2012 Toyota RAV4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Toyota RAV4 first registered in 2012 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 543 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2012 Toyota RAV4 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Toyota RAV4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes25% 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.
- Suspension17% 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.
- Tyres17% 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 electrics13% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts4% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2012 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.
- Manual gearbox
Notchy gearbox and clutch problems
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.
- All engines
Warped brake discs and leaky door seals
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Toyota RAV4 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- 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% |
| 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% |
| 1994 | 108 | Suspension 42% |
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 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score