me that if they cannot reproduce it and it is not showing error codes(which it isn't) there isn't anything they can do. I told him I wanted the acceleration system thoroughly inspected...which he wants to charge me for unless they do find an issue. …
My car has had every oil change and check up as prescribed. I was about 500 miles away from next required oil change. I noticed when I stepped on brake the oil light came on. Pulled into gas station and was told there was no oil in the car. They added 3 quarts of oil. I called Toyota and brought car in. They added 4/5 quarts of oil, and tapped up everything including dip stick so I could not check the oil. Told me I had to drive 1,100 to 1,300 miles and then come back. I was quite upset, because I was unable to know if oil was leaking again, since they taped the dip stick. Called corporate was told to take tape off dip stick. Have not driven the 1,100 miles but oil is a little below the 2 dots. I called Toyota, told them I had to be in raleigh for work and asked them to just fix the problem. …
Engine complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 236 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Toyota RAV4, 24% of the model year's 1,004 complaints. The component named most often is engine (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Toyota RAV4 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.