2016-2018 (XA40) - 2.5L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder + electric motors (197 hp combined)
One of the most reliable compact hybrid SUVs available. The RAV4 Hybrid XA40 uses proven Prius-derived technology with a robust eCVT that has no belts to wear out. The 2.5L engine uses a timing chain, not a belt. Main concerns are the 12V auxiliary battery drain issue (keep on trickle charger if parked long), brake squeaking at low speeds (TSB available), and potential water pump leaks around 80,000-120,000 km. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor only - no driveshaft means fewer mechanical parts to fail. Consumer Reports rated the 2017 model 84/100 for reliability.
Battery dies within 7-10 days if car not driven or on trickle charger · more· less
This is a well-documented RAV4 Hybrid characteristic. The car draws current constantly for various systems, and the 12V battery can drain in 1-2 weeks if not driven. Toyota issued TSB 0095-20 for a firmware update that helps reduce drain on 2019-2021 models. For XA40 models, the solution is to use a quality trickle charger (CTEK recommended) when parked for extended periods. The 12V will only charge when the vehicle is in motion AND the hybrid battery demand is satisfied. A quality replacement 12V battery from Toyota typically lasts 7-10 years with proper care.
Brake squeak at low speeds€0 - €250
Front brakes squeal during light braking, especially in stop-and-go traffic · more· less
Many RAV4 Hybrid owners report loud squealing from front brakes during slow-speed stops. The noise is particularly noticeable when pulling out of garages or in traffic. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0001-22 which calls for replacing the front anti-squeal shim kit on both sides. If under warranty, this should be covered at no cost. Toyota also issued an earlier TSB in 2016 for brake pad and rotor resurfacing. Some owners report mixed results even after the fix, but many confirm the shim replacement resolves the issue.
Water pump leak/failure€500 - €900
Engine water pump starts leaking typically between 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
The RAV4 Hybrid has two separate cooling systems: one for the engine and one for the inverter. The engine water pump can develop leaks, typically after 80,000 km. Forum reports show owners experiencing leaks as early as 56,000 km on some 2016 models. Dealer quotes range from €600-900 depending on region. Using an independent shop with Aisin parts (Toyota's supplier) can reduce costs significantly. Note: the inverter coolant pump is separate and generally more reliable, but if it fails, inverter damage can occur.
Entune infotainment screen failure€300 - €800
Screen goes blank, freezes, or constantly reboots · more· less
The Entune infotainment system can develop issues including blank screens, constant rebooting, and unresponsive touch. Common causes include ribbon cable loosening, display module failure, or software glitches. Toyota discontinued Entune in late 2020, so replacement units can be hard to find through dealers. Third-party repair services can rebuild the display for €300-500. Sometimes a hard reset resolves the issue temporarily. Bluetooth connectivity issues are also common and may require software updates.
Paint peeling (white/pearl colors)€500 - €2,000
Super White and Blizzard Pearl paint can peel due to primer adhesion issues · more· less
Toyota acknowledged a paint adhesion issue affecting 2008-2017 RAV4s, particularly in Super White (040) and Blizzard Pearl colors. The paint can flake off in sheets while primer remains intact. Common areas include hood, roof, and D-pillars. Toyota issued a TSB covering this issue. If your vehicle is affected and within the coverage period, Toyota may cover the repair. Prevention: consider paint protection film (PPF) on vulnerable areas. Due to environmental regulations, modern water-based paints are thinner and more susceptible to damage than older formulations.
Inverter coolant pump failure€400 - €800
Electric pump for hybrid system cooling can fail, risking inverter damage · more· less
The inverter has its own dedicated cooling loop with an electric water pump. While failures are rare on the RAV4 Hybrid, when they occur, the inverter can overheat. The pump itself costs around €150-300, with labor around €200. The critical issue is that if the pump fails and goes unnoticed, inverter damage can occur, with replacement costs exceeding €3,000. Toyota recommends inverter coolant replacement at 150,000 miles/180 months. Keep an eye on coolant levels during regular service.
Hybrid battery degradation€2,000 - €5,000
NiMH battery pack may lose capacity after 150,000-200,000 km · more· less
The 1.6 kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery is designed to last 150,000-200,000 km or more. Toyota hybrid batteries have an excellent track record, with many Prius examples exceeding 400,000 km on original packs. The XA40 RAV4 Hybrid battery is covered under warranty for 8 years/100,000 km in Europe (verify with Toyota as terms may vary by country). Refurbished batteries are available for €1,500-3,000, while new OEM packs cost €4,000-5,000. True failure is rare within the first 200,000 km if the vehicle is regularly driven.
Excellent reliability for a hybrid SUV
The RAV4 Hybrid XA40 is one of the most reliable hybrid SUVs you can buy. The drivetrain is based on proven Prius technology with over 20 years of refinement. The eCVT has no belts to wear out and is essentially maintenance-free. Most issues are minor (12V battery, brake noise) and inexpensive to address. The 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine is understressed and known for longevity. Many owners report 150,000+ km with zero major issues beyond routine maintenance.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Toyota dealer or specialist records preferred. Verify hybrid system health checks performed.
Tires
Check tread depth, age, uneven wear patterns. RAV4 Hybrid uses 225/65R17 on most trims.
Cold start
The hybrid system should activate silently. Listen for unusual sounds when the petrol engine starts.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds to test all driving modes.
Specific for this vehicle
Check hybrid battery health
Request a Toyota Hybrid Health Check report. Battery state of health should be above 80%. Check for warning lights on dashboard.
Test brake noise at low speeds
Drive slowly in stop-and-go conditions. Listen for squealing from front brakes. If present, verify if TSB shim kit was installed.
Check 12V battery condition
Ask when last replaced. Check for corrosion on terminals. Verify correct battery size is installed (undersized batteries caused fire recall on non-hybrid models).
Inspect paint for peeling
Particularly on white/pearl colors. Check hood, roof, and D-pillars for bubbling or flaking.
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Check Entune screen for freezing, blank spots, or reboot loops. Test Bluetooth connectivity with your phone.
Check coolant levels (both systems)
The RAV4 Hybrid has separate engine and inverter coolant. Both should be at proper levels with no signs of leakage.
Verify recall completion
Check Toyota recall database with VIN for battery fitment recall and any fuel system recalls.
Front brake squeal (TSB T-SB-0001-22)Ask dealer if applied
White/Pearl paint delamination (TSB)Check coverage status
Contact Toyota with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The 12V battery fitment recall is important - incorrect battery sizes were being installed by non-Toyota retailers, potentially causing fires.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on all XA40 models
Hybrid battery warranty (Europe)5 years / 100,000 km
Toyota Relax extended warrantyAvailable with Hybrid Health Check
All XA40 RAV4 Hybrids are outside their original factory warranty. The hybrid battery warranty in Europe is typically 5 years/100,000 km (shorter than the US 8 years/100,000 km). Toyota Relax program can extend coverage by 1 year/15,000 km with each qualifying service. Contact Toyota for current warranty status based on VIN.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.