Which model year RAV4 is the worst?

24/7 Wall St. Perspectives

• Nearly 30 years after its debut, the Rav4 is still going strong
• Despite the Rav4’s popularity, there are certain years that are less capable and lower performing
• Also, Discover the “Next NVIDIA”

The Toyota Rav4 is a compact crossover SUV. It hit overseas markets in 1994, making its American debut the following year. With the increased visibility and cargo space of an SUV and the fuel economy of a car, the Rav4 introduced the US to crossovers, spawning a long line of imitators. Until 2019, the Rav4 was the best-selling SUV worldwide. Nearly 30 years after its debut, this popular Toyota vehicle is still going strong, with over 434,000 sold in 2023. Drivers love the Rav4 for many reasons, including its safety standards. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick in 2023. In addition, it offers consumers a sporty look, great power and reliability.

Despite the Rav4’s popularity, there are certain years that are less capable and underperform compared to other years, as is the case with most vehicles. Especially if a vehicle has been manufactured for several decades with millions of models on the road, there will likely be problems with certain variants. For example, in 2001 the Rav4 had both transmission and electrical problems, while in 2008, the main problem was excessive oil consumption.

Why this matters

Cars are expensive. For many people, a car is one of the most expensive purchases they will make in their lifetime. For this reason, it is imperative that potential car buyers do their research before making a final decision. Forking out a hefty down payment just to get to a lemon isn’t anyone’s ideal driving experience. If you’re interested in Toyota’s Rav4, learning which years to avoid will help you stay safe and avoid costly repairs.

Avoid: 2001

• The biggest problem: transmission
• Other issues: electrical and transmission
• Number of complaints: 300+

Toyota’s first real problems with the Rav4 started in 2001. The biggest problem and the most reported to the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration) were transmission problems. According to these more than 300 files, customers with the Rav4 had problems shifting between gears. Worse is that if the car is not under warranty, the average cost of repair according to CarComplaints.com is $2,500.

Beyond transmission problems, 2001 Toyota Rav4 owners have also experienced electrical problems and powertrain problems. Owners have had problems with the throttle not working reliably every time the accelerator pedal was pressed. Separately, the 2001 model also had safety issues, as the side impact test conducted by the IIHS rated it “Poor.”

To avoid: 2002

• The biggest problem: rigid transmission jumped between gears
• Other issues: engine control module
• Number of complaints: 1,000+

By far the most problematic year for the Toyota Rav4, over 1,000 complaints were made to the NHTSA in 2002. According to owners of this model, the rigid transmission jumped between gears causing extreme driver frustration. This model year has also been found to have numerous problems with the engine control module. Many believe that the ECM problems and transmission problems were related.

Eventually, multiple threats of class action lawsuits forced Toyota to extend the warranty on this vehicle from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/150,000 miles. Toyota also offered to refund any customers who could verify that they paid out of pocket for repairs related to the transmission problems. There are few reasons to buy a used 2002 Toyota Rav4.

To avoid: 2006

• The biggest problem: excessive oil consumption, transmission heating, steering shaft
• Other issues: airbag, paint, suspension
• Number of complaints: a little under 500

With a few years ahead, the 2006 Toyota Rav4 is another model year to keep an eye on. Between the excessive oil consumption, transmission heating issues, and steering shaft concerns, it’s best to avoid this model year entirely. In all, there have been just under 500 NHTSA complaints specifically focused on engine and steering problems made by owners since 2006.

When you factor in the airbag issues and paint issues, things look pretty bleak for the 2006 model. Plus, the suspension issues made for a very uncomfortable ride. While 2006 won’t go down as the Rav4’s most problematic year, it’s still worth passing on.

To avoid: 2007

• The biggest problem: excessive oil consumption
• Other issues: director
• Number of complaints: N/A

Unfortunately for Toyota, the problems that started with the 2006 model year continued into 2007. The big increase in problems this year was largely centered around engine and steering problems. The engine issues were largely centered on excessive oil consumption, which was the main issue for 2007.

Moving on to the steering issues, numerous NHTSA reports indicated that the steering wheel made a rattling noise when turning. Last but not least, the 2AZ-FE engine that Toyota fitted to the Rav4 was notorious for its oil consumption. This engine is often considered one of the least reliable engines Toyota has ever designed.

