With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Toyota RAV4 is ranked third among 26 compact SUVs. It offers great ownership costs with an average annual repair cost of $429.
In This Article...
Which issues does the Toyota RAV4 have?
There were 35 reports of gearbox issues made by RAV4 drivers as of December 2021. One customer claimed that after purchasing a 2019 RAV4 with 17,500 kilometers, he frequently experienced issues with the gears changing correctly. When this RAV4 owner brought his vehicle to a Toyota dealership, the problem was fixed with a software update. As vehicles do not become better with time, these kinds of software updates are frequently more of a band aid than a remedy.
Another driver complained that his RAV4 was lurching forward at slower speeds, making the on-ramp to the busy 10 highway unpredictable and perhaps dangerous. Shuttering and shaking were other prevalent concerns. He was informed that his vehicle was functioning as intended and that the dealership could not reproduce the problem.
There were reportedly six recalls for the 2019 RAV4 due to difficulties with the backup camera, separating suspension arms, and coolant leaks, among other things. Surprisingly, there were no transmission-related recalls.
Transmission issues with the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have been extensively reported. The 2020 RAV4 was expected to be an improved model, but there have already been far too many complaints and reports of unhappiness. The 2020 RAV4 has a number of concerns that drivers are having, some of which are listed below:
- Unsteady transmission.
- Transmission that is slow.
- Transmission Leaks
- The fuel gauge occasionally malfunctions and indicates that the tank is empty.
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- Alignment and steering problems
No recalls have yet been issued as a result of the 2020 RAV4 transmission issues. But these are the recalls for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 as of April 2021:
- Select 2020 RAV4s have engine problems and coolant leaks, which led Toyota to conduct a recall and provide some RAV4 owners a free replacement engine and engine block.
- Toyota has agreed to replace the front lower suspension arms on some 2020 RAV4s at no cost in order to restore their safety. These arms may have cracks in them.
- Toyota has decided to replace the power steering gearboxes in a small number of 2020 RAV4s because they have issues with the electric power steering system.
- Toyota was compelled to replace the fuel pump assemblies in select 2020 RAVs because the fuel pumps in those vehicles have started to malfunction and create engine issues.
- Toyota is offering to replace the steering columns in select 2020 RAV4s because they may have an influence on the airbags in them.
Several sources claim that a software update that was issued on April 15, 2019, can fix the Toyota RAV4 transmission. However, other owners claimed that even after receiving updates from the Toyota dealership, the transmission issues persisted, and owners had to take their RAV4 to a dealership to get the update.
What year is best for the Toyota RAV4?
Here is a succinct explanation of the Toyota RAV4’s best and worst years: The 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years of the Toyota RAV4 are some of its best iterations. On the other hand, the 2002, 2007, 2008, 2013, and 2019 models should be avoided.
Is the RAV4’s engine reliable?
The Toyota RAV4 has adequate power and provides smooth acceleration in the majority of circumstances. However, detractors claim the engine is noisy and crude, and views on the transmission are divided.
Do RAV4’s transmission issues exist?
A few instances of transmission issues with the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have surfaced. A stuttering transmission, one that is delayed and then lurches ahead, and a leaky transmission are examples of these issues.
Although the above-mentioned Toyota RAV4 starting issues may be the subject of numerous articles, it’s crucial to remember that this problem is not yet widely reported. This is undoubtedly something to consider if you’re looking into small SUVs, but it’s also feasible that you won’t completely discount the RAV4 because of it.
How many miles can the RAV4 go?
A properly maintained Toyota RAV4 may go up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles, according to most experts. Once you pass that point, it’s feasible and perhaps probable that more frequent maintenance or care will be required to keep things in working order. This may entail placing new part orders and requesting more fluid flushes. Even so, the RAV4 is a worthwhile purchase given that the average individual uses their vehicle for upwards of 25 years or more and drives about 10,000 miles every year.
How can you make your Toyota RAV4 last longer?
The actual mileage will always depend on numerous factors. The secret to getting the RAV4or any vehicle, for that matterto attain those high figures is proper maintenance. Keep all of your regular maintenance appointments, including oil changes, tire rotations, wheel alignments, and transmission flushes. Additionally, be sure to clean it often, maintain the interior and exterior in excellent condition, and be careful to prevent rust as the vehicle ages. Any car can suffer a lot of damage from rust. For all cleaning, maintenance, and other care, meticulously adhere to the instructions and timetables in your owner’s manual.
What model year Toyota RAV4 is having transmission issues?
The RAV4’s main problems, primarily with its automatic transmission, occurred in 2002 and 2007. Unfortunately, although having a new iteration, the most recent RAV4 still has issues with its automatic transmission.
