Treat each one with caution even if this model year isn’t quite as awful as the others on the list. If you’re considering purchasing a model from this year, we advise thorough inspection. Numerous consumers have reported gearbox problems to Car Complaints, and the NHTSA has received hundreds of reports of fuel system faults. Although it might not apply to everyone, carefully review vehicle history reports.
Consumer Reports advises against purchasing the 2019 Toyota RAV4. With a dismal score of 2, reliability and owner satisfaction were rated equally. According to CR, the overall value, trunk space, road noise, and minor transmission problems are some of the greatest problem areas.
In This Article...
Are Toyota RAV4 vehicles dependable?
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.
What flaws does the RAV 4 possess?
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:
- Alignment and steering problems
- Unsteady transmission.
- Transmission that is slow.
- Transmission Leaks
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- The fuel gauge occasionally malfunctions and indicates that the tank is empty.
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 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.
- 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.
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.
Is the RAV4 the most trustworthy SUV?
Despite not being the most powerful or well-equipped SUV, the Toyota RAV4 nonetheless leads in sales because to its unfailing dependability.
Reliability is the first term that car aficionados and even the average person think of when discussing Toyota. The Japanese juggernaut has established a good reputation as a manufacturer of automobiles that, with the right maintenance, may last forever. It continues to be true for all of its best-sellers, with the majority of them being taken into account by their prospective customers due to their exceptional dependability. The best-selling SUV in North America, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, is one such name on the list.
In the USA, the first generation made its appearance in 1996. Since that time, the Toyota RAV4 has seen an upsurge in sales. The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 is currently the most popular SUV, especially among those looking for a straightforward model with all the essentials covered. Reliability is the most important factor among all of those that make the Toyota RAV4 such a well-liked SUV among the general public, especially in the used car market.
What exactly makes the RAV4 such an unquestionably dependable car, then? We examined it and reached the following results.
Which Toyota RAV4 model years ought to be avoided?
Avoid the following Toyota RAV4 model years: 2019, 2013, and 20062008. They are the ones with the most well-known issues, but keep in mind that they are Toyotas, which are renowned for their dependability. By purchasing one in decent condition, the tiny problems they have won’t put you in the poor house. Finding a well-kept Toyota RAV4 with reasonable mileage is the best course of action when looking for one. Like any car, as it ages, issues can arise, but serious issues can be prevented by doing your research when purchase.
Which SUV has the fewest issues?
Reviews, images, and more for the 15 most dependable SUVs
- Toyota RX 350.
- Trax by Chevrolet.
- Nissan Venza.
- Mazda RAV4.
- Toyota CX-5.
- Hello Soul.
- GLA 250 Mercedes-Benz.
- Nissan QX50.
Which Toyota RAV4 model year is the best?
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.
What is the lifespan of a RAV4?
What Is the Toyota Rav4’s Lifespan? With an average lifespan of between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometers and higher numbers for owners who take good care of their Rav4, the Toyota Rav4 is a top SUV in terms of durability.
How far can a RAV4 travel?
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.
Outback or RAV4: Which is superior?
The Subaru Outback is beaten by the Toyota RAV4 in terms of base engine power. With a four-cylinder, 203 horsepower engine as standard equipment, the RAV4 is now the most potent base SUV on the market. The RAV4’s 2.5 Liter, 182 horsepower engine is substantially more powerful than the Outback’s original engine.
The 182 horsepower engine is used in the Outback’s first four trim levels. But if you choose one of the Outback’s top 3 trim levels, the XT trim levels, you can receive a more modern engine. These will buy you a 260 horsepower turbocharged engine. Even while this shouldn’t be discounted, a new engine for the 2021 RAV4s has been unveiled, and it outperforms even this turbocharged engine.
Starting in 2021, you can buy a Prime Mode RAV4 that features a plug-in hybrid engine instead of a gas engine. Thought to be somewhat feeble, it actually produces an amazing 302 horsepower. When comparing the Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Outback in terms of performance, the RAV4 comes out on top by a wide margin.
The Outback narrowly prevails, nonetheless, in terms of cargo capacity. When the seats are folded down, the Outback’s cargo capacity measures around 76 cubic feet, which is slightly more than the RAV4’s cargo area of about 70 cubic feet.
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.
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What model year Toyota RAV4 is having transmission issues?
Early RAV4s had issues that weren’t connected to the transmission. The company’s sole recall involved compatibility with aftermarket lamps.
Owners have, however, complained about excessive oil use and oil turning into sludge, which leads to engine failure.
Because the #10 fuse on one 1997 RAV4 routinely blows, the owner keeps a bag of ignition fuses with him. The car thus struggles to start and shift into gear.
Car Complaints reports that the ECU flaw didn’t recur in 2007. Unfortunately, there were further issues that year. The amount of consumer complaints is the greatest of any year for the RAV4.
Excessive oil consumption, engine failure, and oxygen sensor failure are a few of the reported issues. A quart of oil needs to be changed every 10 days, according to owners.
Car Complaints identifies 2008 as the worst model year, citing transmission issues, despite the fact that 2002 and 2007 received the most reports of problems. Occasionally at low miles, owners describe complete and unexpected transmission failure. Popular symptoms included violent jerking and slamming sounds when shifting into and out of forward and reverse gear.
Other RAV4s had subpar driveshafts, some of which required specialized replacements and installation that cost close to $1,000.
For the 2019 model year, transmission issues persisted. It’s still rather fresh even though there aren’t nearly as many complaints made about it. Owners complain about the transmission slipping, shifting harshly, and lurching slowly.
It’s vital to remember that the U241E automatic transmission was employed in the RAV4’s two-wheel layout throughout its second generation, which ran from 2001 to 2012. Additionally, these transmissions experienced issues with the forward gears not engaging. Slipping, inconsistent shifting, and a complete inability to choose a gear were among the symptoms.
which is more trustworthy Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V?
The 2022 Honda CR-V is more dependable than the 2022 Toyota RAV4, which brings us to our third argument in favor of the 2022 Honda CR-V. The capacity to depend on a vehicle is essential for car ownership. It’s crucial to have a dependable car so you can drive with confidence, knowing you’ll never get lost or stuck on the side of the road. Additionally, a dependable vehicle saves time and money because it requires fewer repairs. The CR-V had an overall J.D. reliability rating of 84/100, while the RAV4 received an overall score of 81/100.