The Toyota RAV4 is a good SUV, however… 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.
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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:
- Alignment and steering problems
- Unsteady transmission.
- Transmission that is slow.
- The fuel gauge occasionally malfunctions and indicates that the tank is empty.
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- Transmission Leaks
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Which Toyota RAV4 model year is the most dependable?
One of the best pre-owned Toyota RAV4 SUVs is the 2012 model, which is a couple more years old. 2012 is a fantastic year to look for even if the majority of RAV4 years are suggested. The owner satisfaction score was adequate, while the reliability score is high. In its crashworthiness testing this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) primarily awarded four and five stars.
Speaking of the NHTSA, this year has seen a number of Toyota SUV recalls from the agency. Make sure these recalls have been completed before signing any documentation because two of these recalls concern the airbags. Apart from that, 2012 offered a trustworthy Toyota RAV4 SUV.
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.
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.
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.
When did the Toyota RAV4 start experiencing transmission issues?
This was a transmission and ECM unit issue, according to some owners who brought their cars in for diagnosis.
Transmission Gear Slipping Issues
Numerous RAV4 owners have also voiced issues with the transmission slipping gears suddenly.
Numerous lawsuits have been filed in response to this, forcing the manufacturer to admit there is a problem. The warranty on this issue has also been extended by Toyota to 10 years/150,000 miles.
Transmission Solenoid Issues
Many RAV4 customers have voiced their complaints with the check engine light randomly coming on while driving. Along with it, the car may occasionally stall.
Our investigation revealed that a defective solenoid that requires prompt repair frequently causes this issue.
Unpleasant Transmission Noise
Numerous RAV4 owners have also voiced their displeasure with an unpleasant grinding sound that occasionally occurs during acceleration or deceleration.
Others said that this occurs as soon as the car is put in reverse or when going from 4WD to FWD.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Causes and remedies for some of the aforementioned gearbox and powertrain problems are provided below:
- Faulty needle roller bearings: Needle bearings are essential parts that prevent the torque converter’s gears from needlessly grinding. Your Toyota RAV4 may start to make grinding noises if the needle bearings start to fail.
- Insufficient or tainted transmission fluid
Both manual and automatic gearbox vehicles require enough and pristine transmission fluid to function.
Your gearbox could overheat if there isn’t enough clean transmission fluid, which could cause your gears to start slipping or surging out of control.
Transmission fluid filter that is clogged:
The gearbox fluid filter in the Toyota RAV4 is in charge of allowing just the proper amount of clean fluid to pass. Its performance will be hampered by a clogged filter, which will eventually cause the transmission to fail.
What to Do
When treated improperly, transmission problems can render your car utterly worthless. As a result, we suggest that you take your car to a reputable mechanic for an examination, diagnosis, and fix.
If your warranty still has a few miles or years left, you might also try getting in touch with your dealer.
Which RAV4 model 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?
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. A tune-up will cost about $301 and include spark plug replacement.