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1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr Auto 4WD

The 1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr Auto 4WD is a 120-hp SUV with a 4-speed automatic. It starts at $18,268 MSRP.

It makes 120 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The RAV4 measures 163.4 inches long on a 94.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,789 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$18,268 ($36,991 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.0-liter, DOHC 16-valve, four-cylinder
Horsepower120 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque125 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive
Differential TypeStandard locking center differential
Transmission
Transmission4-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy
City22 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar and hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear SuspensionDouble wishbone coil spring with hydraulic shock absorbers
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated disc
Rear Brake DiscDrum
Dimensions & Weight
Length163.4 in
Width66.7 in
Height65.4 in
Wheelbase94.9 in
Cargo Volume57.9 ft³
Curb Weight2,789 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.3 in
Headroom Rear39 in
Legroom Front39.5 in
Legroom Rear33.9 in
Shoulder Room Front53.1 in
Shoulder Room Rear53.1 in
Hip Room Front55.9 in
Hip Room Rear55.9 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1997 Toyota RAV4 4-DR. 4x4

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Toyota RAV4. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

NHTSA campaign 09E012000

57 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Toyota RAV4

Owner Complaints

57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Toyota RAV4 (9 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling11
Vehicle Speed Control7
Air Bags6
Structure6
Power Train5
Service Brakes5
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Aug 15, 2019 · Electrical System
“VEHICLE ALARM ADD ON MODULE AND HARNESS WERE FOUND TO BE FAULTY AND HAS SHORTED OUT UPON INSPECTION OF MODULE I HAVE FOUND BURNT CIRCUITS . VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO START ALSO LEADING TO BELIEVE THE ECM…”
Feb 19, 2016 · Structure
“1997 RAV4 AWD 109000 DEALER SERVICED TOOK IN FOR A OIL CHANGE 2/18/16 DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE CRADLE ASSY HAS A TENNIS BALL SIZE HOLE IN IT NEAR NEXT TO LEFT CONTROL ARM , $2361.30 TO REPLACE OR…”
Apr 24, 2015 · Engine
“RECEIVED WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTICE-ZE7, AS INSTRUCTED, DEALER TEST WAS PERFORMED. OIL LOSS TOTALS UNDER 1QT. FOR EA. 1200 MILES DRIVEN. WAS TOLD THIS DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIR. MY CONCERN IS THIS…”
Mar 6, 2015 · Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control, Engine
“RAV 4 TOYOTA 1997-WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 30 MILES WITHOUT THE RPR INCREASED WITHOUT CONTROL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE BECOME EXTREMELY HOT, FLUIDS WERE DRAINED . CAR SENT TO DARCARS TOYOTA…”
Jul 4, 2014 · Structure
“MY SON WAS DRIVING, HIT A POTHOLE, AND THE SUB FRAME COMPLETELY BROKE IN HALF. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT IT HAD BEEN ROTTING OUT FROM THE TOP. *TR”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 TOYOTA RAV4. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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