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What are the common problems of a 2014 Toyota RAV4?

The most frequently reported issues for the 2014 RAV4 tend to cluster around transmission behavior, oil consumption, electrical faults, and wear in suspension components.

As a 2014 model in Toyota’s fourth-generation lineup, the RAV4 remains generally reliable, but owners and technicians note several recurring trouble spots as mileage grows. This article outlines the usual problem areas, what to look for during a inspection, and steps to take if you own or are considering buying a 2014 RAV4.

Engine and transmission concerns

Below is a look at the engine and drivetrain areas where problems are most commonly reported, along with typical symptoms to watch for.

Transmission shudder, rough or delayed shifting, or surging in some models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Torque converter issues causing slipping or abnormal acceleration/deceleration patterns.

Oil consumption concerns, with some engines using more oil than expected between changes, especially at higher mileage.

Engine misfires or rough idle due to ignition, fuel, or sensor-related faults (less common but possible).

Regular maintenance and timely diagnosis are important in this area. If you notice shifting irregularities, flickering check engine lights, or unexpectedly dropping oil levels, have a qualified technician inspect the transmission and engine promptly to prevent further damage.

Electrical and interior problems

Electrical systems and interior components can develop faults over time as the vehicle ages and accumulates miles. This section highlights typical concerns and symptoms.

Power window regulator failures or door lock actuator malfunctions causing doors to fail to open/close properly.

Warning lights, inconsistent gauge readings, or sensor faults affecting the instrument cluster or onboard computers.

Infotainment/navigation system freezing, Bluetooth connectivity issues, or touchscreen unresponsiveness.

TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) sensor failures or intermittent warning light activation.

Key fob, immobilizer, or starting system irregularities that can affect access or starting the engine.

Electrical issues are often traced to wear on switches, actuators, or control modules. Wiring harnesses and connectors can degrade with time, so a thorough diagnostic check is advisable when symptoms appear.

Suspension, braking, and safety systems

Wear on suspension and braking components commonly manifests as changes in ride quality, noise, or handling characteristics. Here are the typical concerns to watch for.

Worn front struts/shocks, control arm bushings, or ball joints leading to a softer ride, squeaks, clunks, or misalignment over uneven pavement.

Wheel bearing noise or roughness that increases with speed, often described as grinding or whirring.

Brake rotor wear or pulsation, along with potential brake pad wear that can shorten service life.

Steering play, tie-rod wear, or rack-and-pinion issues causing vague steering feel or minor alignment drift.

CV axle boot deterioration or CV joint noise, particularly on vehicles with high mileage or rough use.

Routine inspections of the suspension, steering, and braking systems are crucial. Addressing worn components early can prevent uneven tire wear and more serious handling problems down the line.

Recalls and service history considerations

Safety and reliability can be affected by recalls and service updates. The 2014 RAV4 has been subject to multiple recalls and service bulletins that address various safety and performance concerns.

Takata airbag inflator recalls that affected many vehicles from this era; verify whether your VIN is included and ensure repairs are completed.

Other safety-related recalls or service bulletins may cover seat belts, ABS sensors, or related components depending on VIN and production batch.

Transmission programming updates or engine sensor service bulletins that can improve reliability and performance.

To minimize risk, check the vehicle’s VIN against official recall databases (such as NHTSA or manufacturer databases) and review the complete service history for any completed recalls or recent dealer updates.

Summary

The 2014 Toyota RAV4, while generally dependable, shows common issues in four broad areas: engine and transmission behavior, electrical and interior components, suspension/braking systems, and safety recalls. Prospective buyers and current owners should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase or routine inspection, paying particular attention to transmission operation, oil consumption trends, electrical diagnostics, and wear in suspension and braking parts. Keeping up with recalls and service bulletins, along with documented maintenance, can help sustain reliable ownership of a 2014 RAV4.

What are the biggest problems with the Toyota RAV4?

Problems there can also be faulty solenoids. That can prevent the transmission going to a certain gear many of these problems are reportedly.

Is 2014 a good year for a Toyota RAV4?

