Toyota Models to Avoid by Year: A Buyer’s Guide to the Troublemakers
Toyota is famous for building cars that seem to last forever. But even the best carmaker has a few off years.
Knowing which specific model years have a history of problems can save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of headaches. This guide highlights the Toyota model years with the most documented issues—so you can shop smart and avoid the lemons.
TL;DR
While Toyota has an outstanding reputation for reliability, certain model years across popular lines like the RAV4, Camry, Corolla, Tacoma, and Prius have had notable problems . The trouble years often happen when a new generation launches or a major powertrain change occurs . Issues range from excessive oil consumption and transmission failures to steering defects and safety recalls. The good news? Many Toyota model years are excellent—you just need to know which ones to avoid. This guide gives you the list.
RAV4: The Problem Years You Should Steer Clear Of
The RAV4 is America’s best-selling non-pickup SUV, but its reputation for reliability isn’t earned evenly across all model years . The pattern is clear: the first year of a new generation is often the riskiest .
2001–2003 RAV4
The early 2000s RAV4s are widely considered some of the least reliable in the lineup . The main culprit is a defective Engine Control Module that fails to communicate properly with the transmission . This causes slipping, jerking, hesitation, and can eventually destroy the transmission .
- NHTSA Complaints: 323 (2001), 555 (2002), 325 (2003)
- The Fix: Toyota extended warranty coverage, but that has long since expired. You’re on your own now .
2006–2008 RAV4
The 2006–2008 RAV4 has a dangerous double whammy: steering lockups and excessive oil consumption .
- Steering Defect: Drivers have reported clunking noises, stiffness, or a complete steering lockup, often at low speeds . This can happen mid-turn, causing a loss of control .
- Oil Consumption: The 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine burns oil at an alarming rate due to faulty piston rings . Some owners have to add one to four quarts of oil every 600 to 3,000 miles . In severe cases, this leads to catastrophic engine damage .
- NHTSA Complaints: 701 (2006), 999 (2007), 573 (2008)
- Who Pays? Toyota issued a warranty enhancement, but it has long expired. You’re responsible for the repair costs, which can be substantial .
2009–2012 RAV4
This generation is plagued by a terrifying issue: unintended acceleration . Many owners report the vehicle surging forward suddenly despite pressing firmly on the brake. Drivers have hit walls, other cars, and even suffered injuries. Repairs for one incident exceeded $9,000 .
- Other Issues: Suspension problems (rear lower control arms that couldn’t be adjusted, leading to premature tire wear), and drivetrain/transmission failures .
- NHTSA Complaints: 322 (2009), 397 (2010), 280 (2011), 261 (2012)
2013 RAV4
The 2013 model is known for a dangerous electrical issue—a defective battery tray that can cause smoke and fires under the hood . Toyota issued a recall, but owners reported delays and poor communication . The transmission is also a weak spot, with a defective torque converter causing shuddering and vibrations at 20-50 mph .
2019–2020 RAV4
The fifth-generation launch years are among the most recalled modern RAV4s . While these recalls are active and can be fixed for free, they signal significant issues.
- Fuel Pump Failure: The Denso low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine .
- Engine Porosity: A defect in the engine casting can crack and leak coolant .
- Suspension Arm: Front lower suspension arms can crack and separate from the wheel assembly .
- NHTSA Complaints: 798 (2019)
“The 2019–2020 cars, with the worst reputation of any modern RAV4, are the only bad years on this list where someone other than you might still pay.”
Camry: The Oil Burners and Problematic Generations
The Camry is America’s favorite sedan, but certain years are notorious for engine issues .
2002 Camry
The 2002 Camry is the first year of the 5th generation and is known for a host of engine problems, including stripped head bolts, engine overheating, and smoking on startup . CarComplaints gave this year a “Beware of the Clunker” seal . It also has four major recalls, three of which involve the airbag system .
2007–2011 Camry (6th Generation)
This generation of Camry is considered one of the worst due to a high number of recalls and complaints . The 2007 and 2009 models, in particular, are known for excessive oil consumption, a problem also caused by the 2AZ-FE engine .
- Floor Mat Recall: This generation was impacted by the massive floor mat recall that affected over 4 million vehicles .
- NHTSA Complaints: The 2007 Camry has over 3,600 complaints—the most of any model year .
- CarComplaints gave the 2007 model its “Avoid Like the Plague” seal .
Corolla: Watch Out for These Years
Even the Corolla, Toyota’s entry-level champion, has a few problem years.
2005 Corolla
The 2005 Corolla has 11 recalls, 937 NHTSA complaints, and four independent investigations . Many of the recalls are due to the massive Takata airbag scandal, but engine stalling is also a major issue . The fuel pump is a known weak point, and replacing it can cost $1,335 to $1,701 .
