MYRModel Year Report

2006 Toyota RAV4

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2006 Toyota RAV4
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
705
Recalls
11

Campaigns on file for 2006

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 4 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1996: 47 complaints 1997: 54 complaints 1998: 77 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 2000: 30 complaints 2001: 309 complaints 2002: 527 complaints 2002 2003: 315 complaints 2004: 154 complaints 2005: 141 complaints 2006: 705 complaints 2006 705 2007: 1,004 complaints 2008: 575 complaints 2009: 327 complaints 2010: 400 complaints 2010 2011: 287 complaints 2012: 260 complaints 2013: 257 complaints 2014: 197 complaints 2014 2015: 305 complaints 2016: 239 complaints 2017: 307 complaints 2018: 331 complaints 2018 2019: 879 complaints 2020: 635 complaints 2021: 387 complaints 2022: 144 complaints 2022 2023: 157 complaints 2024: 175 complaints 2025: 88 complaints
1994: 4 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1996: 47 complaints 1996 1997: 54 complaints 1998: 77 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 2000: 30 complaints 2000 2001: 309 complaints 2002: 527 complaints 2002 2003: 315 complaints 2004: 154 complaints 2004 2005: 141 complaints 2006: 705 complaints 2006 705 2007: 1,004 complaints 2008: 575 complaints 2008 2009: 327 complaints 2010: 400 complaints 2010 2011: 287 complaints 2012: 260 complaints 2012 2013: 257 complaints 2014: 197 complaints 2014 2015: 305 complaints 2016: 239 complaints 2016 2017: 307 complaints 2018: 331 complaints 2018 2019: 879 complaints 2020: 635 complaints 2020 2021: 387 complaints 2022: 144 complaints 2022 2023: 157 complaints 2024: 175 complaints 2024 2025: 88 complaints
1994: 4 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1996: 47 complaints 1996 1997: 54 complaints 1998: 77 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 2000: 30 complaints 2000 2001: 309 complaints 2002: 527 complaints 2002 2003: 315 complaints 2004: 154 complaints 2004 2005: 141 complaints 2006: 705 complaints 2006 705 2007: 1,004 complaints 2008: 575 complaints 2008 2009: 327 complaints 2010: 400 complaints 2010 2011: 287 complaints 2012: 260 complaints 2012 2013: 257 complaints 2014: 197 complaints 2014 2015: 305 complaints 2016: 239 complaints 2016 2017: 307 complaints 2018: 331 complaints 2018 2019: 879 complaints 2020: 635 complaints 2020 2021: 387 complaints 2022: 144 complaints 2022 2023: 157 complaints 2024: 175 complaints 2024 2025: 88 complaints

2006: 705 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19944
19951
199647
199754
199877
199962
200030
2001309
2002527
2003315
2004154
2005141
2006705
20071,004
2008575
2009327
2010400
2011287
2012260
2013257
2014197
2015305
2016239
2017307
2018331
2019879
2020635
2021387
2022144
2023157
2024175
202588

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

33% · 232 reports

Most commonly citing column and rack and pinion.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

For several months the 2006 Rav4 with only 118k miles had been experiencing intermittent failure of power steering while driving at speeds between 5-20mph.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-09

Engine

15% · 109 reports
CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

11% · 75 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35MPH on a city street, the vehicle lurched forward without warning into the right side of another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-21

Suspension

10% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

On Wednesday, January 30TH, around 6 p.m. Est, I was driving home from work, going approximately 40-45 MPH, when suddenly I lost control of my vehicle (2006 RAV4, standard not sport).

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-14

Also filed under Wheels

2016 Superseding Recall (Campaign 16V596000): Toyota issued a follow-up recall because some initial epoxy repairs were not enough. Dealers must replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts completely free of charge.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-26

Also filed under Structure

The vehicle is owned and operated in Costa Rica. I submitted the vehicle for the 4 incomplete recall items associated with its VIN.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-02

Air bags

8% · 58 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

"Takata recall", I had an accident in which my vehicle front end collided with a tree. My air bag did not deploy, and upper seat belt did not lock causing injury to my face. I was on a city street in motion. I was taken to hospital via ambulance.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-24

Also filed under Seat belts

Safety timeline

11 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2006Complaint volume 705 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2009-09-18Equipment09V223000 Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from September 1, 2005 to May 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels…

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on August 18, 2009. Owners may contact…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2010-02-16Recall queryClosed 2011-03-01 Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
  4. R
    2010-05-27Equipment10V036000 Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire selection and rims."

    Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010. Owners may contact…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2010-05-27Equipment10V035000 Gulf States Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These…

    Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2011-04-13Vehicle speed control11V113000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX570, 2003 through 2009 Toyota 4RUNNER, and 2006 through 2010 RAV4 vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2012-06-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-09-13 Rear Suspension Arm Assembly Failure
  8. R
    2012-11-30Suspension12V373000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2013-08-27Suspension13V383000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2014-10-27Air bags14V168000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2015-11-25Visibility15V689000 Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4,...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2016-06-24Seat belts16V096000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2016-07-14Seats16V396000 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,...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2016-10-03Suspension16V596000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 232 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 109 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 75 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09V223000 · Equipment
  • Recall 10V036000 · Equipment
  • Recall 10V035000 · Equipment
  • Recall 11V113000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 12V373000 · Suspension
  • Recall 13V383000 · Suspension
  • Recall 14V168000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V689000 · Visibility
  • Recall 16V096000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 16V396000 · Seats
  • Recall 16V596000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota RAV4 have?
11 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.