7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,920
Average Mileage:
104,350 miles
Total Complaints:
165 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (72 reports)
  2. added oil (44 reports)
  3. rebuild engine (20 reports)
  4. Toyota is doing an oil usage test (17 reports)
  5. toyota is waiting for part (7 reports)
  6. have to replace vvti line (4 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Toyota dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Aug 062013

RAV4 Limited 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,687 miles

Have to start checking oil 500 miles after having Toyota changing the oil. Toyota changed the oil with 5-30 and still burns a quart of oil with in 750 to 1000 miles. First Toyota dealership I requested an oil consumption test, they never even performed the test. Second dealer performed test but did not do anything after first step. Will keep trying other dealership for one that takes care of their customers.

I am tired of doing one oil change just to add another of the remaining time of the first.

Car smokes and runs roughly due to the oil consumption issue.

I hope Toyota can step up and fix this issue of bad rings.

- j_bbrown, Gresham, OR, US

problem #24

Jul 122014

RAV4 Limited V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,110 miles

I've have heard that the Toyota were good cars, but the 2007 Rav4 has an excessive oil consumption and it makes noise

- Janett A., Ontario, CA, US

problem #23

Oct 112014

RAV4 Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

I used to work for Toyota and they build excellent cars. I am now retired and I have owned my 2007 Rav4 since it was new. I am highly disappointed that after 110000 miles I have to add 2.5 qts. of oil to the engine. I feel that I will no longer buy a Rav4 again, ever. I am scheduled for an oil change in four days and am going to let the dealership know what a problem this is.

- Jonathan C., Westfield, IN, US

problem #22

Sep 012013

RAV4 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,069 miles

I have been reporting to dealers about excessive oil consumption since mileage was 50000 kms, in the beginning they didn't record it on papers, just topped up oil, they say it is normal, I have reported to Toyota , waiting for reply, I will not buy a car for $35000 and open hood every 2000 kms, I am not going to buy another Toyota again if they don't fix it.

- satnam, Toronto, ON, canada

problem #21

Sep 032014

RAV4 Sport 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I got the Rav4 with 36,000 miles, couldn't believe how much oil I put in this car! Obviously I'm not the only one with this problem. It seems Toyota had a bad run of engines amongst other numerous recalls. I hope they make good on it. With oil at $5 something a quart it becomes an expensive ride.

- Stephen G., San Mateo, CA, US

problem #20

Jan 012011

RAV4 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,847 miles

Shortly before the warranty was up on my 2007 Rav4 it started using oil. A consumption test was done and was told it was not excessive (around a litre a thousand Km). The car wasn't even paid for yet. Toyota knows there is problem but pretends there isn't. I am still driving this vehicle but it is now up to 2 - 3 litres every thousand. Needless to say I will never buy another Toyota again.

- Linda G., Keoma, AB, canada

problem #19

Jul 162014

RAV4 Not A Trim Level 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This car has been babied. And should not be burning oil with only 103,000 miles! Obviously this is an on going problem with this motor and Toyota should be liable!

- Mark L., Phippsburg, ME - Maine, US

problem #18

Dec 192013

RAV4 Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

MY DAD WENT TO THE PREMIER DEALER OF MORGANTOWN, W.V. HE SEEN THE 2007 RAV4 LIMITED, KNEW OF HIGH MILEAGE AND GOOD LOOKS ON THE OUTSIDE--MY DAD BROUGHT ME INTO THE DEALERSHIP LATER THAT DAY AND SAID THIS WAS A CHRISTMAS PRESENT WHICH I KNEW WITH HIGH MILEGE THERE WAS GOING TO BE PROBLEMS BUT WE BOUGHT THE CAR CAUSE THE DEAL WAS A RIPOFF BUT A FEW DAYS LATER MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I PULLED OVER--NO OIL.

SO I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND MANAGED TO GET OIL IN IT AND WENT WELL FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS. LATER, BUT DURING THE WINTERTIME AND WHEN THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS NEEDED--THE OIL WENT OUT VERY FAST. I WAS BUYING OIL ABOUT EVERY 1 OR 2 DAYS. I AM A POOR AVERAGE WORKER MAKING NEXT TO NOTHING BUT WITH THIS PURCHASE, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS GOOD AT FIRST, IS DRAINING MY WALLET VERY FAST BUT I AM STUCK WITH IT.

I EMAILED PREMIER 2 TIMES AND NOTHING WAS SAID. I AM LOOKING INTO THE LEMON LAWS WHICH I THINK THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ON THE LOT. I WILL NEVER TRUST PREMIER OR AT LEAST WITH ME I WILL NEVER BUY A CAR FROM THEM AGAIN. I AM SCARED TO DEATH THAT THIS WINTERTIME I WILL GO BANKRUPT HAVING THIS OIL PROBLEMS. I THINK I WILL TRY TO GO THROUGH THE BBB ON PREMIER.

