2005 Toyota RAV4
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 59 of 141 complaints (42%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 154 in 2004 to 141 in 2005.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | vs. 2005 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,600–2,850 | 2,700–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | 2,600–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 22–24 | 21–23 | 21–23 | 21–24 | 21–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 20–22 / 25–28 | 19–21 / 24–27 | 19–21 / 24–27 | 19–21 / 25–27 | 19–21 / 25–27 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 370–404 | 386–423 | 386–423 | 370–423 | 386–423 | |
| Complaints filed | 314 | 154 | 141 | 704 | 1,004 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 14 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 18 | 16 | 22 | 26 | 53 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 37 | |
| Injuries reported | 8 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 41 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota RAV4 have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2005 Toyota RAV4?
Airbags & Restraints: 59 of 141 NHTSA complaints (42%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Toyota RAV4 get?
EPA rates it 21–23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2005 Toyota RAV4?
EPA estimates $2,700–$2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 21 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $2,700 (low) | 386 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 21 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $2,700 (low) | 386 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.4L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 20 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 19 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 59 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 13 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 11 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 19V741000 · Oct 17, 2019
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 15V284000 · May 13, 2015
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. Owners were mailed an interim notice June 17, 2015. The recall began on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 10V035000 · Feb 3, 2010
Defect: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 10V036000 · Feb 3, 2010
Defect: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 06V096000 · Apr 3, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.