Toyota 2.0
Highly modern naturally-aspirated engine with 40% thermal efficiency, direct injection, and timing chain. Strong and economical at the same time. No known weaknesses; too new for a long-term assessment.
Strong naturally-aspirated engine in the SUV
The 2.0 in the RAV4 V offers 175 PS, enough for everyday use. The CVT automatic dampens driving fun somewhat, but the all-wheel drive provides confidence.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The liquid-cooled EGR heat exchanger can develop cracks through which coolant enters the cylinders. In the worst case, cylinder head and piston damage follow.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust; coolant loss without external leak; sweet smell; engine overheating
From around 240,000 km the timing chain on the M20A-FKS can stretch noticeably and rattle. Replacement of the complete kit is then required.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine warning light, in worst case misfires from retarded valve timing
The high-pressure injection pump on the M20A-FKS is one of the most expensive wear items in the engine. Failures manifest as difficult cold starts and power drops.
Symptoms: Difficult engine start, power drops, engine stumbling under load, high-pressure system fault code
The D-4S dual injection system reduces carbon build-up but does not prevent it entirely. Carbon deposits on intake valves and injectors are documented from around 150,000 km.
Symptoms: Hesitation under acceleration, rough idle, slight power loss, increased fuel consumption
The electric coolant control valve (water bypass valve) is a documented weak point across all Dynamic Force engines. Fault code P268111/P268115 is triggered and can cause the check engine light and restricted cooling.
Symptoms: Check engine light with codes P268111/P268115, cooling problems, engine temperature warning
On manual transmission variants of the M20A-FKS, rare crankshaft retaining washer failures causing sudden oil loss have been reported. Generally, users occasionally report oil loss at sealing surfaces.
Symptoms: Oil loss, metallic noise from the engine block, engine oil leakage
Vehicle Weaknesses 18
Some RAV4 XA50 vehicles were recalled due to a defect in the brake booster pump.
Insufficiently tightened bolts on the front control arms can come loose. Official recall.
The electric parking brake sporadically fails to release correctly or activates unexpectedly.
The DCM module does not fully enter sleep mode when the vehicle is at rest, causing parasitic current draw. The battery can be completely discharged after 7–10 days of standing.
Moisture, dirt or road salt can penetrate the HV underfloor cable connector and cause corrosion. Toyota fitted updated covers on later build years.
The DCM module does not fully enter sleep mode when the vehicle is at rest, causing parasitic current draw. The battery can be completely discharged after 7–10 days of standing.
Moisture, dirt or road salt can penetrate the HV underfloor cable connector and cause corrosion. Toyota fitted updated covers on later build years.
Some RAV4 XA50 vehicles from model years 2018–2019 were recalled due to a faulty eCall system.
The electric parking brake can show sporadic malfunctions.
LED modules in the rear indicators partially fail because solder joints crack from vibration.
With predominantly hybrid operation the mechanical brakes are rarely used, leading to surface rust on brake discs and seized brake calipers.
With predominantly hybrid operation the mechanical brakes are rarely used, leading to surface rust on brake discs and seized brake calipers.
Turning to full lock while simultaneously rolling over a small edge produces a clicking noise from the steering linkage. Toyota dealers frequently classify this as normal.
Vehicle occupants report above-average tyre and wind noise at motorway speeds. A known criticism in the segment, but not a defect.
After 40,000–50,000 km owners report increasing rattles from the interior, especially from the dashboard and door panels on rough roads.
Turning to full lock while simultaneously rolling over a small edge produces a clicking noise from the steering linkage. Toyota dealers frequently classify this as normal.
Vehicle occupants report above-average tyre and wind noise at motorway speeds. A known criticism in the segment, but not a defect.
After 40,000–50,000 km owners report increasing rattles from the interior, especially from the dashboard and door panels on rough roads.
Reports & Tests
2237 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2019–2025). Most reported: Engine (495), Other (468), Fuel System (387).