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1997 Toyota RAV4 problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Toyota RAV4 is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical RAV4 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
54
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
52
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21-23mpg

The worst 1997 Toyota RAV4 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    12
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Body
    6
  • Airbags
    5
  • Brakes
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Electrical
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Seats
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Toyota RAV4

Stalling 8Engine failure 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Toyota RAV4 52

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 52 bulletins for the 1997 Toyota RAV4

1997 Toyota RAV4 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD212623
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD192421

What 1997 Toyota RAV4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 15, 2019 · Electrical · LA

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 .

Filed Feb 19, 2016 · Body · NE

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

Filed Apr 24, 2015 · Engine · 63,964 miles · NJ

Received warranty enhancement notice-ze7, as instructed, dealer test was performed. Oil loss totals under 1qt. For ea. 1200 miles driven. Was told this did not qualify for repair. My concern is this: toyota service required for oil change is every 5,000 miles. My car has excessive oil consumption of just under 1qt per 1,200 miles, so driving 5,000 miles would effectively burn 4qts., or more, thereby starving engine for oil and resulting in engine failure. Service department advised me to keep checking oil level, and add oil as required. I am disappointed in toyota's solution to this problem and advised them of my opinion. I am able to add oil as required, but questioned customer service about other senior citizen's ability to self maintain the oil level, or for that matter, any consumer that has this problem. Toyota has assigned me a case number from regional ca. Office. I was told that perhaps toyota will change qualification requirements so that at 5,000 miles, oil consumption would not result in engine starvation and failure. Also, in my case continue to monitor oil loss, and if it increases in volume, come back to dealer and test again. I think that design failure due to manufacturing defect should be fully covered under this warranty enhancement notification that was mailed to me.

Filed Mar 6, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 100,000 miles · MD

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 .

Filed Jul 4, 2014 · Body · 135,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Dec 3, 2013 · Body · 110,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Mar 27, 2012 · Body · 108,000 miles · WI

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

Filed Mar 21, 2012 · Body · 108,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Oct 14, 2011 · Body · 165,920 miles · KY

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

Filed Mar 19, 2010 · Acceleration · 143,000 miles · MI

Gas pedal sticks.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Toyota RAV4 before you buy

Compare the 1997 Toyota RAV4

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1997 Toyota RAV4

Is the 1997 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Owners have filed 54 complaints about the 1997 Toyota RAV4, fewer than a typical RAV4 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Toyota RAV4?

Engine and cooling, with 12 complaints. Next is acceleration (7).

How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Toyota RAV4 have bad engine?

The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most engine complaints are 2007 (236 complaints), 2019 (216 complaints) and 2020 (193 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Toyota RAV4 range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 26 highway.

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