1996 Toyota RAV4 Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1996 Toyota RAV4, 9% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1996 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that when the temperature would drop, the doors would shut abnormally and the locks would malfunction. The contact was unable to open the doors unless the vehicle was completely warm. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 6,000 and the current mileage was 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10563346, filed 2014-02, 6,000 miles“In cold weather, below 30 degrees, both front door lock mechanisms are prone to freezing. This sometimes makes it impossible to open the vehicle. Other times, the door opens, but then will not shut because the lock mechanism is frozen. The door just bounces against the frame and does not latch. This has occurred on six separate occasions since late december of 1998. On a few of the occasions I was forced to drive while manually holding the door shut, and then tie the door shut from the inside upon arrival to my destination.”
NHTSA complaint #704095, filed 1999-03“In windy conditions or on parked incline rear liftgate which opens like a door, slammed into occupant who sustained injuries. The device which holds the door open is not adequate because of that the door closes too easily.”
NHTSA complaint #878444, filed 2001-01Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 7 | 2% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2006 | 2 | 0% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Toyota RAV4
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology