What year did Toyota remove the spare tire from the back of the RAV4?
The spare tire was moved off the rear door with the 2006 model year, marking the switch from a tail‑mounted spare to an under‑floor or internal setup in most markets.
This article explains when Toyota stopped placing the spare on the back of the RAV4, how the change unfolded across generations, and what it means for current and prospective owners. While 2006 is the key year for the transition, exact configurations can vary by region and trim level.
Timeline: spare tire location by generation
Below is a concise overview of how the RAV4’s spare tire location evolved across generations, highlighting the switch that occurred with the 2006 redesign.
- Gen 1 (1994–2000): Spare tire mounted on the outside of the rear hatch (tail‑gate spare).
- Gen 2 (2000–2005): Continued use of a rear‑door spare on many trims, with regional variations possible.
- Gen 3 (2006–2012): Spare relocated to under the cargo floor in most markets, ending the rear tail‑gate spare on new RAV4s.
The move in 2006 was part of a broader redesign that emphasized interior space, weight distribution, and fuel efficiency. Availability and exact configuration could vary by region and trim level.
Current models and caveats
Today’s RAV4s generally continue the under‑floor spare arrangement in standard configurations on many markets. However, there are variations by country and trim, and some vehicles may include a tire mobility kit instead of a full spare. Always check the specific model year and market to confirm the spare policy and included tools.
In summary, the switch from a rear‑mounted spare to an under‑floor or internal spare occurred in 2006 with the RAV4’s third generation, a change that applied broadly to later models with regional and trim variations.
What this means for owners
For owners, the relocated spare means a different access routine when replacing a damaged tire and a potential gain in cargo space. It also means that some accessories or tools designed for tail‑gate spares may not fit; refer to the owner’s manual for the exact procedure for your model and year.
Summary
The spare tire on the RAV4 stopped mounting on the back in 2006, when Toyota redesigned the model for the third generation and shifted the spare to under the cargo floor in most markets. Variations by region and trim can occur, but 2006 is the pivotal year in the transition.
Does the Toyota RAV4 have a spare tire?
Yes, most current Toyota RAV4 models come with a temporary spare tire, often located under the trunk floor. Some plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the 2026 model may not include one due to space limitations from the larger battery, but this is still uncertain and some current PHEVs do have a spare tire.
- Location: The spare tire, jack, and tools are typically stored in a compartment under the trunk floor. You will need to lift the trunk mat to access them.
- Type: The standard spare is often a space-saver or "donut" type, which is smaller and narrower than the regular tires and has a lower speed limit (usually around 50 mph).
- Model variations: The availability of a spare tire can vary between different trims and model years, particularly for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions. For example, the 2026 model year is expected to have variations in tire availability across its different grades.
What year did the RAV4 move the spare tire?
2013
The 2013 RAV4 moves the spare tire from the lift gate and stows it under the floor of the cargo area. Toyota has reworked its RAV4 crossover for 2013 with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and new six-speed automatic transamission.
What is the lawsuit against the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota Liftgate Hinge lawsuit centers on allegations of defective power liftgate hinges in 2014–2021 Toyota RAV4 models. Plaintiffs claim the hinges lack the strength needed to handle the liftgate's weight and force during operation, leading to premature failure.
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.
