1996 Toyota RAV4 problems
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Toyota RAV4. Brakes is the most reported problem area, at 26% of complaints. After that come transmission (15%) and engine (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 54 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 26% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 4 complaints mention a crash; 4 complaints mention a fire; 5 injuries reported. Its complaints are more severe on average than those of 81% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1996 ranks 27th most-complained-about out of 30 model years of the Toyota RAV4 with enough data (32 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
During side impact, design/shape of head rest caused neck injury to driver. Accordiing to driver's doctor, shape/hardness of head rest, caused neck injury. Design alright for major crashes, not minor; while at standstill, vehicle side swiped by another vehicle.
Since the vehicle's purchase, it would occassionally hydroplane on slighty wet surfaces and go to the left. Approximately three months ago the vehicle abruptly hydroplaned from the right lane of the freeway to the left with no warning. The last incident ended in a crash. While traveling in a light rain at approximately 50 MPH, the rear of the vehicle pulled sharpley to the right with no warning. It felt as if traveling on ice. The vehicle slammed head on into the guard rail.
The ABS brakes malfunctioned, causing the brake pads to burn and resulting in a "fire" on the brakes. Brakes locked up unexpectly even when not pressing the brakes. Dealer replaced calipers/ pads/ master cylinder. However, master cylinder problem is still occurring.
While driving at 45 MPH consumer hit ice pot hole, lost control of vehicle, and hit a guard rail, passenger's air bag deployed, but driver's air bag deployed half way.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 MPH the vehicle started to accelerate out of control. The vehicle was turned off and coasted to the side of the road without incident. There were no prior warnings to indicate a problem. Oil and smoke came from the engine compartment; however there was no fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic noticed a hole that was blown through the engine.