The Toyota RAV4 for sale in Nigeria is one of the most popular compact SUVs that has steadily increase the faith Nigerians have in Toyota cars because it is very reliable and the looks over the years just kept getting more attractive to buyers.

The 2019 RAV4 is already on sale in Nigeria

The constant feature of any car produced to be used on earth is that it will always have its own problems because cars are never just perfect. We are talking about the major problems of the Toyota RAV4 in Nigeria; every model with its problems explained today for prospective and current owners of this cute SUV. Just so that you can be aware of what to expect in form of problems when you buy a Toyota RAV4 in Nigeria.

Background of the RAV4 in Nigeria

Since 2014, the RAV4 has received more love from Nigerian female buyers because there are about 4 Toyota SUVs that man naturally prefer over the RAV4: the Venza, the Highlander, the 4Runner and the Toyota Prado.

The RAV4 is a compact SUV meaning it is the smallest size of an SUV you can get from Toyota and it has space for 5 persons; 3 in the rear and 2 in the front including the driver. The RAV4 also has space for cargo at the rear but it is not a standard sized trunk space like in other cars we are used to.

The RAV4 saves Nigerians money because it comes only in a 4-litre engine which makes perfect sense for fuel economy.

In looking at the problems of the RAV4, we would be taking it one generation at a time and in total there are 5 generations for the RAV4 till date.

1. Problems of the RAV4 First Generation 1994 - 1999 

1.1. Cramped Backseat

The first generation RAV4 lasted between 1994 till 2000 and the biggest problem of this car to Nigerian users was the cramped back seat it had. The RAV4 compared to the Honda CR-V which was the same category of SUV had a very disappointing rear-seat space for passengers.

Too small for a compact SUV based on what other carmakers produce

The RAV4 was focused on a sporty drive and there were 2 door versions available which had even worse rear-seat space. I know you want cars with plenty of interior space for passengers when you think of SUVs.

This is common among older women in Nigeria

1.2. Rust 

A lot of owners also struggle with rust from beneath the car especially if it is a RAV4 that drives a lot through the water.

Too much rust for one car

Sadly. this is a popular case in Nigeria when you have to drive through flooded roads.

1.3. Awful Speakers 

The last is a bad sounding speaker, especially in locally-used Toyota RAV4 in Nigeria which will probably be the case if you are buying this car today because it has been stopped from production over 20 years ago. Surprisingly, cars with best audio systems in Nigeria don't even have to be luxury cars. 

1.4. Other problems

Other problems you can get from this car would be associates with bad maintenance from the previous owner or yourself as the present owner. A used RAV4 in Nigeria is very much mechanically problem-free when you maintain it properly.

Lastly, you should know that the suspension of the RAV4 is not the strongest so you should drive carefully around a rough road because the first RAV4 was not properly designed to be driven on bad roads.

2. Problems of the RAV4 Second Generation 2000 - 2004

2.1. Faulty Brain Box problems

2001 - 2003 Toyota RAV4 had an ECU problem that affects the way the automatic transmission shift. This would always require owners to replace a part of the brainbox to fix this issue. Many mechanics that don't use a diagnosing machine end up facing the transmission without knowing the fault is from the transmission.

The second-generation RAV4 that a lot of men liked 

2.2. Leaking Engine Seals

Once you start to notice that you recently bought used Toyota RAV4 2000 - 2004 model is smoking abnormally, you should suspect a leaking engine seal.

2.3. Check engine light problem

There is a common check engine light problem with this second-generation RAV4. This is the error code P1155 when your technician scans the car. It is always caused by a faulty air/fuel sensor. 

In case you don't know what the Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor looks like

Also, the check engine light might be due to a dirty mass airflow sensor that is around the air intake. This causes the car to accelerate abnormally slow.

2.4. The rear door annoying noise

The trunk door of the RAV4 can make annoying noises because of the heavyweight causes by the spare tire sitting on the trunk door all day and night.

Can you see the tyre hanging on the trunk door?