Avoid: 2008

• The biggest problem: excessive oil consumption
• Other issues: oil leaks, steering
• Number of complaints: 887

The three-year era of the truly disappointing Toyota Rav4 ends with the 2008 model year. A total of 887 NHTSA complaints were made in 2008. Fortunately, after this year, Toyota made changes to help reduce many of the problems.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest concerns continued to focus on excessive oil consumption. However, oil leaks were another problem. Both issues validated that the 2AZ-FE engine needed to be replaced. Problems with the steering shaft continued into 2008, although this problem was resolved by mechanical work.

Owner: 2004

• Biggest improvement: safety features, anti-lock brakes, stability control system, new engine, updated exterior and interior
• Number of complaints: half of the previous year

For owners of 2004 Toyota Rav4 models, things are going well. Widely regarded as among the best years for the Rav4, 2004 saw the introduction of new safety upgrades. This included anti-lock brakes as standard and a new stability control system. The late second-generation Rav4 had half the number of NHTSA complaints in 2004 as it did a year earlier.

Part of the reason the 2004 model gets such a strong review is the new 2.4-liter I4 engine that produces 160 horsepower. In addition, the exterior of the Rav4 has been upgraded to give the vehicle a sleeker and more aggressive look. The interior has also been updated with a new instrument panel and steering wheel.

Owner: 2005

• Biggest improvement: safety features, new engine
• Other: options/packages (six-speaker sound system, heated exterior mirrors, privacy glass, fog lights and leather interior)

Like the 2004 model, the 2005 model was also part of an increase in the Rav4’s decline in customer complaints. Along with the new engine, 2005 added 160 horsepower and new Toyota safety standards began to be adopted in its lineup. The only real downside to the 2005 was that the two-door model wasn’t sold in the US

Other highlights in 2005 were the new options and packages that drivers can choose from. These included a six-speaker sound system, heated exterior mirrors, privacy glass, fog lights and a new leather interior option. Limited slip differential was also offered to customers opting for the 4WD model, which is great for winter weather.

Owner: 2020

• Biggest improvement: top safety features
• Other: poor headlight quality, electrical issues, fuel system issues, infotainment complaints
• Number of complaints: 348

A 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Toyota Rav4 was, unsurprisingly, the company’s best-selling SUV that year. It wasn’t all good news, however, as the Hybrid XLE, XSE and Limited models received poor marks for headlight quality. Beyond that, the IIHS report for the Rav4 gave all about the vehicle’s top marks.

In total, only 348 NHTSA complaints were filed in 2020, many of which focused on electrical issues. The only other major factor affecting the drivers was a fuel system issue. However, both issues have seen low customer complaints, far less than the model years most worth avoiding. There were also some complaints about the lack of intuitiveness of the new infotainment system, but these were generally low volume.

Owner: 2021

• Biggest improvement: improved appearance, updated infotainment system
• Other: dashboard prone to scratches, seat belt scratch
• Number of complaints: 147

Just like 2020, the 2021 Toyota Rav4 has seen a significant drop in overall customer concerns. With only 147 complaints to the NHTSA, that was half of what happened in 2020. For the most part, many of the engine problems disappeared, as did other electrical problems. The only issues that stood out were some fiddling with the interior fittings, as the dashboard was prone to micro-scratches when cleaning.

In addition, there were 6 total complaints of seat belt noise from the driver in a small number of Rav4 vehicles. Aside from these minor issues, 2021 Rav4 owners have been very pleased with the vehicle’s improved looks and updated infotainment system. The 2020 complaints about infotainment issues didn’t carry over into 2021, as Toyota made some software changes to help reduce the learning curve.

Owner: 2022

• Biggest improvement: great power, reliability, driving experience and top safety choice
• Number of complaints: 67

Last but not least, the 2022 model is among the best performers of the group. Receiving a score of 80 “Great” by JD Power, the quality and reliability of the 2022 model was highly praised. The same goes for the driving experience, which received a score of 81/100. As is typical of Toyota models, Rav4s have strong resale value for cars in good condition.

In 2022, the Rav4 also earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. In total, it received only 67 NHTSA complaints. This is one of the lowest prices Toyota has ever received for this model, no problem received more than 11 complaints in total.

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