IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2000 Toyota RAV4 Mk2 (XA20)

UK launch of the second-generation Toyota RAV4 (XA20), available in 3-door short-wheelbase and 5-door long-wheelbase forms with permanent four-wheel drive, independent suspension, and a responsive all-aluminium 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine (1AZ-FE).

What changed for 2000

  • •New lightweight monocoque platform with all-independent double-wishbone rear suspension
  • •2.0-litre VVT-i all-aluminium petrol engine producing 147 bhp
  • •Permanent four-wheel drive featuring centre viscous coupling unit
  • •Removable and tumble-folding rear seats in both 3-door and 5-door variants

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension coil spring fracture caused by road salt corrosion
  • !Rear anti-roll bar link and trailing arm rubber bush deterioration
  • !Handbrake efficiency failure from seized rear brake drum-in-disc shoes
3
Known Issues
2
Serious
0
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Automatic Transmission Engine Control Module ECU Solder Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

2000–2003 RAV4 automatic models equipped with the 2.0-litre 1AZ-FE engine suffer from cracked surface-mount solder joints on the circuit board of the engine control unit (ECU). The cracked connections disrupt output signals to the transmission shift solenoids, causing harsh banging shifts between 1st and 2nd gear, delayed reverse engagement, slipping gears, and false diagnostic trouble codes (P0750, P0753, P0755). If ignored, the violent shifts strip clutch pack linings and damage internal planetary gears.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£600
Warning Signs:

Violent thumping or slamming sensation when shifting up from 1st into 2nd gear, Noticeable delay of several seconds before drive or reverse engages from neutral, Transmission feels like it is slipping out of gear or attempts to pull away in 3rd gear, Check engine warning light illuminated with stored shift solenoid error codes

What to Inspect:
  • Conduct a cold test drive ensuring upshifts from 1st through 4th gear occur smoothly without any jarring thuds
  • Shift between Drive, Neutral, and Reverse multiple times while stationary to check for delayed engagement
  • Scan the OBD-II port for stored transmission solenoid codes P0750 or P0753
  • Check vehicle receipts to see if the ECU was previously repaired or replaced by a specialist
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Suspension Coil Spring Salt Corrosion Fracture

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

The front MacPherson suspension coil springs are prone to corrosion fatigue and sudden cracking, accelerated by winter road grit and moisture accumulating in the lower spring perches. If the lower coil fractures, the broken spring end can foul the inner wing or puncture the front tyre sidewall at speed, posing a severe safety danger. Toyota issued UK safety recall campaign R/2004/048 to inspect and replace affected springs.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£350
Warning Signs:

Loud metallic twang or twanging ping sound when manoeuvring the steering at low speeds, One front corner of the vehicle sits visibly lower than the opposite side, Creaking or scraping noises from front wheel wells when driving over speed humps, Vehicle pulls to one side under straight-line braking

What to Inspect:
  • Visually inspect the front springs for flaking powder coating, heavy rust pitting, or missing coils
  • Verify on the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker that front suspension recall campaign R/2004/048 was executed
  • Listen for metallic clunking while an assistant turns the steering wheel lock-to-lock
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Rear Side-Hinged Tailgate Hinge Sag and Latch Misalignment

MinorBodywork & Rust

The side-hinged rear tailgate carries the full weight of the external spare wheel and carrier assembly. Over years of use on uneven UK roads, the upper and lower hinge pins wear, causing the heavy tailgate door to sag. The misaligned door scrapes against the rear bumper threshold, rattles over potholes, damages the door latch mechanism, and allows rainwater to bypass the weather seal into the boot well.

Est. Repair Cost: £120–£280
Warning Signs:

Rear door catches or scrapes noticeably on the plastic bumper threshold when closing, Persistent rattling and vibration from the boot area when driving over uneven tarmac, Door handle requires excessive force to release the tailgate latch mechanism, Damp boot carpet or standing water accumulated in the rear underfloor tool tray

What to Inspect:
  • Open the rear tailgate halfway and lift upwards firmly to feel for play in the hinge pins
  • Inspect the top surface of the rear bumper for paint abrasion and plastic gouges from door contact
  • Lift the boot floor carpet and inspect the steel floorpan for rust staining or water pooling
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2000 Toyota RAV4 Mk2 (XA20)

  • On automatic models, test gear shift quality thoroughly to ensure no harsh jerking from ECU faults
  • Lift the rear tailgate to ensure hinges have not dropped under the spare wheel weight
  • Check underneath for floorpan scrapes and rear differential oil leaks
2001–2002
Check a 2000 Toyota RAV4 Mk2 (XA20) by Registration