1997 Toyota Rav4 problems
The Toyota RAV4 (Japanese: トヨタ・RAV4, Hepburn: Toyota Ravufō) is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers.
It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system.
For the third-generation model, Toyota offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions were sold in Japan and Europe; long-wheelbase versions in Australia and North America. Toyota of Japan also sold the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴァンガード, Hepburn: Toyota Vangādo) at Toyopet Store dealership chain from 2005 through 2016. RAV4 for the Japanese market were sold at two different Toyota dealership chains, Corolla Store and Netz.
In 2019, the RAV4 was the best-selling SUV of any type in the world, and the fourth best-selling passenger car overall. North America is the largest market, with 535,000 units sold in 2019, followed by Europe (133,000) and China (127,000). By February 2020, a total of 10 million RAV4s had been sold globally.
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Common 1997 Toyota Rav4 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1997 Toyota RAV4, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Electrical Problems: Owners have reported electrical issues with the 1997 RAV4. These problems can range from minor electrical malfunctions to more serious issues affecting various components of the vehicle's electrical system.
- Water Leaks Onto Rear Floorboards When It Rains: Another common problem is water leaking onto the rear floorboards of the vehicle during rainy conditions. This issue can lead to interior damage and potential mold growth if not addressed promptly.
- Severe Rust/Rot On Front Subframe/Crossmember: Rust and corrosion on the front subframe or crossmember have been reported by owners. This problem can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and may require extensive repairs to rectify.
- Engine Problems: Complaints regarding engine issues have been noted, which can include a broad range of malfunctions affecting the performance and reliability of the engine.
- Transmission Problems: Owners have reported transmission issues with the 1997 RAV4. These problems can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, slipping transmissions, or other transmission-related issues that impact the vehicle's drivability.
- Brakes Problems: Brake problems have been a concern for some owners, encompassing issues such as brake system malfunctions, brake noise, or reduced braking performance.
- Interior Accessories Problems: Complaints related to interior accessories have been raised, which may involve issues with components like the stereo system, air conditioning, or other interior features.
- Fuel System Problems: Some owners have reported problems with the fuel system of the 1997 RAV4. These issues can include fuel leaks, fuel pump malfunctions, or other fuel-related concerns.
- Wheels / Hubs Problems: Complaints regarding wheels or hubs have been noted, which can involve issues like wheel alignment problems, hub bearing failures, or other wheel-related issues affecting the vehicle's performance.
- Exhaust System Problems: Owners have reported problems with the exhaust system, which can include issues such as exhaust leaks, catalytic converter malfunctions, or other exhaust-related concerns.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1997 Toyota RAV4 highlight various areas of concern that may require attention and maintenance to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.
How many miles will a 1997 Toyota RAV4 last?
Experts tend to agree that you can put upwards of 200,000 to 250,000 miles on a Toyota RAV4 if it has been properly cared for.
What is the main problem with Toyota RAV4?
But with more used RAV4s in the market — some with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer — some of these hiccups will be unavoidable. The RAV4's issues include excessive oil consumption, steering wheel problems, lagging transmissions, fuel system problems, and electrical complications, among other troubles.
Which RAV4 model to avoid?
Q: What are the bad years of RAV4? A: The years to avoid, as mentioned, include the 2019 model due to transmission issues and brake problems, the 2013 model with its low-speed vibration issues, and the 2006-2008 RAV4s which had significant engine problems and other reliability woes.
What years of RAV4 are best?
Best & Worst Years for Toyota RAV4 1st Generation (1996-2000)
- The Best Years: 2009 and 2010. ...
- The Neutral Years: 2008, 2011, and 2012. ...
- The Worst Years: 2006 and 2007. ...
- The Best Years: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. ...
- The Worst Year: 2014. ...
- The Best Years: 2022 and 2023. ...
- The Worst Years: 2019, 2020 and 2021.
How long do 1997 Toyota RAV4 last?
