YearToAvoid

2009 Toyota RAV4 Engine Problems

NHTSA has 129 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2009 Toyota RAV4, 39% of all 327 complaints for this model year. That is #6 highest engine complaint count among 21 RAV4 model years. These complaints report 32 crashes, 2 fires, and 8 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 15,000 miles.

Engine complaints
129
39% of 327
Crashes reported
32
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
8
Median mileage
15,000 mi
Related recalls
2

When 2009 Toyota RAV4 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 5, 2009, latest Apr 20, 2026.

2009 Toyota RAV4 engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter352009 Q42011 Q12012 Q32014 Q12015 Q32017 Q22020 Q12023 Q3
129 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2009 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2010 Q1 (35).

Engine recalls for the 2009 Toyota RAV4

  1. NHTSA 11V113000Feb 24, 2011Engine1,363,244 vehicles

    Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

    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 position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.

    Risk: 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.

    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 mat. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

  2. NHTSA 10V017000Jan 21, 2010Engine2,230,661 vehicles

    Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 avalon, model year 2007-2010 camry, model year 2009-2010 corolla, corolla matrix, rav4, model year 2010 highlander, model year 2008-2010 sequoia, and model year 2007-2010 tundra vehicles. Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the sliding surface of the lever may become smooth during vehicle operation. In this condition, if condensation occurs on the surface, as may occur from heater operation (without a/c) when the pedal assembly is cold, the friction when the accelerator pedal is operated may increase, which may result in the accelerator pedal becoming harder to depress, slower to return, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position.

    Risk: The accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. Gm will notify owners for the pontiac vibe please see 10v-018. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on february 5, 2010 and will be completed on march 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Engine complaints by RAV4 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200528 (20%)
  2. 2006220 (31%)
  3. 2007331 (33%)
  4. 2008246 (43%)
  5. 2009129 (39%)
  6. 2010108 (27%)
  7. 201198 (34%)
  8. 201269 (27%)
  9. 201345 (18%)
  10. 201438 (19%)
  11. 201556 (18%)
  12. 201636 (15%)
  13. 201746 (15%)
  14. 201850 (15%)
  15. 2019239 (27%)
  16. 2020205 (32%)
  17. 202146 (12%)
  18. 202234 (23%)
  19. 202332 (21%)
  20. 202446 (26%)
  21. 202518 (21%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Toyota RAV4 have engine problems?
NHTSA has 129 owner complaints about the engine in the 2009 Toyota RAV4, 39% of all complaints for this model year, including 32 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 15,000 miles.
Which Toyota RAV4 year has the most engine complaints?
The 2007 Toyota RAV4 has the most engine complaints (331), compared with 129 for the 2009.
Is there a engine recall for the 2009 Toyota RAV4?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Toyota RAV4 concern the engine: 11V113000 and 10V017000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.