PPV / cars / toyota / rav4

Toyota RAV4 — the used buyer's guide

Every generation: what ownership is like, what breaks at what mileage, what repairs cost, and what to check before you buy.

Search 'Toyota RAV4 years to avoid' and the lists agree on a few spans without agreeing on the numbers. CoPilot names 2019, 2013 and 2006-2008. CoverageX names 2006-2008 and 2013-2014. AGT Auto adds 2001-2003 and 2009-2012. A Reddit owner calls 2013-2014 the least desirable. None of them shows a count behind the years.

This page walks six RAV4 generations back to 1996. For each, it shows what breaks, what repairs cost where we found sources, and what to check in person. We add our own numbers, NHTSA complaints per catalog listing and how often ads mention a problem, always with the denominator. Ad mentions are not confirmed failures.

Our fixed rule flags two RAV4 years. 2006: 704 complaints across 66 listings, 10.67 per listing against a 2006-2012 median of 2.79, on a small base of 66 listings. 2020: 652 complaints across 116 listings, 5.62 per listing against a 2019-2025 median of 1.84. Years that other lists name do not pass our rule: 2013 runs 1.14 per listing and 2014 runs 1.29, against a 2013-2018 median of 1.34, and 2019 has more complaints than 2020 (906) but fewer ads that mention a problem, so it is not flagged. 2007, the year with the most NHTSA complaints on this page (1,003), is 7.72 per listing, under the cutoff.

The generations

problems cluster by generation, not by badge — know which one you're looking at

Gen 1 (1996-2000)1996–2000
Gen 2 (2001-2005)2001–2005
Gen 3 (2006-2012)2006–2012
Gen 4 (2013-2018)2013–2018
Gen 5 (2019-2025)2019–2025
Gen 6 (2026-present)2026–2026

1996–2000

Gen 1 (1996-2000)

Wikipedia dates the first generation to model years 1996-2000. A separate battery-electric RAV4 EV was sold in small numbers in this era; this page does not count it (see the note at the top).

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.58 for 2000 (30 complaints across 19 listings) to 11.75 for 1996 (47 across 4), against a generation median of 8.86. The highest year, 1996, is 1.3 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. The 1998 NHTSA record is led by Air Bags (12), Power Train (9), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (8). We have not read those complaints one by one, so we do not say what failed.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
any	Recalls on file (1 campaigns in our records): 20V033000 (1998-2000)	Free at a Toyota dealer when open	The list includes 20V033000, a driver air bag inflator recall that names 1998-2000 RAV4s. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. We found no sourced repair cost or mileage window for first-generation problems, so there are no other items here.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the air bag inflator recall was done.
Ask for the maintenance history. A car this old has gone through a lot of owners, and records are the only evidence we can point you to.
Check the underbody and rear suspension for rust and the CV boots for splits before anything else.

1996 to 2000 RAV4s in our catalog clear between $2,749 and $4,300 depending on year (29 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 1999 at $2,749 (6 sales) and the highest is 1998 at $4,300 (7 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 1998, 1999, 2000. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 1 (1996-2000) guide →

2001–2005

Gen 2 (2001-2005)

Wikipedia dates the second generation to model years 2001-2005. The 2001-2003 cars are the ones covered by the automatic transmission and engine control module (ECM) warranty extension below.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 3.35 for 2004 (154 complaints across 46 listings) to 25.75 for 2001 (309 across 12), against a generation median of 8.75. The highest year, 2001, is 2.9 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. In the NHTSA record the leading component for 2002 is Power Train (286), Power Train,Electrical System (41), Engine And Engine Cooling (24). We have not read those complaints one by one, so we do not say what failed beyond the extension below.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
Extension to 10 years/150,000 miles from new, whichever came first	Automatic transmission and ECM warranty extension (2001-2003)	Repair free inside the limits; the New York Times reported owners paying $3,000 or more before the extension	Toyota extended coverage nationwide in July 2010 on the automatic transmission and ECM of about 235,500 2001-2003 RAV4s (New York Times), after pressure from the California Air Resources Board (Center for Auto Safety). A 2011 settlement, approved in 2012, kept the same 10 years/150,000 miles (Terrell Marshall). An owner letter on CarComplaints describes the fault as a harsh shift fixed by replacing the ECM and, if needed, the transaxle. By arithmetic, 10 years from new has run out for every 2001-2003 car (the latest ends in 2013 or 2014), so today this is history to ask about, not coverage to rely on. We could not read the Toyota bulletin itself.
any	Recalls on file (5 campaigns in our records): 06V096000 (2005), 10V035000 (2005), 10V036000 (2005), 15V284000 (2004-2005), 19V741000 (2004-2005)	Free at a Toyota dealer when open	Includes 15V284000, a driver air bag inflator recall for 2004-2005 RAV4, and 19V741000, a passenger inflator recall that also names 2004-2005 RAV4. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Buying one — check these

