2017 Toyota RAV4

Introduction

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that offers a balance of practicality, reliability, and affordability. It comes with three engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-four, a 3.5-liter V6, and a 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid paired with an electric motor. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Owners generally appreciate the RAV4’s spacious cabin, fuel efficiency, and all-wheel drive capabilities. However, some users have reported issues with various components of the vehicle.

Engine

2.5-liter Inline-Four

• Oil Consumption:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption leading to low engine oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace piston rings and oil scraper rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: TSB-0078-18

3.5-liter V6

• Timing Chain Rattle:
  • Description/Symptoms: Metallic rattling noise coming from the engine, especially during cold starts or acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: TSB-0033-18

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Hesitation and Gear Hunting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitating or searching for the correct gear, causing delayed acceleration or jerking.
  • Solution: Re-flash transmission software.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Free if under warranty
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

• Grinding Noises:
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting gears, especially when shifting from first to second or second to third.
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers or transmission bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT

• Vibration:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibrations felt through the steering wheel or the vehicle as a whole, typically at certain speeds or during acceleration.
  • Solution: Update CVT software and/or rebalance drive shafts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Free if under warranty
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Coil Spring Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or cracked coil springs, leading to reduced ride height, uneven tire wear, or clunking noises.
  • Solution: Replace coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+ (for a pair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining quickly, even when the vehicle is not running.
  • Solution: Identify and fix the source of the parasitic current draw, which could be various electrical components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the draw
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Liftgate:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots appearing on the liftgate, particularly on the lower corners near the taillights.
  • Solution: Replace the affected panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control system not blowing air, not regulating temperature properly, or blowing only hot air.
  • Solution: Replace blend door actuator or climate control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks not working correctly, failing to lock or unlock doors.
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (for a pair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a reliable vehicle with various engine and transmission options to choose from. However, there have been some reported issues with oil consumption, timing chain rattle, transmission hesitation, suspension coil spring failure, and electrical battery drain. The severity of these issues varies, and repairs can be costly in some cases. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems before making a purchase decision.