2010 Toyota RAV4 intermittent rapid acceleration still a problem

[Jlbc212]

A co-worker has a 2010 Toyota RAV4, 73k miles with the intermittent rapid acceleration issue. It has been back to the dealer for the recall. Whatever the dealer did it did not resolve the issue. Repeated complaints to the dealer have achieved nothing. The intermittent problem remains. After reading much of the info that is available on the internet it appears that discussion of this rapid acceleration issue with Toyota causes controversy with no real solutions other than getting rid of the car. I'm not looking to cause controversy. I'm simply asking here if anyone knows of a fix for the problem.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Any CELs? MAF errors? Checked fuel pressures? does it run lean or rich?

 

[kd3pc]

statistically, pull out all of the stuff in the floorboard of the front seat, under the seat, and so on. Check the action mechanically and visually for anything that is binding, or too close to the surrounding action. Then check the action for proper voltage at test locations, several times, ideally with an o-scope or quality DMM. Attach scan tool and watch live data for the sensors/modules in question.

Does the acceleration happen, in park or on the road? Certain speed, cruise control working as designed? Does the pedal spring back at all times - no matter the angle of your foot pushing it? Are the drivers shoes cleated, high heel, encrusted in material, etc.

If none of this fixes things, Toyota usually then digs into the accelerator assembly, and replaces those that were suspect...I am not up on the other makers who had issues, other than the vendor Toyota used, also made similar assemblies for other car makers.

Now all that being said, the investigation turned up only a very few actual documented cases, like single digits of the millions of cars sold during that time. Troubleshooting, codes and failures could not be duplicated. There were quite a few, floor mats not affixed, pedal being trapped by heel cleats and so on.

If your co-worker is worried about the risk, and chooses to keep the car, please educate and show her/him how to turn things off, place the trans in neutral, etc in hoping to mitigate the risk.

Contact Toyota directly, at least at the region or zone. All else fails, attorney familiar with the investigation and vehicle systems.

 

[Jlbc212]

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to dig into further with my co-worker. It's my understanding the issue has occurred while the vehicle is in drive. My co-worker said she has been able to shift it into neutral when it has happened. Like most intermittent problems things usually check out normal when a diagnosis is performed.

 

[Reg1952]

As mentioned make sure there are no floor mats on the floor. Its a huge problem on all cars.Toyota seems to be the worst. I had a customer with a Pacifica and complained that it wouldnt accelerate. There was 3 floor mats jammed up under the pedal.

 

[firebirdparts]

Be ready to take over, always. Whether it’s a Toyota or not.

 

[jkeyser14]

Tell him to go the media.

 

[CraigStu]

A quick google turned up a few things worthwhile. Apparently when the brake pedal is in use it is very close to the same height as the gas pedal. So it may be that a foot is touching both. At that time I was a Lexus tech and we had recalls on several models. One problem was that the gas pedal sinks down into a bit of a recess in the carpet so it was a problem when people threw in a set of mats w/o securing them properly or throwing them on top of the existing mat. The mat slides forward and all is well until the driver happens to floor the gas pedal. That pushes the pedal under the front edge of the improper mat and the mat holds it down. All the recalls involved a re-flash of the ecu. No real in depth details but we were told there was extra logic installed so, if the throttle was even partially open, and then the brakes applied for more than X seconds, the throttle would be closed. Depending on model we either cut some off the bottom of the pedal or installed a shorter replacement. Test this but I am pretty sure the shifter will move from D to N just by pushing it forward. No push a button, no move it left or right needed. The engine might rev up but will be saved by the rev limiter.

 

[Jlbc212]

A quick google turned up a few things worthwhile. Apparently when the brake pedal is in use it is very close to the same height as the gas pedal. So it may be that a foot is touching both. At that time I was a Lexus tech and we had recalls on several models. One problem was that the gas pedal sinks down into a bit of a recess in the carpet so it was a problem when people threw in a set of mats w/o securing them properly or throwing them on top of the existing mat. The mat slides forward and all is well until the driver happens to floor the gas pedal. That pushes the pedal under the front edge of the improper mat and the mat holds it down. All the recalls involved a re-flash of the ecu. No real in depth details but we were told there was extra logic installed so, if the throttle was even partially open, and then the brakes applied for more than X seconds, the throttle would be closed. Depending on model we either cut some off the bottom of the pedal or installed a shorter replacement. Test this but I am pretty sure the shifter will move from D to N just by pushing it forward. No push a button, no move it left or right needed. The engine might rev up but will be saved by the rev limiter.

Good information! Thanks!