What is the best year Toyota Rav4 ? And Common Problems

Former Master Mechanic and Engineer tells you the Best years to buy the Toyota Rav4. EVERY generation of Rav4 will be discussed. I'll tell you which years are the best and what years to avoid. I also share some common problems that you should DEFINITELY be aware of ! Don't buy a used or new Rav4 until you watch this video ! BUY SMART :D
Links / References:
Information about the Takata airbag recall
www.toyota.com/recall/takata
Nhtsa vin recall check
www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vincenzo
MJ100k used car advice videos:
Master Mechanic shares 3 new secrets for picking a great used car!
• Master Mechanic shares...
Master Mechanic shares 3 Step Process for buying a Great Used Car !
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2AZ engine head bolts threads damaged
2004-2005 Rav-4
australiancar.reviews/_pdfs/To...
Article about the Rav4 EV
www.autotrader.com/car-news/t...
2AZ engine oil consumption TSB
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/201...
2006-2008 Rav-4
2AR engine rattle noise at cold startup TSB
2009-2012 Rav-4
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/201...
3rd gen v6 VVT-i oil line leak
pressroom.toyota.com/limited-...
Video replacing the oil line 3rd gen v6
KZbin channel - Merryfrankster
• VVT Oil Line Step By S...
Video checking the oil line 3rd gen v6
• Toyota V6 - How to Che...
KZbin channel - Merryfrankster
Forth gen
2013-2015 Torque converter clutch replacement - The Car Care Nut - YT channel
• Toyota Transmission Pr...
2013-2015 Torque converter shudder warranty extension
Torque converter TSB
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/201...
Forum topic
www.rav4world.com/threads/201...
Warranty extension announcement
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/201...
Hybrid battery warranty info
www.toyota.com/electrified-ve...
5th gen
How a regular CVT transmission works
KZbin page Weber auto
• Continuously Variable ...
How Toyota RAV4 E-CVT transmission works
KZbin page Weber auto
• Understanding the Toyo...
Rav4 Electric rear axel
KZbin page Weber auto
• RAV4 and Highlander Hy...
Rav 4 prime frequently asked questions
www.toyota.com/rav4prime/2024...
Hybrid cable corrosion TSB
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/202...
Hybrid Rav 4 Hybrid battery corrosion issue explained by The Car Care nut
Begins at time stamp 8:50
• Should You Buy The Upd...
Ballerina dancing video
Video by Pavel Danilyuk: www.pexels.com/video/woman-da...

[@MJ100k]

Just for the record.. Here’s a Redit post about a 2020 Rav 4 Hybrid with over 400,000 miles ! 😄 www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/comments/13qk0fb/my_2020_toyota_rav4_hyrbid_xse_reached_400000/

[@bella3008]

I gotta assume that a lot of those miles are highway miles.

[@MJ100k]

@@bella3008 Yes - Most super high mileage cars are majority highway and country road miles. They are mostly from people who use their cars for driving jobs. Ex taxi, wildcatter, or medical delivery services like this Rav 4 was used for. 👍

[@benschmidt1353]

these video series are so dope as I am looking for a reliable used car myself, also from Ann Arbor

[@MJ100k]

Thanks 👍 Ann Arbor is awesome, I miss shopping at Plums lol. I’m working on a video for the Honda Pilot now. 🚗

[@videosarefunandstuff]

Excellent information here, especially about the torque converter...thank you!

[@MJ100k]

Thank YOU 👍💯

[@mohdibrahim1350]

Very good video. I recently bought 17 xle AWD, It had a shudder but fixed it at home. I preformed pan drop filter and whateven on the pan replaced then 3 drain and fill. Finally added Lubegaurd instant Shudder Fixx. Problem fixed. I upgraded the dash speakers which changed sound quality dramatically 😅

[@MJ100k]

Thank you 👍💯

[@ChrisBranleh]

Off topic, would love to hear your opinion on a handful of your favorite sleeper cars or builds for those with a need for speed

[@MJ100k]

Lol - Have you seen my videos ? I keep cars as stock as possible and I have a need to go the speed limit. 🤣 There’s a channel called - The Black Car Guru talks about doing builds and going fast 🏎️🚗

[@danielaredi-pessin8588]

I have another question about Rav4 as I'm a big fan. I actually loved the full size spare tire hooked in the back and learned that the 2012 model was the last to carry that feature. So my question is: Which models after 2012 can carry a "full size spare" inside their trunk? I hate those flat donut spare tires.

