The Toyota RAV4, though known for its dependability, still has its ups and downs. Across five generations, you’ll find some amazing models and others that you’re better off skipping.
Want to know which ones? Stick around, and we’ll show you the worst and best year for the Toyota RAV4 you need to know about!
In This Article:
9 Toyota RAV4 Years You Should Avoid
If you’re thinking about getting an RAV4, do yourself a favor and skip the 1996, 2001-2003, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2019 models. They’ve got engine stalls, rough gear shifts, and transmission issues — definitely not what you’d want for your comfortable driving experience!
First Generation
According to our research, the 1996 models are the ones you’ll want to avoid.

The 1996 RAV4 was among the first models in the series; hence, like many early models, it came with some growing pains. Owners of these earlier vehicles have mentioned common issues like engine stalling or rough gear shifting, especially with the manual transmission versions.
And the worst part? Safety features were bare-bones in those years! Airbags were not guaranteed, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) were also hit or miss. Since most of our team are already used to modern safety standards, hopping into one of these older models often left us feeling a bit exposed. Simply put, the 1996 models just weren’t equipped with the kind of safety features that would make people feel comfortable today.
Moving on to the 1998 to 2000 models, the situation started to improve (a tiny bit). The engine reliability got better, for example. And while we still won’t find cutting-edge tech inside, you’ve got a better chance of landing a model with decent safety features now.
But don’t get too excited just yet; there are still a few quirks to be aware of. Some of our members have reported little annoyances like power windows that stop working or dashboard lights flickering on and off. Not to mention, depending on how well the car’s been maintained, the suspension might feel a little rougher than you’d like.
Second Generation
Are you thinking about buying a second-generation Toyota RAV4 (2000-2006)? Then there’s something you should know: the 2001-2003 models are the ones you’ll want to stay away from, and here’s why.

The biggest issue with these years is transmission problems — not just the occasional hiccup but widespread, serious transmission failures that can lead to expensive repairs. Many of our testers have reported rough shifting, gears slipping, or worse, the transmission completely giving out.
And the transmission problems didn’t stop there. These issues tended to cause a ripple effect that affected the vehicle’s entire performance. And since the transmission is closely tied to the powertrain, all the abovementioned mechanical failures would entail powertrain malfunctions, which only added to the trouble.
Worst of all, just like first-gen models, the safety features in these second-gen models were still lacking. Sure, they met the basic safety standards of their time, but the 2001 to 2003 RAV4s didn’t come with side airbags (which weren’t a standard feature yet at the time) — quite a big deal if you prioritize safety above all else.
Do you still want to purchase them despite these huge drawbacks? In that case, remember to double-check whether the seller or manufacturer offers any optional side airbags!
Third Generation
Regarding the third-generation Toyota RAV4, you’ll want to pay close attention to the 2009, 2011, and 2012 models, and not for good reasons!

These years are notorious for one major issue: unintended acceleration. Let’s say you’re sitting at a stoplight, foot on the brake, and suddenly, your RAV4 decides to accelerate all on its own while completely ignoring your braking!
That’s exactly what many of our team members experienced during our testing, which led to some pretty terrifying — and dangerous — situations. The problem wasn’t isolated to a few vehicles, either: our surveys revealed that many RAV4 owners had witnessed the same issue. They’d press the brake, but instead of stopping, the car would continue to lurch forward.
Even worse, this unintended acceleration was hard to predict. For some, it occurred while parking, which resulted in minor accidents like bumping into other cars or curbs. But for others, it happened at much higher speeds.
So, what caused this? There’s no one simple answer. Some professionals pointed to issues with the electronic throttle control system. A few others, on the other hand, speculated about faulty sensors or software glitches. Regardless of the cause, the result was the same: a car that would sometimes override your controls and put both you and others at risk.
Fourth Generation
Next, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 (part of the fourth-generation lineup) is a model you might want to steer clear of.

