Which RAV4 model year is the worst?

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• Nearly 30 years after its debut, the Rav4 is still as powerful as ever
• Despite the popularity of the Rav4, some years are less efficient and less capable
• Also, Meet “The Next NVIDIA”

The Toyota Rav4 is a compact crossover SUV. It arrived on foreign markets in 1994, and debuted in the United States the following year. With the improved visibility and cargo space of an SUV, and the fuel economy of a car, the Rav4 introduced the crossover to the United States, spawning a long line of copies. In 2019, the Rav4 was the best-selling SUV in the world. Nearly 30 years after its debut, this popular Toyota vehicle is still going strong, with over 434,000 units sold in 2023. Drivers love the Rav4 for many reasons, including its safety standards. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2023. Plus, it offers consumers a sporty look, high power, and great reliability.

Despite the popularity of the Rav4, some years are less efficient and perform worse than others, as is the case with most vehicles. Especially if a vehicle has been manufactured for several decades and millions of models are on the road, it is inevitable that there will be problems with some variants. For example, in 2001, the Rav4 had transmission and electrical system problems, while in 2008, the main problem was excessive oil consumption.

Why it matters

Cars are expensive. For many people, a car is one of the most expensive purchases they will ever make. That’s why it’s imperative that potential car buyers do their research before making a final decision. Forking over a large down payment only to end up with a lemon isn’t the ideal car experience for anyone. If you’re interested in the Toyota Rav4, know which years to avoid to 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 began in 2001. The biggest problem, and the one most reported to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), was the transmission. According to these more than 300 files, customers who owned the Rav4 had problems shifting gears. The worst part is that if the car is no longer under warranty, the average cost of repairs according to CarComplaints.com is $2,500.

In addition to transmission issues, 2001 Toyota Rav4 owners also encountered electrical and transmission problems. Owners experienced issues with the throttle not working reliably every time the gas pedal was pressed. Additionally, the 2001 model also had safety issues, with the IIHS rating the side crash test as “poor.”

Avoid: 2002

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

The 2002 model year was by far the most problematic for the Toyota Rav4. Over 1,000 complaints were filed with the NHTSA. According to owners of this model, the transmission was stiff and would jump between gears, causing extreme driver frustration. This model was also found to have numerous engine control module problems. Many believe that the ECM problems and transmission problems were related.

Ultimately, multiple class action lawsuit threats forced Toyota to extend the vehicle’s warranty from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/150,000 miles. Toyota also offered to reimburse any customer who could prove they had paid out of pocket for the transmission-related repairs. There’s little reason to buy a used 2002 Toyota Rav4.

Avoid: 2006

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

A few years later, the 2006 Toyota Rav4 is another model to avoid. Between excessive oil consumption, transmission heating issues, and steering shaft issues, it’s best to avoid this model altogether. In total, there have been just under 500 complaints filed by NHTSA specifically regarding engine and steering issues by 2006 owners.

Factoring in the airbag and paint problems, things look pretty bleak for the 2006 model. In addition, 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 ignoring.

Avoid: 2007

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

Unfortunately for Toyota, the problems that started with the 2006 model continued into 2007. This year, the sharp increase in problems was mainly with the engine and steering. Engine problems were mainly with excessive oil consumption, which was the main problem in 2007.

As for steering issues, numerous NHTSA reports have indicated that the steering wheel would make a clunking noise when turning. Finally, the 2AZ-FE engine in Toyota’s Rav4 was notorious for its oil consumption. This engine is often considered one of the least reliable engines Toyota has ever made.

Avoid: 2008

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

The era of three truly disappointing Toyota Rav4 years comes to an end with the 2008 model year. A total of 887 complaints were filed with the NHTSA in 2008. Fortunately, after that year, Toyota made changes to help alleviate many of the problems.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest concerns continued to be excessive oil consumption. However, oil leaks were another problem. Both of these issues confirmed the need to replace the 2AZ-FE engine. Steering shaft problems also persisted in 2008, although this problem was able to be solved by mechanical work.

Own: 2004

• Most important 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 the 2004 Toyota Rav4 models, things are looking up. Widely considered one of the best years for the Rav4, 2004 saw the introduction of new safety improvements. This included standard anti-lock brakes and a new stability control system. In the latest models of the 2nd generation of the Rav4, the number of complaints from the NHTSA in 2004 was half that of the previous year.

Part of the reason the 2004 model is getting such positive reviews is the new 2.4L I4 engine that produces 160 horsepower. Additionally, the exterior of the Rav4 has been updated to give the vehicle a sleeker and more aggressive look. The interior has also been updated with a new dashboard and steering wheel.

Own: 2005

• Most important improvement: safety features, new engine
• Other: options/packages (six-speaker audio system, heated exterior mirrors, tinted windows, fog lights and leather interior)

Like the 2004 model, the 2005 model was also part of a downward trend in customer complaints about the Rav4. In addition to the new engine, the 2005 model added 160 horsepower and new safety standards that Toyota began to adopt across its lineup. The only real downside in 2005 was that the two-door model was not sold in the United States.

Other highlights for 2005 were the new options and packs available to drivers. These included a six-speaker audio system, heated door mirrors, tinted windows, fog lights and a new leather interior option. A limited-slip differential was also offered to customers opting for the 4WD model, ideal for winter conditions.

Own: 2020

• Most important improvement: cutting-edge safety features
• Other: poor headlight quality, electrical issues, fuel system issues, infotainment complaints
• Number of complaints: 348

The Toyota Rav4, which was chosen by the IIHS in 2020 for its safety, was unsurprisingly the company’s best-selling SUV that year. However, it wasn’t all rosy, as the Hybrid XLE, XSE, and Limited trims all received poor marks for headlight quality. Beyond that, the IIHS report for the Rav4 gave everything else about the vehicle excellent marks.

In total, NHTSA received only 348 complaints in 2020, many of which were about electrical issues. The only other major factor affecting drivers was a fuel system issue. However, both of these issues generated few customer complaints, far fewer than the most-to-avoid model years. There were also a few complaints about the new infotainment system being unintuitive, but these were few overall.

Own: 2021

• Most important improvement: improved look, updated infotainment system
• Other: dashboard prone to scratches, seat belt that snaps
• Number of complaints: 147

As in 2020, the 2021 Toyota Rav4 saw a significant drop in overall customer concerns. With only 147 complaints filed with the NHTSA, this figure is half of what occurred in 2020. In most cases, many engine issues disappeared, as did other electrical issues. The only issues that were highlighted were headaches related to interior accessories, as the dashboard was prone to micro-scratches when cleaning.

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

Own: 2022

• Most important improvement: High power, reliability, driving experience and best choice in safety
• Number of complaints: 67

Finally, the 2022 model is one of the best performers of the bunch. Having received an 80 “Excellent” rating from JD Power, the quality and reliability of the 2022 model were highly praised. The same goes for the driving experience, which received a score of 81/100. As is often the case with Toyota models, Rav4s have a strong resale value for cars in good condition.

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

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