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7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$35,650
Average Mileage:
105,750 miles
Total Complaints:
114 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (71 reports)
  2. replace pistons and seals (21 reports)
  3. see t-sb -0094-11 google it (13 reports)
  4. new pistons, rings, and bearings (6 reports)
  5. replace engine (3 reports)
2008 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments (Page 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #34

Aug 132014

RAV4 Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,885 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle exhibits the typical excessive oil consumption issue for the four cylinder engine. Requires frequent addition of oil, practically over 1 quart every 1,000km .The issue was acknowledged by Toyota Canada service center after running 2 test programs , to prove the excessive oil use, however no action has been taken on their part and no solution has been offered.

- Ben B., Mississauga, ON, Canada

problem #33

Nov 302015

RAV4 Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,302 miles

I took my vehicle to the dealership for an oil consumption test. My vehicle where the oil goes into was sealed.I was told to return 1100-1300 miles later.

I returned to the dealership within the time frame and my vehicle was checked. I was told my vehicle test showed I did not have an oil consumption problem.

Still my vehicle has to have oil added less than 1,000 miles.

- girltoyota, Reisterstown, MD, US

problem #32

May 012015

RAV4 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Toyota sent me a letter saying to go in and get an oil consumption test. Letter stated that the warranty has been extended to cover this common problem.

They say they can't do the test because I have oil leaks in oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket. They want me to pay almost $1000 to correct these issues before they can do the test.

I park my car in garage in the same spot every day, no sings of oil leaks on the floor. If gaskets are leaking, it would be minimum. I am consuming one quart of oil every 1000 miles yet not a drop on the floor.

I did not agree to leave the car for the gasket job. They will not do the oil consumption test. Is the dealer using excuses to make money? Don't they have to replace these gaskets when they fix the oil consumption problem, especially the oil pan gasket which is the most expensive one to replace?

- Victor B., Odessa, FL, US

problem #31

Jan 042016

RAV4 Limited 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Toyota knows about this problem. There is a recall/rebuild of the motor if yours fails their bullshit test. Engine holds 4.5 quarts with filter. I change all my cars oil/filter every 5000 miles. Did it in January and got 3 spoonfuls of oil when I pulled the drain plug. Take it to Toyota, they top off engine oil, put red tape on drain plug, filter, dipstick. Tell you to bring it back between 1100 & 1300 miles. They test oil level. If you burn 1 quart + they will rebuild motor. Here's the bullshit part. Assuming you burn 4.5 quarts in 5000 miles, you'll burn less than 1 quart in 1100 miles. This way they do not have to rebuild motor. We put in almost 1 quart every 15 days. God help them if they do not fail my car next month.

Update from May 25, 2016: Taking it in next week for the 2nd test, 10,000 miles after they claimed it "passed" the first time. Will update you all.

- Cary N., Ridgefield, US

problem #30

Jan 012013

RAV4 2.4L 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I purchased my 2008 Rav4 in 2012 with 63000 miles on it, from a retired college professor who maintained it at the dealership by the book. It used about 1 quart to 3000 miles at the time. I had it changed every 3 to 4000 miles. It slowly began using more and more oil. I started changing my own oil about 1 year ago, using mobile 1 with a premium filter every 5000 miles. Now it uses 1 quart the first 1800 miles after the oil change and then uses

2 1/2 quarts more before hitting 5000 miles. The rav has 126000 miles currently. My 1998 GMC pickup has 206000 miles and uses half a quart between changes. Wow, Toyota! You really blew it. Will be going to the dealer this summer to do the oil consumption test, but past experience does not give me much confidence.

To me, if a car uses more than a quart between changes, it is excessive!!! If I do not get satisfaction, it will be my last Toyota, and believe me when I say, word of mouth matters!!!!!

- picky, Hudsonville, MI, US

problem #29

Aug 052015

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,720 miles

My mechanic tells me that this is a well known issue by Toyota and that the piston rings are too small causing the engine to consume more oil. I have yet to find out if Toyota was aware of this issue when I bought my Toyota Rav4 from the Ventura dealership in 2008. I will continue to pursue this. I have always loved my Toyota Rav4 and felt very confident in recommending it to others. Not anymore. I don't know how much the repair is going to cost yet, but I've been told it's very expensive to pull apart the engine. Toyota will not assume responsibility because I am outside of the warranty.

Update from Feb 11, 2016: Toyota has agreed to put my car through an oil consumption test and that my car should be covered under warranty. I am lucky my mechanic took the time to call Toyota two times getting a different answer each time.

- Margo L., Ojai, US

problem #28

Sep 162015

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Expected more out of a Toyota than to have oil consumption issues at this mileage.

- bikingala, Toney, AL, US

problem #27

Aug 202012

RAV4 Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I add a quart of oil every 6 days or 400 miles, whichever earlier!

