The most common problems with used 2015 Toyota Rav4
Owners weigh in on the most common reliability issues with their used 2015 Rav4s
When we speak of trailblazers in the automotive world, the Toyota Rav4 absolutely comes to mind. We may take these incredibly popular SUVs for granted now, but remember that way back in 1994 these things were one of a kind.
Along with the Honda CR-V, the Rav4 staked its claim in the minds of millions of people as a vehicle that perfectly combined economy with capability – and not much has changed over the years.
Toyota has a deep and well-deserved reputation for quality. However, like anything good, they do have their share of common problems and flaws. Let’s dig beneath the armor a bit and see what problems are most often reported by owners of the 2015 Toyota Rav4.
Most common owner-reported problems with used 2015 Toyota Rav4s
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Major problems with 2015 Toyota Rav4
- Brake Failure/Brake Clicking. Cost To Fix: $450
- Unintended Acceleration. Cost To Fix: Varies
- Paint Chipping/Rust Formation. Cost To Fix: $200 - $400
Most common problem with 2015 Toyota Rav4: Brake Failure/Brake Clicking
Cost to fix: $450
This one is pretty scary for owners. Essentially, some owners of the 2015 Rav4 have complained about the vehicle’s apparent inability to stop while the brakes are depressed in certain situations. This post from an owner details what happened and what he discovered might be the issue, which stems from a faulty master cylinder.
There are several other reports of this issue, all with very similar circumstances that involve the brake pedal sinking to the floor and the vehicle not slowing down at all. Though not independently verified by Toyota, the issue seems to stem from a poorly-built master cylinder.
The cost to replace this part is about $450.
How to avoid:
This issue is not consistent, and therefore can be fairly hard to diagnose on a test drive. The best thing you can do is to completely put the vehicle through its paces during a test drive, including applying the brakes in a panic stop situation.
You’ll really want to have your mechanic help with this one, and you should note during inspection that you’d like the braking system including the master cylinder completely checked out. This should help avoid the issue if it is indeed present on that particular vehicle.
Also common on the 2015 Toyota Rav4: Unintended Acceleration
Cost to fix: Varies
There’s been quite a bit of notoriety around the issue of unintended acceleration with Toyota as a brand. There’s been several infamous stories and there’s been an incredible amount of press due to the tragic nature of these stories and the possible future implications.
Owners that experience this situation often sustain damage as a result of the unintended acceleration, and therefore the overall cost is quite high. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a solid answer for why these vehicles do this but Toyota claims it is due to a sticky floor mat and accelerator combo.
This issue seems to have the same symptoms as issues with the lack of braking, which will lead some consumers to be confused about the cause.
How to avoid:
Take care to ensure that floor mat on your test vehicle is fitted in the correct location prior to driving. Utilize your test drive time to ensure that there are no weird quirks with the driving experience, including surging or unintended acceleration.
Your best bet is to drive the vehicle in a variety of road conditions that include slow speed, high speed and stop/go as well. Make sure you have your mechanic take a good, solid look at the accelerator assembly during the inspection.
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Other 2015 Toyota Rav4 Issues: Paint Chipping/Rust Formation:
Image source
Cost to fix: $200-$400
Owners of some 2015 Rav4 models complain that the body is especially prone to chips in the paint from minor usage. The concern comes from the age of the Rav4s in question, which is typically either new or almost new.
Other owners complain about the formation of rust on unfinished parts of the Rav4, specifically the lower doors and hatch areas.
This is a relatively cheap fix at a local body shop, but many owners argue that this should not happen at all. Toyota does offer a comprehensive rust warranty that should cover this and if it does not, the fix is cheap.
How to avoid:
Be sure to check the lower, inside of the door panels for any rust. Also, be sure to check the inner part of the rear hatch as well as the interior panels below the carpet for rust. These are not areas that people typically look at on a regular basis, so you’ll have to take special care to note these areas.
How to avoid buying a used 2015 Toyota Rav4 with these problems
In the search for a used car, the best defense you have is to be proactive during your shopping experience. First off, the test drive is the most important thing you can use to your advantage.
Most people rush through the test drive without a second thought, and often just do it to go along with the motions. The test drive is your opportunity to put the car through its paces by looking, listening and feeling for abnormalities.
If the car stutters, grinds or shakes then it may be a good idea to move on. Use the electronics in the car, roll the windows down and even crank the stereo up. Any one of these things could expose an issue with one of more of the vehicle’s primary systems.
Your next best defense against a poor used car purchase is to get your car checked out by a local mechanic. Hand the keys off to your mechanic so he or she can give the car a thorough visual inspection and full diagnostic.
These inspections typically run around $250 and are worth every single penny. The peace of mind alone is worth the money! If the dealer or selling party won’t comply to request for an inspection, it’s best to move on.
Search all used 2015 Toyota Rav4s in your area
Although Toyota does have a well-deserved reputation for quality, there are still issues you need to watch out for. If you’re considering a Rav4 or other compact SUVs download CoPilot on your phone and let us help you find your way through this stressful process.
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