For a 2001-2003, ask for proof the ECM and transaxle were replaced, or for the shop record of any harsh-shift complaint. The extension has expired by date, so whatever was done is on the car's history, not on Toyota.
On the test drive, shift through every gear from a stop and while rolling. Hard, late, or flaring shifts are what the extension covered.
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm both air bag inflator recalls were done on 2004-2005 cars.
Look at the rear subframe, floor, and suspension mounts for rust.

2001 to 2005 RAV4s in our catalog clear between $3,900 and $5,449 depending on year (136 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2003 at $3,900 (31 sales) and the highest is 2001 at $5,449 (10 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 2 (2001-2005) guide →

2006–2012

Gen 3 (2006-2012)

Wikipedia dates the third generation to model years 2006-2012 and lists a 2.4L 2AZ-FE four-cylinder, a 2.5L 2AR-FE four-cylinder and a 3.5L V6 across the generation's markets. The oil-burning problem below is specific to the 2.4L 2AZ-FE in 2006-2008 cars, per Toyota's ZE7 memo.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.62 for 2011 (287 complaints across 177 listings) to 10.67 for 2006 (704 across 66), against a generation median of 2.79. The highest year, 2006, is 3.8 times that median. Flagged by our rule: 2006. The NHTSA components behind 2006 are Steering (183), Engine (84), Suspension (52), and behind 2007 are Steering (225), Engine (165), Suspension (86). Steering and engine lead both years; we have not read those complaints one by one, so we do not say what failed in steering.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
Commonly shows between 70,000 and 120,000 miles (one fetched page)	Excessive oil consumption, 2.4L 2AZ-FE (2006-2008)	$2,800-$4,500 for a piston ring repair at an independent shop and $3,500-$6,000 for an engine replacement (one fetched page); one owner post on CarComplaints quotes a dealer at $5,300 for the rings (a single owner claim)	The 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine in 2006-2008 RAVs burns oil. Toyota's ZE7 memo (read on NHTSA's site) covers certain 2006-2008 RAV4s with that engine: primary coverage ran to October 31, 2016 regardless of mileage, then 10 years from first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, after a dealer oil consumption test under T-SB-0158-14. By date, 10 years from first use has run out for all 2006-2008 cars, so for most of them the program is history, not coverage; ask what was done under it. The cost and mileage figures are from one fetched page plus one owner post; the other sources confirm the problem and the years, not the price.
any	Recalls on file (20 campaigns in our records): 09V223000 (2006-2009), 10V017000 (2009-2010), 10V035000 (2006-2010), 10V036000 (2006-2010), 11V113000 (2006-2010), 11V245000 (2007-2008), 12V029000 (2011), 12V373000 (2006-2011), 12V491000 (2007-2009), 13V014000 (2009-2012), 13V123000 (2010-2012), 13V383000 (2006-2011), 14V054000 (2012), 14V168000 (2006-2008), 14V743000 (2007-2011), 15V577000 (2009-2012), 15V689000 (2006-2011), 16V096000 (2006-2012), 16V396000 (2006-2011), 16V596000 (2006-2011)	Free at a Toyota dealer when open	Includes 16V596000 and 12V373000 (rear suspension, 2006-2011), 14V168000 (air bag, 2006-2008), 11V113000 and 10V017000 (accelerator pedal) and 12V029000 (2011 curtain air bags). Equipment, label and EV-only recalls are left out. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Buying one — check these

For a 2006-2008 with the 2.4L, check the oil level yourself on a cold engine and ask the owner how often they add oil between changes. Look for blue smoke on a cold start.
Ask for dealer records of an oil consumption test or piston ring work under Toyota's ZE7 program.
Turn the wheel lock to lock on the test drive, listening and feeling for clunks or binding. Steering is among the top NHTSA components for 2006 and 2007.
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the rear suspension, air bag and accelerator pedal recalls were done.

