CarRecallDB

2000 Toyota RAV4 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 30 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2000 Toyota RAV4.

3
recalls
30
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2000 Toyota RAV4 recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V033000 · reported January 22, 2020 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 138,842 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.

Power train: automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switch

NHTSA campaign 00V211000 · reported August 9, 2000 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 756 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: sport utility electric vehicles. If the subject vehicles are repeatedly parked by placing the shift lever into the "p" position without applying the parking brake, the parking lock rod, a component of the transmission parking lock system, could break.
The risk
This condition can render the system inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the parking lock rod.

Service brakes, air: disc, rotor

NHTSA campaign 00V212000 · reported August 9, 2000 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 780 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: sport utility electric vehicles. The front disc brake rotor, when equipped with steel wheels, can develop stress fractures if the lug nuts are tightened with excessive torque.
The risk
The disc rotor could break (where it mounts to the wheel), resulting in a loss of braking action on that wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the disc brake rotors. If the vehicle is equipped with steel wheels, toyota will replace the front disc brake rotors and steel wheels with new disc brake rotors and new aluminum wheels. In addition a caution label that reads, "use new genuine toyota aluminum wheels." will be affixed. Vehicles already equipped with aluminum wheels will only require caution label installation.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 4, 2025 · Electrical system · 172,000 miles

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while inspecting the battery, there were white hard stains on the battery and the parts holding the battery in place, causing the battery to move independently, allowing the battery to leak. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that the…

Jul 29, 2015 · Structure · 203,814 miles

SENT FOR INSPECTION FAILED FOR BAD CONTROL ARM AND FOR RUSTED OUT ENGINE CRADLE NEEDS REPLACED

Jul 1, 2015 · Engine · 169,266 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…

Feb 1, 2015 · Engine

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS REMAINS ON THOUGH THERE IS NOT AN ISSUE THAT CAN BE FOUND BY ANY REPAIR SHOPS.

Jul 30, 2013 · Power train · 62,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF FIFTH GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE…

RAV4 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 33050
2001 0309182
2002 05273615
2003 0315194

Across all years, the 2007 RAV4 has the most complaints (1,004). All Toyota RAV4 years →

Questions

Does the 2000 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2000 Toyota RAV4, the most recent reported on January 22, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Toyota RAV4?
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (7 complaints), followed by power train (5).
How many 2000 Toyota RAV4 complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 30 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 4, 2025.