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Toyota · Known Issues

2005 Toyota RAV4 Problems: 2 Known Issues

2005 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005 Toyota RAV4 has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Recall 06V096000: Air Bag May Under-Inflate Due to Faulty Inflator Assembly (2005 RAV4). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • RAV4 Safety/Recalls1
  • RAV4 Engine1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Engine1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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On the 2005 Toyota RAV4, certain 2005 RAV4s are named in NHTSA recall 06V096000. Toyota determined that improper assembly of an air bag inflator — the inflator design shared by the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag and the knee air bag assembly — left some units with an insufficient amount of the heating agents needed for proper deployment. An inflator in that condition may not generate enough gas expansion force to properly inflate its air bag when the SRS system activates during a crash, raising the injury risk for the occupant in that seating position. For a RAV4 owner the important point is that the vehicle gives no warning of the condition; the defect only shows up when the air bag is needed. The 133 vehicles NHTSA reports is the campaign-wide total covering all makes and models in this recall.

How to Fix

The fix is a free dealer replacement of the affected SRS air bag assembly — Toyota dealers identify which air bag on your RAV4 uses the suspect inflator and install a new one. There is no charge and no mileage or age cutoff. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Before booking, check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if 06V096000 is still listed as unrepaired; Toyota customer service for this campaign is 1-888-270-9371.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2004-2008 Toyota RAV4 2AZ-FE 2.4L I4, rAV4 owner discussions document a brief rattle during cold startup on individual 2AZ-FE vehicles. A sound alone does not prove VVT-i camshaft-gear, chain, tensioner, oil-pressure, accessory or valvetrain failure, and the reports do not establish a mileage band or damage progression. Toyota T-SB-0041-13 Rev1 is a VIN-gated 2AR-FE Camry bulletin, not evidence for this 2AZ-FE RAV4 topic.

This issue also affects: Toyota Camry

Common Symptoms

  • Brief rattle immediately after a cold start
  • Noise duration or intensity changes over time
  • Persistent rattle or warning light requiring prompt diagnosis

How to Fix

Record the first start after an overnight soak and note duration, oil level, oil grade, warning lights and any persistent noise. Check oil pressure and condition, stored codes, accessory drive and valve-timing data using the exact 2AZ-FE procedure before disassembly. Persistent or worsening rattle, an oil-pressure warning or abnormal running needs prompt diagnosis.

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Manually Verified
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V74100017/10/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #15V28400013/05/2015

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Other Toyota Models

Toyota Camry54Toyota Corolla52Toyota Highlander51Toyota 4Runner46Toyota Tacoma45Toyota Sienna31

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota RAV4 problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005 Toyota RAV4 has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Recall 06V096000: Air Bag May Under-Inflate Due to Faulty Inflator Assembly (2005 RAV4), 2AZ-FE Brief Rattle During Cold Start — Owner Reports. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota RAV4 reliable?

The 2005 Toyota RAV4 has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Recall 06V096000: Air Bag May Under-Inflate Due to Faulty Inflator Assembly (2005 RAV4). 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.

What is the 2005 Toyota RAV4 Recall 06V096000: Air Bag May Under-Inflate Due to Faulty Inflator Assembly (2005 RAV4)?

Certain 2005 RAV4s are named in NHTSA recall 06V096000. Toyota determined that improper assembly of an air bag inflator — the inflator design shared by the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag and the knee air bag assembly — left some units with an insufficient amount of the… Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2008 Toyota RAV4 2AZ-FE Brief Rattle During Cold Start — Owner Reports?

RAV4 owner discussions document a brief rattle during cold startup on individual 2AZ-FE vehicles. A sound alone does not prove VVT-i camshaft-gear, chain, tensioner, oil-pressure, accessory or valvetrain failure, and the reports do not establish a mileage band or damage progressi… Severity: medium.

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.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

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. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Campaign #16V59600012/08/2016

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

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, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Campaign #16V39600002/06/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Campaign #14V16800009/04/2014

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.