1996 Toyota RAV4 Problems
- Complaints
- 47filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 84,500miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Toyota RAV4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 47 consumer complaints for the 1996 Toyota RAV4. The part named most often is brakes, with 11 complaints (23% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (9) and engine cooling (5). 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 84,500 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 28 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 6 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes11 23%
- Engine cooling5 11%
- Air bags4 8.5%
- Electrical system2 4.3%
- Fuel system2 4.3%
- Seat belts2 4.3%
- Seats2 4.3%
- Steering2 4.3%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I noticed a grinding noise toward the front of the car. A short time later an additional sound of something rolling around freely in the front driver side wheel was heard. I suspected brake trouble and took the car to sears automotive where the front brakes were worked on 1 month prior. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the mechanics noticed the problem to be the front axle snapping at the wheel. The sound was the broken off piece and nut rolling around. The broken axle caused damage to the front brake pad and caliper and front-end alignment. …”
NHTSA complaint #720388, filed 2000-03Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving 55 MPH, the owner heard a loud bang. The vehicle swerved all over the highway. The vehicle would no longer go into 5th gear. The 4th gear also began showing symptoms of failure. The manufacturer eventually replaced the transmission. After 40,000 miles the exact same failure recurred with the 5th gear failing. They are not claiming any responsibility for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10055930, filed 2004-01, 60,000 milesEngine cooling: “The contact stated while driving 20 MPH the vehicle started to accelerate out of control. The vehicle was turned off and coasted to the side of the road without incident. There were no prior warnings to indicate a problem. Oil and smoke came from the engine compartment; however there was no fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic noticed a hole that was blown through the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10153952, filed 2006-03, 130,000 milesAir bags: “While driving at 45 MPH consumer hit ice pot hole, lost control of vehicle, and hit a guard rail, passenger's air bag deployed, but driver's air bag deployed half way.”
NHTSA complaint #10058014, filed 2004-03, 99,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
25% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 130,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1996 Toyota RAV4 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| RAV4 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| RAV4 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| RAV4 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 Toyota RAV4 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 28 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023Equipment, Vehicle speed control, Air bags. TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year…
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022Back-over prevention (rear camera), Brakes. TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10207946Jan 12, 2022Equipment, Tires, Wheels. POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of…
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021Brakes, Back-over prevention (rear camera). TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10188913Feb 3, 2021Equipment. TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year…
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020Brakes, Back-over prevention (rear camera). TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020Brakes. TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10174891Apr 7, 2020Equipment. TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890Apr 6, 2020Equipment. TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01…
- 10145749Aug 31, 2018Equipment. Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
Other model years of the Toyota RAV4
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 91 | 5,500 | 3 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 176 | 13,600 | 3 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 163 | 57,079 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 34 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 149 | 26,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 11 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 389 | 16,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 637 | 2,800 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 883 | 3,000 | 7 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 333 | 12,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 307 | 22,910 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 240 | 20,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 305 | 35,000 | 4 | 4–5 | 26 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 197 | 48,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 14 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 257 | 20,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 260 | 25,000 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 287 | 45,468 | 11 | 3 | 24 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2010 | 400 | 34,162 | 14 | — | 24 | 75 · More | Stable |
| 2009 | 327 | 26,000 | 15 | — | 24 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 575 | 65,631 | 14 | — | 24 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,004 | 63,000 | 14 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 705 | 55,000 | 11 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 141 | 79,650 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 154 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 315 | 95,112 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 527 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 309 | 101,500 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 30 | 102,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 62 | 110,000 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 77 | 113,250 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 54 | 111,500 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 47 | 84,500 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Toyota RAV4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA recorded 47 consumer complaints for the 1996 Toyota RAV4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Toyota RAV4 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 11 complaints (23% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 9.
Has the 1996 Toyota RAV4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Toyota RAV4 get?
The EPA rates the 1996 Toyota RAV4 (RAV4 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Toyota RAV4 reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 84,500 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 130,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.