There are 6 owner-reported engine complaints for the 1996 Toyota RAV4in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL USE, 1 QT EVERY 1000 MILES
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. OIL AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT; HOWEVER THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC NOTICED A HOLE THAT WAS BLOWN THROUGH THE ENGINE.
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS CLOGGED UP AND I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE NOT HAPPENED LIKE THAT. NM
FRACTURE JUST FORWARD OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER. UNIT APPEARS TO HAVE INADEQUATE SUPPORT.
OIL LEAK.
ENGINE STALLS.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026