Top 5 Problems Toyota RAV4 SUV 3rd Generation 2006-2012

Here are the top problems with the 3rd generation Toyota RAV4 SUV! In this video, Andy explains the top 5 problems with the 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4. He also gives you tips on how to resolve or repair any of the problems that you might run into!

For more great tips from our mechanics, check out this playlist!

0:00 Top Problems Toyota RAV4 3rd Generation 2006-2012
0:13 Ignition Coils
0:32 EVAP Canister
1:22 Oxygen (O2) Sensors
1:50 Front Sway Bar Links
2:17 Oil Leaks

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
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[kerrylee]

I owned a 2006 Rav4, put 173, 000 miles with no problems and not 1 minute at the dealer for warranty repair. Traded it in for a 2011 Rav4.Put 203, 00 on it with no problems and not 1 minute at the dealer for warranty work. Love my 2017 Rav4 Bought it new. Same as the previous two, no problems or warranty time .

[RadRob]

The real top 5 issues:
1. Gas is not self filling
2. Oil changes every 5k to 10k
3. Air filter gets dirty
4. Brakes wear out
5. Tires wear out
What I'm saying is these go 200k mi on nothing but basic maintenance.

[TheTechCguy]

2007 RAV4 was once my mom's car. Great on gas, reliable, and can fit more stuff than a sedan! Great daily!

[markw.]

Wow, you dive right in to the topic, direct, to the point with out 5 minutes of rambling!!
I subscribed!!!
🖖🇺🇦🙏

[nedpearson]

How about torque converter shudder? That is a VERY common issue with Rav4s. There were even recalls for some years.

[spotblander]

This is spot on. 2007 rav4 V6. It had thr sway bar problem and o2 sensor issue at around 110k miles. Replaced those, now going 🎉smoothly

[BartSparrow]

You Ignored the biggest problem with this generation Rav4: OIL CONSUMPTION. It was mostly the 2006-2008 2.4L 4 cylinder, thousands of engines were even replaced by Toyota under a campaign up until about 2018. Even the 2.5L burns some oil. The V6 is immune to the problem but more likely to have oil leaks.

[chemim]

Driving our RAV4 07 with 120K mileage. I will keep it until it will tell me he need to rest for good.😉

[johnchapman]

I had the 2010 rav for eleven years just traded it in on the 2021 hybrid the only problem I had in all them years was I done a left hand front strut other wise in was amazing bullet proof I used to drive it hard from day one and it never missed a beat

[DavidPacJr]

I have a 2007 rav4 and I have an evap canister check engine light along with two other lights. The code suggest I replace the canister. When I pump gas, it stops all the time and I already replace the gas cap. Also one of my spark plugs leaks oil into it too. Your video is spot on lol

[MrMarkguth]

We’ve got a 2010 rav, 280k kms, still going strong, no problems, chews a bit of oil these days, I’ve calculated about 10 litres per 10, 000 km, sounds a lot, but that’s only 1 ml per km, easier to just top up every weekend than worry about the cost of replacing the engine or vehicle. Driving it till it dies

[MkeG]

Have a 11’ 4 cylinder rav 4, 186, 000, diff leaks, burns oil a tad, still runs like a dream

[Truth]

09 at 312000, rear diff vent plugged and forcing oil out axle seals. No other issues. Best car I've owned.

[spelunkerd]

Gotta love this series. So much better than the endless cabin air filter videos, ha ha.

[pancho]

Great info but you forgot to mention at what miles aprox all this problems begin or may appear...

[jamesperreault]

Recently my 2011 rav4 V6 4WD has developed an intermittent engine surge while braking. 9 years no issues. Last month, while pressing the brake to slow down/stop, the engine surged and made the vehicle difficult to stop. If I hadn't put it into neutral, it would have rolled me into the intersection. I've had the same all weather mats in the vehicle since I've bought it. Not an issue for many years. All of a sudden this new issue acutely appeared. Read through the forums. Toyota blamed the floor mats with other vehicles reporting the same issue. I switched back to the Factory mats. It worked okay for a few days, then did exactly the same thing with the original equipment Toyota mats. It's not driver error, my foot was no where near the the accelerator when braking. No one seems to know the root cause. I was wondering if anyone else had experienced this and what the solution was that resolved the issue other than replacing the vehicle. There has to be a fix out there. Please let me know.

[WeCube]

Those are minimal and can be avoided/remedied through periodic/religious maintenance. 😊
Glad it's not engine, brakes and transmission issues compared to other makers cars belonging to that age group.
Given that is a Rav 4 pretty sure it's been great miles and rough conditions with at least 140 M on it.

[BroBob]

I have a 2007 Rav4 V6 Sport AWD with a leaking front differential. It's not leaking from the axel seals but it is leaking at the pinion seal from the driveshaft going to the rear differential and I'm told they have to remove the whole Engine, Transmission, Differential to fix? What do you think?

[kjucvod]

My 2006 has none of these issues. Surprised he didn't call out the 2AZ-FE engine like I have. The one where the piston rings were installed incorrectly. Consumes oil so have to be vigilant as to oil level.