Suspension
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
What Owners Say
"Tests said out of alignment at time of new winter tires. But cost prohibitive to correct due to Epoxied linkage due to recall previously. Did not do alignment but have not experienced any tire wear so , so far so good."
Paul G., ON (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Recall in 2014 on rear. Recent right rear tire significantly out of alignment but the fix by Toyota makes rear alignment not possible without another fix at customer's $700 expense! Apparently Toyota does stand behind their decision making regarding needed recall repairs."
Corinne R., CO (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Rear suspension components were not adjustable and vehicle could bot be alined"
Anonymous, NH (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"The rust made it difficult to complete the alignment. However, the frame was replaced under warranty and then the alignment could be done correctly."
Marc K., VT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"the rear axle was out of alignment and it needed new tie rods."
Anonymous, SK (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Toyota Recall of corrosion on rear alignments items. Multiple fixes and still needed to return for more factory recall work"
Anonymous, KS (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Vehicle "serviced" during a recall campaign. Rear-wheel thrust vector is not adjustable without complete replacement of rear suspension parts. It is more cost-efficient to replace tires ($900 for set of four) than to replace rear suspension parts ($1500) given the new parts will also NOT be adjustable and dealer gives NO guarantees on performance."
Anonymous, NJ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"This is a used vehicle and when the ball joints went out, I discovered that major work had been done in the same area prior to my purchase. This happened within a year of purchase"
Anonymous, MT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"drivers side ball joint had to be replaced"
Helen G., NJ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Lower right control arm bushing pulling out"
Anonymous, PA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"control arm recall with inadequate tightening, needed multiple diagnostics and re-repair"
Anonymous, TN (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"control arm bushing failed, also plastic radiator fialed"
Anonymous, TN (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Rear trailing arm had to be replaced because of worn bushing. It had been "inspected" a year earlier by Toyota but not replaced"
Byron M., NY (2008 Toyota RAV4 3.5-L V6)"Bushings on the rear suspension arms wore out. Had to have the lower arms on both sides replaced"
Anonymous, OH (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Worn bushing on suspension service recommended repair at 70K now at 74K will have repair done at 75000"
Anonymous, NY (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Loose suspension, knocking noise from suspension"
Anonymous, AB (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"repack something with grease every year. a known problem"
Karl T., CT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"total failure of power steering system. had to be replaced"
Anonymous, OH (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Power steering pump needed to be replaced for the second time."
Anonymous, WA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"This is more a wear issue after 10 years of driving. I chose to replace the struts on recommendation of mechanic though I was not experiencing any serious issues with the performance of the vehicle."
Anonymous, ON (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Front shocks completely froze in the collapsed position. Rear shocks leaked."
Anonymous, CA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Probably normal wear and tear for a vehicle that has over 100k miles. However, struts are expensive to replace."
Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"rav4 has 210000 kilometers on it so not too upset about needing shocks now"
Paul G., ON (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"had to replace front struts - slight leak."
Jerome J., MN (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Service department noticed that struts were leaking and RECOMMENDED replacement."
Anonymous, OR (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Just needed routine replacement"
John H., IA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Normal replacement. Just wore out. Normal schedule"
Anonymous, WA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"front struts stuck in the up position. Rear shocks were leaking. Bushings were worn due to mileage and weather"
Anonymous, AZ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"All shocks and struts we bad and had to be replaced"
Anonymous, AZ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"We live off a dirt road with a lot of ruts, the left front strut was leaking causing noise and harsh ride. Replaced the front struts and springs and new alignment. I consider it normal wear, since the original struts lasted over 100,000 miles"
Anonymous, MI (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"front"
Anonymous, MN (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"It was normal Maintance not a problem with the vehicle. It was time to do it. It was just a bumpy ride after shocks were done it was a smooth ride. $245 for front shocks & $526. For back shocks"
Natacha S., FL (2008 Toyota RAV4 3.5-L V6)"Struts worn out"
Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Rear drivers side shock had a small leak. Replaced both rear shocks"
Anonymous, PA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"The struts got noisy. Replaced all 4. the old ones were original."
Anonymous, SK (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"front struts leaking"
Anonymous, AB (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Had to replace worn out front struts and tie rods. Again, surprised at the cost."
