2009 Toyota RAV-4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Toyota RAV-4s, from 1,418 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Toyota RAV-4s than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Link ball joint covers2.4× usualToyota RAV-47.5% All 2009 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Anti-roll bar links10× usualToyota RAV-43% All 2009 cars0.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Body structure rust or damage2.5× usualToyota RAV-44% All 2009 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.
- Prop shaft23× usualToyota RAV-42.3% All 2009 cars0.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Anti-roll bar link bushes2.9× usualToyota RAV-42.3% All 2009 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
Engine oil leaks: 3.2% here, against 10.4% of all 2009 cars. Exhaust system: 2.8% here, against 8.4% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Toyota RAV-4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension52% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes34% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres25% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Rust and bodywork11% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1,323 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 1,375 | Brakes 31% |
| 2012 | 1,720 | Suspension 41% |
| 2011 | 3,076 | Suspension 44% |
| 2010 | 3,315 | Suspension 50% |
| 2008 | 1,461 | Suspension 56% |
| 2007 | 2,195 | Suspension 58% |
| 2006 | 2,562 | Suspension 56% |
| 2005 | 2,537 | Brakes 46% |
| 2004 | 2,057 | Suspension 46% |
| 2003 | 1,555 | Suspension 45% |
| 2002 | 1,090 | Suspension 43% |
| 2001 | 633 | Brakes 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Toyota RAV-4s registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score