2009 Toyota RAV4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Toyota RAV4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Toyota RAV4 than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  18.9% All 2009 cars

  11.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 2.3% of all 2009 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.

• Shock absorbers2× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  14.7% All 2009 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Diesel smoke emissions6.6× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  5.9% All 2009 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Link ball joint covers2.3× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  7% All 2009 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.8% of all 2009 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.5× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  6.3% All 2009 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2009 Toyota RAV4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Toyota RAV4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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.

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Rust and bodywork
  11% 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.

Known faults on the 2009 Toyota RAV4

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.

• Notchy gearbox and clutch problems

  Manual gearbox

  The manual gearbox can be stiff and notchy, some cars wouldn't go into first or second, and clutches can give trouble.

  At the viewing: Try every gear from a standstill and on the move, and check the clutch bites smoothly.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012) reliability

• EGR valve (diesel)

  Diesel

  The diesel's EGR valve can be a problem.

  At the viewing: Look for a smooth idle and clean pull, with no warning lights.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012) reliability

• Warped brake discs and leaky door seals

  All engines

  Brake discs can warp, especially after heavy towing, and door seals can let water in.

  At the viewing: Feel for juddering through the pedal when braking, and check the carpets for damp.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the 2009 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?