Years flagged

A year is flagged by our rule only when all three hold: (1) its NHTSA complaints per catalog listing is at least 2.0x the median for its generation, (2) the share of ads that mention a problem is above the generation median, and (3) we track at least 30 listings for that year. The cutoff was fixed before we looked. Ad mentions are not failures, and a flag is a reason to inspect harder, not a verdict on any one car. We also re-ran the ad test with the 'rust' flaw left out, because the ad reader counts phrases like 'no rust' as mentions, and publish a flag only if it passes both ways.

2006 — flagged by our rule: NHTSA complaints are more than twice the generation norm, and ads mention a problem more often than the generation median. Inspect the items in this section and confirm recall work was done. complaints 10.67 complaints per listing (704 NHTSA complaints / 66 listings) vs generation norm 2.79 (generation median) · ad mentions 8 of 43 enriched ads = 18.6% (generation median 11.4%); with the 'rust' flaw excluded 6 of 43 · n=66

Complaints add up over a car's whole life, so older years in a generation can look worse here than they are. Read this flag next to the complaint details below.

2006 to 2012 RAV4s in our catalog clear between $5,394 and $8,999 depending on year (781 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2006 at $5,394 (56 sales) and the highest is 2011 at $8,999 (141 sales).

Full Gen 3 (2006-2012) guide →

2013–2018

Gen 4 (2013-2018)

Wikipedia dates the fourth generation to model years 2013-2018 and lists a 2.5L 2AR-FE four-cylinder with a six-speed U760E/F automatic (a 2.5L hybrid with an e-CVT is also listed; NHTSA files hybrid complaints under the RAV4 HYBRID name, merged into our counts).

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.14 for 2013 (256 complaints across 224 listings) to 1.52 for 2017 (321 across 211), against a generation median of 1.34. The highest year, 2017, is 1.1 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. The leading NHTSA component in 2013 is Electrical System (43), Unknown Or Other (32); we have not read those complaints one by one.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
A 2014 owner reports onset at 75,000 miles (search snippet); no consistent window found	Torque converter shudder, U760E/F automatic (2013-2015)	Updated torque converter $1,750-$2,450 at one independent specialist and $3,200-$4,200 at a Toyota dealer; a software update plus fluid flush is $350-$550 (specialist) or $650-$950 (dealer) (one fetched page). Owner quotes: $4,000 dealer for a 2013 XLE ($950 parts plus 17 hours labor), $3,500 dealer for a 2014 (search snippets)	Owners of 2013-2015 cars with the U760E/F six-speed automatic report a shudder at light throttle. Toyota's ZH1 program (NHTSA-hosted documents, read in full) covers certain 2013-2015 RAV4s, about 433,200 vehicles: primary coverage to December 31, 2018 in the dealer letters (the revised policy bulletin POL17-06 says April 30, 2018; we do not know which governs), then 8 years from first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. By date, 8 years from first use has run out for every 2013-2015 car, so today's repair is the owner's bill unless a dealer agrees otherwise. The repair-shop page that we read cites a different program code (ZE5) and bulletin number than the Toyota documents; we trust the Toyota documents. We found no shop price list from Toyota itself, and the cost figures cover the whole 2013-2018 generation, not only the 2013-2015 cars.
any	Recalls on file (9 campaigns in our records): 14V828000 (2014-2015), 15V011000 (2013-2015), 15V144000 (2014-2015), 16V198000 (2016), 16V236000 (2016), 17V295000 (2017), 17V831000 (2018), 19V503000 (2017-2018), 23V734000 (2013-2018)	Free at a Toyota dealer when open	Includes 15V144000 (2014-2015 electric power steering), 16V198000 (2016 brakes) and 23V734000 (replacement 12-volt batteries that may not fit the tray, 2013-2018). Equipment and label recalls are left out. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Buying one — check these

On a 2013-2015, drive at 20-45 mph on light throttle and feel for a rumble-strip vibration. Ask for any torque converter or transmission work done under Toyota's ZH1 program.
Ask for transmission fluid service records.
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the steering, brake and battery recalls were done.

