Is the Toyota RAV4 made in the USA?

Yes. Some Toyota RAV4s are built in the United States, but the model is also produced in Canada, Japan, and China for other markets. Production is distributed across several plants, and your specific vehicle’s origin depends on the model year, trim level, and market.

Where the RAV4 is assembled

Toyota operates multiple assembly sites that contribute to RAV4 production across North America and beyond. The most notable plants involved in North American supply include:

• United States — Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (Georgetown, Kentucky) serves as a major site for RAV4 production for the U.S. market.


• Canada — Woodstock, Ontario (Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada) has produced RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid for North American consumers.


• Japan — Domestic-market RAV4s and certain export variants are assembled in Japanese plants.


• China — GAC Toyota manufactures RAV4 for the Chinese market at its joint-venture facilities.

These sites illustrate how Toyota distributes RAV4 production to align with regional demand and trade considerations.

U.S.-specific production details

Georgetown, Kentucky and beyond

In the United States, the majority of RAV4s destined for the U.S. market have historically been assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, Kentucky. Toyota has also used Canadian facilities to supply U.S. inventory at times, reflecting a broader North American production strategy that reduces shipping times and tariffs.

Production patterns can change with model year, union agreements, and supply chain considerations. For exact details about a specific vehicle, check the VIN window sticker at purchase or consult a dealership.

How to tell the origin of your RAV4

For consumers curious about their car’s origin, the VIN and window sticker provide the clearest answer. The VIN’s plant code identifies the factory where the vehicle was assembled, and the window sticker lists the same information along with the country of origin and factory name.

Why this matters

Where a vehicle is built can affect delivery times, warranty logistics, and, in some cases, options and features tied to regional assembly. It also matters for buyers who prefer products manufactured in a particular country due to working standards or domestic sourcing considerations.

Summary

The Toyota RAV4 is produced in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and China. If you want to know the exact origin of your specific vehicle, check the VIN plant code and the window sticker or ask your dealer. In the U.S., a significant share of RAV4s have been assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky, but Canadian plants have also supplied U.S.-bound units. Toyota’s global production footprint supports regional demand while maintaining global supply chains.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota RAV4?

The most common problem with a Toyota RAV4 is transmission issues, especially with the 8-speed automatic in certain models, leading to rough shifting or hesitation. Other frequent problems include engine issues like excessive oil consumption in some models, electrical failures with the infotainment system and sensors, and brake and suspension concerns such as squealing or premature wear. 
Transmission problems

• Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting, low-speed hesitation, delayed engagement, and difficulty getting into certain gears.
• Cause: In some older models, poor computer-transmission communication was an issue, while in newer models, the 8-speed automatic can develop problems around 150,000 miles. A lack of proper maintenance, such as infrequent transmission fluid changes, is a common factor. 

This video discusses common transmission issues in Toyota RAV4 models: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Nov 16, 2024
Engine problems 

• Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring more frequent top-offs, and intermittent stalling or rough running.
• Cause: Some four-cylinder engines are known to burn too much oil. 

Electrical and interior problems 

• Symptoms: Frozen infotainment screens, sensor faults, unexpected battery drain, and a blank display screen.
• Cause: These can be caused by software glitches in the telematics or infotainment systems, or issues with hardware like the 12-volt battery. 

Brake and suspension concerns

• Symptoms: Brake squealing, brake pulsation or vibration, and wear on pads and rotors.
• Cause: These can be related to the brake pads, discs, or sensors. Some older models also had rear suspension hardware issues that could affect alignment. 

Other common problems

• Fuel system: Issues where the fuel pump clicks off early, preventing the tank from appearing full. 
• Power liftgate: A lawsuit has been filed regarding the power liftgate hinges on certain models, alleging premature failure. 
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): The TPMS light may come on, indicating issues like low pressure, a leak, or a flat tire. 

Where is the Toyota RAV4 manufactured?

Toyota RAV4 models are made in Japan, Canada, and the United States, with the specific location depending on the vehicle's model and trim.
 

• Canada: The Woodstock, Ontario plant produces RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models. 
• Japan: Some models are manufactured in Japan. 
• United States: The Georgetown, Kentucky plant produces the RAV4 Hybrid, and there have been considerations for producing other RAV4 models there as well. 

How do I know if my RAV4 is built in Japan?

To tell if your RAV4 was made in Japan, check the 11th digit of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The 11th character will be a 'J' if it was built in Japan. You can find the VIN on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb.
 
This video shows how to find the VIN on your car and how to interpret the 11th digit: 59sRossPerry ProductionsYouTube · Jun 26, 2023
How to find and decode the VIN

• Locate the VIN: The 17-digit VIN is usually located on a plate on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. 
• Identify the 11th character: Look at the 11th position of the VIN. 
• Determine the country of origin:
  • J: Assembled in Japan. 
  • 1, 4, or 5: Assembled in the United States. 
  • 2: Assembled in Canada. 
  • 3: Assembled in Mexico. 

What Toyota models are made in the USA?

Many Toyotas are made in the USA, including the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Grand Highlander, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Sequoia, Sienna, and Tundra. These vehicles are assembled at plants in states like Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas, and some even have hybrid powertrains built in the US. 
List of Toyota vehicles made in the USA
Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Grand Highlander, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Sequoia, Sienna, Tundra, Avalon and Avalon Hybrid, Corolla Cross, and Crown Signia. 
Where they are made

• Kentucky: Camry, RAV4 Hybrid
• Indiana: Sienna, Highlander, Grand Highlander
• Texas: Tundra, Sequoia
• Mississippi: Corolla
• Alabama: Engine manufacturing for multiple models