Experts tend to agree that you can put upwards of 200,000 to 250,000 miles on a Toyota RAV4 if it has been properly cared for.
What is the main problem with Toyota RAV4?
But with more used RAV4s in the market — some with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer — some of these hiccups will be unavoidable. The RAV4's issues include excessive oil consumption, steering wheel problems, lagging transmissions, fuel system problems, and electrical complications, among other troubles.
What year did RAV4 have problems?
Q: What are the biggest problems with the Toyota RAV4? A: Major reliability issues include unwanted acceleration in the 2009-2012 models, excessive oil consumption in the 2006-2008 RAV4s, transmission problems in the 2019 model, and infotainment glitches across the fourth generation.
What years are most reliable RAV4?
The following models were sorted from lowest to highest, according to their J.D. Power scores.
- 8 2009 Toyota RAV4: 83/100.
- 7 2011 Toyota RAV4: 84/100.
- 6 2008 Toyota RAV4: 86/100.
- 5 2013 Toyota RAV4: 86/100.
- 4 2016 Toyota RAV4: 86/100.
- 3 2017 Toyota RAV4: 87/100.
- 2 2010 Toyota RAV4: 88/100.
- 1 2018 Toyota RAV4: 88/100.
1997 Toyota Rav4 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Rav4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Toyota Rav4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Toyota Rav4
The NHTSA has received 59 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Toyota Rav4. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Toyota Rav4 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-10
- VIN: JT3GP10V6V7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE ALARM ADD ON MODULE AND HARNESS WERE FOUND TO BE FAULTY AND HAS SHORTED OUT UPON INSPECTION OF MODULE I HAVE FOUND BURNT CIRCUITS . VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO START ALSO LEADING TO BELIEVE THE ECM HAS BEEN EFFECTED .
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-18
- VIN: JT3HP10V9V0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1997 RAV4 AWD 109000 DEALER SERVICED TOOK IN FOR A OIL CHANGE 2/18/16 DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE CRADLE ASSY HAS A TENNIS BALL SIZE HOLE IN IT NEAR NEXT TO LEFT CONTROL ARM , $2361.30 TO REPLACE OR JUNK THE VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, VEHICLE SERVICED EVERY 5000 MILES AND ITS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION NOW, MY 22 YR OLD DAUGHTER HAS BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE THE LAST 6 1/2 YRS A VERY POOR DESIGN BY TOYOTA
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-23
- VIN: JTMBD32V175
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: RECEIVED WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTICE-ZE7, AS INSTRUCTED, DEALER TEST WAS PERFORMED. OIL LOSS TOTALS UNDER 1QT. FOR EA. 1200 MILES DRIVEN. WAS TOLD THIS DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIR. MY CONCERN IS THIS: TOYOTA SERVICE REQUIRED FOR OIL CHANGE IS EVERY 5,000 MILES. MY CAR HAS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION OF JUST UNDER 1QT PER 1,200 MILES, SO DRIVING 5,000 MILES WOULD EFFECTIVELY BURN 4QTS., OR MORE, THEREBY STARVING ENGINE FOR OIL AND RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. SERVICE DEPARTMENT ADVISED ME TO KEEP CHECKING OIL LEVEL, AND ADD OIL AS REQUIRED. I AM DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA'S SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM AND ADVISED THEM OF MY OPINION. I AM ABLE TO ADD OIL AS REQUIRED, BUT QUESTIONED CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT OTHER SENIOR CITIZEN'S ABILITY TO SELF MAINTAIN THE OIL LEVEL, OR FOR THAT MATTER, ANY CONSUMER THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA HAS ASSIGNED ME A CASE NUMBER FROM REGIONAL CA. OFFICE. I WAS TOLD THAT PERHAPS TOYOTA WILL CHANGE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS SO THAT AT 5,000 MILES, OIL CONSUMPTION WOULD NOT RESULT IN ENGINE STARVATION AND FAILURE. ALSO, IN MY CASE CONTINUE TO MONITOR OIL LOSS, AND IF IT INCREASES IN VOLUME, COME BACK TO DEALER AND TEST AGAIN. I THINK THAT DESIGN FAILURE DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT SHOULD BE FULLY COVERED UNDER THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION THAT WAS MAILED TO ME. *TR
