MYRModel Year Report

1997 Toyota RAV4

▲ Better than typical
1997 Toyota RAV4
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:50:14.260Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota RAV4 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1994: 4 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaints 1996: 47 complaints 1997: 54 complaints 1997 1998: 77 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 2000: 30 complaints 2001: 309 complaints 2002: 527 complaints 2002 2003: 314 complaints 2004: 153 complaints 2005: 141 complaints 2006: 704 complaints 2006 2007: 1003 complaints 2008: 575 complaints 2009: 327 complaints 2010: 400 complaints 2010 2011: 286 complaints 2012: 260 complaints 2013: 255 complaints 2014: 194 complaints 2014 2015: 302 complaints 2016: 234 complaints 2017: 301 complaints 2018: 327 complaints 2018 2019: 867 complaints 2020: 624 complaints 2021: 375 complaints 2022: 132 complaints 2022 2023: 140 complaints 2024: 161 complaints 2025: 69 complaints 2025
1997: 54 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19944
19951
199647
199754
199877
199962
200030
2001309
2002527
2003314
2004153
2005141
2006704
20071003
2008575
2009327
2010400
2011286
2012260
2013255
2014194
2015302
2016234
2017301
2018327
2019867
2020624
2021375
2022132
2023140
2024161
202569

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.

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, 20131203

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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, 20030308

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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 CONF

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.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2000 ▲ 1996 ▲ 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ■ 2019 ■ 2006

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:engine:gasoline, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.