Problems with the body of Toyota RAV 4. Third generation Toyota RAV4. Don't forget about prevention

The image of a ladies' car and the need to carry out maintenance once every 10,000 km. We're not sure that's the end of the RAV4 III generation's shortcomings.

Over the twenty-odd years of the model’s history, buyers’ love for the RAV4 has only intensified. Each subsequent modification sold better and better. Toyota RAV4 is a full-fledged leader in the class of crossovers built on a passenger car base with a monocoque body, but at the same time with all-wheel drive and serious ground clearance. Today the fourth generation of the RAV4 is on sale, and it still sets itself apart from its competitors with its traditional features and qualities.

Despite the fact that the third generation of the crossover did not feel as free on the market as the first two, the RAV4 easily managed to take advantage of its advantages. A successful combination of consumer qualities made it one of the most attractive offers on the market, even despite the impressive cost and competition. And the image of a ladies' car, rather, even contributed to the growth of sales.

We have our third Recreational Active Vehicle (transport for active recreation) appeared in 2006. Dynamic, excellent handling, comfortable car with a strong suspension and some off-road potential. At the beginning of 2009, along with a slight restyling, the debut of the 7-seater Long version took place, which, however, was not in particular demand. Well, the RAV4 underwent a serious modernization in 2010, when along with the changed appearance came a new 2.0-liter engine from Avensis with a progressive Valvematic system and a continuously variable transmission instead of the outdated 4-speed automatic. However, the extended Long modification, before the generation change in 2013, was traded with the old interior, 2.4 liter engine and automatic transmission.

Steering rack

■ Indeed weak point. Sometimes it begins to knock on uneven surfaces after a mileage of 60,000 km. For repairs, rod kits are available for sale, but they will not extend its life for long. Maximum for 10,000-20,000 km. For safety reasons, it is better to immediately replace the entire rack (RUB 20,000). There are no complaints about the electric power steering.

Transmission

■ Automatic and CVT do not like off-road adventures with slipping. Or haul heavy trailers. Some owners note slight jolts when switching from first to second gear on cars with automatic transmission. But this problem is rare and not very annoying. The main thing is not to forget to change the oil in the box every 60,000 km. By the way, on manual transmissions the lever sometimes bites in first gear.

Engine

■ All gasoline engines are considered trouble-free and easily digest domestic fuel. The timing chain drive is chain driven, and the chain lasts about 200,000 km. She announces the moment of replacement with an unpleasant, annoying strumming. 2.0 engines can be fueled with AI-92 and AI-95. While the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine is designed exclusively for the 92nd. Attachment belts usually run up to 60,000-70,000 km.

The basic version has a full set of safety equipment (7 airbags, ABS) plus full power accessories, air conditioning, “music” and so on. The top version “Prestige” sports leather, navigation and xenon. The “two-story” architecture of the dashboard and the design of the door cards remained distinctive feature interior Round shapes prevail along the perimeter of the center console, and its top is crowned with rectangular air deflectors

We take any motor

So, there were only three engines. At first, two naturally aspirated gasoline units: 148 hp. (2.0 l) and 170 hp. (2.4 l), and after restyling in 2010, the place of the 148-horsepower was taken by a 2.0-liter 158-horsepower engine. We do not take into account the 2.2-liter diesel or 3.5-liter gasoline engine from overseas markets. All three engines are distinguished by a high trouble-free service life of about 300,000 km. Further, even with regular, once every 10,000 km, oil changes, the production on the cylinders no longer allows them to be repaired. And the “oil burn”, which can appear at 150,000 km, is eliminated by replacing the piston rings.

Cost of RAV4 on the secondary market

It is impossible not to mention the RAV4 of the first years of production, which had a design defect - a leak in the cooling system pump. But almost all the cars were repaired under warranty then. And perhaps the only nuance that worries owners at the 150,000 km mark is the cooling radiator. Due to loss of tightness, it had to be replaced.

RAV4 transmissions, like engines, do not cause any particular problems. The key to their health is, again, regular oil changes. Even a CVT can boast of reliability. If you are choosing an all-wheel drive vehicle with a clutch in the rear differential, we recommend looking in the service book for records of oil changes in the above-mentioned unit. The interval should not exceed 40,000 km. A “jaded” differential will hum and then refuse to work at all, turning the car into a front-wheel drive one.

