How long does a 2017 Toyota RAV4 last?

With regular maintenance, a 2017 Toyota RAV4 can reliably reach well over 200,000 miles, and many owners report hitting 250,000 miles or more; some surpass 300,000 miles with attentive care.

Longevity hinges on how you drive, how consistently you service it, and how proactively you address wear and potential issues. This article explains typical lifespans for the gas-powered 2017 RAV4, the maintenance that helps extend life, and what to check when buying one used.

Longevity basics: what determines a RAV4’s lifespan

Engine and drivetrain reliability

The 2017 RAV4 uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with a six‑speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is known for robustness, and Toyota equipped it with a timing chain rather than a timing belt, which generally requires less interval maintenance. In typical service conditions, the gas-powered model can run comfortably past 200,000 miles (about 320,000 kilometers), with many examples reaching 250,000 miles or more when well cared for. The drivetrain’s longevity is helped by thorough routine maintenance and attentive addressing of any early warning signs.

Maintenance and care: how to maximize life

Regular maintenance is the best predictor of long-term reliability. The list below covers the core practices that correlate with extended engine and vehicle life.

• Oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals (commonly every 5,000–7,500 miles with synthetic oil, or per the owner's manual), to keep the engine internals well-lubricated and clean.


• Brake service, tire rotation, and alignment checks to prevent uneven wear and preserve safety components.


• Coolant and cooling-system maintenance, including coolant top-ups and eventual replacement per manual guidance, to prevent overheating and component damage.


• Air and cabin filter replacement to maintain air quality and engine efficiency.


• Battery, charging system, and electrical diagnostics to avoid unexpected failures, especially in extreme climates.


• Adhering to the transmission maintenance schedule and monitoring for smooth shifting, together with prompt attention to any unusual noises or slipping.

With diligent maintenance, these routine services support a longer life for the 2017 RAV4’s engine and drivetrain, helping many examples reach well into the 200,000–300,000 mile range.

Buying used: what to check for a 2017 RAV4

If you’re considering a used 2017 RAV4, the following checks help assess longevity prospects and current condition. This is especially important because maintenance history and prior driving conditions strongly influence future reliability.

• Verify service history and recall status, ensuring routine oil changes and fluid services are documented, and that any open recalls have been completed.


• Inspect for signs of leaks (engine/valve cover, oil pan, cooling system) and check the condition of belts, hoses, and clamps even though the 2.5L uses a timing chain rather than a belt.


• Test drive to evaluate transmission smoothness, throttle response, steering feel, and braking performance; listen for unusual noises at various speeds and RPMs.


• Check tires, brakes, and suspension components for uneven wear or excessive play, which can indicate alignment or component wear.


• Inspect the frame and underbody for rust or previous collision repairs, and review the battery’s age and alternator performance.

Thorough pre-purchase checks paired with a clean maintenance history can improve the odds of a long-lived, reliable vehicle and help you anticipate future upkeep costs.

Bottom line and takeaways

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is widely regarded as a durable, long-lasting compact SUV. On average, expect the gas model to deliver reliable performance well into the 200,000–300,000 mile range with disciplined maintenance and timely repairs. If you opt for a used example, prioritize documented maintenance, confirmed recalls addressed, and a professional inspection to verify drivetrain health and remaining life. For hybrid-equipped 2017 RAV4 models, battery and electric-drive system considerations add different longevity dynamics, but the gas variant remains a strong benchmark for Toyota reliability.

Summary

In short, a well-maintained 2017 RAV4 commonly lasts beyond 200,000 miles, with many owners reaching 250,000 miles or more. Regular servicing, careful driving, and prompt repair of issues play the biggest roles in achieving long life. When shopping used, a complete maintenance history and a clean inspection are essential to gauge how long the vehicle may continue to perform reliably.

What year of RAV4 to stay away from?

Years to avoid for the Toyota RAV4 include 2001-2003 for transmission issues, 2006-2008 for excessive oil consumption, and 2009-2012 for unintended acceleration and drivetrain problems. Other years with noted issues are 2013 (electrical fires, paint peeling) and 2019 (fuel pump, engine cooling, and infotainment glitches). 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the Toyota RAV4, including transmission issues: 51sFuel ForceYouTube · Nov 16, 2024
Specific model years to avoid

• 2001–2003: Transmission and engine control unit (ECM) failures. 
• 2006–2008: Excessive oil consumption in the 2.4L engine, which can lead to expensive repairs if not addressed. 
• 2009–2012: Reports of unintended acceleration, as well as suspension and drivetrain issues. 
• 2013: Risk of electrical fires and problems with paint peeling. 
• 2019: Issues with the fuel pump, engine cooling, and a laggy or buggy infotainment system. 

