The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV that has existed since the 1996 model year and has 5 generations. Not every vehicle is a problem, but they do have their common problems. This post reviews the top 5 Toyota RAV4 problems of the 3rd generation, years 2006 to 2012.
Common 3rd Gen Toyota RAV4 Problems
1. Ignition Coil Failure
Symptoms of Bad Ignition Coils
- Rough running engine
- Flashing check engine light
How to Fix Bad Ignition Coils
Replace the ignition coils. We recommend replacing the spark plugs at the same time.
2. EVAP Canister Failure
The EVAP canister is located in front of the fuel tank. It is a part of the EVAP emissions system.
Symptoms of a Bad EVAP Canister
- Check engine light for an EVAP-related code
- Difficulty pumping gas—the gas stops pumping as if the tank is full
Causes of EVAP Problems
The air inside the fuel tank needs to go through the EVAP canister. If the canister is clogged, it can prevent the air from traveling and stop the fuel pump from pumping.
How to Fix EVAP Issues on the 3rd gen Toyota RAV4
Check the gas cap before replacing any parts. Fix the gas cap first if it’s loose, doesn’t secure tightly, or has a broken gasket since that can cause the same code.
3. Oxygen (O2) Sensors
Symptoms of O2 Sensor Failure
- Rough running engine
- Abnormal acceleration
- Check engine light
How to Fix O2 Sensor Failure
The downstream O2 sensor located at the rear of the vehicle is the downstream sensor. The upstream O2 sensor located in front of the catalytic convertor.
We recommend replacing all of the O2 sensors at once since the other O2 sensors will likely fail soon.
4. Front Sway Bar Links
Symptoms of Front Sway Bar Link Failure
How to Fix the Front Sway Bar Links
Wiggle the sway bar link to test for play. There should be no play. Too much play indicates the sway bar link is in bad condition, like in the video above at 1:57. if the sway bar link is defective, we recommend replacing the sway bar link in pairs.
5. Oil Leaks
Symptoms of Oil Leaks
- Oil leaks on areas like the timing cover or beneath the vehicle
Causes of Oil Leak Problems on the 2006 to 2012 Toyota RAV4
On the V6 engine with the variable valve timing (VVT) hose, the hose can burst and leak oil.
How to Fix Oil Leaks
If the VVT hose bursts, pull over and have the RAV4 towed. Replace the VVT hose.
Fix Your 3rd Gen Toyota RAV4 with 1A Auto’s How-to Videos
Learn how to do over 100 repairs on your own 2006 to 2012 Toyota RAV4 with 1A Auto’s videos that have step-by-step removal and install instructions from our expert mechanics.
3rd Generation Toyota RAV4 Model Years
- 2006 Toyota RAV4
- 2007 Toyota RAV4
- 2008 Toyota RAV4
- 2009 Toyota RAV4
- 2010 Toyota RAV4
- 2011 Toyota RAV4
- 2012 Toyota RAV4
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- Gas Cap Throwing a Check Engine Light? [Diagnose & Fix]
- Rattle in Front End When Going Over Bumps?
- Why is My Car Leaking Oil?
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