Toyota RAV4 Problems Year By Year

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 04/22/21 •  10 min read

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV. It is available in three trim levels: LE, SE, and XLE. The standard engine for the RAV4 is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 176 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft of torque. There are two options for an all-wheel-drive (AWD) – front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD with an intelligent control system (ICS). 

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The Toyota RAV4 has a lot of positive reviews, but it isn’t perfect. If you’re considering buying one or have already purchased this vehicle, we can break down all the Toyota RAV4 problems that people experience with their cars year by year for you!

Toyota RAV4 Problems Year By Year

2005 Toyota RAV4 Problems

Toyota RAV4 problems
2005 Toyota Rav4 | wikimedia

The 2005 Toyota Rav4 has been recalled due to a potential fire hazard in the engine compartment. In 2007, there was a recall for the front passenger airbag because it would not deploy during an accident. There have been reports of fuel leaks and sudden acceleration.

The 2005 Toyota Rav4 has been found to have a faulty transmission that can cause the car to stall or not shift properly. There are also some 2005 Toyota RAV4 problems with the steering and suspension system, which can lead to a loss of control on bumpy roads. Some owners have had issues with their fuel pump, which could lead to stalling in traffic or even an engine fire.

Problems With 2006 Toyota RAV4

As the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular SUVs ever, it had many recalls. The vast majority were in response to various safety issues including gas pedal sticking down and airbags not deploying during crashes. Nine out of 11 recalls affecting more than 100,000 cars with some affecting over 1 million vehicles.

A few other major recalls included rear tie-rod corrosion leading to a crash risk as well as cut seat belts that could lead to injury or death if they are not fixed promptly.”

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Problems With 2007 Toyota RAV4

The 2007 Toyota RAV4 has been a popular choice for many drivers looking for an affordable, reliable and safe SUV. However, some common problems have been reported with the 2007 model year. 

Toyota RAV4 problems
Toyota Rav4 2007 | wikimedia

The most commonly reported 2007 Toyota RAV4 problems are related to the braking system of the vehicle. In some cases, drivers report that they feel as if their brakes are not working properly or at all when they brake. 

This can be very dangerous and it is important to get this checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.

Another issue that has been reported with this model is related to air conditioning systems in vehicles manufactured during 2006-2007. 

Drivers may experience issues such as blowing hot air from vents or having no airflow through any of them at all. Besides, there have also been reports of engine light illumination due to oil leaks which could lead to expensive repairs down the line.

2008 Toyota RAV4 Problems

Toyota RAV4 problems
2008 Toyota RAV4 | wikimedia

The 2008 Toyota Rav4 is the worst model of this vehicle in terms of complaints and repair costs. The 2007’s have more problems on average, but it cost significantly less to fix them than its predecessor due to a shorter service life per unit sold with an increase in price for parts from 2006-2008.

 If you’re looking at used models, avoid these when possible as they are not worth your time or money if you want something reliable that will last longer.

2009 Toyota RAV4 Issues

The 2009 Toyota Rav4 is a compact SUV that has been on the market since 2007. It is an affordable option for those looking for a car with some off-road capabilities.

Toyota RAV4 problems
Toyota Rav4 2009 | wikimedia

 However, there are several complaints about the vehicle’s reliability and quality of parts. Some people have reported problems with their transmission or engine as well as interior issues like rattling trim pieces and squeaky seats.

Moreover, the 2009 Toyota Rav4 has a few problems with its engine. There are some 2009 Toyota RAV4 problems about the car’s headlights being too dim, which can be an issue when driving at night.

Some drivers have complained that the gas tank is not large enough to make it from one fill-up to another without stopping for more fuel. 

Several people have also reported that their cars’ automatic transmissions have been failing prematurely 2010 Toyota RAV4.

Problems With 2011 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a reliable and efficient family car with few major problems. The 2011 model was similar to 2010 in terms of reliability but had some minor paint issues due to reasons unknown which led to aesthetic damage on the body. 

Toyota RAV4 Problems
2011 RAV4 © CARBUZZ

Despite these small flaws, it’s important for consumers not only to look at what they get out of their purchase now – but also how long will this vehicle last over its lifetime?

2012 Toyota RAV4 Issues

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 is a disaster of design. Its paint comes off too easily, or it just doesn’t stick to the car at all in some cases. 

The brake problems continue with this year as well; many drivers have reported that the brakes simply do not function when they are needed most and others say their vehicle surges during braking – which can be dangerous for any driver out there!

Toyota RAV4 2012

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 is a vehicle that has been in the news for its reliable performance and smooth ride. There were only five recalls issued this year as opposed to fifteen just three years ago.

however, there are still some things you should be aware of when purchasing or driving one around town including cut seat belt webbing, ineffective windshield wipers in bad weather conditions, brake problems which have also been reported by previous owners of vehicles with the model year close to 2012 models.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Issues

The 2013 Toyota Rav4 has been recalled for a potential faulty power steering hose. There have been several complaints of the vehicle’s engine making an unusual noise, and some customers have reported that their car stalls when they try to accelerate from a stop. 