2013 to 2018 RAV4s in our catalog clear between $11,995 and $16,750 depending on year (954 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2013 at $11,995 (173 sales) and the highest is 2018 at $16,750 (186 sales).

Full Gen 4 (2013-2018) guide →

2019–2025

Gen 5 (2019-2025)

Wikipedia dates the fifth generation to model years 2019-2025, with a 2.5L four-cylinder, an eight-speed automatic, a hybrid with an e-CVT, and a plug-in hybrid sold as the RAV4 Prime. NHTSA's RAV4 HYBRID and RAV4 PRIME complaints are merged into our counts.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 0.54 for 2025 (96 complaints across 178 listings) to 5.70 for 2019 (906 across 159), against a generation median of 1.84. The highest year, 2019, is 3.1 times that median. Flagged by our rule: 2020. The leading NHTSA components are Fuel/Propulsion System (224), Engine (136), Unknown Or Other (95) for 2019 and Engine (121), Fuel/Propulsion System (80), Unknown Or Other (71) for 2020. 2019 has the most complaints of the generation (906) but a lower ad share, which is why only 2020 is flagged. We have not read the complaints one by one.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
Failures reported at 20,000 to 70,000 miles (one fetched page)	In-tank fuel pump failure (2019-2020, recall)	$800-$1,300 outside the recall (one fetched page); $1,454-$1,572 for fuel pump replacement on any RAV4 year (RepairPal, search snippet)	NHTSA campaign 20V682000 is on file for 2019-2020 RAV4s (Toyota numbers 20TA11 and 20TB11, begun August 17, 2020, per Cars.com). The recall repair is free. The fetched page says a pump can fail and the engine run rough or stall; we found no count of how many RAV4s did. The two cost figures come from different pages and ranges and are not merged.
any	Front lower suspension arm cracks (2019-2020, recall)	Free at a Toyota dealer when open	NHTSA campaign 20V286000 covers certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid for cracks that can let the arm separate. 20V373000 covers 2019-2020 cars with electric power steering where water can enter the gear box cover. Confirm by VIN.
any	Recalls on file (21 campaigns in our records): 19V244000 (2019), 19V503000 (2019), 19V544000 (2019), 19V576000 (2019), 20V064000 (2019-2020), 20V286000 (2019-2020), 20V373000 (2019-2020), 20V682000 (2019-2020), 20V698000 (2021), 20V734000 (2020), 22V239000 (2021-2022), 22V519000 (2022), 23V041000 (2021), 23V478000 (2021-2022), 23V485000 (2023), 23V865000 (2020-2021), 24V911000 (2024), 25V595000 (2023-2025), 25V744000 (2023-2025), 26V179000 (2024-2025), 26V256000 (2025)	Free at a Toyota dealer when open	Includes 19V576000 (2019 back-up camera), 20V064000 (2.5L engine, 2019-2020), 20V734000 (2020 steering column breakaway pins), 24V911000 (2024 front caliper and hub bolts) and 26V256000 (2025 front seat rail brackets), plus plug-in hybrid recalls for the RAV4 Prime. Equipment and label recalls are left out. Confirm by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Several 2019-2020 recalls are on file, and the fuel pump, suspension arm and steering recalls are all free if still open.
For a 2019-2020, ask for proof the fuel pump, lower arm and power steering recalls were completed.
Test the steering on a slow, full-lock turn and listen for noises from the front suspension.
Look at the hybrid system warning lights on a RAV4 Hybrid or Prime and ask for the service record.

