rav4 liftgate recall

Rav4 Liftgate Recall: Is there one?

Recalls are an essential aspect of most vehicle safety, aimed at safeguarding consumers from potential hazards from occuring.

When a manufacturer identifies a problem that could affect the safety of a particular vehicle model, a recall is initiated to rectify the issue.

In this article, we will explore what the liftgate recall is, how to access recall information, the common problems with the rav4 liftgate and more. Keep reading.

What is the Rav4 Liftgate Recall?

The Rav4 Liftgate Recall is a service campaign initiated by Toyota to address a potential issue with the power liftgate of certain Rav4 models.

The recall affects a specific number of vehicles, and Toyota has notified the owners of these vehicles to bring them in for the necessary repairs.

The recall is related to the Back Door ECU, which controls the power liftgate of the vehicle.

The Back Door ECU may malfunction and cause the power liftgate to suddenly close while in use. This could potentially cause injury to anyone using the liftgate at the time.

The recall affects certain Rav4 models manufactured between 2016 and 2022. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to take their vehicles to an authorized Toyota dealership to have the necessary repairs done. The repairs involve replacing the Back Door ECU with a new one that has been designed to address the issue. 

What are the common problems with the Rav4 liftgate?

One of the features that Rav4 owners appreciate is the liftgate that allows for easy access to the cargo area.

However, like any mechanical component, the liftgate can experience problems. Here are some of the most common problems with the Rav4 liftgate:

  • Weak Lift Cylinders

The lift cylinders are responsible for helping the liftgate open and supporting it in the open position. Over time, these cylinders can become weak, causing the liftgate to open slowly or not stay open at all. If you notice that your liftgate is not opening as quickly or easily as it used to, weak lift cylinders may be the culprit. In this case, replacing the lift cylinders may be necessary.

  • Liftgate Not Opening

Another common problem with the Rav4 liftgate is that it may not open at all. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a malfunctioning liftgate motor or a damaged liftgate latch.

In some cases, the liftgate may not open because the power liftgate button has been disabled in the Multi-Information Display settings. If this is the case, manually unlocking the liftgate and reinitializing the power liftgate button may solve the problem.

  • Clicking Noise

If you hear a clicking noise when you activate the liftgate switch, it may be due to a faulty motor start solenoid. The motor start solenoid is responsible for engaging the liftgate motor, and if it is not working correctly, the liftgate may not open or close properly.

In this case, replacing the motor start solenoid may be necessary to resolve the issue.

  • Power Liftgate Height

The Rav4 power liftgate has a feature that allows you to set the height at which it opens. If the liftgate height is not set correctly, it may not open fully or may hit objects above it when opening.

To adjust the liftgate height, refer to the owner’s manual for instructions on how to reset it.

How to access recall information on Toyota Rav4?

To access recall information for a Toyota RAV4, you can visit the Toyota website’s recall page at https://www.toyota.com/recall.

On this page, you can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for any open recalls or safety campaigns that apply to your specific vehicle. If there are any recalls or campaigns, Toyota will provide information on the affected components, the potential risks, and the steps you need to take to schedule a repair or replacement at a Toyota dealership.

You can also contact your local Toyota dealership directly to inquire about any recalls or safety campaigns that may apply to your RAV4.

How do you reset the lift gate on a Toyota RAV4?

You can reset the liftgate on a Toyota RAV4 by following these steps:

  • Open the liftgate.
  • Press and hold the liftgate close-button until you hear a beep (the button is located on the door jamb of the liftgate and is only accessible when the liftgate is open).
  • Continue to hold the button until you hear a second beep.
  • Release the button.
  • Close the liftgate.

This should reset the liftgate’s height and allow it to operate normally.