Does the Toyota RAV4 have any known problems?
Toyota is one of the first names, if not the first name, that comes to mind when it comes to reliability. That's certainly one of the reasons for the success of its best-selling model, the RAV4.
That said, should you have blind faith in this compact SUV? As with any other vehicle, the answer is no. Yes, the RAV4 provides more peace of mind than the vast majority of competitors, but it's not perfect and has had its share of problems. You need to be aware of this before you buy a used model.
So what are some examples of the problems that have plagued the RAV4? At the top of the list is the high-voltage cable on certain RAV4 hybrids and RAV4 Prime (plug-in hybrids) from model years 2019 to 2022, the cause of the infamous "Cablegate".
This cable, which carries electricity from the battery to the rear engine, is susceptible to premature corrosion-related wear due to inadequate protection. In December 2022, Toyota Canada finally amended its warranty to cover the cable in the same way as the other components of the hybrid system, for a period of eight years or 160,000 km.
The 2019 and 2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid are also among a small number of Toyota and Lexus models whose 2.5-liter engine block could be porous and crack, causing coolant leaks and engine overheating or internal damage that would lead to either fire or breakdown. A recall was issued in February 2020, and some owners had to have the engine replaced outright with a new one as a precautionary measure.
Another well-known problem with the RAV4 concerns the paintwork. On 2008 to 2017 models, the Blizzard pearlescent or Super White paint had a tendency to peel under sun exposure for several years. Toyota recognized this as a "manufacturing defect" and, in February 2020, introduced a new warranty upgrade program.
Going back further, early third-generation RAV4s from 2006 to 2008 generated many complaints about the oil consumption of the 2.4-liter engine. The cause was poor piston ring design. During the same period, other owners reported strange noises coming from the steering shaft and a loss of steering assistance.
But speaking of steering, the 2019 RAV4 (first year of the fifth generation) also experienced its fair share of trouble with the steering wheel and assist system. What's more, the transmission often acted up, hesitating to change gear and causing jerking.
In conclusion, caution is still called for, and a pre-purchase inspection is an important step. Overall, the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent buy for its quality, reliability and durability.