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-05
- VIN: J3HP10V7V70
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: RAV 4 TOYOTA 1997-WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 30 MILES WITHOUT THE RPR INCREASED WITHOUT CONTROL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE BECOME EXTREMELY HOT, FLUIDS WERE DRAINED . CAR SENT TO DARCARS TOYOTA THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, AND NOW FACING SEVERE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, BECAUSE LACK OF RECALL RPR 'S ISSUE VERY DETRIMENTAL AND RISKY . *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-30
- VIN: JT3HP10V3V7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MY SON WAS DRIVING, HIT A POTHOLE, AND THE SUB FRAME COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT IT HAD BEEN ROTTING OUT FROM THE TOP. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-02
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WE TOOK OUR 1997 RAV4 TO THE MECHANIC FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION AND OIL CHANGE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED US THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH ALL RAV4'S AND THAT TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW IN THESE VEHICLES. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING IN OTHER VEHICLES I'VE OWNED. MY MECHANIC WHOM I TRUST IMPLICITLY SAID THEY'VE REPLACED MANY SUB FRAMES ON THESE VEHICLES EXCLUSIVELY. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-20
- VIN: JT3HP10V4V7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHERE THEY DETECTED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BODY FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 05/11/12 *BF UPDATED 05/21/12
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-21
- VIN: JT3HP10V4V7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE SUB-FRAME IS RUSTING OUT AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. TOYOTA HAS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *JS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-14
- VIN: JT3HP10V8V7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR SOME ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TO BE DONE AND WAS CALLED TO COME IN BY THE MECHANIC. HE SHOWED ME UNDER MY CAR, MORE SPECIFICALLY THE FRAME ON MY CAR. IT HAD EXTENSIVE RUST DAMAGE. THE RUST WAS NOT JUST ON THE SURFACE, BUT HAD LARGE HOLES EATEN AWAY WITHIN THE ENTIRE FRAME. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THE MECHANIC STATED IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, BECAUSE OF THE HOLES/DAMAGE ON THE FRAME. HE DID NOT THINK IT WAS NORMAL WEAR. UPDATED 10/20/11 *BF
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-19
- VIN: JT3HP10V0V7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: GAS PEDAL STICKS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-15
- VIN: JT3GP10V8V7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 1997 TOYOTA RAV 4 GAS PEDAL WAS STICKING I TOOK IT TO TWO PLACE THEY SUGGESTED THAT IT WAS DANGEROUS TO KEEP DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP THEY FIXED IT. WAS MY VEHICLE A RECALL. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-09
- VIN: JT3GP10V2V7
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DRIVING ON I -10 IN BUCKEYE AZ @ SPEED OF 65-70 WHEN SAW SPARKS COMING FROM FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF MY RAV4 THEN A LOAD THUMPING SOUND AND THEN THE CAR WEAVING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE RAV TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND WHEN EXITING THE CAR SAW THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE BUT THE TIRE WAS FULLY INFLATED THIS CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE WHEEL WELL , BUMPER AND FENDER RESULTING IN AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND ALOT OF JITTERY NERVES AS THERE WERE 2 SMALL GRANDCHILDREN AND A PREGNANT DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. TIRE IS A UNIROYAL P215/70R 99S BW TIGER PAW TOURING SR. BOUGHT AT 61,194 AND I NOW HAVE 83,000 SO I HAVE PUT 22,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES IN 3 YEARS. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-30
- VIN: JT3GP10V8V7
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*- THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAS FAILED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON MARCH 1, 2001.. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 59,000 MILES ON JUNE 30, 2001. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 98000 MILES ON JANUARY 28, 2003. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND FIXED IT, THE CONTACT PAID $300.00 FOR THE REPAIR. THE THIRD INCIDENT WAS AT 98,050 MILES ON FEBRUARY 28, 2003. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE BEARINGS FAILED, NOTED CODE F ON THEIR REPORT. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BEARINGS WERE BENT. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE, BUT THE CONTACT HAD TO GO TO THE SENIOR MECHANIC OF THE DEALER FOR APPROVAL. THE FORTH INCIDENT WAS AT 160,000 MILES ON JUNE 14, 2006. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AFTER HEARING THE SAME NOISE AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS AFTER TEST DRIVING AND LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE UNDER A RACK. ON JUNE 20, 2006 THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PERFORMANCE SERVICE CENTER, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A RACK AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD FRONT WHEEL BEARING, AND REPLACED. THE CONTACT PAID $348.45. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: POPS OUT OF 5TH GEAR! HAD FIXED, AND 6 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-20
- VIN: JT3GP10VXV7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT SHIFTED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO REPLACED GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE). *AK
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STEEP HILL AT 35 MPH, AND UPON GOING DOWN A HILL, VEHICLE FISH TAILED OUT OF CONTROL. HITTING A MEDIAN STRIP. CONSUMER HAD TO SWERVE RIGHT, AND WENT INTO A TAIL SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE SEAT BELT EITHER RELEASED OR BROKE. THE ROOF CAVED IN. ALL THE WINDOWS BROKE. CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FIFTH GEAR FAILED, NEED TO REPLACE ENTIRE MANUAL TRANSMISSION.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-07
- VIN: JT3HP10V6V7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: MANUFACTURER RECENTLY ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENTION TO CERTAIN COMPONENTS OF THE EMISSION SYSTEM AND SELECTIVELY EXCLUDED MY COMPONENT (EGR VALVE) EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATOR. I BELEIVE THIS COMPONENT SHOULD BE INLCUDED IN THE LIST OF EXHAUST SYSTEMS WHICH SHOULD RECEIVE EXTENDED CARE DUE TO POOR WORKMANSHIP.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-01
- VIN: JT3GP10V0V7
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: PRIOR TO A TURN, WHEN THE LEFT OR RIGHT BLINKER IS PUT ON, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF. AFTER ABOUT 4 SECONDS THEY COME BACK ON. THEN, AFTER THE TURN, AS THE BLINKER AUTOMATICALLY CANCELS, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AGAIN FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-03
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY RAV 4 HAS HAD A VERY COSTLY AND DIFFICULT-TO-FIX ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THE LAST 3 MONTHS. SOMETIMES IT STARTS RIGHT UP, BUT IT HAS ALSO HAD STALLING PROBLEMS AND ONCE DIED COMPLETELY. THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS HAVE WORKED ON IT AND NOBODY HAS YET BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY. IT HAS ALWAYS COME BACK. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN SAID THAT IT HAS TO FAIL COMPLETELY AGAIN BEFORE THEY CAN ATTEMPT TO KNOW WHAT'S WRONG. THAT MEANS I WILL HAVE TO WAIT TO BE STRANDED UNTIL SOMEONE CAN MAYBE FIX THE VEHICLE. I MAY BE FORCED TO SELL THE VEHICLE FOR PARTS WAY BEFORE I SHOULD FOR A CAR OF THAT AGE AND MILEAGE. *LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-22
