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 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.

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).

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. The vehicle is consistently praised as a practical, worry-free choice for owners prioritizing longevity and cost of ownership over dr

  • 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.
  • Interior noise — Cabin described as noisier than some competitors (e.g., Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester) at highway speeds. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior material quality — Perceived as utilitarian, cheap, or lacking soft-touch surfaces compared to segment rivals like Mazda or Honda. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Roof leak issues (2019-2021 models) — Caused by faulty roof rail clip washers; reported as potentially resolved in 2022+ models. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the RAV4.

Typical used price

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

Other RAV4 model years

2025 RAV42021 RAV42020 RAV42019 RAV42018 RAV42016 RAV42015 RAV42012 RAV42010 RAV42008 RAV42005 RAV42003 RAV42002 RAV41997 RAV4
Full Toyota RAV4 owner reportCompare against another car