RoadVitals

1998 Toyota RAV4

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
77
Latest Apr 22, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Jan 22, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19
12 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 77 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Toyota RAV4, most frequently naming the brakes, airbags and driver assistance categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 66 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V033000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 22, 2020
138,842 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
The remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 20TB01/20TA01View on NHTSA.gov
00V212000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR

Aug 9, 2000
780 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTOR, WHEN EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, CAN DEVELOP STRESS FRACTURES IF THE LUG NUTS ARE TIGHTENED WITH EXCESSIVE TORQUE.
The risk: THE DISC ROTOR COULD BREAK (WHERE IT MOUNTS TO THE WHEEL), RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION ON THAT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DISC BRAKE ROTORS. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS AND STEEL WHEELS WITH NEW DISC BRAKE ROTORS AND NEW ALUMINUM WHEELS. IN ADDITION A CAUTION LABEL THAT READS, "USE NEW GENUINE TOYOTA ALUMINUM WHEELS." WILL BE AFFIXED. VEHICLES ALREADY EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM WHEELS WILL ONLY REQUIRE CAUTION LABEL INSTALLATION.
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
00V211000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

Aug 9, 2000
756 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY ELECTRIC VEHICLES. IF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE REPEATEDLY PARKED BY PLACING THE SHIFT LEVER INTO THE "P" POSITION WITHOUT APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE PARKING LOCK ROD, A COMPONENT OF THE TRANSMISSION PARKING LOCK SYSTEM, COULD BREAK.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RENDER THE SYSTEM INOPERATIVE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING LOCK ROD.
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 77
Fuel system
Filed Apr 22, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VAPOR CANISTER AND THE VACUUM SWITCHING VALVE (VSV) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,734. Consumer stated vehicle has been repaired.*JB

NHTSA ID
11413379
Incident
Apr 12, 2021
Mileage
140,734 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 17, 2021
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THEIR VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED A BLACK EYE, SEVERAL LEG BRUISES AND HAD TO GET 7 STITCHES IN HER HEAD. THE PASSENGER IN THE BACK SEAT SUSTAINED TWO BROKEN RIBS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11403564
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Airbags
Filed Nov 16, 2020

MY VEHICLE IS BEING RECALLED FOR TAKADA AIR BAGS.

NHTSA ID
11374940
Incident
Nov 11, 2020
Mileage
160,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Feb 24, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THROUGH LOCAL EMISSIONS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V033000 (AIR BAGS). THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SUBJECTED TO THE RECALL. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11311119
Incident
Feb 24, 2020
Brakes
Filed Oct 30, 2017

EVEN AFTER I REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS WHILE DOING MAINTENANCE, THE BRAKES ARE STILL LOOSE AT TIMES, MOSTLY AFTER RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID
11041468
Incident
Oct 30, 2017
Engine
Filed Mar 24, 2017

EXCESSIVE OIL USE, TRIED TO HAVE DEALER FIX AT 149,000, WOULD NOT CHECK. WARENTY ENHANCEMENT, NOW 200000 MILES 1 QT+ 1200 MILES. TOOK TO DEALER 2/27/17 SAID I HAD TO PAY 3000+ TO FIX. TOYOTA NEW IT WAS BAD PISTONS OR RINGS AND ADMIT IT. BUT I PAY? ALWAYS TOOK CARE OF VEHICLE

NHTSA ID
10968427
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Mileage
149,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Apr 7, 2016

RE: SAFETY RECALL FOR REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELTS. I FIRST BECAME AWARE OF THE THE RECALL IN FEB. 2016. IN EARLY MARCH, WE SCHEDULED NORMAL MAINTENANCE FOR OUR RAV4. WHEN WE INQUIRED ABOUT THE SEATBELT RECALL, THE DEALERSHIP HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUE. I HAVE NOW BEEN DRIVING MY 6 AND 8 YEAR OLD CHILDREN AROUND IN A VEHICLE WITH RECALLED SEATBELTS FOR 2 MONTHS. TODAY, APRIL 7, IS THE FIRST NOTIFICATION I HAVE RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA AND THE NOTIFICATION STATES THAT TOYOTA STILL HAS NO "REMEDY". TOYOTA IS PUTTING MY CHILDREN IN DANGER EVERYDAY AND I HAVE LOST ALL TRUST IN TOYOTA.

NHTSA ID
10854226
Incident
Feb 23, 2016
Brakes
Filed Aug 4, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE ROTOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10618588
Incident
Sep 13, 2011

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T-SB-0043-14

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.

TSB003220

AIR BAGS; EQUIPMENT; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.

TTT063620

BACK OVER PREVENTION; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

Toyota PRO19-02

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; TIRES; WHEELS

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.

Toyota Safety Re

AIR BAGS

Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

T-TT-0636-20 Rev

BACK OVER PREVENTION; SERVICE BRAKES

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota RAV4 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025763061.7
20241663063.0
20231473061.8
20221371052.1
20213811054.3
20206276051.3
20198737052.9
20183303165.0
20173043163.4
20162353161.7
20153024167.3
20141964170.6
20132562161.3
20122605057.1
201128711163.9
201040014162.2
200932715367.4
200857514463.0
20071,00314462.7
200670411256.3
20051415056.7
20041542053.3
20033140141.1
20025270038.3
20013090036.1
2000303058.9
1999615058.6
1998Viewing775057.7
1997541046.2
1996471046.0
1995100—
1994400—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.