Despite Toyota’s legendary reputation for bulletproof reliability, the fourth-generation RAV4 (XA40, 2013–2018) does have its share of weak spots — especially once mileage climbs past 90,000–180,000 miles (150–300 thousand km). The used Toyota RAV4 continues to be one of the most popular used SUVs in the United States, but skipping a thorough inspection can lead to expensive surprises. For full specs, interior photos, and trim breakdowns, check our other articles in the series.
Main Weak Points of This Generation
Yes, the RAV4 is generally very dependable — but it’s far from perfect. These are the issues owners complain about most often after 10–12 years on the road:
- Very weak sound insulation, especially wheel wells and floor. After 60,000+ miles on studded tires or gravel roads the cabin becomes very noisy — the #1 complaint among owners.
- CVT transmission (2.0-liter gas models) — needs fluid changes every 25,000–30,000 miles (not the 40,000–50,000 miles the manual suggests), hates overheating and towing. Aggressive driving brings judder and whining by 90,000–120,000 miles. Repair or rebuild typically costs $3,000–$6,000.
- Pre-facelift 2.2L diesel (150 hp, 2013–2015) — high risk of head gasket failure and cracked cylinder head. Repair bills easily reach $4,000–$8,000. Post-2016 versions are much better, but DPF and EGR still demand regular attention.
- Steering rack knock — common after 60,000–90,000 miles, especially on rough roads. New OEM rack is expensive ($1,200+), but remanufactured or used units can be found for $600–$1,000 including labor.
- Water pump leaks on all engines — usually every 50,000–75,000 miles. OEM replacement ~$400–$700 with labor.
- Thin paint & rust on wheel arches, rocker panels, hood edges, and windshield frame. In regions with road salt, rust bubbles often appear after 7–9 years — imported vehicles from salt-belt states rust even faster.
- Power liftgate issues (2015–2017 models) — glitches and failures in cold weather; repairs run $500–$1,200.
- Outdated Toyota Touch 2 infotainment — slow, screen glare, no native CarPlay/Android Auto (only via aftermarket upgrade).
- Real-world fuel economy higher than advertised: 2.0L gas models average 20–24 mpg city (11–13 L/100 km), especially with AWD and CVT; 2.2L diesel around 22–26 mpg city (9–11 L/100 km).
- Hard interior plastics scratch easily, steering wheel leather peels after ~90,000–100,000 miles.
Model Years & Versions – What to Focus On
2013–2015 (pre-facelift) — the riskiest years:
- Highest chance of 2.2 diesel head gasket / cracked head failure
- Worse sound deadening and interior materials
- No Toyota Safety Sense
- Older 6-speed automatic on 2.5L sometimes whines
- Many imported “American” units with questionable history
2016–2018 (facelift) — clearly the better choice:
- Noticeably better sound insulation (~3–4 dB quieter)
- Softer dashboard plastics
- Toyota Safety Sense standard or widely available
- Hybrid variant — by far the most trouble-free (hybrid battery often lasts 180,000–250,000+ miles)
- 2.2 diesel improved, plus new 2.0 diesel option in some markets
Bottom line by year: only consider 2013–2014 models with a big discount and full inspection. 2015 is borderline. 2016+ is the sweet spot.
Used Market in the United States – 2025/2026 Reality
In late 2025, you’ll typically find 4,000–6,000 fourth-gen RAV4s listed on major sites (CarGurus, Autotrader, Cars.com, etc.). Roughly 60–70% are facelifted 2016–2018 models.
Key points about the current US used market:
- Many vehicles are ex-lease or fleet cars; high-mileage examples (150,000+ miles) are common.
- Rust is a serious concern in the Northeast, Midwest, and salt-belt states — always put the car on a lift and inspect underbody / wheel wells thoroughly.
- CVT-equipped models (especially 2.0L) need service history proof of regular fluid changes.
- Many 2013–2015 diesels were never sold new in the US — if you see one, it’s almost certainly an import with potential compliance/emissions issues.
- Hybrid versions hold value best and have the fewest long-term complaints.
- Always run a CARFAX / AutoCheck report — 70–80% of higher-mileage examples have at least one accident history.
Ownership & Repair Budget
Most issues on the RAV4 IV are fixable, and $1,500–$4,000 can bring a decent example to near-perfect condition:
- Full wheel well + floor + door sound deadening — $800–$1,800
- Underbody rustproofing (Fluid Film / Woolwax / Dinitrol) — $400–$800
- Reman steering rack + installation — $900–$1,600
- CVT fluid flush + reprogramming or rebuild — $1,200–$5,000
- Aftermarket head unit with CarPlay / Android Auto (10–11″) — $500–$1,000
- Steering wheel re-wrap + seat leather repair — $300–$600
- Diesel head gasket / head repair — $4,000–$8,000 (avoid these cars if possible)
Average “bring it to excellent” budget for a solid 2016–2018 example: $1,500–$2,500. If repairs look like they’ll exceed $5,000 — walk away.
Typical annual maintenance (12,000–15,000 miles/year): $500–$1,000 (oil, filters, brakes, occasional suspension bushings).
Final Verdict & Buying Advice
The 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 remains a strong used buy in 2025–2026 — if you choose wisely:
- Prefer facelifted 2016–2018 models
- Go for 2.0L / 2.5L gas or — best of all — the hybrid
- Make sure AWD + CVT (or eCVT in hybrid) is in good health
- Target under 120,000–130,000 miles with clean history
- Realistic price range today: $14,000–$22,000 depending on condition, mileage, and region (approximate market value in the United States)
Do that, and you’ll get a reliable, still-modern-looking, easy-to-live-with crossover that can easily go another 8–12 years.
Avoid or demand a steep discount on:
- Pre-2016 2.2 diesels (head gasket / cracked head risk)
- Heavily rusted examples from salt states
- CVT-equipped cars with shudder or noise on test drive
- Any vehicle with major accident history affecting frame or airbags
Must-do checks before purchase:
- Full lift inspection (rust, leaks, suspension)
- Test drive 20–40 miles — listen for CVT whine, steering knocks, AWD binding
- CVT / transmission fluid condition and service history
- CYLINDER endoscopy on any diesel
- Clean CARFAX + PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by Toyota specialist
When all boxes are checked — the Toyota RAV4 (2013–2018) is still one of the safest, most liquid, and best-value used compact crossovers you can buy in the $15,000–$22,000 range in the United States in 2025–2026.