[@MJ100k]

I’m not 100% sure about this - but this is the info I just found looking online: In the US- For the 4th and 5th gen Rav 4- It looks like they all use a compact spare. People online report- that when they try to install a full size spare… it will fit, BUT… the top of the spare tire will stick out too far, and now the trim cover will stick out. I found a couple people online that claim the Mexican and possibly New Zealand spec Rav 4 have an option for a full sized spare. According to a person who posted in a forum called Rav4world under the screen name Asantoyo4: His Mexican spec Rav4 has the option for a full sized spare. His Rav4 has a different trim piece that covers the spare tire. The part number he found on that trim piece is 58410-42060-C2: Board Assembly Deck. It cost around 230$ So in short: it looks like in the US there no option for a full sized spare.. just a compact spare: But, if you buy a full sized rim and tire.. and can get a dealership parts department to order you the trim cover part … you can get it to fit perfectly. Or you can just throw a full sized spare in the trunk over the compact spare and loose some trunk space… like I do in my Camry 🤣 Hope that helps 👍 www.rav4world.com/threads/spare-tire-well.177921/#post-1732290

[@miguelmendez4718]

Great video, how about the 2003 rav4 any issues I should be looking for?

[@MJ100k]

I discussed a couple common problems for the second gen Rav 4 in the video beginning at time = 6:45. But really - a 2003 is over 20 years old at this point. All the common problems that were gonna happen probably already happened a decade ago. The majority of your problems will mostly be age related. I’d focus on the vehicle in front of you. If you’re looking to buy one - try and screen the previous owner the best you can. I’ve made many videos about how to do this in my - Car shopping with MJ playlist. Also make sure to have the car checked out by a mechanic before you buy it. You’re not looking for perfection … But you also must avoid a disaster. You can hire a mobile mechanic to go have a look at it right at the car lot. Hope that helps 👍💯

[@miguelmendez4718]

@@MJ100k thanks for the advice

[@bella3008]

Is there a general rule of thumb for mileage to be utilized for replacement of transmission (flush or partial change), coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid AND fuel filter, air filter for Toyotas?

[@MJ100k]

For modern cars - It’s best to refer to the OEM sources. If you want to go above and beyond that that’s cool. But also know that not every car has power steering fluid. Some have electric assist power steering (no fluid needed) Also, not every car has an external fuel filter. Some have a strainer on the fuel pump in the tank that doesn’t need to be changed at certain intervals. Here’s the Toyota website - it has the warranty and maintenance guide and owners manual. www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/ First select your vehicle: Then. For the maintenance schedule and inspection list look for the - Warranty and maintenance guide. In the Operation and maintenance section- look for the maintenance log.

[@bella3008]

@@MJ100k Thank you 🙏

[@bella3008]

Is the 8 speed transmission in new Rav4 as good as 6 speed transmission in older Rav4? What are your thoughts and recommendations regarding 8 versus 6 speed transmissions in Rav4?

[@MJ100k]

They are both pretty good. Personally I prefer the 6 speed if I had a choice… But I wouldn’t be afraid of getting the 8 speed. My pick over both of them would be the ECVT hybrid / plug in hybrid transmission 💯

[@bella3008]

Thank you 🙏@@MJ100k Appreciate sharing your knowledge very much.

[@bella3008]

Wheel sizes on the Rav4 are 17 to 19 inches. Which wheel size is the best for a soft ride? What are the pros and cons of different wheel sizes?

[@MJ100k]

Generally- smaller size rims have a softer ride than larger size rims, because the tires have a larger sidewall area. So 17 inch should have a softer ride. You’ll have to test drive both sizes to see if you can even tell the difference though.