Anonymous, ID (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"I had all of it replaced over the past two years."
Charles B., AZ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"was replaced under extended warrenty due to leaking"
Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Front passenger strut thuds going over uneven pavement"
Joseph W., TX (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"The mount was repaired by Midas Muffler and it was not done properly. We kept bringing it back, but it was never fixed"
Anonymous, TX (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"When the Toyota dealership put my car up on the lift for routine maintenance the struts broke. They told me it wasn't their fault, that this was a rare occurrence but it had happened before and offered to pay for parts but not labor. I paid $400!"
L M., HI (2008 Toyota RAV4 3.5-L V6)"One strut leaking oil. Covered under warranty"
Anonymous, VT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Unusual shock failure at less than 50000 miles"
Anonymous, VA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"shocks and struts replaced twice"
Anonymous, NM (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"I was surprised that my struts went bad. I don't take my car 4 wheeling Nor am I hard on it at all so I was quite shocked when I had to pay about $700 for struts! Wonder if it's something that should be recalled! I love Toyota cars. But this did"
Anonymous, AZ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"FRONT STRUT FAILED"
Anonymous, NE (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Completely gave out and car bounced wildly"
Mara S., FL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Shocks needed to be replaced, we found this odd since we don't drive the car much"
Anonymous, NV (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"I replaced the struts on both front and back this year"
Anonymous, MT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Right side front strut leak and not working"
Anonymous, AB (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Replaced at 65000 km"
Anonymous, SK (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Rear shocks started to leak at approximately 22,000 miles which I considered shoukd have been a recall item"
Joel F., TX (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Failed and was part of a recall that came later. It was the front stabalizer bar"
Anonymous, BC (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"all covered under warrenty"
Anonymous, OH (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"The vehicle has become a rough ride over even mildly rough roads. Up until this year,it's been a very comfortable and reliable vehicle"
Anonymous, CA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Dealer told me I had a leaking strut and it "had" to be replaced. I was also told my brakes needed to be done immediately. Went for the strut repair, took the vehicle to a private garage and paid 40% of the dealer quoted cost to have the brakes done"
Anonymous, AB (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Have had problems with the struts for 3 years since purchase. Dealer refused to address the problem at purchase. Now all struts need to be replaced"
Anonymous, ON (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Front shocks and struts had to be replaced due to age/wear and damage from driving on bad roads."
Anonymous, TX (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Front struts need replacement - normal wear? Taken care of as part of vehicle maintenance."
Anonymous, DE (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"broken spring"
Anonymous, ON (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"RAV4 became difficult to stay in a lane- particularly in the rain when it was very difficult to maintain speed on interstates. Toyota dealer road tested and blamed tires. Got a new set of tires and problem was somewhat reduced but soon reappeared. I checked internet blogs and noted other owners replaced struts to solve problem. New front struts and rear shocks solved problem."
Anonymous, (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"My trusted toyota repair shop always gives me a heads up warning when I need something attended to right away or when I next come in. The rear struts were noticed and I had time to plan on their repair."
Anonymous, AZ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"rear stabilizing link broke off"
Bruce R., ON (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"right rear bar broke. not under warranty"
Anonymous, NH (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Rear springs very weak had to be replaced."
Ralph H., KY (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"None, the dealer recommended the repair"
Anonymous, ON (2008 Toyota RAV4 3.5-L V6)"Broken rear coil spring"
Anonymous, NY (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"recalled for problem with rear strut. Had to be worked on twice bc of problems with the first fix"
T N., PA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Rear Suspension Arms replaced under warranty"
Anonymous, BC (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Broken torsion bar"
Anonymous, AB (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"there is a serious clunking sound coming from the steering whenever the wheel is turned from side to side, like bad universal joints."
Anonymous, MD (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"A new electric steering rack was suggested by the Toyota Dealership upon inspection"
Anonymous, PA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Recall rear suspension"
Charles R., CA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"steering wheel turning was jumpy. Local shop said I needed new linkage from steering wheel shaft to gear box. I went online and found a tutorial about injecting gun oil with a syringe into a rubber bushing under the dash. Problem solved. Did not need the costly repair of changing u-joints inside engine bay."
