1998 Toyota RAV4 · 3,237 MOT tests
1998 Toyota RAV4 reliability
1998 Toyota RAV4s fail 40.2% of first MOT tests, 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 RAV4 years (3,237 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota RAV4s: 25.3%)
- 40.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota RAV4s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 115,574
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,237
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: about average for its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 11.8% of tests fail here (51% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Toyota RAV4
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.7%
- Body, chassis and structure12.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks11.8%
- Lights and electrics11.6%
- Brakes9.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.8%
- Tyres4.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 6.55%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.29%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.37%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Position lamp not working 3.34%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.18%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 3.15%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.61%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.73%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.84%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.53%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (6.83%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (5.22%)
Other years
Every Toyota RAV4 year
The full picture: Toyota RAV4 reliability. Before you pay for any Toyota RAV4, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
1998 Toyota RAV4s fail 40.2% of first MOT tests, 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 RAV4 years (3,237 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Toyota RAV4 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (6.55% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.29% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.37% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Toyota RAV4 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Toyota RAV4 shows 115,574 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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