[@bella3008]

Thank you, Sir @@MJ100k

[@bella3008]

I have never owned a hybrid battery vehicle. I learned that this hybrid battery can only be replaced by the dealer. If true, the customer is then subject to dealer prices. The customer is locked into this work by the dealer. Please comment on this. My understanding of what you are saying is that the hybrid and plug in hybrid is worth it mainly because of a more reliable transmission (not necessarily because of savings in gas). Yes, savings in gas is a benefit but it is a secondary benefit?

[@MJ100k]

There are a few non dealership shops that can replace a hybrid battery. However, I would prefer to have a dealership do this repair, despite the higher cost; because (generally) they have more training, tools and use higher quality parts. A hybrid or plug in hybrid does save money on gas as compared to a non hybrid. You also have to fill up a little less often ie higher total range. IMO: The choice comes down to a persons finances. If you can only afford a forth generation Rav 4… I’d get a non hybrid. Because, if you’re financing the car… and the hybrid battery goes out … it’s gonna be a big repair bill. If you can afford a 5th generation Rav 4. I’d get the hybrid or plug in hybrid. I like the range and ecvt transmission. The hybrid system will be in warranty and if it goes bad, you’ll get if replaced for free at a dealership. For ALL Hybrid and plug in hybrids, from any OEM (not just Toyota) as the car gets older and the warranty runs out. I would just trade it in and get a new one. I know that many times the battery, and hybrid parts, can last longer… But still I wouldn’t risk that big repair bill. If you can afford it: and some people can …why put up with that potential problem ? 🤷‍♂️

[@bella3008]

I am very thankful to you for this advice. I wouldn't have thought it this thoroughly. It provides a different perspective because I can pay cash or finance (if I choose to). Much obliged 🙏@@MJ100k

[@user-jw3lz8gn5s]

I read that the 2019 hybrid rav4 has lots of issues. What is your knowledge on this and is the 2019 worth buying.

[@MJ100k]

Lots - is subjective. There are issues, recalls and common problems on every car. I’d still get a Rav 4 personally. On the Rav 4- For example: some people are complaining the door panels don’t drain enough and that could cause some rust under the door area. 1st - I’d look at the car I’m about to buy and see if there is any evidence of this issue. Then I’d check the car fax to see if a repair has already been done. If it hasn’t - I’d keep my eye on it to see if it happens while I’m driving it. That’s all. I’m not gonna loose a ton of sleep over it. It might happen, it might not. I’ve said the same thing about the Lexus es350 timing cover oil leak common problem. If it happens it happens, then I’ll deal with it… It wouldn’t stop me from buying it 🤷‍♂️ If you’re concerned about issues on any used car- you have options You can buy a newer one that’s still under warranty, so the dealership will be responsible for repairs… or you can buy a certified preowned and see if the warranty covers these issues. Or you can buy an older used car (like I do) and just fix known and unknown issues as they come up. With cars - they all have issues, so when you research them… I just try and find ones with moderate issues that I can deal with. Or have already been fixed ie previous repairs or completed recalls. If you’re gonna try and find a car with no issues your gonna be looking forever. At the same time… if the Rav 4s potential problems are too much for you, you can always research another car like the Honda CRV for example.

[@MJ100k]

I saw this for sale and thought of your comment… lol . It’s a 2020 Rav 4 Hybrid with 469,393 miles on it. 😉 www.toyotaofgreensburg.com/used-Greensburg-2020-Toyota-RAV4+Hybrid-XSE-JTMEWRFV1LJ036421?fbclid=IwAR2AnK4_35NnpQNNWZLJKr1SQs_1k6Q92mJ6KLYP8438zWG8uGKvtss5CK4

[@MJ100k]

www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/comments/13qk0fb/my_2020_toyota_rav4_hyrbid_xse_reached_400000/

[@moveitback1]

i have a 04 Rav4 that i bought 15 years ago used,and i think i spent more on oil than i paid for the vehicle but it wont die LOL

[@MJ100k]

I estimate there are less than five Rav 4s in the junkyard in the entire world 🌎 😄👍

[@danielaredi-pessin8588]

I found a car that on the carfax it says that every year he has the tires balanced and rotated is this a regular thing? also there is a recall for 4th generation that i did not see mentioned on rav4 2013- 2018 RAV4- POTENTIAL VEHICLE FIRE RELATED TO 12-VOLT BATTERY any comments that I should be aware of?

