1997 Toyota RAV4
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 54
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
19% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 54 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 77 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 309 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 315 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 705 |
| 2007 | 1,004 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 332 |
| 2019 | 883 |
| 2020 | 639 |
| 2021 | 388 |
| 2022 | 145 |
| 2023 | 163 |
| 2024 | 175 |
| 2025 | 91 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
19% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
My rav 4 - 57348 miles. It started making a tapping sound in the engine and it has makes a metal on metal vibration upon acceleration and especially when I make a gradual left turn and decelerate. I brought it into the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-08
Vehicle speed control
13% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing linkages and cruise control.
Structure
11% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing underbody shields and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
We took our 1997 RAV4 to the mechanic for a routine tire rotation and oil change. The mechanic informed us the subframe was severely rusted and dangerous to drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-03
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance where they detected that the entire subframe was completely rusted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-27
The sub-frame is rusting out and I have been told it is dangerous to drive. Toyota has told me there is nothing they can do.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-21
Power train
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission.
Air bags
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving and approaching a steep hill at 35 MPH, and upon going down a hill, vehicle fish tailed out of control. Hitting a median strip. Consumer had to swerve right, and went into a tail spin out of control.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-14
Vehicle was involved in two accidents in which there was no deployment of driver's or passenger's side airbags. The final accident was a direct frontal impact at 40 MPH in which driver was hurt. Cause of problem unknown.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-07-14
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Toyota RAV4 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota RAV4?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.