Model year guide

1996 Toyota RAV4

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Toyota RAV4 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.

1996 Toyota RAV4 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1996 Toyota RAV4 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints51
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$3,270

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1996 Toyota RAV4 recalls 1

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1996 Toyota RAV4 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

1996 Toyota RAV4 MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,775

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1996 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$3,270
High
$10,900

From 5 comparable 1996 Toyota RAV4 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Toyota RAV4 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,875
Fuel only$13,875
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1996 Toyota RAV4 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 120 hp

1996 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on record

1996 Toyota RAV4 1996 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3GP10V8T0002437 1996 Toyota RAV4 1996 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3GP10V9T7000297 1996 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3HP10VXT0099225 1996 Toyota RAV4 1996 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3HP10V2T7007452 1996 Toyota RAV4SXA110084915XXXXX

Other Toyota RAV4 model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1995

1996 Toyota RAV4 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Toyota RAV4 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1996 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Toyota RAV4?

Based on 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, air bags, latches/locks/linkages.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Toyota RAV4 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1996 Toyota RAV4 at about 22 mpg combined (20 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 1996 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Comparable 1996 Toyota RAV4 listings run roughly $700–$10,900, typically around $3,270 (from 5 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.