If you’re Googling “Toyota RAV4 transmission problems,” you probably have one of two goals. You either want to diagnose a symptom fast. Or you’re trying to avoid buying the wrong used RAV4 year. I built this guide around what matters in the real world. What the symptom feels like. When it happens. Which years get … Read more
If you are looking at a 2017 RAV4, you are in a pretty good spot. It is not a perfect year. No SUV is. But it sits between some rougher RAV4 years and has fewer serious horror stories than 2013 or 2019. Most of the noise around 2017 comes from three areas:steering that pulls, headlights … Read more
The 2016 RAV4 sits in an interesting spot. It is the facelifted 4th gen and it is also the first year for the RAV4 Hybrid. It is not a horror year like some older oil burners or the 2019 first 5th gen. But it does have real trouble spots. Things like engine power loss while … Read more
Here I’m talking about one specific rig.The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, U.S. spec. Last year of the 4th generation. On paper, this year looks great. Strong fuel economy. Good safety. Proven hybrid system. In owner surveys and buying guides, 2016–2018 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid keep showing up as some of the best RAV4 years overall, … Read more
I am talking about one specific vehicle here.The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, U.S. spec. On paper it looks great. Strong MPG. Good safety. Big sales.In the real world it is mostly solid, but not problem-free. Most of the headaches I see from owners cluster in two places: On top of that there are the usual … Read more