[Tazio Nuvolari]

At least getting your toe angles closer to center, and especially out of the red, will go a long way toward reducing the tire wear caused by the excessive negative camber. Here and in Dallas we have been paying $75 for a one year alignment, and about $150-$175 for a lifetime alignment at Tires Plus or Firestone. We got the lifetime alignment and have it aligned every 10,000 mile oil change. Maybe you could get a better deal.

Once that right rear camber adjusting eccentric bolt has been cranked to give the maximum extension on the control arm (to reduce negative camber and force tire to the vertical) there is no more adjustment. Therefore if you bought a "lifetime" alignment it would be worthless on the rear. Rear toe is not going to do anything to reduce negative camber induced tire wear. I was not aware there WAS a way to adjust rear toe on a RAV4 gas or hybrid. Can someone please enlighten me--are shims used behind the rear hub assembly?

 

[Jlhrstv]

Once that right rear camber adjusting eccentric bolt has been cranked to give the maximum extension on the control arm (to reduce negative camber and force tire to the vertical) there is no more adjustment. Therefore if you bought a "lifetime" alignment it would be worthless on the rear. Rear toe is not going to do anything to reduce negative camber induced tire wear. I was not aware there WAS a way to adjust rear toe on a RAV4 gas or hybrid. Can someone please enlighten me--are shims used behind the rear hub assembly?

If the tire is riding on the edge or shoulder due to excessive negative camber and scrubbing due to incorrect toe it will wear even worse on the edge of the tread. There are no camber adjustments on an unmodified 5th generation RAV4. Toe can be adjusted front and rear.

 

[Sliphorn]

..
Hello, new guy here. I have been reading this thread with interest and it blows my mind that this is happening. It seems to be an overall poor design by Toyota. This troubles me because I have a new Rav4 hybrid showing up the 2nd week of November.

As you all know, finding a new vehicle at this time is not easy. I was forced to do so because a suicidal deer ran into my perfectly good CR-V and totaled it. Such is life. Man, I hate reading stuff like this. In this day and age I would expect better from a major player like Toyota.
..

 

[lesz]

..
I hate reading stuff like this. In this day and age I would expect better from a major player like Toyota.
..

I wouldn't worry too much about this. This thread has been going for almost 1/2 year, and there are only 1 or 2 people who have reported having had a problem with the excessive and premature tire wear on the insides of their rear tires. With the way that the internet is, if there is a problem that is very common, it will quickly draw a large number of people who report on internet forums having had the same problem.

Like with most Toyotas, the RAV4 Hybrid seems to be, for the most part, a very dependable vehicle.

 

[Sliphorn]

I wouldn't worry too much about this. This thread has been going for almost 1/2 year, and there are only 1 or 2 people who have reported having had a problem with the excessive and premature tire wear on the insides of their rear tires. With the way that the internet is, if there is a problem that is very common, it will quickly draw a large number of people who report on internet forums having had the same problem.

Like with most Toyotas, the RAV4 Hybrid seems to be, for the most part, a very dependable vehicle.

..
Having been on any number of forums over the years I'd have to say you are correct.

Thanks
..

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

This thread has been going for almost 1/2 year, and there are only 1 or 2 people who have reported having had a problem with the excessive and premature tire wear on the insides of their rear tires

Please review the thread "Alignment on Primes" in the Prime section of this 5th gen forum. There are additional people with rear tire camber wear issues there. I suggested a theory there that the rear springs on the Primes and hybrids were to blame to a large extent. Both the hybrids and Primes are substantially heavier than the gas model LE, yet it would appear that they may all use the SAME rear coil springs (with the exception of the gas TRD and possibly the XSE). Thus the rear of the Primes and hybrids squat down more over the rear tires and have a rear weight bias (12V battery in back, Traction battery towards the rear). This heavier weighting overwhelms the rear coils and pulls the top of the tires inboard causing excess negative camber.

 

[mechahayai]

I wouldn't worry too much about this. This thread has been going for almost 1/2 year, and there are only 1 or 2 people who have reported having had a problem with the excessive and premature tire wear on the insides of their rear tires. With the way that the internet is, if there is a problem that is very common, it will quickly draw a large number of people who report on internet forums having had the same problem.

Like with most Toyotas, the RAV4 Hybrid seems to be, for the most part, a very dependable vehicle.

