You can’t go wrong with a used RAV4 if you’re looking for a dependable, little SUV with lots of safety features. But don’t just believe what we say. You’ll probably agree after driving this Toyota for a while.
In This Article...
Are RAV4s reliable used cars?
In general, the Toyota RAV4 is a fantastic used SUV option. It’s quite dependable and, like many Toyota vehicles, tends to survive a very long time with regular maintenance.
What year used Toyota RAV4 is the best to purchase?
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.
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.
Do Toyota RAV4 issues frequently arise?
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 issues that drivers are having, some of which are listed below:
- Unsteady transmission.
- The fuel gauge occasionally malfunctions and indicates that the tank is empty.
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- Transmission that is slow.
- Alignment and steering problems
- 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:
- 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 is offering to replace the steering columns in select 2020 RAV4s because they may have an influence on the airbags in them.
- 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.
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 is the lifespan of a Toyota 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 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.
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.
Which RAV4 generation 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.
RAV4 LE or XLE: Which is superior?
The XLE trim option, which raises the standard model LE to a whole new level, provides a number of high-quality and practical enhancements for a reasonable price premium. The XLE gives you a more dynamic driving experience as you easily navigate the roughest terrain thanks to its all-wheel drive and sport-tuned suspension. While the fuel economy is unchanged from the LE model, the extras improve the driving experience. The XLE experience includes an eight-way power driver seat, a heated leather steering wheel, dual zone climate control, and a Smart key with push-button start. The XLE pushes the already excellent LE model ahead of the competition by adding features like a motorized sunroof option, projector LED headlights, and black roof rails, to mention a few.
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 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.
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.
Toyota RAV4 versus Honda CR V, which is larger?
The Honda CR-V is a touch more roomy than the Toyota RAV4, despite the fact that both SUVs can accommodate five passengers. Its total passenger volume is 105.9 cu ft as opposed to the RAV4’s 98.9 cu ft.
The CR-V provides larger cargo room overall. The CR-V has a load capacity of 39.2 cu ft (33.2 cu ft for the CR-V Hybrid) with the back seats up, compared to the RAV4’s cargo capacity of 37.6 cu ft (same for the RAV4 hybrid, but 33.5 cu-ft for the RAV4 Prime). 75.8 cubic feet may be stored in the CR-cargo V’s area when the back seats are folded down (68.7 cu-ft for the CR-V Hybrid). In contrast, the total cargo space for all RAV4 variants is 69.8 cubic feet.
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.