2008, 2006, and 2001 are some further troublesome years. There are concerns with every model year, but these five have the most complaints and the most serious problems. Car Concerns also considers how frequently these complaints appear in the media.
Which SUV is the least problematic?
SUVs with the Best Reputation: Reviews, Images, and More
- Toyota RX 350.
- Trax by Chevrolet.
- Nissan Venza.
- Mazda RAV4.
- Toyota CX-5.
- Hello Soul.
- GLA 250 Mercedes-Benz.
- Nissan QX50.
Check Engine Light Illumination
Additionally, several RAV4 owners observed their check engine lights turning on while moving, typically between 10 and 35 mph. Some additionally said that the vehicle appeared to lose power in addition to the engine light lighting.
Water Pump Leaks
The Toyota RAV4’s water pump leak is another frequently reported engine issue.
Numerous customers reported that the water pump intermittently leaked fluid and that the engine occasionally made a loud noise.
Engine Exhaust Problems
The Toyota RAV4’s engine exhaust has also drawn a significant amount of criticism. Numerous RAV4 owners mentioned smelling heavy burning smells coming from the cabin.
Possible Causes and Solutions
faulty piston rings
When your piston rings are worn out or cracked, engine oil will leak through and into the combustion chamber.
The worst part is that you’ll need to replace the oil much more frequently than you did before.
Expired Gaskets:
An issue with the valve cover gasket or the crankshaft seal could be the cause of your car’s oil leak.
That would require periodically topping off the engine oil to prevent harm.
One of the main causes of coolant leaks from the water pump in your car is a bad crankshaft seal or gasket.
Oxygen sensor failure
Your check engine light may be the consequence of a faulty oxygen sensor if it flashes intermittently or stays on for an extended period of time.
Unstable Fuel Cap:
The efficient operation of the gasoline distribution system depends on the fuel cap. A loose fuel cap can be the source of your check engine light.
a defective catalytic converter
Catalytic converters are anti-pollution devices that aid in the transformation of harmful exhaust emissions into safer ones.
Catalytic converters that are worn out or overheated will cause the exhaust to smell sulfuric and unpleasant.
What to Do
The replacement of gaskets, catalytic converters, piston rings, and other parts may cure engine-related problems.
However, for an accurate diagnosis and practical remedies, we suggest taking the vehicle to your dealer or a reputable repair.
A Toyota RAV4 will depreciate 21% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $27,757.
Toyota and “value” go hand in hand, and the RAV4 is no different. The RAV4 compares favorably to all other excellent value-retaining vehicles (Top 20 at years 3, 5, and 7), and it complements the overall value provided by the majority of the Toyota fleet. RAV4s, whether bought new or used, are great values because to their dependability and cheap operating expenses.
The anticipated depreciation over the following ten years is shown in the figure below. These outcomes apply to cars that travel 12,000 miles annually on average and are in good condition. Additionally, it counts on a new-car selling price of $35,135. Enter the purchase price, anticipated length of ownership, and yearly mileage estimate. We can estimate the Toyota RAV4’s anticipated resale value using our depreciation calculator.
Share
RAV4 LE or XLE: Which is superior?
Many of the LE’s features, as well as extras not available on the base model, are available on the Toyota RAV4 XLE. The engine is the identical in both trims, but the XLE has a fuel-saving start/stop motor system. However, with just 1 mpg higher on city roads, its EPA ratings are just marginally better than the LE’s.
Fog lights that are integrated and 17-inch silver alloy wheels are exterior elements. Black-capped folding mirrors are standard on the base model, while color-capped heated mirrors with turn-signal and blind-spot indicators are available on the RAV4 XLE. They can be folded as well.
Discover a dual-zone automated climate control system with the same dust and pollen filters as the base model inside the XLE. However, the driver’s seat in the XLE has eight power adjustments and lumbar support. Additionally, the passenger seat is four-way adjustable.
RAV4 is produced in Japan?
It seems like a simple chore to find out where an automobile is built. Even while a quick Google search might yield the results you need, you might not find exactly what you’re looking for.
The RAV4 is produced in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and Russia. Previous iterations of the RAV4 were produced in Toyota car factories in at least one of these nations. The sole factory that has recently been added to the list of those that make the RAV4 is the Georgetown plant in Kentucky, United States.
Different models, however, come from different places since different car parts are made in different factories. For instance, the RAV4’s transmissions and engine, respectively, are both manufactured in Japan.
Canada produces the body parts, which are subsequently delivered to Georgetown for final assembly.