Despite being by far the worst SUV model year, the 2008 RAV4 was nonetheless praised by both Consumer Reports and Car Complaints. In fact, Car Complaints awarded the 2008 RAV4 a “Seal of Pretty Good,” which perfectly captures the opinions of Toyota devotees. The 2008 RAV4 is a dismal Toyota. But it’s still good compared to the majority of other automakers’ vehicles.
Consumer Reports concurs with this. Despite similar handling concerns with the 2008 RAV4, according to Consumer Reports, the 2008 RAV4 is still the most dependable 2008 SUV. In fact, Consumer Reports continues to urge buyers to purchase the 2008 RAV4. But once more, there are just better RAV4 model years to consider.
In This Article...
What is the maximum mileage for a 2008 RAV4?
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 hit those high numbers 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 year RAV4 should you stay away from?
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.
What are the Toyota RAV4’s most typical issues?
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.
- Orientation/steering problems.
Is there a timing belt or chain on a 2008 Toyota RAV4?
Positive news The 2.4-liter and 3.5-liter engines in the Rav4 are both timing chain engines rather than the feared timing belt. In typical use, your timing chain won’t need to be repaired or changed; just make sure to check your oil regularly.
Is a RAV4 a good investment?
The Toyota RAV4 is a capable small SUV, yes. The RAV4 has two rows of comfortable seats, a lot of safety technology, and a simple entertainment system. It also has a lot of cargo space. It also offers a comfortable ride and a powerful, fuel-efficient powertrain.
How long does the transmission on a Toyota RAV4 last?
If you treat your Toyota RAV4 well, it will last the longest. For advice on when to undertake specific maintenance procedures, consult your RAV4 owner’s manual. After 30,000 to 60,000 miles, your RAV4’s brakes will probably need to be replaced. Although they should be rotated every 5,000 miles, tires will last 40,000 to 60,000 miles. The transmission should last at least 120,000 miles with proper maintenance. Additionally, spark plugs have a 100,000-mile lifespan.
The RAV4 may also receive an anti-rust treatment. You can choose to occasionally spray oil onto the RAV4 yourself or hire a professional to do it. Regular washing is a simple method to maintain your RAV4. This helps get rid of any salt that can lead to rust and corrosion. Last but not least, keep an eye on your RAV4 to make sure you hear any strange noises or see any unusual leaks so you can get these potential issues looked out and fixed. Your Toyota RAV4 should last for many years and many miles if you take proper care of it.
Which RAV4 model year is 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
How much does repairing a timing chain cost?
Being proactive is a good thing because an engine that has a broken timing chain could suffer significant damage.
Timing chain replacement might cost between $600 and $800 to do it yourself or $1,600 to $1,800 to have a technician do it. Due to how difficult it is to replace this element, the price is exorbitant.
The parts for a DIY timing chain replacement will run you about $650. But this is a job that’s best left to mechanics with a lot of experience.
Fortunately, timing chains are built to endure the lifespan of the vehicle, unlike rubber timing belts, thus it is rare that you will need to have it changed. Watch out for these signs if you think your timing chain may be broken:
- The check engine light is on.
- Noisy timing chain
- Engine has poor performance or is misfiring
- While idling, the engine shakes or vibrates
- Starting the car is challenging.
Bring your car to a repair as soon as you can if any of these symptoms persist. Quickly addressing the problem will stop further harm to your car.
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What is the lifespan of a timing chain?
When should a timing chain be changed? Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In automobiles with higher mileage, chain problems are frequent.
When ought the Toyota Rav4’s timing belt to be changed?
Timing belts are important, but unless your Toyota owner’s handbook specifically advises it, they don’t need to be replaced on a regular basis. Between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, some automakers advise changing the timing belt, while others don’t. Many timing belts available now can last 100,000 miles or more before they need to be replaced.