Years flagged

2020 — flagged by our rule: NHTSA complaints are more than twice the generation norm, and ads mention a problem more often than the generation median. Inspect the items in this section and confirm recall work was done. complaints 5.62 complaints per listing (652 NHTSA complaints / 116 listings) vs generation norm 1.84 (generation median) · ad mentions 6 of 85 enriched ads = 7.1% (generation median 4.8%); with the 'rust' flaw excluded 4 of 85 · n=116

Complaints add up over a car's whole life, so older years in a generation can look worse here than they are. Read this flag next to the complaint details below.

2019 to 2025 RAV4s in our catalog clear between $21,500 and $33,624 depending on year (868 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2019 at $21,500 (131 sales) and the highest is 2025 at $33,624 (144 sales).

Full Gen 5 (2019-2025) guide →

2026–2026

Gen 6 (2026-present)

Wikipedia and Cars.com say the 2026 redesign is the first RAV4 generation with a fully electrified lineup: a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, with no gas-only model.

NHTSA holds 30 complaints for 2026 against 24 catalog listings (1.25 per listing). With one model year there is no generation median to compare against, and early-year complaint counts are not directly comparable to older cars.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
any	Recalls on file	Free at a Toyota dealer when open	The only 2026 campaign in our records is an equipment label recall (26V571000), which is not a defect repair. We have no sourced repair costs or mileage windows for the sixth generation. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since newer cars collect recalls in their first years.
Confirm which powertrain you are looking at: this generation is hybrid or plug-in hybrid only.

2026 to now RAV4s in our catalog clear between $41,774 and $41,774 depending on year (21 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2026 at $41,774 (21 sales) and the highest is 2026 at $41,774 (21 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2026. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 6 (2026-present) guide →

The wider family

Variant	Years	What it means for a buyer
RAV4 Hybrid	2016 onward (per Wikipedia; a 2.5L hybrid with an e-CVT)	A hybrid trim of the same model. Merged into the counts.
RAV4 Prime	2021-2025 (plug-in hybrid, per NHTSA recall records)	A plug-in hybrid trim. Merged into the counts.
RAV4 EV	1997-2003 and 2012-2014	A battery-electric SUV. Not counted on this page.

The receipts — complaint & mention data

the story above, validated by two independent sources: federal complaints (NHTSA) + what sellers mention in 2519 real ads from our catalog

What sellers mention in their own ads

Issue	Ads mentioning	Rate
rust	71/2519	2.8%
electrical	29/2519	1.2%
suspension	17/2519	0.7%
hybrid battery	14/2519	0.6%
engine replaced	14/2519	0.6%
transmission	8/2519	0.3%
oil consumption	8/2519	0.3%
timing chain	3/2519	0.1%
head gasket	3/2519	0.1%

These are mentions, not confirmed failures — a seller writing "hybrid battery just replaced" and one writing "needs hybrid battery" both count. High rates mean the issue is common enough that sellers address it unprompted.

Federal complaints by model year (NHTSA)

complaint volume spikes show where problems cluster — higher bars, more owner pain

Year	Complaints	Top components
1996	47	Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling
1997	54	Engine And Engine Cooling, Structure, Vehicle Speed Control
1998	77	Air Bags, Power Train, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1999	62	Vehicle Speed Control, Air Bags, Electrical System
2000	30	Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train, Tires
2001	309	Power Train, Power Train,electrical System, Engine And...
2002	529	Power Train, Power Train,electrical System, Engine And...
2003	315	Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling, Vehicle Speed Control
2004	154	Air Bags, Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling
2005	141	Air Bags, Tires, Engine
2006	704	Steering, Engine, Suspension
2007	1,003	Steering, Engine, Suspension
2008	575	Engine, Vehicle Speed Control, Suspension
2009	327	Vehicle Speed Control, Suspension, Power Train
2010	400	Suspension, Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train
2011	287	Vehicle Speed Control, Visibility/wiper, Seat...
2012	260	Visibility/wiper, Vehicle Speed Control, Seat Belts
2013	256	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Power Train
2014	197	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Power Train
2015	305	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Steering
2016	256	Electrical System, Service Brakes, Unknown Or Other
2017	321	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Exterior Lighting
2018	348	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Exterior Lighting
2019	906	Fuel/propulsion System, Engine, Unknown Or Other
2020	652	Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Unknown Or Other
2021	510	Air Bags, Unknown Or Other, Electrical System
2022	176	Unknown Or Other, Electrical System, Structure
2023	238	Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Fuel/propulsion System
2024	207	Unknown Or Other, Electrical System, Steering,electrical...
2025	96	Unknown Or Other, Structure, Electrical System
2026	30	Unknown Or Other, Forward Collision Avoidance, Air Bags

total: 9,772 complaints on file · source: NHTSA complaints database (api.nhtsa.gov)