The RAV4 body can be considered an example of anti-corrosion resistance, although it should not be abused, since the paint is exclusively water-based. The leading edge of the hood begins to “bloom” first; they were even once repaired under warranty. The fifth door is deservedly considered the weak point. If there is a spare wheel hanging on it, this is a guarantee that the door hinges (5,000 rubles per set) have sagged and require replacement. There are, however, also versions without a spare wheel. They don't have such problems. RAV4 owners have a warm relationship with electrical equipment. Typical fault, in fact, one - a burnt-out rear brake light switch under the brake pedal. The plastic of the interior is quite hard, which is why it sometimes suffers from extraneous sounds, which complement the very noticeable flaws in sound insulation. The crossover literally transmits into the cabin the cheerful “song” of sand knocking on the inner surfaces of the wings.

Crossovers were invented by marketers who offered buyers a conventional set of off-road qualities at a hefty price. Add in the brand image, and you get the answer to the question of why the RAV4 is so slowly losing value in the secondary market. The third generation has lost its previous main feature - permanent all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the 3-door version is no longer available.

The chassis is strong. The only complaint is the stiff suspension, especially at the rear, but reliability is excellent. The front lower control arms will last up to 150,000 km, and the resource of the rear trailing arms is usually 100,000 km. The front shock absorbers are ready to last up to 100,000 km, and the rear ones are 50,000 longer. Silent blocks and anthers have the same resource, but they can suffer from urban reagents earlier. Brake pads at the front (RUB 5,200) and rear (RUB 4,200) can withstand 40,000-50,000 km, and the discs last twice as long.

In short, we have not found any contraindications for purchasing a used third-generation Toyota RAV4. Due to complete loyalty to 92-octane gasoline, the Americanized 2.4-liter engine looks preferable. Although 2.0-liter units are not a miss. We are not afraid of the CVT; all “childhood” sores, as a rule, were eliminated under warranty or by the previous owners. So, after checking the condition of the steering rack and the regularity of maintenance of the rear differential, you can safely take it. If, of course, there is enough money...

Text: Ilya Fisher, Photo: Toyota

Toyota RAV4 (A2) - production years 2000–2006 Engines 115 hp (D4-D) - 150 hp (2.0) Prices on the secondary market, rub. 380,000–720,000 An SUV with the Toyota nameplate is one of the most popular in the secondary market. Among the trump cards of the car of the penultimate generation are refined handling and excellent interior trim. And of course, high reliability - this is confirmed by the German technical control service TUV, which carries out maintenance in Germany. Only 3.2% of cars under three years of age failed the inspection the first time. This allowed the Toyota RAV4 to take 16th place in the TUV reliability rating out of 117 possible. For comparison: Hyundai Tucson is in 42nd position, Nissan X-Trail and Suzuki Grand Vitara share 52nd place. Over the years, the RAV4 does not lose its fortitude: five-year ratings are in 8th place, seven-year ratings are even higher, in 4th place. Overall rating The previous generation car was produced in two body styles, 3- and 5-door, with a wheelbase extended by 290 mm. In Russia, official Toyota dealers offered exclusively RAV4 with a 2-liter gasoline engine and permanent all-wheel drive. Not everyone knows that there is a 2x4 version of the SUV; these overseas examples are rare here. In terms of the possibilities of transforming the interior and transporting cargo, the car is practically not inferior to compact vans. Initially, the basic equipment of cars from the Old World included two airbags, after modernization in 2003 total quantity airbags and curtains reached eight.

Ride quality Independent suspensions provide the RAV4 with excellent handling and excellent comfort. TUV experts equally praise modifications with gasoline and diesel engines - flexible and high-torque, they give the crossover decent dynamics and acceptable efficiency. Flaws The meticulousness of TUV inspectors breaks against the wall of Japanese reliability. In their opinion, the second generation Toyota RAV4 has practically no weaknesses. Some owners complain that the battery drains quickly. On diesel versions with a manual transmission, towing a trailer often results in a reduction in clutch life. Overall rating By introducing the Recreational Active Vehicle in 1994, Toyota successfully entered into a new genre. The demand for a car that combines the features of a regular car and an SUV has exceeded all expectations. The first generation RAV4 was made according to the then biofashion, with soft body contours. For the role of family transport, it is better to choose a 5-door variation, since the three-door has very little space in the “gallery”. The car was also produced with an open body.

RAV4

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Toyota RAV4 (XA) - years of production 1994–2000 Engines 128 hp (2.0) Prices on the secondary market, rub. 210,000–330,000

Ride quality The only 2-liter 128-horsepower gasoline engine available for the RAV4 has a lively character and easily accelerates the car. RAV4 has limited opportunities on serious off-road conditions, but quite suitable for conquering country roads. Moreover, a locking rear differential was available as an option.

The first negative impression on customers appears already during a test drive, when they begin to pay attention to the hard plastic in the cabin, low level sound insulation and short-travel suspension, which penetrates potholes and large irregularities, and on a completely serviceable car. However, buyers reassure themselves that the main thing in a used car is its reliability, with which the Toyota RAV4 by and large Everything is fine. However, there are also nuances.

The crossover body is thoroughly protected from corrosion. True, we must remember that paint coating weak - chips and scratches quickly appear on the surface. External decor parts suffer from deicing agents. The windshield is not particularly hard, and scratches remain even from a plastic scraper. When buying a car, check the condition of the rear door hinges, which sags after five years of life due to the weight of the spare tire hung on it. At the same time, make sure that the door does not rattle while driving. Otherwise, bargain for 10,000-12,000 rubles - approximately how much it will cost to replace the lock with installation.

In the Russian market, the Toyota RAV4 was sold with gasoline “fours” of 2 and 2.4 liters with a capacity of 152 and 170 hp, respectively. With. The two-liter unit was paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.4-liter unit was paired with only an automatic transmission. After restyling in 2009, the engines began to be combined with a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. Motors do not have any congenital problems - they are generally problem-free. We can only note very relative problems with the clutches of the Dual VVT-i variable valve timing system, which fail after 100,000 km. True, they are not so expensive - from 12,000 rubles, and replacement is not so burdensome. Usually, along with the clutch, the water pump (4,000-7,000 rubles) and the drive belt with rollers (from 5,000 rubles) are updated, which rarely last more than 100,000 km. It is worth noting that the dynamics of a crossover with a two-liter engine and automatic transmission are not suitable for every RAV4 owner. Therefore, when buying a car, be sure to test it on the go. If you don’t like it, you can take a closer look at a modification with a 2.4-liter engine or even a 3.5-liter V6, which was installed on American versions of the crossover.

The five-speed “mechanics” is trouble-free and durable, and the clutch mechanism lasts 150,000-200,000 km. The same can be said about the good old “automatic”, which was installed on the second generation of the model. It will not cause any trouble with adequate operation and periodic oil changes. Formally, the transmission is sealed in the box for its entire service life, but service technicians recommend changing the automatic transmission oil at least once every 100,000 km. Do not forget about lubrication of the front and rear gearboxes - the regulations require replacement every 40,000 km. Moreover, if this is not particularly important for the front, then for the rear, stitching is unacceptable. The fact is that it is assembled in a single unit with a “wet” electric coupling for connecting the rear drive. The subtlety lies in the small volume of oil poured into the crankcase of this unit - only 0.55 liters. From replacement to replacement it practically loses its protective properties, so overrunning is highly undesirable. Because it can lead to expensive repairs.

The independent suspension of the Toyota RAV4 - MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear - will not break the bank. Even stabilizer struts and bushings (6,000 rubles), as well as shock absorbers (4,000 rubles each) can withstand up to 120,000 km or more. Ball joints (2,000 rubles each) are made separately from the lever and last up to 180,000 km. The only weak point is in the suspension, in particular in brake system, - wedging calipers. As a rule, they are lubricated at every maintenance, but if the “wedge is caught”, you will have to buy a repair kit for calipers for 2300 ₽

The steering rack on the first copies, due to a design miscalculation, after a run of 50,000 km, began to knock when driving over uneven surfaces. Moreover, with such a defect you can safely drive for as long as you like. After 2008, the unit was modernized and the problem went away. It is noteworthy that many workshops that restore this mechanism for the RAV4 have learned how to repair it inexpensively and efficiently. The service life of the steering rack is 150,000 km, and the price of a new part is from 28,000 rubles.

As already mentioned, the Rafik’s suspension is quite short-travel, which significantly reduces comfort when driving on bad roads. When it is applied sharply “all the way”, a noticeable shock is transmitted to the body. To avoid this, owners usually replace shock absorbers with more energy-intensive models from well-known manufacturers.

