Even the most technologically advanced and custom engineering cannot prevent some automotive problems from arising with your favorite makes and models. Take Toyota, for example, one of the automakers most reliable and dependable of all consumer favorite SUVs. Even Toyota, synonymous with reliability, is not immune to mechanical and maintenance problems.
According to reported repair and maintenance data, the RAV4 has had a few hiccups over the years. In fact, these are the model years to avoid altogether when you’re out shopping for used cars. Here are the three worst years for the RAV4, along with major maintenance issues and details you need to know.
you had, you can find metrics and data from . And based on the concerns reported by the Toyota RAV4, the 2002 models had more than a few problems. In fact, it’s the 2002 RAV4 that has the most overall complaints of all the Toyota RAV4 model years.
According to CarComplaints reports, the 2002 RAV4 received more than 360 complaints about transmission problems and more than 100 engine-related problems. The rest of the list includes a variety of less common complaints, such as interior accessory issues, exhaust system failures, and electrical problems.
The most frequently reported concern was about navigation problems. There have been 137 complaints from RAV4 owners at approximately 97,400 miles. And estimated repairs average $2,250.
2. The 2007 Toyota RAV4 has a big problem
The 2002 may have the most complaints, but the 2007 model has the most reported problem of all. With 195 complaints, increased and excessive oil consumption is the most prevalent report, according to CarComplaints.
The average cost to fix this engine problem is $1,900. And the problem seems to show up at around 104,000 miles. So while it’s not terribly expensive, it’s still quite common and may be in the used model you’re considering right now.
The most common fix for vehicle owners was to simply add more oil. But there have been more than 20 reports of those having to rebuild their engines altogether. Making the 2007 model year a Toyota RAV4 model worth avoiding.
3. Toyota RAV4 2019 has expensive low mileage problem
The third one you should try to avoid is the 2019. CarComplaints rates the 2019 RAV4 as the worst of all due to higher repair fees at lower mileage benchmarks.
RAV4 owners have reported hesitation and unexplained stagger at lower speeds. This transmission problem has been reported by 57 vehicle owners. And the average cost to fix it is a whopping $20,000. The other nightmare is that those reporting this problem have only driven their car an average of 3,000 miles.
Some of the common solutions included some owners doing a software update while others asking their dealership to reprogram the engine ECU. But there is now a Toyota Technical Service Bulletin that addresses the problem. It is TSB T-SB-0107-19, titled “Hesitation to Accelerate from a Slow or Moving Stop”.
So while you can still rely on Toyota being one of the more reliable automakers and the RAV4 as a reliable SUV, try to avoid these three model years. And with any used vehicle purchase, do your due diligence to make sure you know the vehicle’s ownership and driving history.
Have your mechanic take a look at any car that interests you. Toyota RAV4s are still a smart choice, but avoiding the 2002, 2007, and 2019 model years is probably an even smarter buying decision.