Recalls (59 campaigns)

Show all recall campaigns

Equipment 14V828000 · 30/12/2014

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories...

Back Over Prevention:display Function 25V744000 · 30/10/2025

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a...

Suspension:rear 13V383000 · 28/08/2013

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are...

Equipment:other:labels 19V503000 · 28/06/2019

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification...

Equipment:other:labels 19V244000 · 27/03/2019

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on...

Air Bags:frontal 20V734000 · 25/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb...

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 19V544000 · 24/07/2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake...

Steering:electric Power Assist System 20V373000 · 24/06/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover...

Equipment:other:labels 26V179000 · 24/03/2026

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid,...

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal 11V113000 · 24/02/2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS...

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls 15V689000 · 22/10/2015

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and...

Seats:critical Fasteners 26V256000 · 22/04/2026

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 RAV 4 vehicles. The front seat brackets for the seat rails may be welded improperly.

Tires 16V236000 · 22/04/2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14,...

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 20V033000 · 22/01/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators...

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger 22V519000 · 21/07/2022

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Rav4, Rav4 Hybrid, and Rav4 Prime vehicles. The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that...

Air Bags 11V245000 · 21/04/2011

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH...

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal 10V017000 · 21/01/2010

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR...

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification 23V865000 · 20/12/2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna...

Equipment:other:labels 17V831000 · 20/12/2017

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may...

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm 20V286000 · 20/05/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. The front lower suspension arms may have cracks, which may result in the suspension arm separating from...

Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler 14V743000 · 19/11/2014

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and...

Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module 98V278000 · 19/10/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS (TDS) SUPPLIED BY AUDIOVOX CORPORATION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. IN...

Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module 98E035000 · 19/10/1998

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS USED ON 1998-1998 TOYOTA RAV4, AVALON, AND SIENNA MODEL VEHICLES DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA,...

Seat Belts:rear/other 16V096000 · 19/02/2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012,...

Visibility/wiper 15V577000 · 18/09/2015

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012,...

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 19V741000 · 17/10/2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012...

Trailer Hitches 15V011000 · 16/01/2015

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The...

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-Inactive 13V014000 · 16/01/2013

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model...

Equipment:other:labels 09V223000 · 15/06/2009

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO...

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 15V284000 · 13/05/2015

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage...

Electronic Stability Control (Esc):control Module:software 22V239000 · 13/04/2022

Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022...

Steering:electric Power Assist System 15V144000 · 13/03/2015

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering...

Exterior Lighting:headlights 20V698000 · 12/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles. The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam. ...

Suspension:rear 16V596000 · 12/08/2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July...

Electrical System:propulsion System:dc/dc Converter 23V478000 · 12/07/2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The electric current rectifying module contained within the...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module 14V054000 · 12/02/2014

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that...

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel 25V595000 · 11/09/2025

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and...

Tires:valve 23V485000 · 11/07/2023

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with 17" black alloy accessory wheels. During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly...

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls 12V491000 · 10/10/2012

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power...

Service Brakes, Air:disc:rotor 00V212000 · 09/08/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTOR, WHEN EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, CAN DEVELOP STRESS FRACTURES IF THE LUG NUTS ARE TIGHTENED WITH EXCESSIVE TORQUE.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch 00V211000 · 09/08/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY ELECTRIC VEHICLES. IF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE REPEATEDLY PARKED BY PLACING THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE "P" POSITION WITHOUT APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE PARKING LOCK ROD, A...

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 14V168000 · 09/04/2014

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the...

Equipment:other:labels 13V123000 · 09/04/2013

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip 16V198000 · 07/04/2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015,...