The electrical equipment of the crossover generally works flawlessly. You can only complain about the low capacity of the standard battery and the loss of contacts in the brake light switch. But these are all minor things. On vehicles with a keyless entry system with an RFID key, remember to change the battery every 18 months.

...In general, a used Toyota RAV4 is a good option to buy. The car is trouble-free and durable, for it it is offered large selection available spare parts. But excessive popularity has played a cruel joke on it - today a five-year-old crossover is sold for 1,000,000 rubles, and some copies are even 10-15% more expensive. It is clear that it is endowed with high liquidity, due to which it very slowly loses value. However, for the same money you can buy a more prestigious European crossover of the same age, such as, for example, a BMW X3 or Volvo XC60.

The third generation Toyota RAV4 (designation CA30W) went on sale in its homeland in November 2005, and in December in the USA and Canada. A little later, the RAV4 reached Europe. In 2010, the compact crossover was restyled. As a result, the head and rear optics and radiator grille have changed. The range of power units and gearboxes has been slightly adjusted.

Toyota RAV4 (2006 - 2008)

The three-door version will no longer be seen in this generation. It is worth noting that the American market offered cars with an extended wheelbase - 2.66 m versus 2.56 m.

Thanks to the tailgate, which opens to the right, the RAV 4 still looks like a small SUV. The spare tire hangs on the tailgate, unnecessarily straining the hinges. But there are copies without a spare wheel. They were equipped as standard with expensive run flat tires with a metal insert, allowing them to get to the nearest tire shop after a puncture.

The trunk is noticeably larger than its predecessor. When folding the rear seatback, a small threshold is created.

Engines

Before restyling, the European Toyota RAV4 was equipped with 2.0 liter gasoline engines (1AZ-FE) with a power of 152 hp. and 2.4 l (2AZ-FE) - 170 hp. The American version came with gasoline engines: 2.4 l and V6 3.5 l (2GR-FE) - 269 hp. After restyling, in European versions the 1AZ-FE gave way to the updated 2.0 l (3ZR-FE) with an output of 158 hp, and in the American 2AZ-FE it gave way to the 2AR-FE (2.5 l / 170 hp). There are RAV4 and s diesel engines displacement 2.2 l (2AD-FHV / 136 hp and 2AD-FTV / 177 hp).

All gasoline engines are generally reliable and do not cause any trouble. In exceptional cases, it becomes necessary to replace leaking oil seals. Owners of restyled Toyota RAV4 with a 2.0 liter gasoline engine note that the engine is noisier: diesel, clattering. This feature is caused by the Valvematic system, designed for smooth change valve lift heights.

2.4 liter engines often begin to “take oil” with a mileage of more than 70-100 thousand km - about 2-3 liters from replacement to replacement.

The idyll is spoiled by the liquid cooling system pump (pump), which often begins to leak after 40-60 thousand km. In some cases, it reaches 80-100 thousand km. The cost of the pump from an official dealer is about 5,000 rubles. In auto parts stores, an original pump can be found for 3-4 thousand rubles, an analogue - for 1.5-2 thousand rubles. The work of replacing auto mechanics is estimated at 2-3 thousand rubles.

A “squirrel tail” can grow out of the exhaust pipe after 40-60 thousand kilometers. This is a poorly secured internal thermal and sound insulation of the muffler. With a mileage of more than 50-80 thousand km, the tensioner or guide roller of the drive belt of mounted units often begins to make noise.

Diesel engines are slightly less reliable than their gasoline counterparts. Fuel injectors operate reliably up to 200-300 thousand km. But there is one serious flaw. After 150,000 km, microcracks appear around the liners. As a result, the gasket under the head of the block burns out, and the coolant disappears without a trace. Repairs can only be performed once.

On the RAV4, there was a once widely known problem with Toyota cars - the gas pedal sticking in the pressed position. Real cases are isolated. Toyota officially announced that the cause was the floor mats getting under the pedal. But few people know that CTS pedals were required to install an additional metal plate to ensure that the pedal returns to its original position. DENSO pedals do not have such modifications.

