Print this page

7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,890
Average Mileage:
113,050 miles
Total Complaints:
83 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (43 reports)
  2. replace engine (15 reports)
  3. replace the piston rings and head gasket (9 reports)
  4. new piston rings (4 reports)
  5. not fixed, just a lot of $ out of my pocket (3 reports)
  6. plan to just add a quart of oil every few weeks (3 reports)
2006 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2006 Toyota RAV4:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2006 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Feb 012016

RAV4 Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,500 miles

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

In December 2015, I go to the dealer on the excessive oil consumption recall because I have had to put oil in my car between oil changes and it is getting worse. Along with this recall another 2 more recalls had to be done. They come back to me after having the car all day, oh and by the way I had to rent a car because these recalls and maintenance will only take a little over an hour and they won't pay for the rental. They tell me that they cannot do the excessive oil consumption test because I have a rear main seal leak and a valve cover gasket leak and that has to be fixed first. To fix it will cost about $1800 of which at that point I didn't have.

I let them know that first of all if I had an oil leak that bad it would show up in my driveway or where ever I park. They tell me that I need to check the oil level periodically until I can fix the car and have the test done. In January, I add two quarts of oil and in the beginning of February my engine blows. Oh and by the way, the oil light doesn't come on except for a little flicker when I made the turn onto the highway. I call Toyota and they tell me that they can't do anything because I didn't have the test.

Gee, I have seen a number of complaints similar to this one about leaks that need to be repaired first, hummmm makes you wonder if they are trying to make us cover some of the cost of the recall. Shame on you Toyota...I had a 1999 Toyota Camry for 11 years and was happy with it...not at all happy with this Rav4 and/or Toyota....I will buy another Toyota.....NOT.

- sanida31im, North Reading, US

problem #22

Jan 102012

RAV4 2.4L I-4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Four years ago my husband noticed that the oil level was extremely low. So he added a quart of oil. This continued for 4 years!! Adding a quart of oil every month with no oil stains in the driveway and no smoke in the exhaust. I received a recall notice in 2015 for which i brought it into the Weston Toyota for on Sat 11/21/15. They told me that the recall work could not be performed because the engine was dirty around the oil pan and gasket cover. Toyota Corp would not honor the recall if there any other signs of a dirty engine. Weston Toyota, however, performed an oil change for no charge. So we told them that we would clean the engine and bring it back for the recall work. Four days later 11/25, i drove the truck home from work and it drove very sluggish as if a spark plug wire was disconnected. My husband checked the spark plugs and 2 were covered in oil on the BOTTOM half!! Which obviously signifies cylinder ring issues. We have been adding a quart of oil for 4 years with no problems, we bring it in for recall work and the engine is blown in 4 days!!! We sent a letter to the dealership and Toyota corp. Toyota corp called me and could not do anything because the recall work was not performed and i have yet to hear from the Weston Toyota dealership. This issue is obviously related to the recall that Toyota acknowledged, however, will not admit guilt. The truck sits in my driveway until i can figure out if it is worth fixing, donating or selling. After viewing how many others experienced this issue with different makes: Tundra, Camry, Avalon, and Rav4's, I will never purchase another Toyota vehicle and advised others not to either. They realize there is an engine issue and refuse to address it. After reading other complaints of this issue, Toyota seems to be avoiding resolving this issue even after recall work has confirmed there is excessive oil consumption.

- westontoyotasux, Pem, FL, US

problem #21

May 062015

RAV4 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

My car is burning too much engine oil, engine oil signal is coming every 2000 miles

Update from Jul 26, 2016: Now I have to replace the engine oil every 1500 miles( I use the synthetic blend oil), If i use the syntheic oil I may get 2000 miles. I check with mechanic, Car has no oil leak, I replace the engine oil gasket seal, still car burning out lot of engine oil, Vehicle having very bad accelaration,When i push the gas pedel, engine is not picking fast,sounds louder / hold the egine, vehicle jumps forword

- Dennis T., Pearland, TX, US

problem #20

Jul 152015

RAV4 4 Cy

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,842 miles

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

I have a knocking annoying noise coming from the engine which I believe could be the pistons due to oil consumption. I am going to schedule appointment to have the test done but I believe because of no oil in my engine this has caused major engine issues..

- Jody H., Lebanon, PA, US

problem #19

Nov 012010

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Ever since my 2006 RAV4 had 70,000 miles my husband was telling Toyota, every time we had maintenance to do on the car, that the car was consuming too much oil. They have been ignoring us for about 5 years. This summer they finally completed the oil consumption test and of course my car failed the test. This is not a recall yet, so they claim, but they know is a problem.

I scheduled an appointment for the supposed fix and when I attended the dealership they told me there is no fix for that problem yet. So I asked why did you scheduled and appointment? No one in the place knew why I was there. The manager who requested I came to the place was not even at work that day. That was disrespectful and unprofessional.

I should be billing Toyota $5 per quart per week, which is how much oil this vehicle is consuming, maybe then they will pay attention and do their best to resolve this problem. My car is now 150,000, it's a very well maintained vehicle that I use for work every day to travel 300 miles per week. I am not planning to buy another car because I will be losing my job in a few months.

