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• Almost 30 years after its debut, the Rav4 is still going strong
• Despite the Rav4’s popularity, there are specific 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 enhanced visibility and cargo space of an SUV, and the fuel economy of a car, the Rav4 introduced the U.S. to the crossover, spawning a long line of copycats. By 2019, the Rav4 was the best-selling SUV anywhere in the world. Almost 30 years after its debut, this popular Toyota vehicle is still going strong, selling over 434,000 in 2023. Drivers love the Rav4 for many reasons, including its safety standards. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick in 2023. Additionally, it offers consumers a sporty look, high power, and reliability.

Despite the Rav4’s popularity, there are specific years that are less capable and lower performing when compared to other years, as is the case with most vehicles. Particularly if a vehicle has been manufactured for several decades with millions of models on the roads, there are bound to be problems with certain variations. For example, in 2001, the Rav4 had both transmission and electrical issues, while in 2008, the main issue was excessive oil consumption.

Why This Matters

Automobiles 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. Shelling out a sizeable downpayment only to end up with a lemon is no one’s ideal auto 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

• Biggest issue: transmission
• Other problems: electrical and drivetrain
• Number of complaints: 300 +

Toyota’s first real problems with the Rav4 began in 2001. The biggest issue and the one most reported to the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration) was transmission issues. According to these 300-plus filings, customers with the Rav4 had issues shifting between gears. What’s worse is that if the car is out of warranty, the average repair cost according to CarComplaints.com is $2,500. 

Beyond transmission issues, 2001 Toyota Rav4 owners also had electrical issues and drivetrain problems. Owners had issues with acceleration not reliably working every time the gas pedal was pressed. Separately, the 2001 model also had issues with safety, as the side crash test performed by IIHS rated “Poor.” 

Avoid: 2002

• Biggest issue: stiff transmission jumped between gears
• Other problems: 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 stiff transmission jumped between gears causing extreme driver frustration. This model year was also discovered to have numerous engine control module issues. Many believe ECM issues and transmission concerns were related. 

Ultimately, 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 reimburse any customers who could verify they paid out of pocket for repairs relating to transmission concerns. There is little reason to purchase a used 2002 Toyota Rav4. 

Avoid: 2006

• Biggest issue: excessive oil consumption, transmission heating, steering shaft
• Other problems: airbag, paint, suspension
• Number of complaints: just under 500

Jumping ahead a few years, the 2006 Toyota Rav4 is another model year to stay away from. Between excessive oil consumption, transmission heating issues, and concerns with the steering shaft, it’s best to avoid this model year completely. In total, there were just under 500 NHTSA complaints specifically focusing on both engine and steering problems made by 2006 owners. 

When you factor in airbag issues and paint problems, things look pretty bleak for the 2006 model. Plus, suspension problems 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. 

Avoid: 2007

• Biggest issue: excessive oil consumption
• Other problems: steering
• Number of complaints: N/A

Unfortunately for Toyota, issues that began with the 2006 model year carried over into 2007. The big uptick in issues this year focused heavily on both engine and steering problems. Engine problems focused heavily on excessive oil consumption, which was the primary issue for 2007. 

Jumping over to steering problems, numerous NHTSA reports indicated the steering wheel made a clunking noise when turning. Last but not least, the 2AZ-FE engine Toyota fitted with the Rav4 was infamous for its oil-guzzling. This engine is often regarded as one of the least reliable engines Toyota has ever designed. 

Avoid: 2008

• Biggest issue: excessive oil consumption
• Other problems: oil leaking, steering
• Number of complaints: 887

The three-year era of really disappointing Toyota Rav4s ends with the 2008 model year. A total of 887 NHTSA complaints were made in 2008. Thankfully, after this year, Toyota made changes to help reduce many of the issues.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest concerns still focused on excessive oil consumption. However, oil leaking was another problem. Both of these issues validated that the 2AZ-FE engine needed to be replaced. Steering shaft concerns also carried over in 2008, though this issue was fixable through mechanical work. 

Own: 2004

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

For owners of 2004 Toyota Rav4 models, things are looking up. Widely considered to be among the best years for the Rav4, 2004 saw the introduction of new safety enhancements. This included anti-lock brakes as standard and a new stability control system. In the last models of the 2nd generation of the Rav4, the number of NHTSA complaints in 2004 was half of what was received a year earlier. 

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

Own: 2005

• Biggest enhancement: 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 upswing in the Rav4’s drop in customer complaints. Along with the new engine, the 2005 added 160 horsepower and the new safety standards Toyota began adopting across its lineup. The only real downside in 2005 was that the two-door model wasn’t sold in the U.S. 

Other highlights in 2005 were new options and packages for drivers to 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 provided to customers opting for the 4WD model, which is great for winter weather. 

Own: 2020

• Biggest enhancement: top safety features
• Other: bad headlight quality, electrical issues, fuel system problems, infotainment complaints
• Number of complaints: 348

A top safety pick from IIHS in 2020, the Toyota Rav4 was unsurprisingly the company’s best-selling SUV that year. However, it wasn’t all good news, as the Hybrid XLE, XSE, and Limited trims all received poor marks with headlight quality. Beyond that, the IIHS report for the Rav4 gave everything else about the vehicle top marks. 

In total, there were only 348 NHTSA complaints made in 2020, many of which focused on electrical problems. The only other major factor affecting drivers was a fuel system problem. However, both of these issues saw low customer complaints, much lower than the model years most worth avoiding. There were also some complaints regarding the new infotainment system lacking intuitiveness, but these were low volume overall. 

Own: 2021

• Biggest enhancement: improved look, updated infotainment system
• Other: dashboard prone to scratching, seatbelt rattling
• Number of complaints: 147

Like 2020, the 2021 Toyota Rav4 saw a significant drop in overall customer concerns. With only 147 complaints to the NHTSA, this was half of what took place in 2020. For the most part, many of the engine problems went away as did other electrical issues. The only issues that did stick out were some interior accessory headaches, as the dashboard was prone to micro scratching when cleaning. 

Additionally, there were 6 total complaints about the driver-side seat belt rattling in a small number of Rav4 vehicles. Outside of these small issues, 2021 Rav4 owners were very happy with the improved look of the vehicle and the updated infotainment system. The 2020 complaints of infotainment troubles did not carry over to 2021, as Toyota made some software changes to help reduce the learning curve. 

Own: 2022

• Biggest enhancement: high power, reliability, driving experience, and top safety pick
• Number of complaints: 67

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

The Rav4 in 2022 also scored a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. In total, it only received a modest 67 NHTSA complaints. That’s among the lowest Toyota has ever received for this model, with no one issue receiving more than 11 total complaints.

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