2005 Toyota RAV4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
0/100
#21 most-complained of 21 RAV4 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Toyota RAV4 has 141 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 0 out of 100 — #21 highest of 21 RAV4 model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is airbags (59 complaints, 42% of the total). Complaints report 22 crashes, 2 fires, and 13 injuries.
- Complaints
- 141
- Recalls
- 5
- incl. Do Not Drive
- Crashes / fires
- 22 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 20.5 city / 26 hwy
Top 2005 Toyota RAV4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
2005 Toyota RAV4 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V741000Oct 17, 2019Airbags928,220 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 15V284000May 13, 2015Airbags159,700 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 10V035000Feb 3, 2010Other271,417 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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.
Risk: 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.
2005 Toyota RAV4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Toyota RAV4 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Toyota RAV4 ranks #21 of 21 among RAV4 model years (Complaint Index 0/100, verdict: Caution). It has 141 complaints and 5 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota RAV4?
- The most reported problem areas are airbags (59 complaints), engine (28 complaints), and brakes (15 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 79,825 miles.
- Does the 2005 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2005 Toyota RAV4, most recently reported 2019, covering airbags and other. At least one carries a Do Not Drive advisory.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Toyota RAV4?
- EPA rates the 2005 Toyota RAV4 at 22.5 MPG combined (20.5 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,875. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.