Model year guide

1997 Toyota RAV4

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Toyota RAV4 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 9 on record.

1997 Toyota RAV4 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Toyota RAV4 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints59
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$2,454

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

1997 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.

1997 Toyota RAV4 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

1997 Toyota RAV4 MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,800

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

What's a 1997 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$2,454
High
$5,990

From 9 comparable 1997 Toyota RAV4 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Toyota RAV4 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,000
Fuel only$14,000
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.

1997 Toyota RAV4 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 120 hp

1997 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on record

1997 Toyota RAV4 1997 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3HP10V9V7046932 1997 Toyota RAV4 1997 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3GP10V9V7013053 1997 Toyota RAV4 1997 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3HP10VXV0134848 1997 Toyota RAV4 1997 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3GP10VXV7019427 1997 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3HP10V8V0121130 1997 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3HP10VXV7031503 1997 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3HP10V1V7034242 1997 Toyota RAV4 BaseJT3HP10V3V7034372 1997 Toyota RAV4 1997 Toyota RAV4JT3HP10V2V7045878

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 1996 1995

1997 Toyota RAV4 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1997 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 1997 Toyota RAV4?

Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, vehicle speed control, engine.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota RAV4 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Toyota RAV4 at about 22 mpg combined (20 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 1997 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Comparable 1997 Toyota RAV4 listings run roughly $900–$5,990, typically around $2,454 (from 9 vehicles).

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