Common Toyota Rav4 Problems

In this video I discuss common problems associated with the second generation of Toyota Rav4 vehicles. These vehicles span year models 2000-2005 production dates. These common issues are loosely based on personal experience through servicing these vehicles at my repair shop and also reported issues gathered from various sources. These vehicles are considered very reliable and ongoing maintenance costs are low compared to other makes of similar type vehicles. I highly recommend having any vehicle inspected by a qualified technician before purchase even if the vehicle is being sold through a dealership or advertised as a "certified used vehicle" by some standard. Be armed with information and make an educated decision and negotiate from a position of strength. Watch this video for lots more helpful information.

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[xcrazyghostx]

I have a 2004 Rav4 FWD and this vehicle surprises me to this day. Bought it at 94k miles and have only done basic car maintenance and it is about to reach 150k miles. I abused this car a lot and I truly mean it. I take this thing mudding, offroading, river crossing, and anything honestly and it is just FWD! Awesome car that has not let me down.

[Beesa]

I've just bought a used 2003 RAV4 VX 2.0, manual, 60K miles, in good condition. As it's an older vehicle I was looking for information on typical problems so I know what to look out for. This video goes above and beyond what I was hoping to find, really helpful.

[psychosquirrel]

My '04 short wheel base rav hasn't given me any trouble at all in many years of ownership and I will keep it for many years to come!

[hoygising]

My 2001 RAV4 has 321K miles on it. I’ve only replaced the alternator so far. Still drives good!

[godboy]

just bought an 05 rav4 at 190k miles.. Just changed the evap canister because I overfilled the fuel tank. Dealership quoted 800-1200 but I did it myself for about $280. This car is so easy to work on.

[flowersreptiles]

Just got a used 2000 rav4 in good shape, 160k miles. It’s been a dream so far. Just wanted to search what I should be prepared for and I appreciate this video!

[cesars]

You have a good acknowledge, I can say great mechanic. I do have a 2006 Rav4 with 142, 000 millage. I love it, no problem so far. You mentioned a few problems, mine didn't have any of those. I nocke on wood. I can say it will go for over 200, 000 easy. I just replace battery twice and the alternator. I'm HAPPY with it. Keep up your hard work

[OceansBane]

Your video helped me diagnosed my problem with my 04 Rav4. P0303 misfire. Thanks!!!

[stuff]

in rust-belt areas, this is what I've experienced in order. The #1 rust problem is most of the exhaust joints rot out just like you say, yet the pipe itself will be perfect. Rot is also troublesome on the welded section right behind the 2nd cat. The 2nd most-serious rust issue are the gas tank straps. They are lightweight and rot away not much after 100, 000 miles. I replaced mine with construction-grade builders tie-strap. The 3rd most-serious rust problem is rusted-out fuel lines inside the left-rear fender well. No matter how well one flushes the protective cover channel, you will be surprised about the amount of sediment, stones, and other stuff that will stay in there and rot the lines to the gas tank, including the filler neck. I would be tempted to leave the cover off but it's a damage-prone area (stones or other debris flung from the tire). The 4th most-serious problem with rust is the top of the gas tank. Just like the inner-fender fuel lines, no matter how well one washes underneath the car, a huge amount of sediment, stones, and other stuff collects on top of the tank and rots it out. There's almost no clearance up there to spray into. Other than periodic removal of the tank (not a simple job), the next best way is to remove the rear seats and the round access covers in the floor to get at the top of the tank. The cover flanges for the rear brake assemblies like to rot away but that's minor. For the Body, if you keep the car adequately hosed underneath and elsewhere, it will hold up quite well. Ours has 260, 000+ and going strong, in the mountains with heavy winter salt and sand

[alexphotoslc]

I have an 03 model with the 2 liter motor, automatic with 223.000miles in Utah, USA. Got it at 180.000miles and changed thus far : struts and bushings all around when I got it, battery, bosch spark plugs sterring rack and pinion (the most expensive of all, around$ 800), the ECM had to be reprogrammed ( done that on Ebay with Ecm exchange 150$ or so), original alternator died at 222.000 miles $150 changed myself, leaking valve gasket (15$ and changed myself), 2 brake jobs in 40.000miles but I had it at delivery jobs also.. all in all it still runs awesome, doesn't burn oil or any other kind off leaks.

[larrrevenga]

Great advice .
thank you. Purchased an 04 for kids in collage to share 134.000 miles it's a great car . Wanted good reliable car so did my research . And found my fwd Rav 4 for 3.400 . Very well made and & useful vehicle

[joetaylor]

Hi, I just retired our 2004 RAV4 that had 175K one owner miles. Encountered the catalytic converter issue you mentioned, as well as the evaporative charcoal canister (fixed that one myself, long story). Always used Mobil1 5W-30 oil and kept up with the rest of the fluids routinely. One common problem from high miles is the intake manifold will warp around 120K miles, particularly when it’s been driven in a warm climate (Texas car its entire life). Using OEM parts is always the best way to go but sometimes budget and availability might preclude going that route. Never had a major issue with engine or transmission, had replaced an alternator and idler pulley around 130K but aside from what I already mentioned it’s been just tires, batteries, brakes, etc. It was a great car and a pleasure to drive for all of those miles.

[DoorDashDuo]

I have a 02 rav4 270k put gas in in and go its very reliable. Best car for the money I've ever owned!

[eldoradony]

Excellent rundown of the common issues. One more to mention is the head bolt threads pulling out of the block. The telltale is coolant loss with the smell but no droplets in the beginning. Eric O. of SMA did a multi part series a few years back of the repair.

[jimmyxsocal]

My wife’s has 245k I never have to work on it, best car I ever owned

[eclay]

I have an 09 v6 never had a breakdown or anything other than regular maintenance, brakes, rotors and at 150000 wheel bearings. Never had a car like it. I didn't want to defect to a Japanese automobile but they win hands down.

[HB-yqgy]

Yeah you got that right our 08 Rav4 rust is a problem here in NJ. I replaced the exhaust, tail pipe & extension halfway at 196000 miles.

[pirihern]

Very helpful i have a 1999 toyota rav4 with 231, 000 miles on it runs good

[webmastercaribou]

2012 rav4 4 cyl, 121000 miles and no issues other than oil, brakes, air cleaner, plugs, tires and o2 sensors so far. At 100, 000 replaced transmission fluid. (Best car i have ever owned)

[peterbarber]

I'm in Australia with a 2002 rav4 awd manual so far I haven't had any off these problems and its got over 260, 000kms on the clock