If you are looking for a compact crossover SUV, the Toyota Rav4 should be on your shopping list. There have been a lot of sales of this product since 1995. During 2019, the Rav4 will likely become the world’s most popular SUV. A great achievement for Toyota will be selling 10 million Rav4 compact SUVs by 2020.
The Rav4 model list has a few models to skip with 10 million vehicles on the road today. Despite Toyota’s reputation for reliability and quality, some of its bestsellers are occasionally prone to issues. Here is a list of the used Rav4 model years you should not consider purchasing.
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Is Buying a Toyota RAV4 Worth It?
The term “RAV4” used to refer to Recreational Activity Vehicle with Four-Wheel Drive, but has been changed to Robust Accurate Vehicle with Four-Wheel Drive. Changes like this are probably a result of marketing strategies, though no one knows what or why they’re intended for.
RAV4 has evolved dramatically since it first appeared in 1989. With five generations under its belt, this rugged off-road vehicle has evolved into an affordable, four-wheel-drive compact crossover that combines SUV power with everyday sedan comforts.
There should be no Toyota RAV4s from the following years: none. It is crucial to maintain your Toyota in good condition. It may be a good idea to choose an older generation if you want something a little more durable and simple. Those in the late fourth- or fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 models will have a lot of new tech, including infotainment and driver assistance. If you’re looking for that, stick with that generation.
Avoid: 2001
When the Rav4 was released in 2001, it caused Toyota its first real problem. Approximately one-third of NHTSA (National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration) reports were about transmission issues. Rav4 customers have reported shifting issues over 300 times. On average, CarComplaints.com estimates that repairing an out-of-warranty car costs $2,000.
Transmission problems weren’t the only problems with the 2001 Toyota Rav4; electrical and driveline problems also plagued it. When drivers pressed the gas pedal, acceleration did not happen consistently. Additionally, the IIHS’ side crash test of the 2001 Rav4 gave it a poor rating.
Avoid: 2002
According to the NHTSA’s 2012 records, the Toyota Rav4 posed the most problems. The jerky transmission of this vehicle is said to cause drivers much frustration due to its erratic shifting. This model year was also plagued by several issues with the engine control module. Problems with ECMs are strongly associated with transmission problems.
Several lawsuits filed by class members led Toyota to extend the warranty of this car from five years/60,000 miles to ten years/150,000 miles. The company will also reimburse customers who have already purchased transmission repairs out of pocket. It doesn’t make sense to look at a used 2002 Toyota Rav4 because it will never satisfy anyone.
Avoid: 2006
We have jumped ahead a few years to the 2006 Toyota Rav4. This model year is plagued by numerous problems, such as excessive oil consumption, transmission heating issues, and steering shaft problems. It is highly recommended that you stay away from this model year. There were only about 500 complaints to the NHTSA about problems with engines and steering in 2006 models.
It doesn’t get any better when it comes to the 2006 model, because it has airbag and paint problems. There was also a great deal of discomfort experienced by people with suspension problems. In 2006, Rav4 problems aren’t numerous, but we should mention them anyway.
Avoid: 2007
A number of Toyota’s 2006 model year problems carried over into 2007. A great deal of attention was paid to engine and steering problems in 2007. Throughout 2007, excessive oil consumption was responsible for most engine problems.
When turning the steering wheel, it makes a clunking sound, according to some NHTSA reports. In conclusion, Toyota’s 2AZ-FE engine on the Rav4 guzzled oil like crazy. There is a perception that this engine is one of the least reliable ones manufactured by Toyota.
Avoid: 2008
This year’s Toyota Rav4 seems to be ending the three-year era of really disappointing performance. Toyota reduced many issues after this year through their changes. The 2008 model did not incorporate any of these changes. Eight hundred and eighty-seven complaints were received by the NHTSA in 2008.
Despite the decline in oil consumption, oil consumption remained high. Oil leaks were another problem. As a result, in 2009 it was determined that it was necessary to replace the 2AZ-FE engine. In 2008, the steering shaft also had to be replaced despite mechanical solutions being available.
Own: 2004
It looks like Toyota Rav4 owners will have a bright future in 2004. A number of safety improvements were introduced to the Rav4 in 2004, making it one of the best years for the vehicle. Standard features included stability control, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. In contrast to last year, 2nd-generation Rav4 models had fewer NHTSA complaints than last year’s models.
Several independent reviews praised the 2004 model for its new 2.4L I4 engine with 160 horsepower. Additionally, the exterior of the Rav4 has been upgraded to make it look more stylish and aggressive. Customer feedback indicated that they were pleased with the newly installed instrument panel and steering wheel.