Anonymous, IN (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Steering shaft was bad and needed to be replaced"
David P., WI (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"These were replaced under recall by the dealer. We were satisfied with the replacement"
Anonymous, VT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"The uiversal linkage is loose or has slop to the point of making a loud clunk when turned to either extreme position. I asked the Toyota Service Manager if there is a recall and he said no because it is not a serious problem"
T N., PA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Clunking sound from steering column also felt in steering wheel"
Michael M., CO (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Both the rods from the steering wheel have become loose at the joints. $250+ repair apiece."
Anonymous, UT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"When turning to right the car felt too tight when making the turn and I would hear a click sound."
Anonymous, NE (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Middle shaft of steering linkage caused car to have difficulty when making a turn. That section was replaced and have noticed no further difficulties when driving."
Anonymous, NE (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Clunking sound when turning steering wheel. Dealer wanted $700 to replace upper end of steering column. I found a you tube video that showed how to inject gun oil into the bearings. Clunking sound stopped"
Criag R., FL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Steering wheel had a little play in it and made a "thunk" sound sometimes"
Anonymous, WA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Recall issued for this problem"
Anonymous, VA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Toyota had a technical bulletin on their steering linkage but would not repair the item. It cost $430 to replace"
Jeffrey G., WA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"clunking sound from steering column when turning the steering wheel"
Eric W., CA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Creaking noise when turning wheel. Dealer says it is the steering intermediate shaft. Doesn't need to be repaired; not dangerous. Repair would be $850 if I wanted to get rid of the noise"
P Z., MO (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Small gear needed replacement"
Anonymous, OH (2008 Toyota RAV4 3.5-L V6)"needed complete repair of rack and pinion steering $1400"
Anonymous, MA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"clunking while steering especially at slow speeds"
Barry R., WA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"steering makes a clunking noise when rotated to either extreme. There is no recall or tech info bulletin according to my Toyota dealer"
T N., PA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"steering wheel locks and I cant go snywhere"
Dennis C., NJ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Electronic power steering failed. Was almost impossible to drive to dealer for repairs"
Larry B., CA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Had to have steering intermediate shaft replaced in December 2014"
Anonymous, IA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"The steering shaft u joint clunks for about two years. The dealer says there is an upgrade for $500, but not a recall for free"
Scotty C., TX (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"The steering linkage make a clunking sound & transmits a feeling of bumping in the steering, during hard turns. I've been advised it can be repaired for around $1000"
Anonymous, AZ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Making occasional popping noise. Got estimate for repair, told we could wait 3 to 4 months before doing repair"
Anonymous, NH (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"The steering wheel would lock and kick when turning at low speeds. We followed mechanics recommendation and replaced major steering components. Issued still persisted, but were so intermittent that mechanic was never able to experience it. I later looked online and found a forum where someone reported the same issue and said it was an issue with the battery. With this information, the mechanic tested the battery and found that the charge was low. Replaced the battery and never had the issue again. Issue manifested as a steering system issue but appears to have been a repair that could have been resolved for the price of a new battery."
Anonymous, (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"steering wheel clicks when turning at time. we had the shaft repacked this lasted for 14 months then slowly got worst. you can feel it in your hand and hear it also. we got use to it. people in the back to hear it."
Karl T., CT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Can't locate cause of steering wheel vibration"
Anonymous, SK (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"The rear tie rod broker while driving the car and was replaced immediately."
Michael F., TN (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"right rear noise sounded like golf balls rolling around in a wooden box, usually while drifting to a stop sign and/or some change in grade.. dealership replaced right rear sway bar with new link assembly, stabilizer. @ 111,861 miles. in april 2016 rt rear stabilizer link was replaced @ 99,910 miles"
Jon P., PA (2008 Toyota RAV4 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Tie rod linkage is broken"
Anonymous, SD (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Eratic clunking noise. Took it in and had it driven. Of course, it did nothing. Mechanic looked under car and saw the broken part which would swing out and make the noise."
