Toyota RAV4 Common Problems and Solutions
Sudden Loss of Electrics (4th Gen)
Problem:
All of your electrics have suddenly gone.
Solution:
This is a potentially dangerous problem so don’t ignore it. Have a look at your battery and make sure that the positive battery terminal isn't coming in contact with the battery’s hold-down frame. If it is, separate and secure so that they are kept apart because you could end up with a catastrophic engine fire.
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Vibrating Brake Pedal
Problem:
The brake pedal is vibrating whenever you apply it. The steering wheel may wobble as well.
Solution:
Warped brake discs are fairly common on the RAV-4, especially if you've been doing some heavy towing. Replacing brake discs is easy enough, and you can have new discs delivered when you order from our online store.
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Brake Disc
Screenwash Not Working
Problem:
There are no warning lights lit, but your screenwash is no longer working.
Solution:
This is one of the most commonly reported issues with the RAV-4, and it takes a lot of drivers by surprise. The fault is simply that your screenwash reservoir is too low, and the RAV doesn’t have a warning light for the screenwash. Just top it up, and it will be fine again.
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Rear Boot Door Not Opening Fully
Problem:
The rear boot door is not opening all the way.
Solution:
This is a well-known quirk of those RAV-4s that have the spare wheel on the back. The good news is that you can retrofit the hinge mechanism very easily, and we have plenty of high-spec options to choose from.
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Bootlid Hinge Set
Rough Idle and Fuel Odour
Problem:
The car is idling rough, and you can smell fuel inside the car. You’re also going through more fuel than you used to.
Solution:
It’s likely that your fuel injectors were not secured correctly and that you now have one or more loose fuel injectors. Inspect them by giving them a shake, and if there’s any play then you need to secure them to resolve the issue. In some cases, you may need to order replacement injectors from our parts list.
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Fuel Injector
Fuel Leaking
Problem:
You have noticed that you are leaking fuel.
Solution:
Check your low-pressure return hose, which is the likely location of the leak. If your RAV is still under warranty, then a Toyota dealer will usually replace the hose for free. However, we always have these hoses in stock, and it’s an easy repair job to do yourself.
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Emergency Calling System Malfunction
Problem:
Your emergency calling system doesn’t work.
Solution:
If your RAV-4 was built between October 31st, 2018, and April 6th, 2019, then there’s a good chance that your emergency calling system wasn’t enabled. Head to any Toyota dealer, and they will be able to activate it for you for free.
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Stalling Engine
Problem:
The car has started to stall regularly.
Solution:
If you've got more than 100,000 miles on the clock, then there’s a good chance that your idle air control motor has carboned up. That’s causing the engine to stall. Try cleaning the valves first, as this may sort the issue out. In most cases, though, you will need to clean out the throttle body and replace the idle air control motor with a new one from BreakerYard.
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Auto Gear Change Errors (All Automatics)
Problem:
Your automatic RAV-4 is not changing gears or is moving into the wrong gear.
Solution:
This only tends to happen to those RAVs with a lot of miles on the clock. It’s most likely the throttle position sensor being knocked out of place, which you can simply adjust. If that’s not the problem, then your shift solenoid will need to be replaced, which is a quick and easy job to do yourself. We always have solenoids available to order.
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Steering Wheel Vibration
Problem:
The steering wheel is vibrating excessively, and you may hear a clunking noise.
Solution:
Some of the RAV-4s built in 2019 will develop cracks on the front lower suspension arms. If you’re experiencing a vibrating steering wheel, then those cracks have got worse, and the arms have broken. If your RAV is still under warranty, then you should have this repaired for free. If not, then you can find replacement suspension arms in the BreakerYard store.
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Lower Suspension Arm
Loss of Brake Power
Problem:
The brakes have lost a lot of power, and it takes a long time to come to a stop.
Solution:
If your RAV-4 was built between April and June 2019, then the brake booster pump has been interrupted by an electrical connection. It’s likely that you will have to replace the brake booster pump assembly completely. Type in your registration number on our homepage, and you’ll find the replacement very quickly.
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