Most common 1997 Toyota RAV4 problems
Share of the 54 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota RAV4 complaints by model year
Best RAV4 years: 2014. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025. Compare all years →
What 1997 Toyota RAV4 owners say
Engine & cooling
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. …
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 .
Speed control & acceleration
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 .
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 design flaw, a cover that covers acceleration cable assembly, it fell into place and locked acceleration open. Investigation by independent group indicated that the accident was the result of failed/ stuck accelerator.
Body & structure
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 updated 05/21/12
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.
1997 Toyota RAV4 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 26 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 26 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Toyota RAV4 a good car?
Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 RAV4 rates better than average: 82% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RAV4 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Toyota RAV4?
The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the speed control & acceleration (7) and body & structure (6).
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Toyota RAV4. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota RAV4?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025. See the full Toyota RAV4 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota RAV4 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 113,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.