2009 Corolla XRS
The 2009 Corolla XRS, with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine, suffers from the same excessive oil consumption issue as the 2007 Camry and 2006–2008 RAV4 .
Other Models with Notable Issues
- 2000 Tundra (First Generation): The 2000 Tundra is subject to nine recalls, the most serious being structural corrosion along the rear cross member . This can reduce braking performance and even loosen the spare tire, increasing accident risk. Repairs can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000—or even $10,000 for a complete frame replacement .
- 2010 Prius (Third Generation): The 2010 Prius earned CarComplaints’ “Avoid Like the Plague” rating due to excessive oil consumption and head gasket failures . The head gasket issue is often caused by clogged EGR valves, a problem that affects most third-generation Prius models (2010-2015) .
- 2016 Tacoma (Third Generation): The first year of the third-generation Tacoma has significant transmission problems, including delayed shifting and harsh, jerky engagement, particularly when cold . Many believe these issues are caused by faulty transmission software and the transmissions being underfilled from the factory .
The “First-Year Curse” Rule
There’s a pattern to Toyota’s problem years: first model years of a new generation often have issues . If a model is redesigned or receives a major powertrain update, it’s wise to avoid the first one or two years .
Here’s how the “first-year curse” plays out in the RAV4 lineup alone :
| Generation | Years | First-Year Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Generation | 2001–2003 | Avoid 2001–2003 (transmission/ECM issues) |
| 3rd Generation | 2006–2008 | Avoid 2006–2008 (oil consumption/steering) |
| 4th Generation | 2013–2018 | Avoid 2013 (electrical fire/transmission) |
| 5th Generation | 2019–Present | Avoid 2019–2020 (fuel pump/engine/suspension recalls) |
Toyota Models with Terrible Reputations
Beyond specific years, some Toyota models have earned a reputation for being the worst the brand ever produced.
- 1958 Toyopet Crown: The first Toyota sold in the U.S. was a massive flop. It was underpowered (60 hp), struggled on highways, and quickly overheated. It was discontinued almost immediately .
- 1991 Previa: Toyota’s “egg on wheels” was a design disaster. It had an underpowered 4-cylinder engine (138 hp), poor safety ratings, and awkward handling. It couldn’t compete with minivans that had V6 engines .
- 2000 Echo: The Echo was a bare-bones economy car with a strange design and no modern features. It was overpriced for what it offered and was discontinued after 2005 .
- 2018 C-HR: The subcompact crossover had a sluggish engine, an inconsistent CVT transmission, poor visibility, and a low owner satisfaction rating (only 29% would buy it again) . It was discontinued in the U.S. after 2022 .
Top Reliability Scorers
Despite the problem years, Toyota has many reliable models. Recent surveys show:
| Rank | Model & Years | Reliability Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aygo X (2021–present) | 100% |
| 2 | RAV4 (2019–present) | 98.8% |
| 3 | GR Yaris (2020–present) | 97.4% |
| 4 | C-HR (2016–2023) | 96.8% |
| 5 | Corolla (2018–present) | 96.4% |
FAQ: Toyota Models to Avoid
What are the most common Toyota model years to avoid?
The 2002 Camry, 2007 Camry, 2006–2008 RAV4, 2010 Prius, 2019–2020 RAV4, and 2016 Tacoma are among the most complained-about years .
Which Toyota RAV4 year is the worst to buy used?
The 2006–2008 RAV4 is the worst because of oil consumption and steering issues. Toyota’s warranty enhancement has expired, so repairs are your responsibility .
Why should I avoid the 2007 Toyota Camry?
The 2007 Camry is known for excessive oil consumption due to faulty piston rings. It can burn through oil quickly and lead to engine damage .
Are first-year models reliable?
Not always. Toyota’s first year of a new generation often has issues. The 2019 RAV4 and 2016 Tacoma are examples of this “first-year curse” .
Which Toyota models have the best resale value?
Models with the 1GR-FE engine (4Runner) and the 2UZ-FE V8 (Land Cruiser) hold their value exceptionally well .
The Bottom Line
Toyota’s legendary reliability is well-earned, but it’s not universal. A few problematic model years are scattered throughout their lineup, often involving engines that burn oil, transmissions that fail, and safety systems that malfunction.
- Avoid the problem years listed in this guide.
- Check recall history on the NHTSA website before you buy any used Toyota.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
- Remember: The “first-year curse” is real. Give new generations a couple of years before buying.
For further reading:
- Official Toyota USA Website
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Have you owned one of these problematic Toyota models? Share your experience or tips in the comments—it could help other buyers make a smarter decision.