2005 Toyota RAV4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2005 Toyota RAV4 has a Complaint Index of 0, the lowest of all 21 model years, but its verdict is capped at Caution because of a Do Not Drive airbag recall. NHTSA lists 141 complaints, 5 recalls, and 22 crashes for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #21 of 21 RAV4 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 141
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- 1 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 22
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 13
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 20.5 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
Top 2005 Toyota RAV4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags59 (42%)
- Engine28 (20%)
- Brakes15 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (9%)
- Other11 (8%)
- Steering9 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers9 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (6%)
- Electrical System6 (4%)
- Structure & Body4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during head-on and other collisions, sometimes with seat belts also failing to lock.
- Some describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds while parking or turning, leading to crashes into buildings or other vehicles.
- One owner reported a lower control arm breaking, tied to a recall, causing loss of steering control at highway speed.
- A tire pressure warning combined with ABS and VSC/TRAC lights appeared together in one report, with the system not resetting.
- Body panel and fender material was described as easily damaged in minor impacts, requiring repeated repairs.
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 reliable?
- Among RAV4 model years, 2005 has the lowest Complaint Index (0) and ranks 21st out of 21 for reported problems, but NHTSA capped its verdict at Caution due to a Do Not Drive airbag recall.
- What is the top problem area for the 2005 RAV4?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 59 of 141 complaints (42%), with a median failure mileage of 91,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 RAV4 have a Do Not Drive recall?
- Yes. Recall 15V284000 covers 2004-2005 RAV4 vehicles with a dual-stage driver airbag and tells owners not to drive until the repair is completed.
- How many recalls affect the 2005 Toyota RAV4?
- NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2005 RAV4, including one Do Not Drive airbag recall and two Other-component recalls related to tire and rim labeling.
- How does the 2005 RAV4 compare to later years like 2012 or 2013?
- 2012 and 2013 RAV4 model years carry a Best verdict with Complaint Index values of 15 and 10, while 2005 has a lower Complaint Index of 0 but is held to Caution because of its Do Not Drive recall.