One of the biggest complaints from drivers is the annoying vibration that occurs at low speeds. And it’s far from just a little quiver. This vibration can shake the entire car – obviously not something you want while cruising through city traffic or easing into a parking spot! Some drivers ended up replacing the torque converter to solve the problem, which can cost up to $4,500.
On top of that, the 2013 RAV4’s infotainment system has also had its fair share of complaints, specifically the navigation screen.
Our testers have found it nearly impossible to read in bright sunlight. We have tried adjusting the brightness and contrast, but it doesn’t really help, and even a visit to an experienced dealership for a software update turns out not to work as well as expected. In the worst-case scenario, you’re left squinting at the screen or having to find another way to get directions when the sun’s out!
There’s also another reported issue to bear in mind: transmission, though it’s not a widespread problem. The complaints among RAV4 drivers range from sluggish gear shifts to hesitation when accelerating. Over time, they can bring about much bigger obstacles in the engine, and we all know that transmission repairs are neither quick nor cheap!
Fifth Generation
Despite Toyota’s strong reputation for reliability, the 2019 RAV4 has raised several red flags for drivers, particularly when it comes to transmission and braking problems.

Let’s start with the transmission, which has been a major source of complaints! Drivers have reported the RAV4 hesitating and lurching at lower speeds, often in stop-and-go traffic. What’s worse is that these transmission issues have cropped up even in vehicles with low mileage, so it’s not something you can chalk up to wear and tear. In some of our tests, the transmission slippage was so bad that the car struggled for minutes to shift gears properly.
And that’s not all; news has been circulating that the stiff transmission seemed to lose responsiveness entirely at times. The opposite also occurs for some: their car suddenly sped up when it wasn’t supposed to. That’s enough to make even the most seasoned drivers nervous!
Now, let’s move on to the brakes. You’d expect a car’s braking system to be one of its most reliable features, but that hasn’t been the case with the 2019 RAV4. You’d likely hear strange squealing or clunking noises when applying the brakes, even when the vehicle was practically new. On top of that, there are minor glitches with the electronic system (although these were less common).
The good news? Toyota seems to have addressed many of these issues in the following model years. So, if you’re set on getting a fifth-generation RAV4, it’s a much safer bet to go with one from 2020 or later.
What Are The Best Years for RAV4?
Now that we have established which specific years to avoid, are you curious about the most reliable RAV4 years for purchases? We’ve got your back! Here are a few standout options you should keep in mind:
1998

As one of the best years for Toyota RAV4, this classic model is a perfect example of how simple designs can lead to strong reliability.
For one, it doesn’t overwhelm you with fancy electronics, which means fewer things to go wrong over time. A used car can easily hit 60,000 to 70,000 miles with routine maintenance!
1998 RAV4 also benefits from a lightweight body-on-frame design, so feel free to tackle rough terrains however you like. The manual transmission option is another bonus if you prefer a bit more hands-on control on the road.
2004
Next, let’s talk about the 2004 Toyota RAV4, which redeemed the second generation a little after the early 2000s models struggled with lots of notorious quality issues.
Indeed, many have reported running theirs for hundreds of thousands of miles if they keep up with the basic maintenance. On top of that, Toyota also added some extra safety features this year (though there’s still room for improvement), so you can feel more confident driving on slightly more rugged terrains.
2010

Under the hood, the 2010 has shown clear investments in the engine, which gives you a great combo of power and fuel efficiency. You will likely find yours running smoothly well past 200,000 miles; many drivers in our survey reported that theirs could clock in over 300,000 miles.
And it’s not just the engine; Toyota also improved the suspension and ride quality to bring over a smoother and more comfortable drive. With some of the highest reliability ratings in its class, you really can’t go wrong with this one!
2015
Fast forward to the 2015 Toyota RAV4, and you’ve got a compact SUV that hits all the right notes when it comes to reliability.
What really sets the 2015 model apart is how little maintenance it needs compared to some competitors; owners report very few issues even after putting significant miles on the clock. This model year also comes equipped with advanced lane departure alerts and automatic emergency braking, so you can be confident that it will perform reliably without sacrificing your passengers’s safety.
2021

Finally, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 takes everything we’ve liked about the RAV4 over the years and brings it into the modern era.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, this model feels more solid and handles better than many predecessors, all while being more fuel-efficient. Toyota also paid special attention to transmission and included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 in its overall design – a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable SUV that’s built for the long haul!
See more:
Best Years By Brand Model:
Years To Avoid By Brand Model:
Conclusion
We’ve laid out exactly which RAV4 years to avoid and give you a full rundown of Toyota RAV4 reliability by year. Of course, there are always more factors to consider when buying a car, but we hope this guide clears things up for you.
Still feeling stuck? No problem! Drop us a message — we’re here to help you every step of the way!