1994 Toyota RAV4: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Toyota RAV4 first registered in 1994: we looked at the 108 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 108 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Toyota RAV4?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Toyota RAV4 than on all cars registered in 1994.
- Engine oil leaks2.1× usualToyota RAV436.1% All 1994 cars17.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
Common 1994 Toyota RAV4 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1994 Toyota RAV4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension42% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Oil and fluid leaks42% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Brakes35% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres28% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Exhaust and emissions27% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Toyota RAV4
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1994 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Toyota RAV4?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Toyota RAV4 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 285 | Tyres 7% |
| 2022 | 11,039 | Tyres 19% |
| 2021 | 24,915 | Tyres 20% |
| 2020 | 35,738 | Tyres 20% |
| 2019 | 26,847 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 21,851 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 23,447 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 22,873 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 16,133 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 14,166 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 13,493 | Brakes 30% |
| 2012 | 4,697 | Suspension 30% |
| 2011 | 1,453 | Suspension 33% |
| 2010 | 1,393 | Suspension 36% |
| 2009 | 4,972 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 10,093 | Suspension 53% |
| 2007 | 10,125 | Suspension 53% |
| 2006 | 7,049 | Suspension 49% |
| 2005 | 10,070 | Brakes 43% |
| 2004 | 9,952 | Brakes 46% |
| 2003 | 8,040 | Suspension 43% |
| 2002 | 5,797 | Brakes 44% |
| 2001 | 3,040 | Brakes 45% |
| 2000 | 1,443 | Suspension 41% |
| 1999 | 1,449 | Suspension 41% |
| 1998 | 1,732 | Suspension 41% |
| 1997 | 857 | Suspension 44% |
| 1996 | 709 | Suspension 40% |
| 1995 | 514 | Suspension 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Toyota RAV4 cars first registered in 1994. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score