Update from Jan 21, 2015: it is now 2015 and still stuck with rav with the oil troubles--did discover that you have to use the expensive synthetic oil. My dad took it to a mechanic because me and dad got into a big fight over the rav along the christmas season and he said--the mechanic that there was nothing wrong and all i had to do was to make the engine work harder to burn the crap in it. I seen this exact saying from other complaints but i am still stuck with the rav now has 138,500 miles. If it happens again i will park it on the road and just walk home but strangely in summertime it does not do this just like cold snowy weather when the 4 wheel drive is needed is when it acts up. I was hoping to get another new engine in it but since the mechanic can not find anything wrong--course the weather was warm and it dont act up in warm weather. I am still upset and cause i can not afford to trade it in i guess i will have to buy a pair of good walking shoes in wintertime.

- Jan C., Tunnelton, WV, US

problem #17

Jun 082014

RAV4 Sport 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 196,000 miles

I am extremely frustrated that the problem of excessive oil consumption was never mentioned to me by the dealer, or Toyota. This should have definitely been a recall. I had my oil changed every 5000 miles at the dealer. While driving one day I hear a knocking in my engine. When I get it home, I find out that there is no oil in the engine. The low oil indicator light never alerted me that this was a problem. There was no oil on my garage floor, in the engine compartment and no hint of white smoke out of my exhaust. How was I supposed to know that the engine just "used up" the oil completely after 5000 miles. I have never had a car do that before.

When I took it to the dealer, they said that other customers had experienced the same problem, but Toyota instructed them to say that the consumer is responsible for checking the oil levels between services. Well how about Toyota being responsible for at least making sure the oil indicator light works since their engines suck the levels down to zero? What a crock.

NO MORE TOYOTAS FOR ME!

- James S., Bel Air, MD, US

problem #16

Jun 032014

RAV4 LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Bought the car used from a Toyota dealer, no mention in the car fax or maintenance records. I use a quart every 1000 miles, have owned Toyota since 1987. I currently have three others in the family including a Corolla I bought new in 1990, never add oil to any of them, that is why I stuck with Toyota. If they want to keep business they should do something, if I want to add oil every month I would buy GM or Ford.

- Don D., Hillsborough, NJ, US

problem #15

Mar 012013

RAV4 Sport 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

We bought our 2007 Rav 4 new and have had very few problems with it. About 9 months ago we noticed the oil light was on well before our scheduled oil change. We took it in and the dealership changed the oil for free and advised an oil consumption test which was after 1200 miles. We're told everything was fine.

Next scheduled oil change was for 5000 miles. Noticed that the oil light would flash off and on when turning corners or coming to a stop. Took it in on 11/07/13. Was told that the oil was 2 quarts low. They added oil for free and said we should consider oil changes every 3000 miles. It has now been only 1500 miles and we were down almost 3 quarts. Dealership checked and found that the piston rings and the head gasket are bad and oil is burning inside the engine. It will cost $4400.00 to fix. The car has 102,000 miles and there is no way we will spend that much money on a 7 year old car.

Absolutely do not want another Toyota.

- vette95, Hockessin, DE, US

problem #14

Jul 172013

RAV4 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Our 2007 Rav 4 Base 2.4L started using 1 quart of oil every 800 miles at about 90,000 miles. I currently use 5W-20 regular oil and consumption hasn't changed. Has anyone had success with less oil consumption using a different viscosity oil? Car currently has 103,000 miles and we need it to go another 1-1/2 years or 25,000 miles. That is a lot of oil in between 5,000 mile changes! We have had 4 Toyotas including a 2004 Camry with 182,000 miles that never used any oil. I am also concerned about our new 2013 Camry with 10,000 miles and a similar engine. I don't understand why Toyota says this is normal and won't address it. I just took the Rav in this week for a rear suspension issue and computer update due to a recall. This is NOT the same Toyota that built their company based on the reliability of their vehicles. Toyota, if anyone reads this, address this Problem NOW!!!

- woody, Lake St Louis, MO, US

problem #13

Oct 152011

RAV4 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

I always check oil each week as a habit and this is how I discovered the excessive oil usage problem in this vehicle. If I didn't check the oil weekly I am certain there would have been serious engine damage. I have been told by Toyota that this excessive consumption of oil is normal for this model. Was told the same thing about the constant clunk and click while turning the steering wheel.

I have accepted the fact that Toyota quality has been declining over the past few years and I will look to purchase a different brand vehicle next purchase. Since they will not take responsibility for these defects and will not do a recall I will no longer be a customer.

Very disapointed!

- Joseph B., Beverly Hills, FL, US

problem #12

Feb 062014

RAV4 Limited 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,495 miles

This is my 3rd and last Toyota. Burning oil @ 110,000 miles is the last thing I expected from a Toyota. The cars just are not as reliable as what they once were. I have had other issues with this car, but this is it. I'm trading it in on another vehicle and it definately will not be a Toyota. ... it breaks my heart though - I really loved this car.

Step to the plate Toyota and do the right thing for all the RAV owners who have vehicles burning oil!!!

