Toyota RAV4 Reliability Problems

RAV4 owners have made 2,362 complaints over 27 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it second to last in overall reliaibility, with significant transmission and engine concerns.

6 Common Toyota RAV4 Problems

A list of some of the most common issues RAV4 owners have to deal with.

  3. Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires

    Somewhere in the mid-2000's there was an industry-wide push by automakers to replace plastic and glass-based wiring insulation with a more eco-friendly soy-based coating. It's biodegradable, commendable, and a complete disaster for owners. …

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires"

  4. RAV4 ECM Transmission Failure

    There are a ton of vehicles out there eligible for the title of 'worst transmission on the road' and the 2001-2003 RAV4 is in the mix. Harsh shifting, jumping from gear-to-gear, sluggish acceleration and ultimately transmission failure are …

    Continue reading article "RAV4 ECM Transmission Failure"

  5. Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption

    An increasing number of Toyota vehicles are experiencing excessive oil consumption which may be the result of defective piston rings. Toyota, in all their 'deny-til-we-die' splendor, is reportedly denying warranty coverage on many oil consu…

    Continue reading article "Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption"

What RAV4 Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

RAV4 Generations

The RAV4 has 5 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 3rd generation (2006–2012).

RAV4 Key Numbers

  1. 2,362 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 877 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 40 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Recent RAV4 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. Toyota has blamed a musty A/C smell on microbes [i.e., mold] growing o the evaporator surface and now a lawsuit wants them to do something about it.

    The plaintiffs claim the vehicles have defective heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that cause smells and health problems from mold that collects on the evaporators. Numerous complaints have allegedly been filed with the government, Toyota and Lexus dealerships nationwide since at least 1999.

    This isn't the first time Toyota has been sued for musty A/C units.

    keep reading article "Air Conditioner Lawsuit Complains About Mold Smell From Toyota HVAC"

  6. When Toyota switched away from using plastic or glass-based inulation in favor of soy, it invited in some very unwelcome Toyota loyalisits.

    According to the plaintiff, she learned the hard way about the soy wiring when her Avalon wouldn't start and a look under the hood showed wires chewed, so she had the car towed to a dealer. Toyota told her rodents had caused the damage and it would be no problem to repair the problems as long as she could cough up $6,000 to cover the bill.

    The soy-based wiring is allegedly attracting in rodents, who love to chew it up and use it for nesting material. The lawsuit, Heidi Browder vs. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al. follows a similar lawsuit filed against Honda earlier this year.

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Toyota’s Use of Soy-Based Wiring is Attracting Rodent Damage"

  7. The rear suspensions in some Toyota SUVs have been recalled a third time for the same exact problem.

    The automaker thinks it's time to try something different. Gee Toyota, you think? Rear suspension arm failures first popped up four years ago in the 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS 250h. Toyota issued a recall and blamed the problem on some nuts that weren't tightened to spec. Cool, seems like an easy fix.

    About a year later the same vehicles were recalled again for, you guessed it, rear suspension issues. This time dealers were told to inspect the tie rods for corrosion and slap some epoxy on there to prevent future damage.…

    keep reading article "SUVs Recalled a Third Time for the Same Problem"

  8. How hot do you like your seat heater in the winter?

    If you like it really toasty — as in, with an actual flame — you’ll probably love one of 7,700 Toyota vehicles with seat heaters that catch on fire. The vehicles have been recalled because fire and cars don’t get along, what with their tanks of highly flammable liquids and all. All the affected vehicles are equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that contain copper strand heating elements. The recall is being handled by Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) which is the world’s largest distributor of Toyota and Scion vehicles.

    The recall is expected to begin on July 14, 2016 and the seat heaters will need to be disconnected. Owners will be reimbursed.

    keep reading article "Toyota Wants to Stop Seat Heaters From Setting Owner's Buns on Fire"

See All RAV4 News

Other Toyota Models