I've been looking into this since I noticed the inner tire wear on the right rear of our 2016 Hybrid on multiple forums and I have found at least 6 threads that deal with the same problem on the same year/model. The right rear is a problem and has been a problem over multiple generations and trims, but that's not to say every Rav4 has the problem and it's also not to say that the hybrid is unreliable because it isn't. This is a relatively minor issue that can be fixed with an aftermarket part - so I'm told. We'll see how it works out for us.

 

[Jlhrstv]

I wouldn't worry too much about this. This thread has been going for almost 1/2 year, and there are only 1 or 2 people who have reported having had a problem with the excessive and premature tire wear on the insides of their rear tires. With the way that the internet is, if there is a problem that is very common, it will quickly draw a large number of people who report on internet forums having had the same problem.

Like with most Toyotas, the RAV4 Hybrid seems to be, for the most part, a very dependable vehicle.

While I would agree, our RAV4 Hybrid has been for the most part a dependable vehicle, excessive negative camber issue is a serious safety issue that may be very under reported.

We had no idea there was a problem for 35,000 miles until a tire failed on the highway far from home. We were keeping an eye on our tires, we even use a tread depth gauge. The dealer was also reporting no issues every 5,000 miles. Since it was a negative camber issue (the tire was tilted) the damage was only occurring on the inside edge of the tread. Who goes behind the shop and checks the inside edge?

Since polling this group, and asking for alignment reports, about 3 out of 4 have been reporting that their rear camber is also less than the -1.75 allowed by Toyota. One was -2.0. All were under warranty, and all were refused repair.

If it were not for persistent complaints, Toyota would still be telling us that nothing is wrong with our fuel tanks also. Fortunately, enough of us complained and brought the issue to NHTSA that Toyota was forced to do something about it.

This time it is a safety issue.

I look forward to more reports about this safety problem including alignment reports, and hopefully a fix from Toyota in the future.

 

[Lynn91]

As someone also with a RAV on the way, this is a little concerning

 

[Jlhrstv]

As someone also with a RAV on the way, this is a little concerning

@Lynn91 I wouldn't be concerned. What I would do is request the dealer check the alignment in their shop and provide a recent alignment report before taking delivery of your vehicle. Rear camber should be about -1.0 or between -.8 and -1.3 (recommended range) min is -1.75. On a new car all angles should be in the recommended ranges, or within the center notch. Any Toyota dealer should do this at no charge. I would then take your new RAV4 to the nearest shop like Tires Plus that will do a free alignment check for you to verify. (Some dealers have been known to fudge this report) If all is OK, be sure to have the dealer check your alignment again at 10k miles, or within 12 mos of delivery before the 12k mile alignment warranty expires.

Please post your alignment report here. We would appreciate it!

 

[EnjoyDriving]

Well, GoodYear tech already told me that there is nothing adjustable in the rear camber and they couldn't do anything to fix it. But I've read that there is some aftermarket part or even Toyota has pushed out a special camber bolt for the fix, right? Is that true? And would that be a permanent fix, if so, that'd be cool - as I do want a permanent fix for the peace of mind. Please chime in if anyone has had any fix.

 

[focus123]

Well, GoodYear tech already told me that there is nothing adjustable in the rear camber and they couldn't do anything to fix it. But I've read that there is some aftermarket part or even Toyota has pushed out a special camber bolt for the fix, right? Is that true? And would that be a permanent fix, if so, that'd be cool - as I do want a permanent fix for the peace of mind. Please chime in if anyone has had any fix.

Here is a site for after market parts. When I had a 2009 Rav4 they had a part the was adjustable to replace the arm that Toyota sealed. I think these are the ones that could give you your options going forward.

Specialty Products Company | SPC Alignment | The Automotive Alignment Leaders

Specialty Products is the pioneer in the automotive alignment parts business and is the preferred brand by professional installers. Proven Quality, Performance Parts, Technical Training and Support.

www.spcalignment.com

 

[Sandi_k]

While I would agree, our RAV4 Hybrid has been for the most part a dependable vehicle, excessive negative camber issue is a serious safety issue that may be very under reported.

We had no idea there was a problem for 35,000 miles until a tire failed on the highway far from home. We were keeping an eye on our tires, we even use a tread depth gauge. The dealer was also reporting no issues every 5,000 miles. Since it was a negative camber issue (the tire was tilted) the damage was only occurring on the inside edge of the tread. Who goes behind the shop and checks the inside edge?

Since polling this group, and asking for alignment reports, about 3 out of 4 have been reporting that their rear camber is also less than the -1.75 allowed by Toyota. One was -2.0. All were under warranty, and all were refused repair.

