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2000 Toyota RAV4 problems

The most common problem on the 2000 Toyota RAV4 is acceleration and speed control, typically around 50,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical RAV4 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
30
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
80
Worst area
Acceleration
Fuel economy
21-23mpg

The worst 2000 Toyota RAV4 problems

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

  • Acceleration
    7
  • Transmission
    5
  • Tires
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Wheels
    3

Problems by type

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

  • Acceleration
    7
  • Transmission
    5
  • Tires
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Wheels
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 22, 2020 · 138,842 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.

Recall number 20V033000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switchReported August 9, 2000 · 756 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility electric vehicles. If the subject vehicles are repeatedly parked by placing the shift lever into the "p" position without applying the parking brake, the parking lock rod, a component of the transmission parking lock system, could break.
Risk
This condition can render the system inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the parking lock rod.

Recall number 00V211000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: disc: rotorReported August 9, 2000 · 780 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility electric vehicles. The front disc brake rotor, when equipped with steel wheels, can develop stress fractures if the lug nuts are tightened with excessive torque.
Risk
The disc rotor could break (where it mounts to the wheel), resulting in a loss of braking action on that wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the disc brake rotors. If the vehicle is equipped with steel wheels, toyota will replace the front disc brake rotors and steel wheels with new disc brake rotors and new aluminum wheels. In addition a caution label that reads, "use new genuine toyota aluminum wheels." will be affixed. Vehicles already equipped with aluminum wheels will only require caution label installation.

Recall number 00V212000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2000 Toyota RAV4

Technical service bulletins for the 2000 Toyota RAV4 80

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

See all 80 bulletins for the 2000 Toyota RAV4

2000 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‑cylFWD2126-2723
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD19-2023-2421-22
Electric motor Electric 88 mi range2WD816472 MPGe

What 2000 Toyota RAV4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Electrical · 172,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while inspecting the battery, there were white hard stains on the battery and the parts holding the battery in place, causing the battery to move independently, allowing the battery to leak. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic. The battery was replaced at Jiffy Lube, and the contact was informed that a screw was missing and that the battery was loose. The contact was informed to be careful while driving the vehicle. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 172,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2015 · Body · 203,814 miles · NY

Sent for inspection failed for bad control arm and for rusted out engine cradle needs replaced

Filed Jul 1, 2015 · Airbags, Engine · 169,266 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota rav4. While driving 60 MPH, there was a loud noise coming from the engine and the air bag light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,266.

Filed Feb 1, 2015 · Engine · CT

The check engine light is always remains on though there is not an issue that can be found by any repair shops.

Filed Jul 30, 2013 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle slipped out of fifth gear without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000 and the current mileage was 145,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 3,894 miles · CT · crash

I sent information previously re my mother's accident but did not have the VIN. She was involved in a single car, fatal front-end mva into a small, resulting in what the mechanic called "incredible damage to engine - it caused more internal damage than you'd think" and he wondered about high speed. I am asking you to look into the possibility of rapid acceleration vs brake issue, resulting in a higher energy (than would be expected) crash. I have the police report etc. Previously, she had never even received a ticket (and was almost 59 yrs old). Thank you.

Filed Apr 16, 2012 · Suspension · 96,000 miles · MA

The engine cradle and control arms are prematurely corroded. There are unusually large holes in the steel. Vehicle is unsafe.

Filed May 4, 2011 · Body · 108,000 miles · NY

I have a 2000 toyota rav4 that will not pass nys safety inspection, because of a rusted front engine subframe. This is an important component of the frame and seems that it is defective early in the cars lifespan, the car has 108k miles on it.

Filed Feb 24, 2011 · Acceleration · CT · crash

Toyota crashed into tree, resulting in fatal injuries that may be consistent with high speed accident, no deceleration. 59 yr old driver had never been in an accident before. New toyota rav4. Mechanic remarked on damage to vehicle given location of accident. Updated 03/04/11 *bf

Filed Apr 9, 2010 · Acceleration · 170,000 miles · MN

Was traveling approximately 45 MPH in a 2000 toyota rav4. Moved to left lane to pass and accelerated to approx. 49 MPH. Accelerator jolted to a very high RPM and speed increased dramatically. Moved into a left hand turn lane; and put the vehicle into "neutral". After 10-12 seconds the vehicle's acceleration returned to idle. Reported to (2) toyota dealerships. I was not aware of any notice or recall for this year/model of toyota.

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Compare the 2000 Toyota RAV4

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2000 Toyota RAV4

Is the 2000 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2000 Toyota RAV4, fewer than a typical RAV4 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Toyota RAV4?

Acceleration and speed control, with 7 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles. Next is transmission (5).

How many recalls does the 2000 Toyota RAV4 have?

3 recalls, covering air bags, power train and service brakes, air.

What year does the Toyota RAV4 have the most acceleration problems?

The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most acceleration complaints are 2007 (101 complaints), 2009 (99 complaints) and 2008 (92 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2000 Toyota RAV4 get?

Official estimates for the 2000 Toyota RAV4 range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 26-27 highway.

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