Toyota RAV4
2.4-litre four-cylinder with VVT-i and an aluminium block. Same porous cylinder head issue as the 1AZ-FE on early build years (elevated oil consumption). Toyota extended the warranty. Later versions better.
Composed in the light SUV
120 kW 2.4 in the still-compact XA20 — enough power for any situation. Pleasant to drive with the lighter body.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Toyota issued an official TSB and a Limited Service Campaign: the 2AZ-FE consumes excessive oil due to factory-underspec oil control rings.
Symptoms: Oil consumption over 1 L/1,000 km; bluish exhaust smoke; engine warning light; seized piston rings
As with the related 1AZ-FE, the head gasket on the 2AZ-FE can fail, aggravated by thread failures in the engine block. Typical AZ weakness.
Symptoms: Coolant loss; white exhaust smoke; foaming in the oil; engine overheating
The plastic balance shaft gear on the 2AZ-FE can disintegrate and distribute debris through the oil circuit. The problem mainly affects older high-mileage vehicles and leads to elevated repair costs from consequential damage.
Symptoms: Metallic grinding noises, metal swarf in the oil, oil pressure drop
In the aluminium block of the 2AZ-FE the M11 head bolt threads can strip during overheating or incorrect assembly. Toyota developed revised bolts that workshops should use for any cylinder head work.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, difficult running after cylinder head work, compression drop
The thermostat and water pump are typical wear items on the 2AZ-FE. A faulty thermostat can force coolant out under excess pressure. Aisin components are recommended.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, thermostat stuck either open or closed
The 2AZ-FE shows issues with the EVAP system (evaporative emission control), particularly the charcoal canister. Fault codes appear without causing immediate driveability problems.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, EVAP system fault codes, P0446 or similar codes
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
Suspension components and subframes rust considerably on vehicles from salt-belt regions from around 8–10 years. No factory underbody rust protection.
Suspension components and subframes rust considerably on vehicles from salt-belt regions from around 8–10 years. No factory underbody rust protection.
On the RAV4 XA20, the rear shock absorbers can fail as early as approximately 40,000–60,000 km.
The braking system on the RAV4 XA20 requires regular attention.
From around 120,000–160,000 km, lambda sensors frequently refuse to work.
Older RAV4 XA20s show rust at seams, underbody and joint areas.
From around 100,000 km the steering rack develops noticeable play and clunking noises when turning in, especially at low speed over kerbs. Universal joint replacement required.
Rear wheel bearings wear out at higher mileage. Dealer repair costs approximately €540. Detectable early by a humming noise at certain speeds.
The handbrake loses effectiveness over time and frequently fails the MOT inspection. Regular adjustment is necessary as the cables slacken with age.
From around 100,000 km the steering rack develops noticeable play and clunking noises when turning in, especially at low speed over kerbs. Universal joint replacement required.
Rear wheel bearings wear out at higher mileage. Dealer repair costs approximately €540. Detectable early by a humming noise at certain speeds.
The handbrake loses effectiveness over time and frequently fails the MOT inspection. Regular adjustment is necessary as the cables slacken with age.
Reports & Tests
1537 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2000–2005). Most reported: Powertrain (821), Electrical (212), Airbags (154).