1996 Toyota RAV4 from North America - Comments

Third cylinder began misfiring after two weeks of use.

Center console lid snapped off.

Leaks oil.

Alternator went out.

Transmission needs an overhaul after only 6 months (it jumps out of 5th gear into neutral).

Brakes squeak incessantly, though they don't need replacement.

I did extensive research to find a used car that was reliable, affordable, and fit my needs. I thought I had found that in the 1996 RAV4, but I was mistaken.

I've had the car only six months, and I've had to replace the fuel injector of the third cylinder, the alternator, battery, and now am faced with rebuilding the transmission as well. I've also discovered that the car leaks/burns oil at a fairly alarming rate. It has about 120k on it, and I worry now that it may not last to 200k, which I was hoping for.

Apart from these mechanical hiccups, the center console broke off (I noticed a couple broken ones while shopping, and can only assume that this is fairly common), and the brakes squeak, despite being almost new.

While the car is runing properly, though, I have found the Rav4 to be a sporty, comfortable, and easy-to-drive small SUV. I feel safe driving it in snow or rain. It also gets pretty good gas mileage for it's age and size. Though, it does pretty poorly on even slightly steep grades.

Perhaps I got stuck with a lemon, and most Rav4's don't have these problems. However, from my experience with this car, the RAV4 is terribly overrated.

I encountered the exact same problems as yourself with my 98 Rav 4. First to go was the 5th gear in the tranny. This is a common problem with this entire generation. Toyota even has a TSB outlining how to fix it with better parts, and there was no recall. Mine went at 87k kms (~60 k miles). About a week after it started to drop out of fifth, the oil pressure sensor allowed all the oil to leak out and the engine blew. After I had a Toyota dealership here in Ottawa replace the engine (low mileage used) and fix the transmission. ($5k later) I found I was going through 1 - 2 litres of oil per oil change. According to the Ottawa dealership, Toyota states up to 1.5 litres of oil per oil change is an acceptable level. My mileage and power after the swap, was never the same. It was my first Toyota and I was shocked by the service and reliability. It was a great little run about, too bad Toyota or the dealership would not stand behind their product.

My 1997 also keeps popping out of 5th gear. This has been fixed once already by a transmission shop with the Toyota Bulletin on the new parts, but went out again before 6 months. It's annoying and frustrating, and I am not happy with the Rav 4 at all. Other little things have gone wrong with it as well, needless to say I am extremely disappointed. My first Toyota and probably my last.

For all of you having problems with the transmission of your '97-'01 Rav4 (popping out of 5th gear like mine does), I would urge you all to call Toyota and file a concern. Their number in the U.S. is 800-331-4331. You will need your VIN#. For those of you who have already had it repaired, you can file a complaint with the NHTSA (a U.S. agency) citing faulty design. Their number is 888-327-4236. Perhaps if enough people call and complain Toyota might consider fixing them or reimbursing those who have already had theirs repaired. Good luck.