- dusha, Bridgewater, NJ, US

problem #26

Oct 012014

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I'm posting on behalf of my father-in-law...he has a 2008 Toyota Rav4 which he bought brand new. For more than a year now he has had to add 3-4 quarts of oil to his vehicle in between oil changes. He has the oil changed according to the manufacturer recommendation of 5,000 miles. After receiving the notice from Toyota regarding the excessive oil consumption, he made an appointment at his local dealership to have the oil consumption test performed. Of course, the dealership said that his vehicle passed the test and was not using more oil than what is considered "normal." He waited the required 6 months/6,000 miles and then made an appointment to have the test performed again at my local dealership. We went together and the service employee explained to us, as he was preparing the paperwork, that Toyota states that adding 1 quart of oil every 1,200 miles or so is normal and not considered excessive. The test was performed and, again, they said his vehicle passed and was not using an excessive amount of oil. I contacted Toyota corporate and they said that there was nothing they could do. My father-in-law can have the test performed a third time as long as he waits the required 6 months/6,000 miles. However, he will have to pay to have the test performed a third time.

I own a 2008 Toyota Rav4, as does my father. Of the 3 vehicles, only my father-in-law's vehicle is using an excessive amount of oil. I find it to be ridiculous that Toyota won't admit that this is a problem and address it accordingly. At this rate, they are going to lose 3 customers over this issue, but they sure don't seem to care!

- skiingnow4376, Chicago, IL, US

problem #25

Dec 262013

RAV4 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

My car has been going through oil quickly. My mechanic sent me to Burdick Toyota for oil consumption test. After my 1200 miles I was told my vehicle was fine. Fourteen days later my engine was making funny noise I let it set over night on Saturday morning I opened the hood to check my oil and all the red tape that was used on my dipstick and oil reservoir was still in place and my vehicle was down 3/4 of a quart of oil. I drove to my mechanic who documented miles since"passing" the test to the day when we checked amount of oil. I called the dealership and had to go in one week later to redo the test. Brought it back waited 1300 miles was treated like I did something wrong. The dealership lied to me about performing the first test I have zero trust in what they tell me now. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE TOYOTA KNOWS THERE'S A PROBLEM I KNOW THERE'S A PROBLEM JUST FIX IT OR BUY IT BACK I AM TIRED OF THE NONSENSE

Update from Jul 28, 2015: scheduled for oil consumption test number three tomorrow. When will it just get fixed? So tired of fooling around with these Dealers who don't even know what they're doing?? All of this is documented,with paper work. They are ripping us off until something happens and I pay myself out of pocket. PLEASE let's expedite this issue so we can go on to the issues with the steering before I end up off the road into a tree or another vehicle. This Toyota is NOT SAFE. I don't feel safe driving on the interstates I don't feel comfortable driving it with kids in the back seat. What's it going to take to get this thing safe?? They should either fix it replace it or pay me so I can look for another vehicle. Thank you for the sounding board

- dvotra, Punta Gorda, FL, US

problem #24

May 132015

RAV4 Sport 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,759 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle is using approx. 3 1/2 to 4qts in 5000 mile oil change. Had two consumption oil tests by Toyota dealer and told this was normal. So I guess the only positive result is that I won't have to change oil every 5000 miles anymore as the oil will have already been replaced.

- georgecmd, Waldorf, MD, US

problem #23

Sep 052014

RAV4 Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

My wifes 2008 Toyota Rav4 have always had oil changed every 3000 miles. The car has never been driven hard. The car was purchased from an older lady who purchased it new. It had only 014937 miles when I purchased it.

It now consumes more than a quart of oil between regular(3K mi) oil change. I received the recall from Toyota about 4-5 months ago. I followed instructions and took Rav4 to Toyota Dealership. They topped off oil, sealed all oil accesses and had us drive it until next oil change. That's when the dealership responded that it is within tolerance and nothing would be done, but we would have to check oil more frequently. The oil light never comes on. but the oil can go quart + low.

Great little car. really upset and agitated with Toyota.

- Pat E., Durham, NC, US

problem #22

Jan 312011

RAV4 WG 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,952 miles

Since we have owned the Rav, in 2011, we noticed excessive oil consumption. When we had the oil changed at the dealer, we were assured "some' oil consumption was normal. Never were we told what amount is "some". In between oil changes, it's been necessary to add 2-3 quarts.

When we received the warranty enhancement notification earlier this year, I was optimistic for a solution. I had the dealer perform the oil change, and returned in between the 1100 -1300 miles specified. We were told the oil level was within normal limits. ( My husband checked, and the oil level was full after the dealer inspected the Rav) this isn't the norm. At 2400 miles after the "check", it was down a quart. at 4500 miles since the dealer oil change and first consumption test, I have added another 1.5 quarts of oil.

Under the terms of the notification, we are entitled to 1 more oil consumption test as part of this program. calling Toyota has been fruitless, as they aren't able to answer the question of what is normal. I have been referred back to the dealer, as a technician would have to answer my questions. The Rav now has 100,100 miles on it. I will have the second consumption test performed, and have them check at different mileages, more in line with where I see the issue.

Prior to this, we had been satisfied with our Toyota.Truthfully, this may not be a cheap fix, and my feeling is we're being placated.I hope for an honest resolution after the second test. We're truly burning money.