All you have to do is to lubricate the hinges of the door with oil.

2.5. Issues with comfort/design

There is a limited cargo space in the trunk and also a lot of owners complain of the front seat comfort as they drive.

The trunk space on this model was just too small

Also, the trunk door has a glass attached to it but this glass cannot open separately which means you cannot fit stuff in the trunk through the glass when the car is parked in tight spaces.

>>> Read also: These are the 7 worst Toyota cars you can buy in Nigeria; Toyota is not perfect

3. Problems of the RAV4 Third Generation 2005 - 2011

1.1. Excessive oil consumption

The RAV4 from this generation drinks up oil faster than it should. This means anytime you service your RAV4 you should keep an extra 4 litres of oil and monitor the engine oil with the dipstick and check every 2 weeks.

This is the most problematic of all the Rav4 generations

2.2. Steering shaft problems

The biggest issues with the RAV4 from 2006 to 2012 is the knocking noise that comes from steering caused by a worn-out steering shaft.

This is the partly responsible for the loud noise in the steering

The shaft has to be replaced and in some cases, the whole steering rack system has to be replaced.

3.3. Leaking water pump issues

There have been complaints about a leaking water pump which is part of the engine's cooling system.  The water pump is located in the engine that pumps water around some paths in an engine to make sure the engine does not overheat.

This means that when your RAV4 is overheating, the water pump should be the first suspect on 2005 - 2011 RAV4s.

3.4. Failed Ignition coils

The ignition coil(s) often fails on this RAV4 for unknown reasons and it simply just requires a replacement with an original part.

You can see the Ignition Coil from on top of the engine cover

The ignition coil is a long rubber/plastic object that is connected to your car's sparkplug.

3.5. Transmission problems

There are a lot of transmission issues with the RAV4 of this generation especially the 2007 RAV4. Many owners experience an abnormal automatic shifting experience at high mileages that often leads to the overhauling of the transmission and that costs a lot of money. Avoid the 2007 Toyota RAV4 if possible.

4. Problems of the RAV4 Fourth Generation 2012 - 2017

4.1. Infotainment system failure

There have been complaints about the 2014 RAV4 infotainment system. Owners experience a total/partial failure of the audio system. The solution many have adopted to this is to install aftermarket units.

The screen just goes partially/totally blank

Also, owners complain a lot about poor visibility of the audio head under sunlight. This happens a lot in Nigeria because our sun is mean.

4.2. Delay in transmission at higher mileage

Toyota RAV4 owners experience a delayed engagement in gears when you shift into reverse for the 6-speed models.

4.3. Fuel leak

Used Toyota RAV4s between 2015 and 2017 models may experience fuel leaks which can easily be rectified by tracing the leak and tightening or sealing the part it is leaking from.

You know you can't joke with a fuel leak problem; please be careful

This is one problem you should not play with once noticed because it can make your RAV4 go up in flames.

5. Problems of the RAV4 Fifth Generation 2018 - Present

5.1. Transmission issues

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has a variety of transmission issues reported. At low speeds, the transmission is known for jerking forward. The transmission also has loud banging noise when it forcefully shifts into gear. 

The latest model of the Toyota RAV4

5.2. Leaking coolant

Toyota has issued a recall for the 2019/2020 RAV4 with the 2.5-litre engines because of coolant leaks observed from the engine. The cause of this is because of how porous the engine is.

Once you notice this pinkish fluid on the engine block then it might be a problem

Sadly, this problem cannot be rectified in Nigeria because of the logistics of returning cars from Nigeria to Toyota all the way in the USA.

Price of the Toyota Rav4 in Nigeria

Here is a table that shows the prices of Toyota Rav4 for sale in Nigeria: 

Conclusion

Now that the major problems of the Toyota RAV4 in Nigeria has been analyzed, you now know the RAV4 models that you should buy/avoid or better still, you know what to expect from any RAV4 you buy and how to tackle these problems.

>>> Get brand new, foreign used, and locally used cars on our car for sale section. Do check them out!