2003 Toyota RAV4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Toyota RAV4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Toyota RAV4 than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  22.5% All 2003 cars

  11.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 4.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  13.3% All 2003 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.6× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  9% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Transmission oil leaks2.9× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  4.7% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Suspension arm1.9× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  6.2% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2003 Toyota RAV4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Toyota RAV4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% 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.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Toyota RAV4

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2003 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?