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.
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Do Toyota RAV4 issues frequently arise?
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.
What is the Toyota RAV4’s problem?
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.
Although Toyota is known across the world as one of the most dependable automakers, all automakers are susceptible to manufacturing errors and design problems. When certain new models are introduced, the manufacturer’s ambition may exceed the skills and knowledge of the service specialists. According to the California Song Beverly act, you have a claim against the manufacturer if your car is in need of repair for more than 30 days at the dealership.
When you are initiating a claim against a major carmaker, severe automotive issues necessitate strong legal representation. Our skilled lawyers at the Lemon Firm have been successful in obtaining compensation for customers who purchased vehicles that did not function as promised, and we can do the same for you.
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.
Are RAV4 repairs expensive?
Are Toyota RAV4s expensive to maintain? The short answer is: The Toyota RAV4’s maintenance costs are quite reasonable. A RAV4’s annual maintenance costs would be roughly $429, which is significantly less than the $521 average for compact SUVs.
What is the lifespan of a Toyota 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.
Which year Toyota RAV4 is not recommended?
As long as you don’t mind a tough, small crossover, most of these RAV4s are trouble-free. The only significant problem is that, like many models from 1996 to 2000, the safety and technological features are antiquated. However, these are fantastic if you needed a little, fuel-efficient, easy-to-drive buggy to drive around town.
Common Toyota RAV4 Problems
The Toyota RAV4 enjoys a strong reputation for dependability. The RAV4 has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, according to RepairPal. The RAV4 has experienced many persistent issues over the course of its lengthy manufacture, though:
- Transmission troubles are likely to be the cause of difficulty changing gears or the SUV lurching when traveling at lower speeds. The 2019 appears to have transmission issues worse than the more recent models.
- Excessive oil consumption is a widespread issue that first appeared with the RAV4 model in 2005. Many drivers claimed that the SUV used more oil than usual between 75,000 and 150,000 miles. Toyota was forced to extend the warranty as a result of this problem.
- The wheel may lock up or pull to one side as a result of steering issues, which are very prevalent with the 2017 model year. Additionally, some owners claimed to hear knocking sounds when they turned.
- Engine cooling issues – The system that keeps the engine cool is vulnerable to leaks, which can cause coolant fluid to flow into the engine and seriously harm the mechanical components.
Finding a Good Used Toyota RAV4 in Your Area
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.
How to Tell If a Toyota RAV4 is Worth Purchasing
Bring a knowledgeable friend if you’re not sure how to determine whether the Toyota RAV4 you want to buy has been well maintained. Anyone can tell whether a car has been through the ringer or not by looking at it. However, a semi-educated vehicle person should be able to prevent you from making a costly error for some of the signals that not everyone will be aware of and that a buyer might try to hide.
Do Toyota RAV4s have issues with the transmission?
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.
Can you go lengthy trips with a RAV4?
SUVs typically have a larger trunk than the typical car or hatchback. The RAV4 is no exception and offers plenty of room for all kinds of journeys.
People are generally concerned about luggage and other equipment fitting into the trunk while planning a long-distance vacation.
All of Toyota’s SUV models offer enough room for camping gear or weekend off-roading excursions.
Up to ten carry-on luggage and a few smaller items could fit in drivers’ vehicles. This indicates that there is plenty space in the RAV4. This is comparable to rival models like the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V.
The remarkable starting cargo volume of the 2020 RAV4 is 37.6 cubic feet. If more space is required, the rear seats can be folded down to the conventional 60/40 configuration.
The ability to open the trunk door is one of the RAV4’s cutting-edge features. When your hands are full, you can open the door by just swiping your foot under the rear bumper.
The majority of Toyota RAV4 trim levels offer what is known as a foot-activated power liftgate. Although it is not really cutting-edge technology, most RAV4 owners like it.
The RAV4 has enough of trunk room to meet your demands, whether you need it for shopping, extra luggage, camping gear, or simply to let your dog run around.