What's the most common problem with a Toyota RAV4?

Common problems with the Toyota RAV4 include issues with the automatic transmission in older models, engine oil consumption in some four-cylinder engines, and various electrical faults like infotainment screen freezes or 12-volt battery drains. Additionally, recent models have seen reports of hybrid floor wire corrosion, and some specific model years have experienced issues like front suspension arm cracks, faulty fuel pumps, or liftgate hinge failures. 
This video discusses common problems with the Toyota RAV4, including transmission, engine, and electrical issues: 52sFuel ForceYouTube · Nov 16, 2024
Common problems by category 
This video explains how to avoid common mistakes when driving a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which can affect its performance and efficiency: 56sToyota WorldYouTube · Jul 3, 2025
Transmission

• Older models: Rough or jerky shifting due to a computer-transmission communication issue. 
• Higher mileage: Rough shifting, delayed engagement, and grinding noises in 8-speed automatic transmissions. 
• Other issues: Faulty solenoids that prevent the transmission from engaging certain gears. 

Engine 

• Oil consumption: Some four-cylinder engines are known to burn excessive oil, requiring more frequent top-offs. 
• Stalling: Intermittent stalling or rough running, sometimes linked to fuel system problems. 
• Fuel pump failure: Diagnostic codes like P0171 (System Too Lean) often point to a failing fuel pump, which can cause stalling and disengage the all-wheel drive. 
• Coolant bypass valve defect: Some models may experience overheating and stalling due to a faulty bypass valve. 

Electrical

• Infotainment system: Frozen screens and other malfunctions are reported. 
• Battery drain: Unexpected draining of the 12-volt battery, sometimes requiring firmware or hardware updates. 
• Sensor faults: Sporadic sensor issues have been noted. 
• Lane-assist malfunction: Some vehicles experience unexpected swerving or jerking due to faulty lane-assist systems. 

Other issues

• Brake squeal: Light-to-moderate brake squeal has been reported on some recent model years. 
• Suspension: Older models have had rear suspension hardware issues that can affect alignment. 
• Hybrid floor wire corrosion: Some hybrid models have a problem with the wiring harness under the floor corroding, which can cause radio issues and requires replacement. 
• Fuel tank: Certain models have a defect where the fuel pump clicks off early, preventing the tank from filling completely. 
• Liftgate hinge: Lawsuits have been filed regarding premature failure of power liftgate hinges on some 2014–2021 models. 

You can watch this video to see what goes wrong with used Toyota RAV4s: 56sEveryman DriverYouTube · Jun 9, 2025

Is a 2017 Toyota RAV4 a reliable car?

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a very reliable vehicle with a strong reputation for dependability. It boasts high ratings from sources like Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power, and benefits from low ownership costs and minimal frequency of major repairs. However, some owners have reported issues such as a tendency for the steering to pull to one side and a clunky transmission.
 
Pros of the 2017 RAV4's reliability

• Strong reputation: The 2017 RAV4 is highly regarded for its dependability, with many owners reporting very few problems over the years. 
• Low ownership costs: It has an average annual repair cost of about $429, significantly lower than the average vehicle. 
• High long-term value: Toyota is known for its long-lasting vehicles, and over 90% of RAV4s sold in the last decade are still on the road. 

Potential drawbacks and common problems

• Steering issues: Some owners report the steering pulls to one side, especially at higher speeds, which can make long drives tiring. 
• Transmission problems: There are consistent complaints about a clunky and rough-shifting automatic transmission. 
• Recalls: The vehicle has been subject to a few recalls, including one related to the 12-volt battery not fitting securely in the tray. 
• Other common trouble spots: Some reports mention potential issues with brakes and in-car electronics like the infotainment system. 

How many miles is a 2017 RAV4 good for?

How Long Does a Toyota Rav4 Last? The Toyota Rav4 is a leading SUV when it comes to longevity, clocking in at between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles on average, with higher numbers for owners who take good care of their Rav4.