1997 Toyota RAV4: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 54 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle alarm add on module and harness were found to be faulty and has shorted out upon inspection of module I have found burnt circuits . Vehicle is unable to start also leading to believe the ecm has been effected .”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2019
“1997 rav4 awd 109000 dealer serviced took in for a oil change 2/18/16 dealer informed me that the cradle assy has a tennis ball size hole in it near next to left control arm , $2361.30 to replace or junk the vehicle not safe to drive, vehicle serviced every 5000 miles and its brought to my attention now, my 22 yr old daughter has been driving this vehicle the last 6 1/2 yrs a very poor design by toyota”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2016
“Rav 4 toyota 1997-was unable to drive more than 30 miles without the rpr increased without control, transmission and engine become extremely hot, fluids were drained . Car sent to darcars toyota thermostat was replaced, and now facing severe transmission issues, because lack of recall rpr 's issue very detrimental and risky . *tr”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“My son was driving, hit a pothole, and the sub frame completely broke in half. Upon inspection, I found that it had been rotting out from the top. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2014
“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. I did some research on the problem and found out it is a common occurrence with all rav4's and that toyota refuses to accept responsibility for a major design flaw in these vehicles. I've never heard of this happening in other vehicles I've owned. My mechanic whom I trust implicitly said they've replaced many sub frames on these vehicles exclusively. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2013
“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. *js”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2012
“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. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer for a second opinion. The technician informed the contact that the body frame would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000. Updated 05/11/12 *bf updated 05/21/12”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2012
“I took my vehicle in for some routine maintenance to be done and was called to come in by the mechanic. He showed me under my car, more specifically the frame on my car. It had extensive rust damage. The rust was not just on the surface, but had large holes eaten away within the entire frame. The body of the vehicle is in very good condition. The mechanic stated it was not safe to drive, because of the holes/damage on the frame. He did not think it was normal wear. Updated 10/20/11 *bf”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2011
“My 1997 toyota rav 4 gas pedal was sticking I took it to two place they suggested that it was dangerous to keep driving the vehicle. I took it to dealership they fixed it. Was my vehicle a recall. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2009
“Dt: the contact stated the driver's side seat shifted forward and backwards. Also, engine check light appeared. Took vehicle to dealer, who replaced gas recirculation valve (egr valve). *ak”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact RAV4 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
NHTSA has 54 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Toyota RAV4. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota RAV4 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 111,500 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.