Yes, 2014 is generally considered a good year for the Toyota RAV4, particularly for its strong reliability, spacious interior, and good cargo capacity. However, some downsides include lower-than-average safety scores in certain tests, less impressive cabin materials, and potential issues with the infotainment system.

Positives

Reliability: The RAV4 is highly reliable, with many owners reporting minimal issues over many years and miles.
Space: It offers class-leading cargo space and a roomy interior, making it practical for families.
Comfort: Owners generally find the seats comfortable and the ride smooth, especially when cruising at highway speeds.
Performance: The engine has acceptable power for daily driving, and a Sport mode can provide quicker throttle response and firmer steering when needed.

Negatives

Safety: The RAV4 received a "Poor" rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test.
Interior: The cabin materials are often described as feeling low-rent, with plenty of plastic and hard surfaces.
Infotainment: The infotainment and navigation system can be frustrating and is often cited as a weak point, with some users recommending using a smartphone instead.
Ride Quality: The Limited model with larger wheels can have a jittery ride on rough pavement, and the overall ride may not be as quiet as some competitors.

Which year of Toyota RAV4 to avoid?

Years to avoid for the Toyota RAV4 include 2001-2003 (transmission and ECM issues), 2006-2008 (excessive oil consumption), 2013-2015 (transmission hesitation and rough shifting), and 2019 (fuel pump failures, engine cooling problems, and engine issues). Additionally, hybrid models from the 5th generation may have issues with high-voltage cable corrosion and battery life, and some models can have paint peeling problems, especially around 2013.
By model year
This video explains the issues with the 2006-2008 model years: 1mCar ComfyYouTube · Jun 11, 2025

2001-2003: Potential for transmission and Electronic Control Module (ECM) failures.
2006-2008: Excessive oil consumption, particularly with the 2.4L engine, and potential steering lockups.
2013: Reports of transmission hesitation, electrical fires, and paint peeling.
2014-2015: Transmission hesitation and rough shifting were common issues.
2019: Engine problems like oil leaks, cooling issues, and fuel pump failures were reported. Hybrid models also experienced issues with corroded high-voltage wiring.

By type of problem

Transmission issues: 2001-2003, 2006-2008, 2009-2012, 2013-2015, and 2018 models have been associated with transmission problems.
Engine/oil consumption: 2006-2008 models are known for excessive oil consumption, and 2019 models reported engine cooling and oil loss problems.
Electrical issues: 2013 models have been linked to electrical fires, and 2019 models had infotainment glitches (which were often resolved by software updates).
Hybrid-specific issues: Some 5th generation hybrid models have had issues with high-voltage cable corrosion and battery longevity.
Other issues:
- Paint peeling: Some owners of the 2013 model reported paint issues.
- Roof rack leaks: 2019-2021 models have been linked to leaky roof racks.

What problems does a 2014 RAV4 have?

Common issues with the 2014 Toyota RAV4 include problems with the transmission, such as stumbling or hesitation, excessive engine oil consumption, and failures in electrical systems like the infotainment screen and sensors. Other reported problems include water pump leaks, issues with the oxygen sensor, and potential interior and exterior leaks from the sunroof and around the visor posts.

This video discusses common problems with the 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4: 1mThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Jun 22, 2025
Engine and Drivetrain

Transmission: Issues include shifting problems, a persistent lurching feeling, and delayed engagement.
Engine oil: Some four-cylinder engines may consume excessive oil, requiring more frequent top-ups between oil changes.
Water pump: Leaks from the water pump have been reported.

Electrical and Infotainment

Infotainment screen: The navigation system may not work, and the display can freeze or die.
Sensors: Failures of the oxygen sensor can trigger the "Check Engine" light.
Battery and electrical: Some owners report issues with 12-volt battery drain and other electrical system failures.

Exterior and Interior

Leaks: Air and water leaks from the sunroof and around the visor posts have been reported.
Paint: Some owners have noted issues with paint chips and scratches.
Brakes: Squealing or grinding noises from the brakes can occur.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.