The 2006 RAV4 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2006 Toyota RAV4 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"Problem solved. Window"
Anonymous, IN (2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)""the car makes a lot of squeaking, groaning noises whenever the suspension moves. shocks are new. suspension bushings have worn out.""
Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"Headers went bad @ about 156000 miles."
Anonymous A., CO (2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)"Failure of tire pressure sensors"
Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota RAV4 Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"NO and O2 sensors had to be replaced"
Anonymous, CO (2006 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"The RAV4 has had a persistent evaporative emissions warnings (P043E, P043F, P2401, P2402, P2419) that have been difficult to diagnose. This mean the check engine, 4WD, and one other warning lights are almost always lit. I have replaced the gas cap and the purge valve solenoid to no avail."
Anonymous, PA (2006 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"The fuel tank sensor malfunctioned and cost me to use more fuel than I was. The part cost over $200.00! I have worked on cars over 60 years but it cost me another $80.00 to have the sensor replaced! I could have done it Myself!!"
Anonymous, IA (2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)"Two bad fuel injectors replaced"
Anonymous, IL (2006 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"High beams don't work due to a a proprietary electrical part that is difficult to find for replacement."
Anonymous, TN (2006 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"Interior lights don't work due to a a proprietary electrical part that is difficult to find for replacement."
Anonymous, TN (2006 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
""Occasionally and randomly the "check/warning" lights for Engine, VSC, and TRAC will come on for a day or two and then stop. Mechanics could not find a reason. Online searching suggested it could be related to insufficient seal on the gas cap or a glitch with the electrical.""
Anonymous, NC (2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)"The volume controls stopped working on radio. But the volume control on steering wheel still work."
Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"rear brake lines rusted out and leaked fluid badly. pedal went to floor to stop car. emergency brake saved the day."
Anonymous, NY (2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 3.5-L V6)""Had to replace calipers, pads and rotors for rear brakes. I consider all this apart of normal brake wear.""
Anonymous, NC (2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"Paint on front of hood and front of roof started peeling and coming off about 10 months ago. Received no assistance from Toyota. I'm seeing a body shop tomorrow."
Anonymous, NC (2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)""The Polar White paint began too peel in several areas over the whole car about 11 months ago. The issue is ongoing and progressing fairly rapidly, with large patches of bare metal being exposed across the vehicle. It appears the paint essentially has "expired" at 18 years, in spite oof the car running and operating like new.""
Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
"This was the original transmission and had been in service for about 18 years at this point."
Anonymous, NC (2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"Original engine was burning some oil. On a road trip, a rocker arm broke and destroyed the engine. It was replaced with a used engine."
Anonymous, PA (2006 Toyota RAV4 Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
""The car regularly loses oil. When we first purchased it in 2015, we might have added 1 quart between six month oil changes. Now we typically have to add a quart of oil every month to the vehicle. Weve had several repairs done on the engine, but none of them has reduced to the amount of oil that the engine absorbs. Weve been told that an engine replacement is a pretty expensive option, but we may choose to do so. The car is a great vehicle, but the oil loss requires constant attention.""
Anonymous, CO (2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
"Water leaked into the car during heavy rains. This continued to happen even after our mechanic cleaned out water channels on the car."
Anonymous, CA (2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5-L V6)