2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  21.1% All 2007 cars

  11.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 3.8% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Exhaust system1.6× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  14.6% All 2007 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Anti-roll bar links8.3× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  2.5% All 2007 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.3% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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.

• Brakes
  31% 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Notchy gearbox and clutch problems

  Manual gearbox

  The manual gearbox can be stiff and notchy, some cars wouldn't go into first or second, and clutches can give trouble.

  At the viewing: Try every gear from a standstill and on the move, and check the clutch bites smoothly.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012) reliability

• Warped brake discs and leaky door seals

  All engines

  Brake discs can warp, especially after heavy towing, and door seals can let water in.

  At the viewing: Feel for juddering through the pedal when braking, and check the carpets for damp.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar links? (Flagged at MOT 8.3× as often on the 2007 Toyota RAV4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?