1999 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 PER YEAR
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 | 314 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1004 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 303 |
| 2016 | 238 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 331 |
| 2019 | 876 |
| 2020 | 634 |
| 2021 | 385 |
| 2022 | 143 |
| 2023 | 153 |
| 2024 | 172 |
| 2025 | 85 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A STOP WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130807
23% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I lost control of the vehicle and I overcorrected causing the car to go airborne. I hit head on into an embankment then continued to roll 3or 4 times before stopping.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240131
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
HEAD ON COLLISION -AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY-FRACTURING STERNUM,RIBS AND INJURING RIGHT SHOULDER. PRE-TENSIONER ON SEAT BELT FAILED ALSO. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030510
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
PRODUCT SAFETY DUE TO NON DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS. DT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021115
10% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140610
Also filed under SUSPENSION
10% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and front underhood.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL WIRING SHORT. MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 19990930
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 12 HOURS, FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO THE INSULATION BY THE FUSE BOX CATCHING ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990902
8% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS USED ON 1998-1998 TOYOTA RAV4, AVALON, AND SIENNA MODEL VEHICLES DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. IN THE STATES OF ALABAM
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE LABEL ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM HARNESS AND ANY DISPLAYING THE MANUFACTURING/FINAL DATE CODE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY PRODUCED HARNESSES. THE DATE CODES ARE: RAV4 -
Campaign 98E035000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING LOCK ROD.
Campaign 00V211000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DISC BRAKE ROTORS. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS AND STEEL WHEELS WITH NEW DISC BRAKE ROTORS AND NEW ALUMINUM
Campaign 00V212000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator.
Campaign 20V033000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS (TDS) SUPPLIED BY AUDIOVOX CORPORATION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE LABEL ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM HARNESS AND ANY DISPLAYING THE MANUFACTURING/FINAL DATE CODE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY PRODUCED HARNESSES.
Campaign 98V278000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V278000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98E035000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V211000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V212000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V033000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Toyota RAV4 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Toyota RAV4 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.