Dortha M., CO (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"A nut on the suspension system came loose, but was caught by the mechanic on routine maintenance and did not cause any damage or expense. This was later corrected via a recall by Toyota"
Anonymous, AK (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"Rear Suspension tie rods-factory recall"
Anonymous, FL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"There was a factory recall on the rear suspension system that was fixed by the manufacturer"
Anonymous, WI (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"inner tie rod to replace is too expensive to fix. It requires removing the steering box which requires removing engine. 10-12 hours of labor"
David S., VA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"the problem was related to a recall. The repair was done incorrectly and the rear suspension was "frozen" with no movement after the repair. It was all covered under the recall notice, including the repair of the recall work"
George L., FL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Tire wear seems excessive since having a recall service performed on the car that was to correct a problem with joints/or bolts on suspension in rear of car. Initially the tech was given wrong specs when performing the service. Alignment continues to easily lose its settings causing tires to wear unevenly. Bolts have been ‘glued’ rather than adjustable. I have bought 3 sets of tires in 5 years."
Anonymous, NE (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Since having all the suspension work done I’ve started having uneven tire wear. It seems that Toyota made the rear control arms fixed-unadjustable. One of the rear tires is out of alignment and is causing uneven wear and tire noise."
Charles B., AZ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"uneven tire wear due most likely due to inner tie rod end problem that is too expensive to fix"
David S., VA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Do to a permanent fix rear wheels cannot be aligned any longer"
Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Problem relates to non-adjustable rear suspension."
Anonymous, NJ (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"The wheels became slightly untrue and over time caused the entire rear suspension to have to be replaced due to prolonged vibration, least this is what I was told by Toyota. Toyota would cover nothing and wanted $400 per wheel to replace!!!! Never h"
Anonymous, VA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Defective rear wheel balance, under manufacture recall. However, Toyota put a permanent fix so now the rear wheels cannot be aligned anymore. Was done this way without my being notified by the dealer that this would be permanent and cannot be balan"
Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Rear wheel bearing had to be replace at 95,000 mile."
Thomas W., NY (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Right front bearings went bad"
Anonymous, VA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Front wheel bearings had to be replaced due to constant humming noise"
Jamie D., NC (2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"front driver's side"
Anonymous, MN (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Wheel bearing wore out as a result of normal use just prior to 200000 miles. Normal wear and tear"
Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Road noise from right front of vehicle at slower speed"
Anonymous, MO (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)"The car started to wobble it needed to have the front wheel bearings replaced ."
Philip B., PA (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Torsion bar replaced at the Dealership under their advice. The front wheel bearing on the driver side was giving a whining sound at highway speed. We got the noisy wheel replaced at a private garage recommended by a relative."
Anonymous, ON (2008 Toyota RAV4 3.5-L V6)"front wheel bearing failed had to be replaced"
James B., UT (2008 Toyota RAV4 Base 3.5-L V6)
"when I purchased new tires for my RAV4 the tire dealer said I should also have an alignment done. When he attempted to do the alignment, it was discovered this was not possible because of an epoxy cover that had been applied to the rear suspension arm by the local Toyota dealership to correct a national recall problem. A warning label had been attached to the epoxy cover saying not to remove it. I then took my car to the local Toyota dealership to see if they could do the alignment since I didn't want my new tires ruined by an alignment problem. The service manager at the local Toyota dealership said it would cost me $257.00 to do the alignment because a new epoxy kit would need to be purchased for the alignment. I thought this was crazy and complained about the price and how Toyota was forcing me to spend on a problem they had created. The service manager stated this was the solution that Toyota nationally had decided on to prevent Toyota from doing more expensive repairs on the recall. I was being held hostage for expensive repairs to correct a Toyota problem! I declined the alignment at the local Toyota dealership and called the customer service number for the national Toyota site to complain to them about this problem. I was told the epoxy solution was correct for the recall situation and that I should never need an alignment again after the recall work had been done. I explained I currently needed an alignment and was told I was wrong and nothing could be done! I was really upset for the lack of help! I then called another Toyota dealership in Denver and they told me to bring my car in and they would look at it. The Denver dealer was able to work around the epoxy and do the alignment and it cost me around $100! I just do not understand why Toyota has come up with this epoxy recall solution that holds the customer hostage for alignment repairs and they refuse to help the customer with an alternative that could be performed at other automotive repair facilities!"
Keith W., CO (2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)