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT3HP10V4V7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE SUBJECT IS "IMPROPER CIRCUIT DESIGN CAUSED SELF IGNITED FIRE TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF AN ELECTRIC ABNORMALITY WITHIN THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR" . THE TIME THAT HAPPENED THE MOTOR WAS OFF AND CAR IN PARK IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. VEHICLE IS A 1997 TOYOTA RAV-4 MANUFACTURED IN APRIL 1997 BY THE TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION AT THEIR ASSEMBLY PLANT IN MOTOMACHI-THARA, JAPAN. AT THE TIME OF ITS FABRICATION , THE VEHICLE WAS ASSIGNED UNIQUE PUBLIC IDENTIFICATION NUMBER [XXX]. COMPUTERIZED SCRUTINY OF THIS NUMBER RELATIVE TO CHECK DIGIT"4" AND SEQUENCE NUMBER "056588" HAS CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE IDENTITY. THERE WAS INVESTIGATION BY THE HARD FACTS INVESTIGATIVE ENGINEERING REPORTED ON JANUARY 01, 2003. I WILL BE ABLE TO SEND COPY OF THE WHOLE REPORT. I FILED A COMPLAINT TO THE COMPANY AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:TOYOTA MOTORS SALES , U.S.A.,INC. 19001 S. WESTERN AVENUE,P.O. BOX 2722, TORRANCE,CA 90509-2722 TO [XXX]. , CLAIM ANALYST ,LEGAL DEPARTMENT, ON 12/23/2002. THE CASE ID #[XXX]. THE ANSWER WAS THE CAR IS OLD AND THE VEHICLE ODOMETER INDICATES A REGISTERED 49,851 MILES ROAD UTILITY. CASE IS CLOSED. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-03
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY RAV 4 - 57348 MILES. IT STARTED MAKING A TAPPING SOUND IN THE ENGINE AND IT HAS MAKES A METAL ON METAL VIBRATION UPON ACCELERATION AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I MAKE A GRADUAL LEFT TURN AND DECELERATE. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER. THEY SAY IT MAY BE THAT THE LIFTERS ARE A BIT WORN AND THAT THIS WILL NOT HARM ANYTHING. THIS IS ODD BECAUSE A NEW ENGINE WAS PLACED IN THE CAR AT 49,000 + MILES. THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHAT THE VIBRATION NOISE WAS AND SAID THAT IT IS POSSIBLY A ROCK IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I KNOW WHAT THAT SOUNDS LIKE AND STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THEIR ANALYSIS. THE NOISE IS DEFINITELY COMING FROM THE ENGINE. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-12
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY RAV HAS HAD 2 ENGINE REPLACEMENTS THE FIRST AT 16,000 MILES AND THE SECOND AT 49,000 MILES. THE FIRST ONE HAPPENED WHEN IT STALLED OUT GOING THROUGH AN EXTREMELY LARGE PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE ACCESS ROAD AND THE SECOND FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *NLM
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3XP10V0V0
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: THE CAR WAS PURCHASED WITH ALLOY WHEELS BUT THE SPARE TIRE HAS STEEL RIMS IN WHICH THE EXISTING LUG NUTS DO NOT FIT SO THE SPARE TIRE CAN NOT BE USED. I THINK THE COMPANY SHOULD PROVIDE A USABLE SPARE TIRE. I CONTACTED THEM ABOUT THAT BUT THEY SAID THAT YEAR, THEIR RAV 4 CAME WITH STEEL RIMS SO THEY GAVE ME SOME LUG NUTS TO USE BUT THEY ARE TOO SHORT AND CANNOT LOCK THE TIRE IN PLACE. THE EXISTING LUGS ALSO CANNOT LOCK THE TIRE IN PLACE AND THE TIRE RATTLES. ONE OF THE MANAGERS TOLD ME TO USE THESE IN AN EMERGENCY ONLY BUT I DO NOT WANT TO DAMAGE THE TREADS ON THE BOLTS WITH THE TIRE SLIDING ON THE BOLT. I THINK IF THEY SOLD THE TIRE AS A SPARE, IT SHOULD FUNCTION AS A SAFE SPARE AND I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING ANOTHER RIM, LUG NUTS, OR TIRE JACK SO I CAN USE THE SPARE TIRE SAFELY. THIS SHOULD APPLY TO ALL '97 RAV 4 OWNERS. I DID NOT CATCH IT EARLIER BECAUSE I DID NOT NEED TO USE THE SPARE UNTIL NOW.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-24
- VIN: JT3HP10U9V0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT IDLE AND WITH NO WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
1997 Toyota Rav4 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Toyota Rav4.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Negative 1997 Toyota Rav4 car reviews
Positive 1997 Toyota Rav4 car reviews
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Reliable, efficient, and easy - nearly perfect!
