Model overview

The Toyota RAV4 (also known as Toyota Ravufō) is a compact crossover SUV (sport utility vehicle) manufactured by the Japanese automobile maker Toyota, the first of this kind. It was presented in Japan and Europe in 1994, and North America in 1995. The car was most of the advantages of SUVs, such as improved cargo room, bigger visibility, and the choice of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel saving of a compact car. Despite not all RAV4 models are four-wheel drive, the RAV4 nameplate stands for "Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive".

In most markets, the RAV4 is the solely compact SUV or crossover accessible from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover equivalent of the FJ Cruiser.

Up until now, the RAV4 has built-in five generations but for the third-generation model, Toyota allowed both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase models are sold in Japan and Europe; long-wheelbase models in Australia and North America. 

Toyota RAV4 known problems

• The cylinder head gasket is known to break on the 2004-onwards 2.4L Rav4 which is caused by the cylinder head bolts being torqued too much.
• The position of the navigation/audio screen makes it difficult to read due to sunlight hitting the screen, produced by the angle it is placed at.
• The gearbox is known for making a whining sound. There are also known problems with the gears shifting. The slipping is made by an ECU issue.
• The water pump is likely to crash early on the Rav4. The early signs of this part failing are that it makes a lot of sounds.
• A common problem encountered is for the steering rack to click when changing the steering wheel full lock. This is a sign that it is failing.

Toyota Rav4 PDF owner manual

Posted by, John Mana

A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.