The Lemon Index2017 Toyota RAV4.
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 140 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 33, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 24 to 32 mpg combined. The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 321 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 44K miles on the car (174 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 12K–82K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 4K–28K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 0K–25K miles
Recalls 3
- electrical 2023
Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
- equipment 2019
The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect.
- tires 2017
The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 206 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The parking assist monitor system assists the driver during parking and parallel parking by…
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
- The Parking Assist Monitor System assists the driver during parking and parallel parking by…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBattery hold down bracket thermal events2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 Hybrid SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The navigation system malfunctions with strange letters and imagery.
2017 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 10983387
More owner reports
Drivers side door lock stopped working car only has 37,000 and is 31 months old. Dealer wants $1000.00 to repair.
NHTSA complaint 11315782
Brake pads and rotors wore out before 10k miles on a brand new car. Replaced the front brakes because they were so worn out.that is unheard of. Definitely a safety hazard and a defect on the part/vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 11090185
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 33; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2017 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (20%), electrical (19%) and lights (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 get?
24 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Toyota RAV4 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,600 and 44,100 miles. The middle report was at 19,200 miles, from 174 complaints.
Does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Toyota RAV4 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2022 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works