If it were not for persistent complaints, Toyota would still be telling us that nothing is wrong with our fuel tanks also. Fortunately, enough of us complained and brought the issue to NHTSA that Toyota was forced to do something about it.

This time it is a safety issue.

I look forward to more reports about this safety problem including alignment reports, and hopefully a fix from Toyota in the future.

Add me to your list. I have a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Limited, and we're out of town this weekend. My husband noted the hugely increased road noise since our last road trip in mid-January, so we dropped by the local Toyota dealer near the in-laws' place today.

The tires have 36k miles on them, and all 4 (rotated regularly, including 2 months ago) are showing feathering and cupping on the inside edges.

We were concerned that it might be the axle or a wheel bearing, so the dealership put it up on the rack, and confirmed that the bearings and axle look good.

I'm looking for new tires - any suggestions?

 

[javadoo]

Add me to your list. I have a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Limited, and we're out of town this weekend. My husband noted the hugely increased road noise since our last road trip in mid-January, so we dropped by the local Toyota dealer near the in-laws' place today.

The tires have 36k miles on them, and all 4 (rotated regularly, including 2 months ago) are showing feathering and cupping on the inside edges.

We were concerned that it might be the axle or a wheel bearing, so the dealership put it up on the rack, and confirmed that the bearings and axle look good.

I'm looking for new tires - any suggestions?

Michelin Cross Climate 2s are fantastic!

 

[pikeviewer]

I've had good experience with Continental CrossContact LX25. I have 20,000 miles on them and the show minimal wear, perform well in rain and snow. They have separate wear indicators for snow, rain and dry conditions.

 

[Jlhrstv]

Add me to your list. I have a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Limited, and we're out of town this weekend. My husband noted the hugely increased road noise since our last road trip in mid-January, so we dropped by the local Toyota dealer near the in-laws' place today.

The tires have 36k miles on them, and all 4 (rotated regularly, including 2 months ago) are showing feathering and cupping on the inside edges.

We were concerned that it might be the axle or a wheel bearing, so the dealership put it up on the rack, and confirmed that the bearings and axle look good.

I'm looking for new tires - any suggestions?

First, you need an alignment before you replace your tires. Sounds like you have a combination of the excessive negative camber issue, and possibly excessive tow-in that will probably only get worse, quickly eating your new tires. Please look at your alignment report. Anything over -1.75 on the rear camber will cause excessive wear on the inner tread. (Also -1.75 is the maximum limit allowed by Toyota per the service manual, -1.0 being optimal).

Please also post your before and after alignment reports here.

As for tires, those depend a lot on what you need; however, the ones below will work well and last a long time only if your alignment is correct.

These are for 17" wheels, you probably have 18" wheels on the limited hybrid - just get the 18" version of this tire.

Hankook H737 KINERGY PT All-Season Radial Tire - 225/65R17 102H

 

[MichaelB-NJ]

Have a 2019 RavH, all the Bridgestone tires were shot at 32K (Sept. 2021) with a whrrl, whrrl sound that I thought was a bad wheel bearing. Only the fronts had a bit of inside more wear. Bought Mitchlin Crossclimate II (4th tire free at Costco) for under $840. Silent again, could not believe the noise was gone. Have 5K on them...still silent.
Something is no right with the car that started this thread. That looks like a bad wheel bearing. If the alignment could not get to near specs.... upper or lower arms are bad. Those ball joints can cause cupping too.

 

[SLS Artemis]

I have an alignment done every year for this reason. If there is no adjustment required they will not charge you.

 

[Sandi_k]

First, you need an alignment before you replace your tires. Sounds like you have a combination of the excessive negative camber issue, and possibly excessive tow-in that will probably only get worse, quickly eating your new tires. Please look at your alignment report. Anything over -1.75 on the rear camber will cause excessive wear on the inner tread. (Also -1.75 is the maximum limit allowed by Toyota per the service manual, -1.0 being optimal).

Please also post your before and after alignment reports here.

As for tires, those depend a lot on what you need; however, the ones below will work well and last a long time only if your alignment is correct.

These are for 17" wheels, you probably have 18" wheels on the limited hybrid - just get the 18" version of this tire.

Hankook H737 KINERGY PT All-Season Radial Tire - 225/65R17 102H

I do have 18" tires, and I know to get an alignment before I replace these.

 

[B-Z]

2020 LE hv
I have eibach lift springs in the back. I would think that i'd have more wear on the outside but my insides are wearing out too. Got two sets of wheels that i'm switch off often which means tire rotations every time (~2k). I actually ended up remounting them so the newer side gets worn now...
pretty annoying.