2000 Toyota RAV4: common problems and reliability

The 2000 Toyota RAV4 has 41 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and power train. Owners most often flag interior noise: cabin described as noisier than some competitors (e.g., volkswagen tiguan, subaru forester) at highway speeds. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2000 model year

41
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
6
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2000 Toyota RAV4 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2000 a good year for the RAV4?

Across the 15 RAV4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 41 (2000) to 1,110 (2002). With 41 complaints, the 2000 RAV4 sits belowthe model's median of 342.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

vehicle speed control
7
power train
6
engine and engine cooling
5
tires
4
visibility
4

Recalls affecting the 2000 RAV4

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 20V033000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI

service brakes, air:disc:rotor

Campaign 00V212000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTOR, WHEN EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, CAN DEVELOP STRESS FRACTURES IF THE LUG NUTS ARE TIGHTENED WITH EXCESSIVE TORQUE.

power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch

Campaign 00V211000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY ELECTRIC VEHICLES. IF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE REPEATEDLY PARKED BY PLACING THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE "P" POSITION WITHOUT APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE PARKING LOCK ROD, A COMPONENT O

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low maintenance costs, and high resale value.

  • High-voltage cable corrosion ("Cablegate") on 2019-2021 Hybrid models: Major corrosion issue leading to failure, subject to warranty extension programs and a class-action lawsuit in Canada. Frequency: very frequent in discussions about early fifth-gen hybrids.
  • 8-speed automatic transmission concerns: Described as problematic, with unique shifting behavior in lower gears; noted as a reason to avoid certain gas models (2019+ RAV4, 2017+ Highlander). Concerns about it being a "sealed" unit with no dipstick or scheduled service. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the RAV4. See the full RAV4 owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used RAV4 listings typically run $18,897–$27,760 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other RAV4 model years

Compare every RAV4 year side by side to see how 2000 ranks against the rest.

Compare the RAV4 against its rivals