[@MJ100k]

Having tires rotated is a normal thing. Most people don’t do it as much as they should (myself included lol) Having them balanced too is probably unnecessary but the shop probably sold it to them as a package - so most likely it’s fine. As for this recall- I just looked into it. As a background: Every cars battery has a device to hold it in place so that the wires that attach to the battery don’t get lose. Also you don’t want the battery terminals to touch a piece of metal. If that happens- all the power of the battery will go through the metal at once: thats too much uncontrolled power at once, and that can cause a fire. According to the notice I found: It looks like- some aftermarket batteries were not the same dimensions as the original Toyota battery. So those aftermarket batteries where not completely held down properly.. Which can lead to the battery terminals getting loose. Then, that could cause a fire if the battery shorts out. Basically - because of some aftermarket batteries being too small and causing a problem: Toyota had to redesign some parts to accommodate the smaller batteries. Here’s what I found on cars.com recall number - 23V734000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit. Recall consequence A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire. Recall action Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 8, 2023. Remedy parts are anticipated by June 2024. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13. You can call the number to see if the cars vin number you’re thinking of buying is affected by the recall. If it is, it looks like the parts will come out in June. If you can’t wait until then, you can ask a mechanic to make sure your battery is being held down properly. There are universal battery hold down kits that should be able to hold the battery in place until the new toyota parts come out. Or if your Rav4 has an aftermarket battery that doesn’t fit properly. You can take the vehicle to a dealer and have them install the proper size Toyota battery. Which should fit just fine.

[@danielaredi-pessin8588]

I appreciate your quick response as I'm looking to purchase a used Rav and I need all the advice and tips. Very glad I found your page. Thank you!!!

[@MJ100k]

@@danielaredi-pessin8588 You’re welcome 👍

[@rlreynos]

What's the best year for 5th gen RAV4 LE or XLE?

[@MJ100k]

Not much difference as long as it’s had all the TSBs performed.

[@bella3008]

VIN of some Toyotas start with a J. This is supposed to mean Made in Japan. 1. Are there vehicles really made in Japan and shipped to the US? 2. Which parts of the vehicle are made in Japan (engine, or transmission or both?)? 3. Is there any difference in the quality of the engine or transmission made in Japan and the US?

[@MJ100k]

My automotive nerd research indicates that the The Rav 4s are made in the US (Kentucky), Canada or Japan. I believe the only US Rav 4 made in Japan is the Rav 4 Prime but don’t quote me on that. If it has a J as the first letter in the Vin it’s made in Japan and shipped over. George Town Kentucky (TMMK) is Toyota’s largest manufacturing plant. Here’s a quote from pressroom Toyota: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) is Toyota’s largest vehicle manufacturing plant in the world, capable of producing 550,000 vehicles and more than 600,000 engines annually. Toyota broke ground in Georgetown, Kentucky, in May of 1986 and two years later (May 1988) produced its first Camry. Since then, more than 13 million vehicles have rolled off Toyota’s assembly lines in Kentucky, where full-time employment is 9,500. In addition to the Camry, America’s best-selling car, TMMK manufactures the Camry Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid, as well as four-cylinder and V-6 engines. pressroom.toyota.com/facility/toyota-motor-manufacturing-kentucky-tmmk/ I know some people think that the quality of Toyotas made in Japan is superior than the vehicles built in the US. I don’t think that’s true. I used to work there as an Engineer and I can tell you that there are managers that are from Japan overseeing things in other countries to make sure that things are done correctly and to help with translating things. Toyota is a multinational company that operates in many different countries. The work culture and procedures are standard throughout. That being said Toyotas are not perfect. They do need repairs sometimes like any other car. You still have to take care of them and drive them appropriately. My 2004 Camry was made in Kentucky and it has over 275,000 miles with the original engine and trans. The Tundra is made in Texas and at least one of them made it to 1 million miles and another is at approx 900,000 right now. The Tacoma was made in Texas until recently but now it’s made in Mexico. So yeah…. I don’t think there is much difference in Quality based on what country it’s made in 👍

[@bella3008]

Much thanks@@MJ100k

[@MJ100k]

@@bella3008You’re welcome 👍

[@bella3008]

How to verify that the torque converter has been repaired on the 4th generation Rav4's? Is this repair done by the dealer only? Is this repair free? Is there a TSB regarding this converter?

