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3 Most Common Problems With Toyota RAV4

Jane Seymour A few hours ago · 5 min. read
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A compact SUV is a car that has some of the benefits of an SUV. This means it has more space in the trunk, 4WD option, and is good for fuel economy. Critics think it's pretty good too because they gave it high scores.

In this article, we’ll be exploring what problems do toyota rav4 have and optimal solutions.

1. Powertrain and Transmission Issues

The problems include automatic transmission issues, transmission solenoid issues, transmission noise issues, amongst others. Let’s break them down.

Automatic Transmission Issues

A lot of people think that the Toyota RAV4’s transmission is bad. A lot of drivers reported that their car was jerking when they tried to accelerate. Some drivers took it in for a diagnosis and found out that it was a problem with the transmission and the ECM unit.

Transmission Gear Slipping Issues

Many people who have bought the RAV4 have had trouble with it slipping gears without warning. This has caused some issues that are making Toyota worry. They will now give you a warranty of 10 years/150,000 miles for this problem.

Transmission Solenoid Issues

The RAV4 has a transmission problem that is common. Some people have reported that their check engine light comes on while they are driving. This problem is often caused by a faulty solenoid that needs to be replaced right away.

Unpleasant Transmission Noise

Scores of RAV4 owners have complained about a noise that sometimes happens when the car accelerates or brakes. Some people said this problem happened right after they put the car in reverse or when they switched from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. This problem has been reported in newer as well as older RAV4 models.

Possible Causes and Solutions

There are a few things that can cause your Toyota RAV4 to grind and make noise. One of these is if the needle bearings are worn out. This component stops gears from grinding unnecessarily.

Another possibility is if there is not enough or clean transmission fluid. If the transmission fluid isn't clean, it could overheat and cause the gears to start slipping or surging out of control.

Another thing that could cause problems is if the transmission fluid filter is clogged. This will stop the right amount of clean fluid from flowing through, which will eventually grind the transmission to a halt.

What to Do

Transmission problems can make your car not work. They are difficult to fix. So you need to get your car fixed by someone who knows how to fix it, like an auto shop or a dealer. You can also try taking it back where you bought it if you still have time on the warranty.

2. Car Engine Problems

Excessive Engine Oil Consumption

People who own the Toyota RAV4 have said they are frustrated by how much oil it uses. Some people have to put 2-3 quarts of oil in their car every 800-1,000 miles. This problem is more common for cars with over 90,000 miles on them.

Check Engine Light Illumination

Some RAV4 owners have noticed that their check engine lights come on while they are driving. This usually happens between 10-35 mph. Some people have also said that their car seems to lose power when this happens.

Water Pump Leaks

Many people have reported that the water pump in their Toyota RAV4 would leak without warning. The noise from the engine was sometimes loud. They sometimes developed these issues at 25,000 miles.

What to Do

Sometimes your car's engine might have problems. You may be able to fix it by changing some things. Some of the changes you can make are getting new pistons, new catalytic converters, and new gaskets. But before you do anything else, take your car to a dealer or a trusted mechanic for help on what to do next.

3. Issues With the Vehicle’s steering

Steering Noise Issues

Some people say that the steering wheel makes a sound like when you click your fingers. You can hear it when you turn or when you try to go backwards.

Dangerous Steering Wheel Failure

Some RAV4 owners have also reported problems with their steering wheels. In some cases, the steering wheel has failed while the car was being driven, which led to near-lethal crashes. The failure mileage was often north of 50,000 miles, and the failure is common with pre-2010 Toyota RAV4 models.

What to Do

You should not drive a car if the steering wheel is broken. This is dangerous and we do not recommend doing this. Instead, ask a trusted mechanic to come inspect the car and give advice on how you can fix it.

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