- Sandra B., Hartford, WI, US

problem #21

Apr 152014

RAV4 Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

I love my RAV4 but it has been using oil for over 1year. there has been a recall but when I call the dealer they say I am on a waiting list. I called three weeks ago and they said the parts came but they ran out. I have to put in a quart of oil every two weeks.

- cirene, Theodore, AL, US

problem #20

Jun 012012

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I encountered excessive oil consumption (low oil indicator lit up on the dash board about 3 year ago). Went to Toyota service department and was told it is a minor problem (and to take a hike.) Called several times again but was given the same response. In April 2015 I received a letter from Toyota stating that a "warranty enhancement Program has been instituted to address the excessive oil consumption problem".

I was instructed to take the car into a service dealer to confirm the problem. Toyota sealed the dip stick and the cover of the engine block (I guess to prevent tampering of the test). I was instructed to bring the car back after being driven 1100 to 1300 miles.

I returned the car after it was driven for 1100 to 1300 miles. I was told that the test was invalid since there may be other sources of leaks. They offer to investigate for a price of $250. I declined. I took my car to another service station. The service people reported they could not find any significant leaks and my oil tank was 1 and half quart low.

I am rescheduled to retest the excessive oil consumption test by Toyota at a later date.

I am asking the Rava4 owners of their experiences with the warranty enhancement program. Because of my past experience, my current feeling is Toyota is giving me the run-around again.

- Bob C., Honolulu, HI, US

problem #19

Jul 152014

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

Suddenly my Rav 4 started consuming oil like crazy and started pinging when going up hills. Since then, I've had the oil changed twice (Since July 2014 which is 9 months) and have had to add almost 4 quarts of oil while driving probably 5,000 miles. I am now doing the "oil consumption test" and the dealership said Toyota considers using about 1 quart per 1,000 driving miles as NORMAL. REALLY? I've never had to add oil in between oil changes to any other vehicle I've ever owned.

So, we'll see how this oil consumption test works.

I'm not sure if this is related or not....I had the fuel pump go out and it cost $800 to repair.

- Christie S., Lacey, US

problem #18

May 182013

RAV4 2.4L 4-cyl Dohc (Mfi)

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,889 miles

138.7K miles, 3/4 qt/1200 mile usage, we just 'passed' the Toyota oil consumption test.

- gbob52, Greenville, SC, US

problem #17

Feb 052009

RAV4 Sport 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,500 miles

We bought our 2008 Rav 4 in November of 2008. I change the oil/filter religiously every 3,000 miles.

In February 2009 I changed the oil and noticed that I only got two quarts back out of the car. Called Toyota and they said it's normal. I know cars and that's bullshit! I have a 67 Camaro that doesn't burn that much oil. I took it in twice to Toyota for oil consumption tests, each time to hear it's OK, there's nothing wrong. Fast forward to present day, the car now is burning two full quarts in under 1,000 miles! So now finally Toyota is fessing up and doing a recall.

It's a crime that a car company can fix a known defect in their products by simply printing in the owners manual that it's normal! I think they knew it all along before these cars hit the street. So pissed. This should be considered a lemon. I want a new car! I will probably never buy a Toyota again. I got a few places Toyota can go!

- Chris C., Arlington Heights, IL, US

problem #16

Nov 102013

RAV4 Sport 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

REALLY sad. I bought this vehicle for my wife. It started out fine, but now these issues. MY son owns a 1997 Honda Odyssey over 250,000 miles hardly uses any oil, still running strong. We expected more from Toyota.

- Chris M., Erie, PA, US

problem #15

Apr 112011

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

RECEIVED A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION (EXTENDED WARRANTY) FOR THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. FREE FIX. WHAT A JOKE. THEY TELL YOU TO COME IN FOR THE TEST, FILL YOUR OIL TO FULL AND TELL YOU TO COME BACK IN 1200 MILES. TWELVE HUNDRED MILES LATER YOU GO BACK YOUR CAR IS AT LOW/ADD LEVEL, THEY ADD 1 QT OIL AND STATE AND I QUOTE "FOUND THAT VEHICLE BURNED 1QT OF OIL IN 1,241 MILES. THAT IS OK TO TOYOTA STANDARDS".

THAT LAST LINE TELLS IT ALL. IF YOU DO THE MATH, AT 5000 MILES, WHICH THEY TELL YOU TO COME IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THERE WOULD BE NO OIL LEFT TO CHANGE WITH A 4.8QT ENGINE OIL LIMIT. I COULDN'T BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS SUCH LOW STANDARDS. WE HAVE ALL TOYOTAS IN MY HOUSEHOLD. WITH THE WE DON'T CARE ATTITUDE BY TOYOTA, WE WILL BECOME A HONDA HOUSEHOLD. I EXPECTED BETTER, TOYOTA STANDARDS HAVE REALLY DETERIORATED. DON'T BUY TOYOTA.COM IS AVAILABLE. JUST MAY BUY IT TO WARN POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS.

- justtricia, Camarillo, CA, US

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