Buyer's checklist: 3rd gen Toyota RAV4 (2006–2012)

Look for 3

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Four-cylinder burning oil2006–2008Check the oil level and ask how often it is topped up. Ask for records of any engine work done under Toyota's program ZE7.^1,2,3,4,5
V6 water pumpAll yearsLook for coolant leaks and a low coolant level, and ask whether the water pump has been replaced.^6,7
V6 VVT-i oil lineAll yearsAsk for proof that the VVT-i oil line repair was done.^6,7

Recalls to ask about 14

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 09V2230002006–2009The load capacity label was missing. A new label is supplied. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^8,9,10,11
Recall 10V0170002009–2010The accelerator pedal can stick, be hard to press or be slow to return. Dealers fit a reinforcement bar. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12
Recall 11V1130002006–2010An unsecured or wrong floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^8,9,10,11,12
Recall 11V2450002007–2008If both roll-angle sensors fail at nearly the same time, the curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners can fire. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^9,10
Recall 12V0290002011Some curtain airbag initiators have the wrong propellant, so one or both curtain airbags may not deploy. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹³
Recall 12V3730002006–2011Rear alignment nuts tightened wrongly can let the rear tie rod rust and fail. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{8,9,10,11,12,13}
Recall 12V4910002007–2009Uneven grease on the power window master switch can let it overheat and melt. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^9,10,11
Recall 13V3830002006–2011Rusted rear tie-rod threads are replaced and sealed. This replaces the remedy of recall 12V373000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{8,9,10,11,12,13}
Recall 14V0540002012A part in the brake actuator can gain electrical resistance, lighting warning lamps and switching off stability control, ABS and traction control. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁴
Recall 14V1680002006–2008Turning the steering wheel can damage the driver airbag's flat cable, and the airbag may not work. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^8,9,10
Recall 15V5770002009–2012Water dripping onto the wiper linkage joint can corrode it, and the wipers can stop working. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12,13,14
Recall 15V6890002006–2011Uneven grease on the power window master switch can cause a short circuit, melting and fire. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{8,9,10,11,12,13}
Recall 16V0960002006–2012In a frontal crash, the rear seat cushion frame can cut the outboard rear seat belts. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{8,9,10,11,12,13,14}
Recall 16V5960002006–2011Rear tie-rod locknuts left loose can corrode and fail, and the driver can lose control. Both rear arms are replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{8,9,10,11,12,13}

What buyers avoid 1

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

2.4L four2006–2008A BobIsTheOilGuy member who owns two V6s calls the 2.4L four an oil guzzler, and Toyota's program ZE7 covered excessive oil use in the 2006–2008 four.^6,2

Buyer's checklist: 3rd gen Toyota RAV4 2006–2012

Look for 3

Recalls to ask about 14

What buyers avoid 1

Sources