The Toyota rav4 is one of the most cost-effective and reliable SUVs available in the market today. However, many RAV4 users have pointed out a few models that have various problems.
In this article, I will be discussing the top Toyota rav4 years to avoid so you can make an informed decision if you are contemplating getting this car.
Toyota Rav4 Years to Avoid
Before we proceed, it is important to mention that the Toyota rav4 is still a very reliable and comfortable SUV.
I must also mention that not all cars from the Toyota Rav4 models I am going to mention below have defects. Every car is unique and there are many owners who drive Rav4s manufactured in the years I am about to mention who have never experienced any mishaps with their cars.
That said, here are the Toyota rav4 years you might want to avoid the next time you are in the market for a Rav4:
1. 2001-2003 Toyota Rav4 Models
Rav4s from these years are among the earliest the company manufactured. One of the biggest issues users complained about have to do a power train.
Users reported that the cars had sudden acceleration especially when driven at slow or contact speeds. Users also mentioned transmission issues where the car suddenly changed gears.
There were also problems with the electrical systems of the cars. On safety, many users also mentioned issues with the stability control. This is no surprise as Toyota started installing additional safety features in their 2004 Toyota Rav4.
2. 2006-2008 Toyota Rav4 Models
You also want to avoid RAV4s manufactured between the years 2006 and 2008. Owners with these models have reported a raft of issues such as malfunctioning steering and engine shafts.
These two issues raise a lot of safety concerns and they are very expensive to repair. More specifically, some owners reported hearing a popping sound from the steering wheel.
The sound gets louder progressively. The issue may most probably be due to the faulty steering linkage. A few owners also reported being involved in accidents as a result of the steering issue.
The steering wheel is locked and the driver would be unable to steer the vehicle. There was also a problem with oil consumption, especially in Rav4s with the 2az-FE engine.
The pistons had flaws that allowed oil leakage which sometimes got so serious that the oil got into the combustion chamber.
3. The 2009-2012 Toyota Rav4 Models
Third-generation Rav4s from this period are reported to have serious issues with acceleration. The accelerator overrides the brakes causing crashes.
The vehicle suddenly accelerates when driven at a low or constant speed. In this situation, when the driver is slowing down such as at a stop sign or a parking lot, the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly.
Sometimes, the accelerator pedal goes all the way down to the floorboard and the driver cannot control the car even after pressing the brake pedal as hard as they could.
The issue, linked to a malfunctioning accelerator pedal, was, however, rectified with Toyota recalling millions of Rav4s manufactured between 2009 and 2012.
4. The 2013 Toyota Rav4 Model
This is another model of the Rav4 that had issues with acceleration. But this wasn’t widely reported as was a weird vibration that occurs when the car is driven at low speeds.
The vibration is so strong it shakes the entire car. Toyota was adamant the vehicle was okay and some owners had to replace the torque converter.
There are also issues with visibility and navigation especially when driving during the daytime with a lot of sunlight. Some users have reported that the issue doesn’t go away even after adjusting the contrast and brightness settings accordingly.
Other issues with this model include problematic infotainment and overheating, slipping, and shuddering which are all issues that arise from a faulty torque converter.
5. The 2019 Toyota Rav4 Model
One of the major issues with this car is a malfunctioning transmission. Drivers have reported experiencing rough gear shifts, lurching, and hesitation when a gear is engaged. There are also issues with the fuel system.
A few users have reported being stranded on roads after the car just stops without any warning signs.
There have also been brake issues. Drivers have experienced clicking and squealing when applying the brakes and sometimes the brakes just don’t work correctly.
In a few serious cases, the car accelerates when the brake pedal is pressed. These are the Toyota rav4 years you should carefully reconsider before making the purchase.
However, as I mentioned earlier, this doesn’t mean that all Rav4s manufactured in these years are defective. You need to do your due diligence and have the car inspected before you buy.
What are the Common Toyota Rav4 Problems?
Some of the common problems reported by owners who have at least one car manufactured in the years discussed include:
- Defective oxygen sensors
- Issues with the EVAP system
- Steering wheel issues
- Engine cooling malfunctions
- Excessive oil and fuel consumption
- Transmission and braking defects
When he’s not working his magic under the hood, Ethan Wilson is usually sharing his love for Toyota cars through his writing. Ethan’s got a special talent for breaking down complex car topics into easy-to-understand articles, making him a go-to source for Toyota enthusiasts everywhere.