Own: 2005
In 2005, Rav4 complaints also decreased, as they did in 2004. The new engine comes coupled with new safety standards throughout Toyota’s line-up, as well as 160 horsepower. Rav4 sales in 2005 fell short of expectations despite its excellent performance.
The 2005 model year also saw the addition of new packages and options for drivers. The interior of the vehicle also features heated mirrors, privacy glass, fog lights, and leather options. Winter driving is made easier with the limited slip differential available in the 4WD model.
Own: 2020
Considering that it received the highest safety rating from IIHS, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Toyota Rav4 was the company’s most popular SUV in 2020. Even so, headlight quality tests revealed poor results for the XLE, XSE, and Limited trims. Besides that, the Rav4 was highly regarded by IIHS in every aspect.
There were fewer complaints made to the NHTSA in 2020 than in previous years, but a large percentage of these complaints involved electrical issues. Drivers were influenced by only one other factor besides the fuel system. It was significantly lower than it was for the model years most worth avoiding in these two cases. The new infotainment system was not intuitive as a whole, according to some complaints.
Own: 2021
In 2021, Toyota Rav4 consumer concerns declined significantly just like in 2020. Only 147 complaints were made to the NHTSA in 2020, which was half as many as in 2017. Engine problems and electrical issues mostly disappeared. When cleaning the dashboard, a few micro scratches were evident as well.
In addition, six Rav4 drivers complained about their driver-side seat belts rattling. However, other than these minor issues, 2021 Rav4 owners were very pleased with the improved vehicle’s appearance and the updated infotainment system.
A number of complaints regarding the 2020 infotainment system have been resolved because of a change in Toyota’s software that may have helped reduce the learning curve.
Own: 2022
In terms of performance, the 2022 model is among the most reliable Toyota Rav4 models to own. According to J.D. Power, the 2022 model has an 80 overall rating. Quality and reliability have been emphasized a lot about the 2022 model. A further 81 points were awarded for the driving experience. A Rav4 that is in good condition, as is characteristic of Toyotas, has a high resale value.
Moreover, the Rav4 also received the Top Safety Pick designation from J.D. Power. IIHS awarded the Rav4 a Top Safety Pick in 2022 as well. A total of 67 complaints were received by the NHTSA. It is one of the few models where Toyota has not received more than 11 complaints.
How to Tell If a Toyota RAV4 is Worth Purchasing
If you are considering purchasing a Toyota RAV4, you can ask a knowledgeable friend about the vehicle’s maintenance history. No matter how new a used vehicle appears, you can tell if it’s been mistreated. Having someone who has a moderate level of education to assist you may prevent you from making mistakes you might otherwise make.
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FAQs: Toyota RAV4 Years to Avoid
Q: What years of Toyota RAV4 are reliable?
According to the guide above, there are no specific years that are exceptional when it comes to reliability, but many RAV4s outside of the problematic years have made significant improvements in this area. The most reliable cars are those that have a good maintenance history and are from years that have not contributed to problems.
Q: When was the worst year for the RAV4?
It is recommended to avoid the 2019 model due to transmission and brake issues, the 2013 model due to vibrations at low speeds, and the 2006-2008 models due to serious reliability woes.
Q: Which year RAV4 is experiencing transmission problems?
Several drivers have reported experiencing transmission difficulties in the 2019 Toyota RAV4, including hesitancy, lurching, transmission slippage, and rough shifts.
Q: How can Toyota improve the RAV4?
Throughout the fourth generation, problems with unwanted acceleration were frequent on RAV4s from 2009 to 2012. Oil consumption issues plagued models from 2006 to 2008, transmission problems plagued 2019 models, and infotainment issues plagued models throughout the fourth generation.
Q: Do Toyota RAV4s tend to be reliable?
There is no doubt in my mind. Toyota’s RAV4 is the best-selling non-truck vehicle in the United States due to its reputation for producing dependable cars. There are some issues with the RAV4, despite its good reliability. It is important to do your research before buying a pre-owned RAV4. The following list of years will help you avoid buying a Toyota RAV4.
Q: What is the typical price of a used Toyota RAV4?
You don’t want an older RAV4, which has been available in the U.S. for almost 30 years. With 150,000 miles and a price tag around $7,000, a 2005 RAV4 runs about $7,000 today. Less-mileage vehicles are more expensive. As a result of volatile market conditions, late-model examples will cost substantially more. Based on CoPilot Price Pulse, the average asking price for the 2018 Toyota RAV4 is $24,754. This is 29% higher than the car’s normal selling price.
What are the pros and cons of purchasing a Toyota RAV4?
There’s no need to worry about whether you will be satisfied with your new or used Toyota RAV4. Pre-owned vehicles, no matter how good their reputation may be, are always risky, even if they have a solid reputation for dependability.
