1997 Toyota Rav4 Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1997 Toyota Rav4. Part of Generation 1 — 1996–2000.

19961998
Complaints
61
Crashes
10
Fires
2
Injuries
7
Fatalities
Recalls
0

Worst 1997 Toyota Rav4 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#17 complaints

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

#25 complaints

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Avg mileage:141,000 mi
#34 complaints

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Avg mileage:120,667 mi
Considering a 1997 Toyota Rav4?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Toyota Rav4.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE7
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION5141,000 mi
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4120,667 mi
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL32
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE311
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS3136,973 mi
AIR BAGS22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
ENGINE281,982 mi
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS21
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2108,000 mi
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)1113,000 mi
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
POWER TRAIN1100,000 mi
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY11
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR11
SEATS1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER1113,000 mi
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR1
STRUCTURE:BODY1

Other Toyota Rav4 Years

Wider context: See the full Toyota Rav4 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1997 Toyota Rav4

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99