Model year record

2000 Toyota RAV4 recalls & problems

The 2000 Toyota RAV4 has 3 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is vehicle speed control (7 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints30filed by owners

Crashes · fires5 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 2reported in complaints

2000 Toyota RAV4 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsJan 22, 2020

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 20V033000138,842 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Power trainAug 9, 2000

Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

Recall 00V211000756 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING LOCK ROD.

Service brakes, airAug 9, 2000

Disc › Rotor

Recall 00V212000780 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2000 Toyota RAV4 4-DR. 4x4

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Range & efficiency

RAV4 EV EV

88mi range

Efficiency	47 kWh/100 mi
MPGe city / hwy / comb	81 / 64 / 72

2-Wheel Drive · about $1,050/year to charge

RAV4 2WD

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

RAV4 2WD

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

RAV4 Soft Top 2WD

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

RAV4 Soft Top 2WD

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

RAV4 Soft Top 4WD

22mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

RAV4 4WD

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

RAV4 4WD

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

RAV4 Soft Top 4WD

21mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Vehicle speed control	7	3	0	50,000 mi
Power trainManual transmission; Automatic transmission	6	0	0	65,000 mi
Tires	3	2	4	—
VisibilityWindshield	3	0	0	—
WheelsSpace saver wheel; Rim	3	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Fuel injection system	2	0	0	—
StructureFrame and members; Body	2	0	0	—
Engine	2	0	0	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	1	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage	1	0	0	—
Suspension	1	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however,…
Nov 3, 2025 · 172,000 miles
Structure › Body
SENT FOR INSPECTION FAILED FOR BAD CONTROL ARM AND FOR RUSTED OUT ENGINE CRADLE NEEDS REPLACED
Jul 29, 2015 · 203,814 miles
Engine
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.
Jun 28, 2015 · 169,266 miles
Engine
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS REMAINS ON THOUGH THERE IS NOT AN ISSUE THAT CAN BE FOUND BY ANY REPAIR SHOPS. *TR
Feb 2, 2009
Power train
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.
Jul 5, 2005 · 62,000 miles
Vehicle speed controlCrash
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. *TR
Jul 31, 2000 · 3,894 miles
Suspension
THE ENGINE CRADLE AND CONTROL ARMS ARE PREMATURELY CORRODED. THERE ARE UNUSUALLY LARGE HOLES IN THE STEEL. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. *JS
Apr 10, 2012 · 96,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members
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. *TR
May 4, 2011 · 108,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.