The most common problems with used 2017 Toyota Rav4s
Owners of used 2017 Toyota Rav4s weigh in on the most common reliability issues
In the realm of compact SUVs, a few titans reign supreme. Chief among them is the Rav4, which is not only one of the best-selling compact SUVs, but is also Toyota’s best-selling vehicle. More than 300,000 people take these reliable vehicles home on a yearly basis.
If you’re looking to take home a 2017 Toyota Rav4, you may be wondering what the common problems are that you need to be on the lookout for. We’ll cover the common issues and tell you how to avoid buying one with any problems.
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Common problems with 2017 Toyota Rav4
- Steering Pulls To One Side, Cost To Fix: $N/A
- Transmission Issues, Cost To Fix: $4000
- Electrical Issues, Cost To Fix: $200 - $6300
Most common problem with 2017 Toyota Rav4: Steering Pulls To One Side
Cost to fix: $N/A
There are several reports that the steering on the 2017 Toyota Rav4 has a tendency to pull to one side while at higher speeds. Owners find themselves having to fight with the steering wheel and indicate that long road trips can be quite taxing due to having to constantly correct the issue. Since most of these complaints come from owners who have cars with low mileage, the issue appears to be due to a design flaw with the car, rather than a problem that can be repaired or fixed. This is the reason why no cost is assigned to this issue.
How to avoid:
When driving the Rav4, be sure to take the vehicle up to speed on the highway. You’ll want to feel the steering and see if the off center or wandering feeling is present. It may not even bother you if it is present, or it may not be there at all. Just make sure you check this out.
Also common on the 2017 Toyota Rav4: Transmission Issues
Cost to fix: $4000
The 2017 Rav4 has consistent reports about a clunky and rough shifting automatic transmission. It appears that this issue is more specifically linked to the 6-speed automatic in the Rav4 vs. the hybrid drive system, which uses a CVT. Owners indicate that the transmission sometimes does not go into drive from reverse, and that it jumps gears drastically on hills. Again, this is more down to the programming and design of the transmission and its selector vs. an actual problem. If for some reason the transmission does fail on the 2017 Rav4, it will cost you around $4000.
How to avoid:
You’ll want to drive the Rav4 hard to make sure that the transmission does not bother you in its normal operation. Keep in mind that the transmission shifts harshly – and at times drastically – by design. If possible, take the vehicle on a long uphill grade to see if the behavior of the transmission is acceptable. You’ll also need to keep in mind that behaviors shuddering and low speed lurching are not by design. If you get confused, just ask your mechanic.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Wondering what to look out for when buying a used car? With such a large purchase, it pays to be a cautious shopper. Check out this list of red flags to look out for when buying a used car.
Other 2017 Toyota Rav4 Issues: Electrical Issues:
Cost to fix: $200-$6300
The issue with the electrical system seems to be more related to the Hybrid models than the gas models of the Rv4. Owners indicate the vehicle will shut off while driving and throw an error that says “Charging system fault” that requires the vehicle is shut off and turned back on. This issue ranges from a simple software fix to a full blown replacement of the electrical harness and system. This is the reason for the drastic range of repair cost.
How to avoid:
The only way you’ll really know if the charging system or electrical system is faulty is to run it through the paces. If the vehicle throws an error, shuts off or otherwise behaves in an odd manner, be sure to have the mechanic investigate further.
How to avoid buying a used 2017 Toyota Rav4 with these problems
In order to avoid purchasing a 2017 Rav4 with these common problems, you’ll need to do a fair bit of leg work up front. Most car buyers are familiar with the process of test driving, but most car buyers don’t really take the time necessary to really ascertain a car’s condition. You have to really put the car through its paces by being somewhat drastic for the short period of time you have with the vehicle. This includes everything from running the A/C at full blast to pulling U- turns and driving up to highway speed quickly. Listen, look and feel for anything that seems out of the ordinary.
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Your next line of defense is to get the professionals involved by doing a thorough inspection. Your trusted local mechanic should be a key part of the car buying process, because not everything is apparent on a visual inspection or test drive. For a few hundred dollars, a mechanic will give your potential new ride a complete check up. This can save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of hassle in the future! If your dealer won’t allow you to do this, move on. They are most likely hiding something nefarious.
Search all used 2017 Toyota Rav4s in your area
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