Exterior Lighting 09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE...

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 19V576000 · 06/08/2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Due to a damaged electrical connector, the back-up camera may not activate when the vehicle is in reverse. ...

Engine And Engine Cooling 20V064000 · 06/02/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper 24V911000 · 05/12/2024

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 RAV4 and 2025 Lexus NX vehicles. Some of the bolts that secure the front brake caliper and the wheel hub bearing may be loose, which can...

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 20V682000 · 04/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser,...

Air Bags 06V096000 · 03/04/2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT...

Equipment:other:labels 10V036000 · 03/02/2010

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES...

Equipment:other:labels 10V035000 · 03/02/2010

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD...

Equipment:other:labels 26V571000 · 02/09/2026

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, 2025 Tundra Hybrid, Tundra, 2026 RAV4 Hybrid, 4Runner i-Force Max Hybrid, and 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying...

Suspension:rear 12V373000 · 02/08/2012

Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler 16V396000 · 02/06/2016

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and...

Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire 17V295000 · 02/05/2017

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris...

Electrical System:propulsion System:hybrid Management:power Control Unit/module (Hpcu) 23V041000 · 02/02/2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During certain cold weather driving conditions, while driving in EV Mode, the hybrid vehicle control...

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery 23V734000 · 01/11/2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and...

Air Bags:side/window 12V029000 · 01/02/2012

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RAV4 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 24, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 19, 2011. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAGS, PROPELLANT WITH THE INCORRECT SPECIFICATION WAS USED FOR THE...

Own a Toyota RAV4, or pricing one? See what they're actually selling for →

Questions people actually ask

What Toyota RAV4 years should you avoid?

We don't tell you to skip a year; we flag by a fixed rule, and it flags 2006 (704 complaints across 66 listings, 10.67 per listing against a 2006-2012 median of 2.79, on only 66 listings) and 2020 (652 complaints across 116 listings, 5.62 per listing against a 2019-2025 median of 1.84). Third-party lists name 2006-2008, 2013-2014 and 2019. In our data 2013 has 1.14 per listing and 2014 has 1.29, both under our cutoff.

Do 2006-2008 RAV4s burn oil?

The 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine in those years has a documented oil consumption problem. Toyota's ZE7 memo, hosted on NHTSA's site, covers certain 2006-2008 RAV4s: primary coverage to October 31, 2016, then 10 years from first use or 150,000 miles, after a dealer oil consumption test. By date, that secondary coverage has run out. One fetched page puts the ring repair at $2,800-$4,500 at an independent shop and an engine replacement at $3,500-$6,000; one owner reports a $5,300 dealer quote.

What is the 2013-2015 RAV4 torque converter problem?

Owners report a shudder under light throttle with the U760E/F six-speed automatic. Toyota's ZH1 program covers certain 2013-2015 RAV4s, about 433,200 vehicles, with primary coverage to December 31, 2018 (April 30, 2018 in the revised policy bulletin) and then 8 years from first use or 150,000 miles. That secondary window has run out by date. One fetched shop page lists an updated torque converter at $1,750-$2,450 at an independent specialist and $3,200-$4,200 at a Toyota dealer.

Did Toyota extend the warranty on 2001-2003 RAV4 transmissions?

Yes. In July 2010 Toyota extended the automatic transmission and ECM warranty on about 235,500 2001-2003 RAV4s to 10 years/150,000 miles from new, the New York Times reported. A 2011 settlement, approved in 2012, kept the same coverage. Ten years from new has run out for every one of those cars.

Is the RAV4 Hybrid counted with the RAV4?

Yes. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime are trims of the same model, and we merge their NHTSA complaints into the RAV4 counts, removing duplicates by complaint number. The RAV4 EV is a different vehicle and is not counted.

Which RAV4 generation has the fewest complaints?

We don't rank generations. Our own numbers: the 2013-2018 generation has a median of 1.34 NHTSA complaints per catalog listing, the 2019-2025 generation has 1.84, and 2006-2012 has 2.79. Those rates are not directly comparable across generations, because newer cars have had less time and different ways of being reported.