VehicleVerdict

1997 Toyota RAV4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1997 Toyota RAV4 is among the quieter years of the RAV4 on NHTSA's books: 61 complaints (82% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (13), speed control (7), and transmission (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

61

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other RAV4 years?

RAV4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted1,240 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 54 complaints1997: 61 complaints1998: 92 complaints1999: 75 complaints2000: 34 complaints2001: 418 complaints2002: 682 complaints2003: 392 complaints2004: 182 complaints2005: 168 complaints2006: 880 complaints2007: 1,240 complaints2008: 708 complaints2009: 397 complaints2010: 498 complaints2011: 402 complaints2012: 357 complaints2013: 331 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 399 complaints2016: 291 complaints2017: 408 complaints2018: 435 complaints2019: 1,168 complaints2020: 795 complaints2021: 505 complaints2022: 206 complaints2023: 234 complaints2024: 250 complaints2025: 101 complaints
RAV4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RAV4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Toyota RAV4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1321%
Speed Control711%
Transmission610%
Body & Structure610%
Airbags58%
Brakes58%
Seat Belts35%
Electrical System35%
Tires & Wheels35%
Fuel System35%
Seats23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Lighting12%
Steering12%
Suspension12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. THEY SAY IT MAY BE THAT THE LIFTERS ARE A BIT WORN AND THAT THIS WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 3, 2003 · crash · fire

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD COMING TO A RED LIGHT CONSUMER TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE, CONSUMER TRIED TO PUT ON BRAKES AND PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE, CONSUMER SWERVED HITTING A SCHOOL BUS THAT WAS CROSSING IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO A MECHANIC, AND HE SAID IT WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 23, 2000 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 5, 2015

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 18, 2016

“WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STEEP HILL AT 35 MPH, AND UPON GOING DOWN A HILL, VEHICLE FISH TAILED OUT OF CONTROL. HITTING A MEDIAN STRIP. CONSUMER HAD TO SWERVE RIGHT, AND WENT INTO A TAIL SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE SEAT BELT EITHER RELEASED OR BROKE. THE ROOF CAVED IN. ALL THE WINDOWS BROKE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 5, 2005 · crash

1997 Toyota RAV4 — common questions

Is the 1997 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 61 NHTSA complaints, below the typical RAV4 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1997 RAV4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), speed control (7 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota RAV4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RAV4 years to avoid are 2007, 2019, 2006, 2020, 2008, 2002. The cleanest record among RAV4 years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.