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.
In This Article...
Which Toyota RAV4 model year is the most dependable?
Consumer Reports puts every new car on the market through a rigorous testing process. One of the greatest years to hunt for a used Toyota RAV4 SUV is 2017. This year has shown to be a smart buy with high reliability ratings. Although the owner satisfaction score for this year was only ordinary, it was higher than in previous and succeeding years.
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has no issues with some of the reliability problematic spots, such as the engine, transmission, and drive system. The driving and styling were reportedly appreciated by owners. According to Consumer Reports, the Toyota SUV from this year is “among the most dependable small SUVs you can buy.”
Which RAV4 model is the best?
The shortest answer to “What Are The Greatest And Worst Years For Toyota RAV4?” is that the 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years of the Toyota RAV4 are among the best ever produced. On the other hand, the 2002, 2007, 2008, 2013, and 2019 models should be avoided.
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.
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:
- Insufficient or tainted transmission fluid
- 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.
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.
Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4: Which is more dependable?
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. For J.D. In terms of reliability, the CR-V received a score of 84/100, compared to the RAV4’s score of 81/100.
Is a RAV4 a good investment?
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- Alignment and steering problems
- Transmission Leaks
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Reliability of used Toyota RAV4s?
Can you trust a used Toyota RAV4? The Toyota RAV is one of the most dependable and long-lasting cars you can buy in any segment, making it more than just a dependable compact crossover SUV.
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.
Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 a good year?
Among used compact SUVs, the 2017 RAV4 is a solid choice. It is equally capable of carrying tons of gear and accommodating five passengers. Additionally, the RAV4 has a smooth ride, a high projected reliability rating, and a wealth of standard safety features like frontal collision warning.
How much does a Toyota RAV4 transmission replacement cost?
Depending on the car, a new Toyota RAV4 transmission might cost over $3,500. In contrast, transmission services like fluid changes and fluid flushes are significantly less expensive, sometimes costing less than $150.