2011 Toyota RAV4 Problems: 4 Known Issues
2011 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2011 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2011 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2011 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Toyota RAV4 has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Certain 2006-2011 RAV4 Power Window Master Switch May Melt - Recall 15V-689 and Certain 2006-2011 RAV4 Rear Lower Suspension Arms Can Separate - Recall 16V-596 ($0-$0 repair). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
EQUIPMENT
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
TRAILER HITCHES
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Toyota RAV4 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Certain 2006-2011 RAV4 Power Window Master Switch May Melt - Recall 15V-689, Certain 2006-2011 RAV4 Rear Lower Suspension Arms Can Separate - Recall 16V-596, 2006-2012 RAV4 4WD Rear Differential Coupling Growl - T-SB-0080-13 / ZF4. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2011 Toyota RAV4 has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Certain 2006-2011 RAV4 Power Window Master Switch May Melt - Recall 15V-689 and Certain 2006-2011 RAV4 Rear Lower Suspension Arms Can Separate - Recall 16V-596. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Toyota RAV4 issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Toyota/NHTSA Safety Recall 15V-689 (Toyota C0M) covers certain 2006-2011 RAV4 vehicles. During manufacture of the driver's-door Power Window Master Switch, lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts. If the contacts are not protected, debris… Severity: high.
NHTSA Recall 16V-596 / Toyota G0V covers a specific subset of certain 2006-2011 RAV4s previously involved in rear-arm recalls: TMC-built 2006-2010 vehicles produced October 2005-August 2010 and TMMC-built 2009-early-2011 vehicles produced October 2008-September 2010. If rear-whee… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
+ 3 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Toyota T-SB-0080-13 Rev1 documents a growl-type noise from the rear differential coupling on some 2006-2012 RAV4 4WD vehicles. Toyota attributes the condition to contamination of the front bearing inside the coupling, not to a model-wide rear wheel-hub defect. The bulletin applie… Severity: medium.
Toyota Customer Support Program ZKG covered certain 2008-2017 RAV4 vehicles with original factory Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) paint when adhesion degradation caused peeling on qualifying exterior metal body panels. Toyota described sunlight degrading adhesion betwee… Severity: low.