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Hi there! I've actually owned this car for 4 years now and I'm happy to say that it's still running great! I've put over 210,000 miles on it and only had to put in about $1700 for maintenance. It's been a great investment since I bought it for only $700. Thanks for reading!
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My 97 RAV4 was hit in the left front and required a total replacement of the front clip. Despite a few rattles, this car was one of my favorites. Its reliability, simplicity, maneuverability, economy, and ease of visibility from the driver's seat were some of its biggest attributes. I also appreciated the functionality of the rear hatch and folding rear seats.
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I got my 97 RAV used in 99 and it has been a reliable car ever since. The only repair I had to do was replacing the brakes in 2001 and since then, I have only needed to do regular maintenance. It seems like there are many satisfied RAV owners out there, as I rarely see them for sale used.
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I've owned this '97 RAV4 for seven years and it still runs like the first day I bought it! I really love how it handles, it's very responsive for an SUV, like an extension of my body. It's great on gas, has excellent visual access (no blind spots!), and is so reliable! (Well, it IS a Toyota!) I've had no problems, I've just kept up with the servicing and off I go... into the California Sunset!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Toyota Rav4 problems:
1st gen Rav4 reliability? : r/Toyota
Dec 15, 2022 ... Snow and ice almost more than 50% of the year. The car is very reliable. Rav4 from the 90s are better than the second generation. In the 90s, ...
1997 Toyota RAV4 Problems and Complaints - 23 Issues
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Aug 23, 2013 ... Check the kick down cable, it may be got stuck. It is the one running from throttle body, going behind the intake manifold, down to the ...
1997 Toyota Rav4 Q&A: Engine Problems, Starting Issues & More
Feb 12, 2013 ... This condition is caused by the car sitting for a long time added to this the extreme cold weather what happens is the cylinder walls would wash ...
RAV4 problem - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk Community
Apr 16, 2008 ... I have a 1997 2-door standard transmission Toyota RAV4 with all or four-wheel drive (I always forget which). My problem: When I put it into ...
Other years of Toyota Rav4
Are you having problems with your 1997 Toyota Rav4?
Afton Rath 2024-10-23
Hi there! I'm currently driving a little porker and I'm looking to switch to a Honda CRV for better mileage. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve from 15-17 miles per gallon? I'm specifically looking for a 1997 4-door AWD. Also, does tire size matter?
Kenyon Durgan 2024-10-23
Overall, this has been a great little around town car. However, in the past 6 months, we had to re-build the automatic transmission, which was very expensive, and replace the front struts, which were also expensive and hard to find. We had to take the car back to the shop 3 times to stop leaks or turn off the engine dash light after the re-build. I would not buy another automatic, but I would consider a stick shift.
Garrick Bartoletti 2024-07-26
Great for hauling kids and gear around town! However, it can be a bit busy on the engine when pushed hard. So far, so good!
Wiley Cruickshank 2024-07-10
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I noticed your car has been making some noise lately. I understand it can be frustrating to have to make multiple trips to the mechanic, but I'm here to help. Let's work together to make your next ride a smooth and enjoyable one!
Vladimir Conn 2024-01-27
This SUV has been reliable. The gas mileage varies between 21-25 on average. It can be a bit noisy when the engine revs high, especially when going up hills. The transmission works hard with many downshifts as the engine comes within 100 RPMs of redline. It may feel a bit underpowered at times.