- Nancy F., Morrow, OH, US

problem #11

Nov 092013

RAV4 Limited 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,350 miles

Recently I found out that my car was pretty much out of oil before 5K oil change. Fortunately, I caught it during the routine oil check at the gas station. The dealership tried to check with the extended warranty company if there is any solution - they said - no, as oil consumption is not covered. After last oil changed I drove 500 mi and oil stick is dry again. I had to add a qt. of oil to raise the level to normal. The only solution was offered by dealership - check oil level every 600-1000 mi and add oil. So, now I have to go thru additional 4-5 qt. of oil before the scheduled oil change.

Update from Mar 7, 2014: After new check - one quart lasts around 1000 hi, but manufacturer said it's normal for the milage and standard for this type of engines

- Irina D., Poughkeepsie, NY, US

problem #10

May 012012

RAV4 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I recently purchased a 2007 RAV4 with about 90,000 miles. The previous owner did not let me know about the excessive oil consumption. Being a Toyota I mistakingly thought I could probably get 50,000 to 100,000 more mile out of this vehicle. Now that I have this vehicle I find that there are numerous complaints about this problem of which I have not seen any fixes. I have sent Toyota an email but don't expect to get a real answer. I am now adding a quart of oil at just about every 500 miles. Although I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner that has been great, I will think very carefully before buying another Toyota. If this type of problem is just ignored, Toyota will lose many customers including me.

- Roy B., Chesapeake, VA, US

problem #9

Jun 202012

RAV4 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

Please spread the word,

I recently experienced a catastrophic failure to my engine due to excessive oil consumption on the 2.4 liter Toyota engine. There is a technical service bulletin (TSB-0094-11) describing this issue; however, Toyota is hiding behind the warranty period of 5 years/60000 miles to avoid taking responsibility for a manufacturer defect. My 2007 RAV had 96000 miles on it when the engine died and I have yet to make the final payment. The first indication of anything being wrong was when the oil light came on. When I checked it, the reservoir was empty. The following week, my engine seized.

Toyota will not take responsibility for the mechanical defect that created the oil consumption problem that ultimately led to the engine failure. There are a number of owners that have posted on the Toyota message boards regarding this issue but unless you had this problem within the warranty period, you’re out of luck. They should advertise that their vehicles will not be expected to operate beyond the warranty period even if changing the oil in regular intervals.

With today’s technology, one should not have to monitor the oil level (much less, add oil) on their vehicle between intervals. In addition, if the oil light comes on, it should be in time to warn of a potential failure, not indicate that the damage is already done. If the oil was never changed on a vehicle that was manufactured correctly, it would still have oil in it after tens of thousands of miles with the only concern being the oil would be dirty (not empty).

Please warn owners of this condition and if they are experiencing oil consumption issues, have them contact both the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTA @ 1-888-327-4236) and The Federal Trade Commission (FTC @ 1-877-382-4357) to log a complaint.

I tried to communicate my concerns through Toyota Customer Service and they made it clear that they would not offer cost assistance even in the form of good will. I will move towards small claims court to get an unbiased review of my situation. I tended to my vehicle as any NORMAL owner would and never did I expect to have such a major repair bill with only 96000 miles on a vehicle that was expected to be of good quality. The 2003 Dodge Durango I traded in to get this RAV is still on the road going strong with well over 100000 miles on it and it was serviced in the same manner.

Owners beware, especially if buying one of these vehicles used.

- John K., Elma, NY, US

problem #8

Nov 202011

RAV4 Sport 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I bought this car at 71,000 miles. Toyota recommends oil change every 5,000 miles. I have had this car for over a year and have never been able to make it 3000 bc oil goes down far below the dip stick by then. I took it in to do an oil consumption test and they were only interested in knowing how my car held in oil for 1200 miles. Obviously they didn't want to follow it past that bc then they would see that there's a problem that THEY need to fix. I begged them to fix it and follow it longer and they won't. Now I'm trading it in to some poor soul and I'm telling every one I know how much trouble all this has caused me.

- Amanda L., High Ridge, MO, US

problem #7

Feb 232012

RAV4 Limited 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

The car had started burning oil about a year ago and I didn't think it was serious but it's getting worse (1/2 to 3/4 qt every 3000 miles). Engine model is 2AZ-FE I4. Has anyone experiencing this?

- nld09, Atlanta, GA, US

problem #6

Jun 292011

RAV4 LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Bought it with a clean car fax. ran out of oil in 60 days no oil light came on to tell me it was out of oil. put oil in started noticing white smoke blowing out the back of it. took it to my local toyota dealership did a 1500 mile consumption test still smoking took it back to toyota they had it for 2 weeks was told toyota wanted $391 to tear down the engine to find the problem. this should be covered under warranty.crappy service from alexander toyota of yuma arizona. had to call them every couple days to find out what was going on with the vehicle. don't think i will buy another toyota product ever again.

- jerifritz, Yuma, AZ, US

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