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Toyota · Compact SUV · 2000–2005

Toyota RAV4 XA20

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota RAV4 XA20 is available with 2 engine variants — from 147 to 163 hp.

2.0L · Benziner· 150–152 PS
2000 2005
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2.4L · Benziner· 163 PS
2000 2005
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Toyota 2.0L (Benziner, 150–152 PS) has the 1AZ-FE (2.0L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 2.4L (Benziner, 163 PS) has the 2AZ-FE (2.4L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Rear shock absorbers fail prematurely

On the RAV4 XA20, the rear shock absorbers can fail as early as approximately 40,000–60,000 km.

Symptoms: Wallowing ride at the rear, body roll builds up when cornering.
from 50,000 km
Ad shock absorber RAV4 XA20
 Low
●Rear wheel bearing worn

Rear wheel bearings wear out at higher mileage. Dealer repair costs approximately €540. Detectable early by a humming noise at certain speeds.

Symptoms: Whistling or humming noise from the rear wheel area that changes with vehicle speed. Louder or quieter when cornering.
from 130,000 km
Ad Toyota RAV4 XA20 wheel bearing rearToyota RAV4 CLA2 wheel bearing kit
 Low
●Rear wheel bearing worn

Rear wheel bearings wear out at higher mileage. Dealer repair costs approximately €540. Detectable early by a humming noise at certain speeds.

Symptoms: Whistling or humming noise from the rear wheel area that changes with vehicle speed. Louder or quieter when cornering.
from 130,000 km
Ad Toyota RAV4 XA20 wheel bearing rearToyota RAV4 CLA2 wheel bearing kit
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,537 complaints · 2000–2005
Powertrain
821 ⚠ 16
Electrical
212 ⚠ 3
Airbags
154 ⚠ 54
Cruise Control
131 ⚠ 34
Engine & Cooling
128 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (821 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (212 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (154 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota RAV4 XA20 (2000–2005) — 12 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Rust.

RAV4 (1AZ-FE, 2000–2005) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure, Cylinder head bolts coming loose, Water pump leaking or failed. Power: 150–152 PS.

RAV4 (2AZ-FE, 2000–2005) — Be Careful: Systematic oil consumption due to faulty piston design, Head gasket failure, Balance shaft plastic gear wearing out. Power: 163 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota RAV4? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota RAV4 XA20 have? +
The Toyota RAV4 XA20 has 12 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota RAV4 XA20? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 1AZ-FE (2.0L), 2AZ-FE (2.4L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 2AZ-FE (2.4L).
Which Toyota RAV4 XA20 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota RAV4 XA20 — rated: "Decent". {description} 120 kW 2.4 in the still-compact XA20 — enough power for any situation. Pleasant to drive with the lighter body.
Is the Toyota RAV4 XA20 worth buying used? +
The Toyota RAV4 XA20 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota RAV4 XA20? +
The Toyota RAV4 XA20 is available with engine variants from 147 to 163 hp. Petrol: 1AZ-FE (2.0L), 2AZ-FE (2.4L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee