1996 Toyota RAV4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1996 Toyota RAV4s, from 180 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 180 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1996 Toyota RAV4s than on all cars registered in 1996.
- Exhaust system2.1× usualToyota RAV418.9% All 1996 cars8.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.4% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
By area
The share of 1996 Toyota RAV4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension43% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks33% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Brakes31% 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 electrics29% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions29% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 251 | Tyres 7% |
| 2022 | 10,279 | Tyres 19% |
| 2021 | 12,327 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 11,662 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 8,888 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 7,371 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 7,832 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 7,645 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 5,347 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 4,631 | Tyres 28% |
| 2013 | 4,414 | Brakes 31% |
| 2012 | 1,541 | Suspension 35% |
| 2011 | 470 | Suspension 39% |
| 2010 | 441 | Suspension 39% |
| 2009 | 1,497 | Suspension 54% |
| 2008 | 3,022 | Suspension 58% |
| 2007 | 2,978 | Suspension 57% |
| 2006 | 2,031 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 3,072 | Suspension 44% |
| 2004 | 2,976 | Brakes 47% |
| 2003 | 2,273 | Suspension 45% |
| 2002 | 1,603 | Suspension 46% |
| 2001 | 854 | Brakes 45% |
| 2000 | 405 | Suspension 44% |
| 1999 | 403 | Suspension 45% |
| 1998 | 485 | Suspension 42% |
| 1997 | 241 | Suspension 45% |
| 1995 | 135 | Suspension 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1996 Toyota RAV4s registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score