Toyota RAV4 problems
2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD | wikimedia

Some drivers report that the front end shakes or shimmies while driving at speeds over 50 mph. 

Some of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 problems reported by owners include:

•Poor visibility out of rear windows, making it difficult for drivers to see what’s behind them when backing up or changing lanes on highways.

• A stiff clutch pedal that makes it hard to smoothly shift gears while driving.

 •Uncomfortable seats with limited legroom d) Lack of storage space in the cabin.

•Poorly designed cupholders.

•Loud engine noise.

•Difficulty with navigation system.

•Inability to find radio stations. 

•Inconsistent braking performance.

•Stiff steering wheel.

•Faulty sunroof.

•Disconnecting driver’s seatbelt.

•Frequent tire wear.

•Noisy brakes.

•Sluggish acceleration.

•Low-quality interior materials.

•Rear window wiper not clearing off rain windshield.

2014 Toyota RAV4 Issues

Toyota RAV4 Problems
2014 RAV4 © CARBUZZ

The 2014 Toyota Rav4 has been known to have problems with its paint. It is also believed that the car’s headlights are defective and may cause a driver to be temporarily blinded while on the road at night. 

There have also been reports of engine trouble, as well as issues with the vehicle’s transmission. There have been reports of problems with the power window switch on the driver’s side door. The car seems to be prone to engine oil leaks.

Problems With 2015 Toyota RAV4

The 2015 Toyota Rav4 is a compact, sporty SUV that has been in production since 1994. It’s also the best-selling vehicle of its kind in North America. 

However, there are some 2015 Toyota RAV4problems that owners should be aware of before purchasing one. 

In the 2015 model year, drivers complained about issues with brake systems. The most common of these were clicking brakes or not working at all.

The 2015 RAV4 received good ratings for its crash test performance except on the passenger side. The car has been getting poor scores from both the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and NHTSA about how well it handles crashes coming into contact with passengers on that side, which is a concern considering they are positioned closest to windows when riding as passengers

2016 Toyota RAV4 Issues

The 2016 model year saw some changes to the exterior, interior, and engine. There are many complaints about the quality of materials used on this car. Some people have reported that their Rav4’s transmission slips or won’t go into gear at all.

Toyota RAV4 Problems
2016 RAV4 © CARBUZZ

There have been complaints about the quality of the paint job. Some owners have had problems with their sunroofs leaking water into the car’s interior. A few drivers say that they’re experiencing transmission issues.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Issues

The 2017 Toyota Rav4 has a new look that is sleeker than the previous generation. The interior of the vehicle is spacious and features high-quality materials. It comes in three different trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. There are two engine options: 2.5L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6. Still, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 has its common problems.

Toyota RAV4 Problems
2017 RAV4 © CARBUZZ

The 2017 Toyota Rav4 has been recalled for a faulty airbag. There have also been complaints of the steering wheel not being centered properly. 

Other problems include loose bolts and bad headlights.

Also, there are complaints about the car’s fuel economy. Some drivers have reported that they had trouble with the transmission. Other drivers say that there was too much wind noise coming from the back of the vehicle

Problems With 2018 Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 Problems
2018 RAV4 © CARBUZZ

The 2018 Toyota Rav4 has been out for 3 years now, and there have been some complaints about the vehicle. Some people say that the car is too small for their needs or that it’s not as spacious as they thought it would be.

 Others are saying that the gas mileage isn’t what they expected. There have also been reports of issues with the engine and transmission. Another 2018 Toyota RAV4 problem is that the “engine will shut off when you are driving it in stop-and-go traffic or at a red light”.

Another issue with the car is that there is an excessive amount of road noise, which can be distracting while you’re driving and listening to music.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Reliability

The 2019 RAV4 is a beautiful compact SUV used. The new redesign has brought many updates, but this Toyota is still hanging its hat on being a portable and reliable car. It gets great gas mileage and offers plenty of passenger or cargo space in the bedroom or back seat. 

Toyota RAV4 Problems
2019 RAV4 © CARBUZZ

Standard features include driver assistance technologies like blind spot warnings, lane change alerts, auto-braking with pedestrian detection functions; there’s also an easy-to-use infotainment system that makes controlling all aspects of your drive very simple to do while you’re behind the wheel! 

This model’s biggest weaknesses involve performance – it can drone at higher RPMs without much power coming from up top (engine), some rivals have more energetic engines which make them feel faster than this 2019 RAV4.

Is Toyota RAV4 Worth Buying?

You must investigate the history of any given vehicle before making a purchase. After all, there are going to be some Toyota RAV4 problems with every model year as those will pop up no matter which car you buy. 

However, consumers need to remember that this isn’t true across the board and if RAV4s, in general, have proven reliable over time then they should still stand out amongst their competitors when considering new vehicles.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.