1999 Toyota RAV4 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 10%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 169,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the body and structure of the 1999 Toyota RAV4, 10% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 169,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“We took the RAV4 into the mechanic for a brake job & he called us to say it wasn't road worthy because the k-frame was almost entirely rusted through and we shouldn't put our children in it. He said we shouldn't even drive it off his lot that it could hit a pothole and break in two. We came & took pictures of all the rust. He said the k-frame would need to be replaced along with the rocker arms. We came home & researched to find this is a common problem with these vehicles. I don't understand why a company like Toyota wouldn't take responsibility for a defect like this. …”
NHTSA complaint #11012718, filed 2017-08, 189,198 miles“While changing the converter on my 1999 RAV4, we discovered holes and extreme rusting on the front cross member. If this cross member breaks the whole suspension could drop out fo the car and cause serious injury. It is no secret that Toyota has many problems with frame rot on other vehicles occuring on similar yeared models. The problem has not been fixed and after a little investigating myself, I have discovered a dozen other RAV4 owners with the same problem. I contacted Toyota corp. And was told my case was the only of its kind by them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379542, filed 2011-01, 175,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Toyota rav 4. The contact was notified by an independent mechanic that the front cradle was completely rusted and the only thing keeping it from fracturing was the steering linkage. The vehicle was not able to be repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10637042, filed 2014-09, 220,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the front sub frame and control arms were completely rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10588670, filed 2014-05, 163,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Toyota RAV4. The contact noticed that the front sub frame and control arms were completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the engine cradle and control arms needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 120,000. Updated 10/8/14 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired at the owners expense. Updated 3/23/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10597426, filed 2014-06, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123420Oct 27, 2017TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 9% |
| 2024 | 16 | 9% |
| 2023 | 10 | 6% |
| 2022 | 19 | 13% |
| 2021 | 21 | 5% |
| 2020 | 62 | 10% |
| 2019 | 90 | 10% |
| 2018 | 14 | 4% |
| 2017 | 19 | 6% |
| 2016 | 15 | 6% |
| 2015 | 31 | 10% |
| 2014 | 18 | 9% |
| 2013 | 28 | 11% |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% |
| 2011 | 16 | 6% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 17 | 5% |
| 2008 | 19 | 3% |
| 2007 | 24 | 2% |
| 2006 | 23 | 3% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 7% |
| 1999 | 6 | 10% |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 11% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1999 Toyota RAV4
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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