2000 Toyota RAV4 Problems
- Complaints
- 30filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 102,000miles, 18 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Toyota RAV4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2000 Toyota RAV4. The part named most often is vehicle speed control, with 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (5) and tires (3). 18 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 102,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 4 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 72 technical service bulletins for this model year. Vehicle speed control complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the park/neutral start interlock switch and 4 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.
- Tires3 10%
- Wheels3 10%
- Engine2 6.7%
- Fuel system2 6.7%
- Body and structure2 6.7%
- Air bags1 3.3%
- Brakes1 3.3%
Also reported: Electrical system (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “When the car is stopped at traffic lights, the engine revs up on its own and starts moving. The foot is only on the brake and not touching the accelerator. This has happened several times in the past many years but not always. Whenever it happens, I bring it to 'neutral' from 'drive' gear position to stop it from moving. As I am hearing recalls somewhat related to this kind of issues, I am bringing it up so that it may also be taken into account in your investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #10304547, filed 2010-02, 110,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Manual transmission intermittently came out of fifth gear and went into neutral while driving 50-70 MPH. Car was taken to an repair facility other than Toyota, where a service bulletin was found. Car was then taken to Toyota dealer and the transmission was rebuilt. Toyota of america was notified. I was informed that Toyota did not consider this 'problem' which they knew of worthy of a recall because it did not effect enough vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10197731, filed 2007-07, 72,000 milesTires: “I bought 4 new goodyear tracker 2 tires size p22570r16 from walmart that are warrantied for 50,000 miles. After about 10,000 I noticed some dry rot and cracking in between the treads. I took my vehicle back to walmart and showed them. The tire manager said he's seen a lot of this with these tires but said they had to contact goodyear before anything could be done. The next day the store manager called me back and said they spoke with goodyear and there is nothing that can be done. In my opinion this is a manufacturer defect and poses a safety hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267612, filed 2009-05Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Fuel tank access door has design defect. When opened (to gain access to fuel cap), it rubs the edge of the vehicle body panel surrounding the access door. This is also a problem with model 2001, as a friend has reported the same complaint. As for the vehicle glass, it was scratched easily from road debris being rubbed by the wipers, and also inside of the glass grit. This has never occurred with previous vehicles owned, so the glass must be unusually soft.**** dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760761.”
NHTSA complaint #10008771, filed 2002-04, 2,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
17% of the 18 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 62,000 and 170,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Toyota RAV4. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 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); for electric versions it is the cost of electricity and the rating is in MPGe.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| RAV4 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 27 | 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 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| RAV4 Soft Top 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| RAV4 Soft Top 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| RAV4 Soft Top 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| RAV4 Soft Top 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| RAV4 EV 2WD | Electric | 81 | 64 | 72 MPGe | $1,050 |
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
- 20V033000Jan 22, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Toyota RAV4 1998–2000, Celica 1998–1999, Supra 1997–1998
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) and do not contain phase stabilized…
- 00V211000Aug 9, 2000Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switchCovers: Toyota RAV4 1998–2000
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 of the transmission parking lock…
- 00V212000Aug 9, 2000Service brakes, air › Disc › RotorCovers: Toyota RAV4 1998–2000
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.
Recall details for the 2000 Toyota RAV4 → · Check a 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. 72 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11006150Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
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 2000 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2000 Toyota RAV4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Toyota RAV4 is reported most often?
Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 5.
Has the 2000 Toyota RAV4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Toyota RAV4 get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Toyota RAV4 (RAV4 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Toyota RAV4 reported?
Among the 18 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 102,000 miles and the middle half falls between 62,000 and 170,000 miles; 17% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.