Transmission

An electromagnetic clutch is responsible for the distribution of torque between the axles. The coupling seals may leak after 50-100 thousand km. With a mileage of more than 100-150 thousand km, the clutch may hum. The reason is the loss of properties of the lubricant embedded in the bearing during assembly. A new bearing costs about 700-900 rubles, replacing it will cost 1.5-2 thousand rubles. The price of a new electric coupling assembly is about 20-25 thousand rubles.

The axle seals of the front and rear gearboxes may leak after 50-100 thousand km. A little later, with a mileage of more than 100-150 thousand km, the shank of the front or rear gearbox begins to “snot”.

It is worth noting that not all versions had an all-wheel drive system. Therefore, when inspecting, you should look under the car and check for the presence of a rear differential. If the car is all-wheel drive, then there must be a transmission lock button in the cabin.

The engines are paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. After restyling, the 5-speed manual transmission was replaced by a six-speed gearbox, and a CVT was installed with the 2.0 liter engine. All boxes are generally reliable and have no serious complaints, with a few exceptions. Thus, owners of RAV 4 with a 5-speed manual transmission note that the lever “bites” in first gear. It is possible to turn off the speed only after squeezing the clutch twice. Owners also note a slight howl when driving in 1st and 2nd gears. The clutch lasts more than 150-200 thousand km.

Toyota RAV4 (2008 - 2010)

The automatic transmission may “lock up” after replacing the working fluid, and not immediately, but after several tens of kilometers. Such cases are not uncommon. Official dealers confirm the presence of a similar problem and recommend changing the oil after a mileage of about 60 thousand km. If the mileage has already far exceeded these figures, then it is better to ride until the last minute. Dealers do not talk about the reasons for the failure of the box.

Chassis

One of Toyota's service campaigns is checking and replacing the lower rear suspension arms. When assembling the RAV4, due to insufficient tightening of the nuts during operation, they weaken, which leads to a deviation in the alignment of the rear axle wheels and a decrease in stability on the high speeds. In addition, breakdowns appear on uneven surfaces.

The front stabilizer bar bushings last more than 30-50 thousand km. The struts “live” longer – up to 80-100 thousand km. The cost of a new bushing from dealers is about 1.5 thousand rubles, in spare parts stores - about 400-500 rubles, analogues are even cheaper - 200-300 rubles. The work of replacing bushings is estimated by dealers at 1.5 thousand rubles. The rear stabilizer struts and bushings have been used for more than 100 thousand km.

With a mileage of 60-100 thousand km, the front shock absorbers begin to “sweat”. The cost of the original shock absorber in “auto parts” is not much different from the dealer price - about 5-7 thousand rubles. The analogue is 2 times cheaper (about 3 thousand rubles). The rear shock absorbers are more durable, their service life is more than 150-200 thousand km. The silent blocks of the levers last the same amount of time.

Wheel bearings run more than 100-150 thousand km. They are replaced together with the hub. The cost of a new hub is about 5-6 thousand rubles, and replacement work is about 1-1.5 thousand rubles.

As a rule, there are no complaints about the braking system. In rare cases, it is necessary to replace a failed ABS sensor.

Knocks in the steering are not uncommon after 40-80 thousand km. As a rule, the culprit is either the steering cardan (4-5 thousand rubles), or the steering shaft (from 5 to 11 thousand rubles), or the steering rack (20-25 thousand rubles). Steering rods last more than 100 thousand km, but the manufacturer does not provide for their replacement. Steering rods only come with a new rack. But you can pick up an analogue for 700-800 rubles and replace it.

Conclusion

The third generation Toyota RAV4 is a completely reliable and practical car. You should only be wary of diesel versions. Gasoline engines practically do not break.

Technical characteristics of Toyota RAV4 (2006-2013)

Engine	2.0 VVT-i		2.2 D-4D	2.2 D-4D	2.2 D-CAT
Working volume
Type/timing drive	gasoline/chain	gasoline/chain	turbodiesel/chain	turbodiesel/chain	turbodiesel/chain
Power
Torque

Speed
Fuel consumption	9.0 l/100 km	12.4 l / 100 km	6.6 l/100 km	6.2 l/100 km	7.0 l/100 km

Problems with the body of Toyota RAV 4. Third generation Toyota RAV4. Don't forget about prevention

RAV4

Engines

Transmission

Chassis

Other problems and malfunctions

Conclusion

Technical characteristics of Toyota RAV4 (2006-2013)