Toyota reliability - daily drive

[Robertjp]

My wife has a 2007 Rav4 that went in for a 50k service Thursday last week.

I got a call Thursday lunchtime to say it doesn’t just need a service.....it needs a new ENGINE!

I was shocked, in fact i cant describe just how stunned i was, car had been losing coolant – i thought water pump maybe....how wrong could you be!

Apparently, its a common and widely recognised fault, HG goes and a repair is pointless as they simply go again more rapidly (but there was no oil water mix, rough running). So, a brand new engine being supplied and fitted courtesy of the nice men at the Toyota Dealership. For once, something to be said for sticking to a dealer network!

Anyway, the point was i thought i was going to have to use the Tuscan today in the snow and ice .... luckily i got a reprieve, little one is poorly so they are having a ‘home’ day and didnt need my Passat! Can imagine it would have been an uncomfortable journey, simply because i wouldn’t want to get it covered in salt, crap and risk tail happy slides and hitting any kerbs (or worse)

Just goes to show that even the big players have issues – its just how good a job they do at keeping it quiet that determines whether you find out about it or not!!!

[lotusandy]

Hmm, my wife also has a 2007 Rav that is in for service next week!
Was yours diesel or petrol?
Were there any symptoms other than the slight coolant leak?
Andy

[Podie]

Interesting, given the article in The Sunday Times about Toyota.

[Robertjp]

lotusandy said:

Hmm, my wife also has a 2007 Rav that is in for service next week!
Was yours diesel or petrol?
Were there any symptoms other than the slight coolant leak?
Andy

No other symptoms.

First thing i actually knew was the fans running continously, topped up and all fine for two weeks, then heater stopped working, topped up again and booked in for service with this problem reported.

Its a 2.2 diesel XTR on a 57 plate.

[Robertjp]

Podie said:

Interesting, given the article in The Sunday Times about Toyota.

Interesting reading....perhaps the potential bad press has changed the way they handle things, because so far im impressed (but havent got the car back yet, so will reserve final judgement!!)

Presumably i will get a new engine number for the log book?? Or maybe they will transfer the old one?

[philh]

I have a 07 rav4 disel , had the ater pump changed by toyota on warranty at the 40,000 mile service. seems a known problem, maybe if they get the water pump changed early enough no engine damage?

[quattrophenia]

I don't see the correlation with the water pump and a knackered engine. If the pump was failing and causing the engine to run hot then yes, but you said there were no warning signs (ie hot engine warning lights on the dash).
Anyhow glad you got it sorted, credit to Toyota for not being stty with you. Next time book it in in the middle of summer, that way if it's off the road for a few weeks you will have no choice but to go to work in the Tusc every day.