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Toyota RAV4

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2018 RAV4 is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Toyota RAV4 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Muffler

"Took for an inspection sticker and mentioned muffler sounded loud. Service desk says exhaust had crack along edge and required new exhaust muffler. It cost a crazy $760 plus taxes."

Anonymous, NS (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"Rear hatchback struts had to be replaced"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Replaced crankshaft rear oil seal which was covered under warranty. I did not notice any problems but the problem was discovered when I brought my car in for routine maintenance."

Anonymous A., IL (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"needed 4 new tires"

Anonymous, CT (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Had to replace the struts on the lift gate. At a Toyota dealer the price was $1200."

Anonymous A., (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""Cracked windshield, very costly to repair because of warning system on the windshield""

Anonymous, (2018 Toyota RAV4 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Wiring to one of the drivers side airbags failed. It appeared to be from abrasion, possibly from contact with the seats forward/backward mechanism"

Anonymous A., TN (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Car purchased used from CarMax. Vehicle had been wrecked and repaired. Oil Pan damaged and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Short battery life"

Anonymous, TX (2018 Toyota RAV4 SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Rear bushings did not pass state inspection"

Anonymous, NY (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Tailgate operation"

Anonymous, (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

""8100 km brakes seized, towed to dealership lathes discs as scored/pitted, they now say need to replace pads and disc approx $1000 fix. Was in for service 500 km before issue began""

Anonymous, BC (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""The brakes were making noise when in use from 10,000 miles on. Toyota said they were worn and that was normal- first time I ever had rotors worked on for that little mileage.""

Anonymous, FL (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""If the expected brake lifetime is 30,000 to 70,000, then this was a premature brake failure. This is my wife's car and she tends to be a conservative driver and does not do hard braking. These were also the original brake parts that failed. So, having not seen the pads/rotors, I cannot rule out dealer greed as the real problem altho I suspect that might havebeen the major factor.""

Anonymous, MA (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Significant assymetrical wear at 45000 miles severe enough, needing new brakes."

Anonymous, WI (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Pulsation or vibration

"Rear brakes continually failing"

Anonymous, TN (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"Rotor on all four wheels had to be replaced because they became warped and caused a lot of vibration when braking at high speeds."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Probably normal wear."

Anonymous, (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaking

"Brakes squeaking is horrendous especially when in reverse"

Anonymous, MN (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Part of radio system. When used caused loud screeching noise on radio"

Anonymous, NC (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other in-car electronics problem

"The back lift gate has to be operated electronically instead of manually. The electronic system failed and I had to get the pumps replaced."

Anonymous A., AL (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"There is no other electronics problems with this car."

Anonymous, AZ (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"The sound quality inside the vehicle is poor at best especially on the highway. Poor functionality on the audio unit."

Anonymous, OH (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Radio

"Navigation system is part of radio. When Navigation was used there was a loud screeching on radio"

Anonymous, NC (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Speakers

"Poor quality audio. I also do not like the functionality of the audio system."

Anonymous, OH (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"I think one of the speakers is out. In certain songs I dont hear some words. Too soft."

Anonymous A., CA (2018 Toyota RAV4 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

""Waters is getting inside, enough to cause a mildew owner. Comes back after cleaning. Not in hvac.""

Anonymous, WV (2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Weather stripping above both front doors has come loose. I had one side replace and now need to replace the other. This problem has not led to leaks that I have noticed."

Anonymous, RI (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"Front seats make noise when moving around on seats."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Noise coming from the area of the glove box. Who knows why?"

Anonymous, MN (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""There is a noise that sounds like something is loose in the wheel wells or doors. The last time this happened, it was finally fixed with new brakes. It's happening again, but the dealer's service department can't figure it out. It only happens at high speed (50mph+) and in warm weather (60 degrees F +).""

Anonymous, RI (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

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.

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"After my trunk was fixed i went to the carwash and there was a lot of water in my trunk I was told this was normal and come back next week if it happens again. I called the service manager over and he sent my car to the body shop for repair"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE Unsure)
Seat belts

"Its a little hard to reach around T grab the seat belt"

Anonymous A., CO (2018 Toyota RAV4 SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"In the past couple of months my external hatch opener has not been responding consistently well. Sometimes it works on the first try and other times it takes several attempts to make it open."

Anonymous, WI (2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The back lift gate hinges have failed 3 times now and the door no longer works properly. The power lift gate also does not always work and has to be manually forced open or closed. I have had the hinges fixed twice now, but is has happened again and I'll probably just take the loss and trade it in. The hinges failed the first time in the spring of 2024. I will not buy a Toyota again."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""I was unable to open my trunk, parts had to be replaced and then I had water in the back of my car after going to the carwash and my car had to go to the body shop for 2 days. The mechanics at the dealer are unable to install windshield wipers that dont shake I was told the it is a mechanical part and that is why it shakes. I went someplace else and got new wipers that dont shake""

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE Unsure)

Suspension/Steering

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.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Had to replace them"

Anonymous, (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Struts replacement High cost =$1300. Shocks replacement High cost = $ 750."

Anonymous, WI (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Tie rods

""Rear trailing link bushings failed (on both sides) at 140,000km. This is such basic chassis parts. Things like that are not supposed to happen to toyotas!""

Anonymous, ON (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Wheel bearings

"Right front wheel bearing worn/replaced"

Anonymous, IN (2018 Toyota RAV4 SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The unit stopped working, we had warranty still covering the part so they had it replaced."

Anonymous, HI (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Blower (fan) motor

""The fan stopped working, but I had it repaired under warranty.""

Anonymous A., AL (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Refrigerant leaks

""A/C failed at 120,000. Leak in air compressor. AC systems never fail at such low mileage these days. My Honda Fit is at 400,000km and no issues. Toyota is not what it used to be.""

Anonymous, ON (2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"On the rear passenger door the trim became loose and would not fit back on properly"

Anonymous, ME (2018 Toyota RAV4 SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The paint started to fade, seems like the clear coat is failing, we had to pay out of pocket to repaint the bumper but now noticed that the hood and roof will need to be painted as well, but currently don't have the funds to do so at the moment."

Anonymous, HI (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Adventure black trim around wheel openings and on hood has faded."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

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.

What Owners Say

Automatic high-beam headlights

"The auto brights work sporadically (seldom) and they have not been able to fix them"

Anonymous, IN (2018 Toyota RAV4 SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Body control module

"Auto trunk did not work consistently"

Anonymous, IN (2018 Toyota RAV4 SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Since the car was new it experienced a small oil leak near the head gasket. It's worth mentioning that the leak is very minor and that no oil needs to be added in between oil change intervals neither does it drip on the ground. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket under warranty and cleaned up the engine so it didn't look like it was leaking for a while. After about 2 months later the leak came back however this time the car was out of warranty and since it was minor it wasn't worth fixing it's just a issue you wouldn't expect from a brand new car."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Water pump

"noticed brakes were getting mushy at 50K miles. Had new brake pads installed. Also, at 50000 had to replace water pump"

Anonymous A., (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Other major transmission & clutch problem

"transmission leaked oil; gradually got worse over 1-2 year period. Toyota dealer fixed the leak in one day for approximately $2000 in"

Anonymous, (2018 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Electrical

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.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2018 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 01, 2023
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in late July 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V734000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1853568
EQUIPMENT
Jun 28, 2019
An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V503000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1325
EQUIPMENT
Dec 20, 2017
An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V831000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 649
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