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Toyota RAV4: common problems & condition

47
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
69/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/100
75%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 52%



Across 47 used Toyota RAV4s we inspected, this model scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 69/100 vs 60 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.

What we found

Most common faults

Oil leaks · Engine
43%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
32%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
32%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
32%
Tire pressure monitoring system · Brakes and tires
19%

Share of inspected Toyota RAV4s where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 32% Good 43% Mediocre 26% Poor 0%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

70%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
19%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a RAV4 stay good?
Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 20–40k mi: 100% in good shape (9 cars) 40–60k mi: 100% in good shape (5 cars) 60–80k mi: 67% in good shape (6 cars) 100–120k mi: 60% in good shape (10 cars) 120–140k mi: 80% in good shape (5 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it

Share of Toyota RAV4s in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.

What else does ~$18k buy? A used Toyota RAV4 typically sells for around $17,696 — compare the odds of getting a good SUV across every make at that budget. Compare →
More on Toyota
Highlander 38 cars · 61% good Prius 57 cars · 58% good Sienna 47 cars · 57% good Tacoma 44 cars · 53% good Corolla 98 cars · 49% good Tundra 47 cars · 47% good Camry 96 cars · 46% good 4Runner 62 cars · 45% good Avalon 26 cars · 42% good

Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.

Straight from recent Toyota RAV4 reports

2010 Toyota RAV4 · 123k mi — flagged: oil leaks, worn brake rotors, excessive pads wear. Inspected Jun 25.
2019 Toyota RAV4 · 106k mi — flagged: cracked or torn suspension bushings. Inspected May 28.
FAQ
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Is the Toyota RAV4 reliable?
75% of the 47 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 69/100 — it scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect.
?
What are the most common problems on a used Toyota RAV4?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (43%), tires condition & wear (32%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (32%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 19% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Toyota RAV4? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 47 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026