2023 Toyota RAV4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Toyota RAV4s, from 251 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 251 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2023 Toyota RAV4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres7% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Brakes1% 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 electrics1% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Minor electronic glitches and trim rattlesAll versions
What Car? rates it exceptionally dependable (98.3%), with a few owners reporting minor electronic glitches and interior rattles.
At the viewing: Test the screens and listen for rattles on a rough road.
Looking at a Toyota RAV4?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 1996 | 180 | Suspension 43% |
| 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 2023 Toyota RAV4s registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score