I don't know if a complaint to the Better Business Bureau will do any good or if I write an Executive Complaint to Toyota someone will listen. Toyota needs to step up and get this resolved or there will be a lot more unsatisfied customers.

- rseda, Pinellas Park, FL, US

problem #18

Jan 012015

RAV4 Limited 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

My 2006 Rav4 had just under 100k miles when I started experiencing the following oil usage levels:

• Two oil changes ago the oil light came on between oil changes; oil did not register on the dipstick and it took approximately 4 quarts of oil before oil even registered on the dipstick.

• One oil change ago I checked the oil after approximately 2k miles and oil did not register on the dipstick. It took approximately 3 quarts of oil before oil registered above the lowest marking on the dipstick.

I received Toyota’s warranty extension notice and scheduled the excessive oil usage test. On March 7, 2015, part 1 of Toyota’s technical service bulletin test was performed; I did not stay with the car while the oil change was performed. On April 13, 2015, the second part of the test was performed. I was surprised to be informed my car did not meet Toyota’s specifications for excessive oil usage as I had not used a full quart of oil in the 1,100 miles since the oil change. I was told the dealership would perform no further action and my next alternative would be to contact Toyota’s regional or corporate office.

- Beth M., Fairport, NY, US

problem #17

Nov 182014

RAV4 Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

Checked the oil before a road trip and was surprised to see the dipstick barely wet with oil at the tip, not even hitting the low level mark. I took it for an oil change to the Toyota dealer in Williamsburg, VA and while checking the oil level myself when I got the car back I told them that I would make sure to check the oil level every time I brought it in because I thought they didn't fill the engine with enough oil (because Toyotas don't burn oil, right?).

Anywhoo, the next oil change came by and I checked it just before taking it to the dealer. Again the dipstick was barely wet. This time I told them the engine was burning oil, because there is no oil stain in my driveway so it is not leaking. Their response was that "this is normal" and that I "should keep an eye on it". Later I found out that there is a TSB for this engine but I never got the letter informing me because my first complaint happened after the 60,000 mile warranty was over. Now I'm all "old school" checking the oil level every time I fill up the gas tank, just like I used to do on my 1980s Chevy. Toyota grew too much, too fast. Even this Japan built Rav4 is showing that Toyota stopped caring a long time ago.

- Saul P., Williamsburg, VA, US

problem #16

Mar 232015

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

I have been a loyal Toyota user since 1986. Never had an oil problem with any of them. Never had to add oil between services even on the 1986 that we put 0ver 120,000 miles on and had for 20 years. All of a sudden in March I noticed a light come on the dash for just a moment. Upon further investigation I noticed my oil was low. Unusual I thought. Looked like a quart would do the trick. I added the quart and to my surprise it just touched the bottom of the dip stick. So in all, to bring it up to level I had to add another 2 quarts.

So I took it to the dealer and they said that they would do the test. So I drive the required miles staying under 1300 miles.

Today (06/02/2015) I picked it up and their answer was it passed the test. ( Go figure) They added a quart they said or showed me on paper, and it brought the oil level up to full. I would hate to say the test was rigged. However, now I'm left with a quandary, do I keep putting oil in it between services or have it fixed?

I have had many a car in my life and only had one that took this much oil. That was a 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. I'm quite disappointed in Toyota about this. i would gladly join a class action lawsuit on this. I'm on a fixed income and cannot afford this.

Update from Dec 23, 2017: Noticed since last report that I am now using 2quqrts in 1200 miles. This is a bit excessive. What recourse do I have.

- Thomas B., Akron, PA, US

problem #15

Jan 012006

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

Within two years of owning the RAV we had to daily monitor the oil level... she inhaled it!! As of today 08/06/2015 she now has 266,000km on her but this has been going on for over 5-7 years.

Four years ago one particular incident happened to confirm we indeed had a oil problem with this beast. While working at Service Canada I was sitting at a picnic table near my car when I could smell burnt toast or something... the following day I went to the Great Canadian Oil Exchange in Trenton ON to have the oil changed... within 3 minutes of being there the young guy came up to tell me I did not have a lick of oil in her!!

There was never a time (in the whole 9 years that we have had her!) when the oil light came on... not once. Once the warranty was up on her we either took her to the GCOE to have her oil done or my mechanic husband did it himself. Now we get a letter (Apr 2015) saying there is an issue with excessive oil consumption.. but.. in order for them to do the testing on the RAV they want us to provide proof of all oil changes we have had done on her!!

I get that they want to confirm that we have indeed had oil changes done and that there is indeed an issue but who in their right mind keeps 9 years of paperwork on one vehicles oil changes?! It certainly hasn't been me.

- Sharon H., Frankford, ON, Canada

problem #14

Dec 012014

RAV4 Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

At first I thought it was due to the mileage I had on the RAV, but as I found out thru research on the internet, I wasn't alone. I have scheduled an appointment with my local dealer to try and resolve this issue.

