2005 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.
42% of complaints: air bags — 59 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY CAR WAS A TOYOTA RAV4 BASIC MODEL 2005 BOUGHT TOYOTA PURCHASE AT DEALER IN (LA,CA)， A CAR ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON JUNE 09, 2017 AND ANOTHER CAR ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY 26, 2018; THE SECOND ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A LACK OF WORK ON MY CAR...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180528
MY WIFE WAS HIT IN A HEAD ON COLLISION THAT DID OVER $8,000 IN DAMAGE IN THE TOYOTA, 2005 , RAV 4.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070711
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS A 2005 TOYOTA RAV4. A 13 YEAR OLD WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITHOUT PERMISSION, AND BECAME AFRAID WHEN THE POLICE BEGAN CHASIED HIM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20061226
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On 10/1/2022 in Berwick, PA while pulling into the Dollar Tree parking lot, smoke appeared in the passenger cabin and the vehicle accelerated on it's own. The brakes were applied and the vehicle continue to accelerate.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221004
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
8% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
6% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH A
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 06V096000 — check if this car was fixed
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT S
Campaign 10V036000 — check if this car was fixed
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECAL
Campaign 10V035000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005.
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge.
Campaign 15V284000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.
Campaign 19V741000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (59 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V096000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V036000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V035000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V284000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V741000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Toyota RAV4 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 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.