[@MJ100k]

For 4th generation the torque converter - I put a link to the official warranty extension announcement in the description to this video.

[@MJ100k]

The TSB for this issue is T-SB-0023-15. Here’s a link: static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10111559-9999.pdf I added the TSB to the description too. To try and see if the repair was done you can call a toyota dealer and give them the vin number to the car. They may have a record of the repair being done. Or you can look on the carfax service history records. Not every vin number of the 2013-2014 needs the repair, only certain ones. The dealership may be able to verify if the vin you give them needed the repair and if it was done. Other shops may have done the repair but it was most likely done at a dealership. (If it was done). If done at a dealership, under warranty, it would have been free.

[@bella3008]

@@MJ100k So, only the 2013 to 2014 need the torque converter. 2015-2018 (4th generation) do not need the torque converter repair? Please let me know since I have narrowed down my choice to 2017 Rav4 (since it had the least number of complaints to NHTSA)

[@MJ100k]

@@bella3008 According to the Warranty Policy Bulletin- Years covered are 2013-2015 .. So 2017 should be fine static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10146511-9999.pdf

[@bella3008]

Thank you very much 🙏@@MJ100k

[@chigozienweze8848]

@mj100k please can someone interchange 1mz-fe vvti black manifold with 3mz fe i heard they are same with difference of 3mz bore cylinder bigger the 1mz

[@MJ100k]

I’m not sure what you’re trying to say…

[@chigozienweze8848]

@@MJ100k i want to replace my engine to 3mz fe but it came with 1mz fe vvti

[@MJ100k]

@@chigozienweze8848 If I were you I’d replace it with the same type of engine that was in there originally. Swapping engines, that were not intended for that chassis, can lead to extremely difficult drivability and diagnostic problems.

[@bella3008]

Which software do you use to make your videos?

[@MJ100k]

Final Cut Pro with extensions from motionVFX 👍

[@NeonKue]

5th GEN MAIN PROBLEMS: - Fuel Tank only pumps to 10gal when it should be 14gal total with 2gal in reserve - MGR Hybrid Cable getting corroded by salted roads underneath - Roof Rail Leaks water from deteriorated gaskets

[@MJ100k]

I did mention the hybrid cable issue and fix in this video: The other two issues you mentioned are known: They have TSBs and fixes to address them, if they come up. Thanks for sharing though 👍 PS did you know there’s a 5th gen Rav 4 Hybrid out there with over 450,000 miles ! I just did a video on it lol

[@NeonKue]

@@MJ100k The fixes are more temporary if anything. These problems still persist today or will occur again even with new replacements. Toyota needs to completely redesign the defective components to actually “fix” it. Yes, I an aware of the high mileage Rav4. I actually own the same year and model. Unfortunately, the owner traded it in before it could reach the half million mark at least.

[@MJ100k]

@@NeonKue Are you saying you got each of those three problems serviced at a Toyota dealer and each problem occurred again ?

[@NeonKue]

@@MJ100k Not mine personally…yet. But many others who got these problems fixed had the problem occur again or had the issue not fixed up to par. As for the MGR Cable, instead of replacing the faulty ones with a better designed covering, they replaced the plastic housing by cutting one side off to release moisture. That means it’s still exposed to weather elements and debris that will eventually corrode.

[@MJ100k]

@@NeonKue For the mgr cable they also added a plastic shield to help prevent the issue from happening again. Permanent design changes that you’re talking about take a lot more time to design, test and manufacture. This is true for all OEMs.

[@MikeHills-ke9zt]

❤

[@MikeHills-ke9zt]

4cyl or 6 cyl?

[@MJ100k]

Only the third gen has a 6 cylinder. It’s a good pick if you need the extra power. I’d rather have the 4th generation 4 cylinder if I’m getting a used one.

[@jdf747emt1]

2.4 engine oil consumption!

[@MJ100k]

I mentioned that lol It’s only certain years though. Not every 2.4

[@jdf747emt1]

Copy that@@MJ100k