- Dave S., Berrien Springs, MI, US

problem #13

Mar 012014

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

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

I have a engine that at times goes through 1.5 quarts of oil a week. Sometimes 1 quart oil oil every three weeks. It highly variable but never really acceptable. I drive 20k-22k mile a year and regularly have the car serviced. That much oil usage is terrible.

- John F., Mt. Arlington, NJ, US

problem #12

Oct 182013

RAV4 STD 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,565 miles

I purchased this new Rav4 in 2006 in Toronto. It says it was assembled in Japan. More than a year ago it started consuming oil and now I top up a litre of oil every 1500 kms approx. I don't know what the solution will be or will I have to live with this problem

- Gurmeet H., Mississauga, ON, Canada

problem #11

Nov 132012

RAV4 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

2006 Rav4 with the famous 2.4 Oil burning engine. Have to check the oil weekly. Presently part of the Oil Consumption Testing at our local Toyota Dealer in Ashland, Ky. It cannot make the 1100 miles required in the test. Took it back at 600 miles and had them break the seal and check it. Was worried my engine would blow and I would be stuck with no options. It was already down almost one quart at 600 miles. They then informed me Toyota says one quart of oil for every 1200 miles is considered normal !!!!!!!!!!!!!!. My 96 Rav4, I use for a work car has 220K on it and it only uses one quart every 2000 miles and that is partly due to a leak!. Either way Toyota is going to wiggle out of this. I see the handwriting on the wall. I own three Toyota's but this is probably going to end soon. At one quart every 1200 miles, why change oil, ever?

- monelman, Willow Wood, OH, US

problem #10

Feb 202015

RAV4 Limited 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles

Purchased this vehicle new. Has been a great car but has always burned oil. It started out burning about a quart every 4-5,000 miles. Was told that the 4 cyl. burn a bit more than 6 cyl. engines. it continued to progress until at about 50,000 miles, I was adding 2 qts. of oil between oil changes every 4,000 miles.

I switched to synthetic, thinking it might help. The last two oil changes were at 9,000 to 10,000 mile intervals. Between those two oil changes, I dumped 7 qts. of synthetic into my vehicle! I'm buying synthetic now in the 5 qt. jugs!!

If my vehicle doesn't qualify and they tell me my oil consumption isn't enough to warrant the repairs needed, I'll be all over them.

- John L., Portland, OR, US

problem #9

Jan 012009

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

Started burning oil about 2 or 3 quarts between oil changes or 3,000 miles

For the past 2 years burning almost a quart oil every tankful of gas.

Fill the gas tank, fill the oil.....every week.

Getting very expensive and annoying.

- Teresa F., West Dover, VT, US

problem #8

Dec 272014

RAV4 Limited 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,700 miles

Like other owners I make sure I get my vehicle serviced as required. I was due for my oil change and a friend checked the oil and it didn't even register on the dip stick. No light came on either. I have read the complaints for this same issue and know there is a class action lawsuit in U.S. I have a friend with same RAV4 who is having same issue. Not sure why Toyota isn't doing anything. I can't say I would hurry to buy Toyota again

- Sue D., Edmonton, AB, canada

problem #7

Sep 242014

RAV4 LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,700 miles

This is very concerning to me because I do take care of car and I do everything by the book. I was expecting to keep this car for at least 250,000 miles. I am not sure if I can drive the car safely with this oil problem or if it is absolutely a must to get fixed. I wanted to drive to Florida in November. Its crazy because the car does drive very well and the engine continues to be quiet.

If anyone knows what I should do please get back to me.

- schmidlkofer, Wind Lake, WI, US

problem #6

Aug 042014

RAV4 4/2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I have noticed over the past few oil changes that I have had done, that I have had to add additional oil before it was time to change the oil in my RAV4. I have had to add up to at least an additional 5 quarts of oil to my RAV4. I know this is not normal and the vehicle is a 2006 and not that old, so it should not be consuming this much oil unless there is a significant problem!!

- Jennifer L., Worcester, MA, US

problem #5

Oct 092010

RAV4 Limited I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,847 miles

I loved my Rav4 2006 (I4) and still love it, but after purchasing it as used car ( Off Leased) after 4 year of production in 2010 with 180K kilometer on it, Then I noticed it is losing some oil , I start to add and notice people complain in blogs. There is no oil drop or smoke just the level goes down, then I read that these engines are getting famous for exceeding oil consumption problem; but as I see mine got worse and worse and these days at above 240K I have to check the oil every other day specially when I trip. it is loosing oil dramatically. I had to put all my saving to buy this car and planning to keep it for at least 10 years but I am facing this issue... so upset and so annoying with Toyota, I have been a loyal costumer to Toyota for ever and I never had driven other cars but Toyota but I am gradually changing my mind. I am really looking for a compensation or repair cost covered by manufacturer because this really dose not make for such a brand name I experience this issue which had my mind busy for a long time, I can not afford to pay $6000 to repair the rings as suggested by Toyota. This is really non acceptable and I would call it as a fraud and ripping off the buyers.

- hamid2535, Richmond Hill, Ontario, canada

problem #4

Feb 202014

RAV4 Sport 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

when I get an oil change they tell me it is always low

- Shawn H., Whitman, WV, US

Read the next 3 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?