2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 Parts Buying Guide, Maintenance, and More

The 2013 model year saw Toyota roll out an all-new, fourth generation of its RAV4 compact crossover. While similar in size to its predecessor, the fourth-gen model’s styling made it clear this was a brand-new design. Among its key attributes were the excellent build quality and reliability that helped establish the RAV4 as an all-star in the compact SUV class. Like the current RAV4, the previous generation offered gasoline and hybrid options.

Functionally, we think the fourth-generation RAV4’s top-hinged tailgate is an improvement on the heavy side-opening door used on previous models, from which Toyota hung the spare tire.

If you’re in the market for a used compact SUV and the RAV4 is on your shopping list, read on for a comprehensive guide to common issues and maintenance requirements.

For more information on the 4th-generation Toyota RAV4, refer to our table of contents.

The fourth-gen RAV4 dropped the previous model’s available V6 engine, leaving a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission as the only power choice with 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.

In 2016, Toyota added the first-ever RAV4 Hybrid, whose specially tuned 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motors added up to 194 hp. It put its power to the ground via a continuously variable transmission.

Gas models were standard with FWD and could be optioned with AWD, while all hybrid models came with AWD.

There's some debate about whether a whining noise from the RAV4's drivetrain is normal.

In this discussion, RAV4 owners discuss how the fuel-saving “eco” mode can cause delayed transmission engagement when shifting from park to drive.

If your RAV4’s drivetrain exhibits a shuddering sensation, it could be due to a flaw with the transmission’s torque converter, which could be covered by the extended warranty discussed here.

Harsh shifting is another complaint that owners have leveled at the RAV4’s transmission.

Your Toyota RAV4’s headlights take a lot of abuse: they can easily be cracked in a fender-bender, or from being hit by rocks and debris thrown up by other vehicles on the road. If you need to replace your RAV4’s headlight assemblies, aftermarket parts are a cost-effective option compared to Toyota’s OEM units.

Carlights360 makes this pair (left and right) that is an exact-fit replacement for the factory-installed headlights in 2013-2015 RAV4 models and is DOT and SAE certified.

You should replace your Toyota RAV4’s headlight bulbs periodically, even if they’re not burned out: halogen bulbs grow dim with age, but they do so slowly enough you may not notice the reduction in light output.

If you do a lot of night driving on unlit highways, we suggest the Philips CrystalVision 9005 replacement headlight bulbs for the Toyota RAV4. While they’re more expensive than a basic halogen replacement, these bulbs put out a whiter, brighter light that will make nighttime driving easier on your eyes.

Your Toyota RAV4 came from the factory with a 26-inch driver’s side and a 16-inch passenger side wiper on the front windshield, and a 10-inch rear wiper. If you notice one or more of your RAV4’s wipers are chattering across the glass or leaving streaks behind, it’s time to replace all three. WiperBladesUSA sells a complete set of Rain-X WeatherBeater wipers for the RAV4 that use friction reducers and multiple pressure points to ensure an effective wipe no matter how hard it’s raining. This kit comes with a bonus microfiber cloth for cleaning your car’s interior.

Spark plugs are not moving parts, but they are considered a wear item on your Toyota RAV4: over time, a spark plug’s electrodes can become coated in carbon and other deposits that affect the plug’s ability to efficiently ignite fuel. When Toyota built your RAV4, the factory installed Denso SK16HR11 iridium-tipped spark plugs and recommends replacing them with the same ones, when the time comes, to keep your RAV4 running efficiently and reliably. You can buy this set of four replacement spark plugs directly from Denso.

Are your Toyota RAV4’s brakes making embarrassing squeaking and squealing noises every time you apply the brakes? It could be time to replace the brake pads. Brakes are a critical safety feature, but that doesn’t mean that effective replacement parts have to be expensive. You can bring your 2013-2018 RAV4’s braking system back up to grade for less than $50 with Wagner’s ZD1210 front and ZD1212 rear brake pads. These direct-fit aftermarket replacements are designed to restore your RAV4’s braking performance to factory levels.

Depending on your Toyota RAV4’s trim level, it uses either 225/65R17 or 235/55R18 tires. Figuring out which size you need at replacement time is easy: check the sidewall of one of the tires, or look at the placard on the driver’s door jamb.

If you’re replacing a set of 17-inch tires, consider the Michelin Cross Climate SUV. It’s a true all-season tire conceived primarily for dry and wet conditions but designed to provide good grip in light to moderate winter driving, too.

Your fourth-gen Toyota RAV4’s front bumper consists of two elements: a body-color bumper cover, and a black grille insert. If you’ve been involved in a crash that damaged your RAV4’s front end, you may need to replace both.

MBI Auto makes a replacement main bumper cover for the RAV4 that comes painted and ready to install. When you place your order, you’ll be asked to provide your RAV4’s paint code so MBI Auto can match it. The company also sells this bumper cover unpainted at a lower price so that you can paint it yourself or have a local body shop do the work.

Toyota recommends 0W20 engine oil for the fourth-generation RAV4, which is formulated to flow well for good lubrication at cold temperatures while also protecting your engine in its optimal temperature range.

Valvoline’s Advanced full synthetic oil promises 50 percent more protection against engine wear than the industry standard, and contains detergents that help prevent the formation of sludge and other deposits that can harm your RAV4’s engine. With a filter change, the RAV4’s engine takes 4.6 quarts of fresh oil, so this 5-quart bottle is all you’ll need if you change the oil yourself.

Toyota’s maintenance schedule suggests inspecting and replacing certain items on your RAV4 every 5,000 miles. If you regularly tow, drive less than five miles at temperatures below freezing, or frequently travel dirt or dusty roads, change the oil at that interval. If you mostly do longer drives at warmer temperatures, a 10,000-mile oil change interval is indicated.

You should inspect the engine coolant every 15,000 miles and the condition of the brake pads every 5,000 miles. You’ll need to replace the engine and cabin air filters every 30,000 miles.

For AWD RAV4 models, Toyota recommends re-torquing the driveshaft bolts and changing the transfer case and rear differential oil every 30,000 miles. Toyota lists an inspection for transmission fluid leakage at the same time.

Also, Toyota suggests inspecting the driver’s floor mat installation every 5,000 miles to make sure it’s not interfering with the brake and accelerator pedals.

A: This is a Toyota we're talking about: of course it's reliable. In fact, Consumer Reports ranks this generation of RAV4 as "above average" for reliability, something its successor hasn't even achieved.

Q: How many miles will the 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 last?

A: Take care of a RAV4 and it'll take care of you: reports suggest the fourth-generation RAV4 will last for over 200,000 miles.

Q: Which 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 model year is best?

A: If you're feature-hunting, we recommend going for the 2017 or 2018 model year RAV4, which comes with plenty of modern tech, including adaptive cruise control and other driver assists. If you're after a more straight-forward mode of transport, a lower-trim 2016 includes the improvements that came with the mid-cycle facelift, at a discount compared to newer models.

Q: What are the most common 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 problems?

A: The fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 doesn't come with many complaints outside the usual wear and tear. Some owners report the older infotainment screen can be hard to read in the sun, with little glare protection. Other common issues of RAV4s from this vintage include failing water pumps, and harsh reverse gear engagement from the six-speed automatic transmission.

Q: Is the 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 comfortable?

A: That depends on what you're using it for. On smooth roads, many owners report a comfortable ride, regardless of trim. Rougher roads can result in a harsher ride, made worse on models with larger wheels and low-profile tires.