2004 Toyota RAV4

2004 Toyota RAV4

Overview

The 2004 Toyota RAV4 is generally considered a reliable compact SUV, known for its practicality and durability. This generation (second generation) offered a good balance of on-road comfort and light off-road capability. While most owners report a positive ownership experience with minimal unexpected repairs, like any vehicle, there are specific areas that have seen more attention from mechanics and owners. This analysis focuses on documented common issues beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential concerns for prospective buyers or current owners looking to maintain their vehicle.

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Engine

2.0L 1AZ-FE (1AZ-FAE)

Oil Consumption

• Symptoms: Excessive oil burning between oil changes, potentially leading to low oil levels and engine damage if not monitored.
• Solution: Diagnosis may involve checking for oil leaks, worn piston rings, or valve stem seals. Repair can range from top-end rebuilds to engine replacement in severe cases.
• Cost: $800 - $2500+

Timing Chain Stretch

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light may illuminate.
• Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
• Cost: $600 - $1200

2.4L 2AZ-FE

Oil Consumption

• Symptoms: Similar to the 2.0L, excessive oil burning can occur, requiring frequent top-ups.
• Solution: Diagnosis and repair similar to the 2.0L engine, potentially involving piston ring replacement or valve seal repair.
• Cost: $800 - $2500+

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Actuator

• Symptoms: Rough idle, rattling noise on startup, check engine light with VVT-related codes.
• Solution: Replacement of the VVT actuator.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (U140E/U241E)

Slipping Gears / Harsh Shifting

• Symptoms: Transmission hesitates to shift, slips out of gear, or shifts harshly between gears.
• Solution: Fluid and filter change, solenoid replacement, or transmission rebuild.
• Cost: $300 - $3000+

5-Speed Manual

No widespread issues reported.

• Symptoms: N/A
• Solution: N/A
• Cost: Varies

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Struts/Shocks

• Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, clunking noises over bumps.
• Solution: Replacement of front struts and rear shocks.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Sway Bar Links

• Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise when turning or going over uneven surfaces.
• Solution: Replacement of worn sway bar links.
• Cost: $150 - $300

Electrical

Standard System

Alternator Failure

• Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light illuminated, difficulty starting the vehicle.
• Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
• Cost: $400 - $700

Power Window Actuators

• Symptoms: Power windows operate slowly, intermittently, or not at all.
• Solution: Replacement of the power window motor/regulator assembly.
• Cost: $200 - $400 per window

Exterior

Standard Body

No widespread issues reported.

• Symptoms: N/A
• Solution: N/A
• Cost: Varies

Interior

Standard Cabin

HVAC Blower Motor Resistor

• Symptoms: Fan only works on the highest setting, or not at all.
• Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
• Cost: $100 - $250

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Summary Verdict

The 2004 Toyota RAV4 is a dependable vehicle with a solid reputation for reliability. The most common concerns tend to be related to oil consumption in both engine variants, and potential issues with the automatic transmission’s shifting performance or longevity. Suspension components like struts and sway bar links can wear over time, as can electrical parts such as the alternator and power window regulators. Interior issues are generally minor, with the blower motor resistor being a notable point. Despite these potential issues, the RAV4 remains a strong contender in its class for those seeking a practical and generally trouble-free compact SUV, provided regular maintenance is performed and potential issues are addressed promptly.