2018 Toyota RAV4 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2018 Toyota RAV4 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

1,850 owners

On the 2018-2022 Toyota RAV4, toyota issued a recall for the low-pressure fuel pump which can fail and cause the engine to stall or not start. The fuel pump impeller may deform over time, leading to reduced fuel delivery. This affects multiple Toyota and Lexus models.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lexus IS

Common Symptoms

Engine stalls while driving
Engine won't restart after stalling
Long crank time before starting
Engine runs rough before stalling
Loss of power warning
Check engine light

How to Fix

Check if your VIN is covered by recall 20V-750. If so, Toyota dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly free of charge. Symptoms of pending failure include long crank times and rough running before stall.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,850+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
TipSearch Toyota RAV4 forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
UpgradeDelphi fuel pump module — OE-quality direct replacement (Delphi Fuel Pump Module)
View on Amazon
UpgradeBosch fuel pump — reliable OEM alternative (Bosch Fuel Pump)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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1,850+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,850 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

720 owners

On the 2013-2023 Toyota RAV4 2.5L, the water pump on the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine can develop leaks or fail, leading to coolant loss and potential overheating. The water pump is driven by the timing chain, so replacement requires significant labor. Some owners experience this around 80,000-120,000 miles.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Citroën DS3, Hyundai Santa Fe

Common Symptoms

Coolant leak near water pump
Overheating engine
Low coolant warning
Coolant smell
White residue around water pump area
Whining noise from pump

How to Fix

Replace water pump when symptoms appear or preventatively at timing chain service. Replace thermostat and coolant at the same time. Use OEM or quality aftermarket water pump. Monitor coolant level after repair to ensure system is properly bled.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 720+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeUse OEM or quality aftermarket water pump
View on Amazon
TipReplace water pump when symptoms appear or preventatively at timing chain service.
TipConsider OEM parts for critical components like sensors and electrical parts - aftermarket can be unreliable
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes

Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,500

Research This Issue

720+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence720 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

620 owners

On the 2016-2021 Toyota RAV4, the Entune infotainment system can freeze, become unresponsive, or reboot randomly. This affects audio, navigation, and phone connectivity. The touchscreen may not respond to inputs or display incorrect information.

Common Symptoms

Touchscreen unresponsive
System freezes and won't respond
Random reboots while driving
Bluetooth won't connect
Black screen or distorted display
Audio cuts out

How to Fix

Perform a system reset by holding the power button for 10+ seconds. Update to latest Entune software version. Clear cached data and reset audio settings. If problems persist, head unit replacement may be necessary.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 620+ owners who fixed this issue

TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
TipSearch Toyota RAV4 forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
UpgradeProfessional OBD-II diagnostic scanner for reading infotainment and body module codes (BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scan Tool)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,000

Research This Issue

620+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence620 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls13 recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.

Campaign #25V59500011/09/2025

TIRES:VALVE

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with 17" black alloy accessory wheels. During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged. In addition, the load carrying capacity label may state the incorrect weight. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #23V48500011/07/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V74400030/10/2025

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Rav4, Rav4 Hybrid, and Rav4 Prime vehicles. The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #22V51900021/07/2022

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Campaign #23V86500020/12/2023

+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota RAV4 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,190+ owner reports, the 2018-2018 Toyota RAV4 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall), Water Pump Failure/Leak, Entune/Audio System Freezing. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota RAV4 reliable?

The 2018-2018 Toyota RAV4 has 3 known issues documented across 3,190+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota RAV4 problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota RAV4 issues range from $0 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2018-2022 Toyota RAV4 Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)?

Toyota issued a recall for the low-pressure fuel pump which can fail and cause the engine to stall or not start. The fuel pump impeller may deform over time, leading to reduced fuel delivery. This affects multiple Toyota and Lexus models. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2023 Toyota RAV4 Water Pump Failure/Leak?

The water pump on the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine can develop leaks or fail, leading to coolant loss and potential overheating. The water pump is driven by the timing chain, so replacement requires significant labor. Some owners experience this around 80,000-120,000 miles. Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2021 Toyota RAV4 Entune/Audio System Freezing?

The Entune infotainment system can freeze, become unresponsive, or reboot randomly. This affects audio, navigation, and phone connectivity. The touchscreen may not respond to inputs or display incorrect information. Repairs typically run $0-$1,000. Severity: low.

2018 Toyota RAV4 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2018-2022 Toyota RAV4: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2013-2023 Toyota RAV4: Water Pump Failure/Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2016-2021 Toyota RAV4: Entune/Audio System Freezing#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Toyota Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota RAV4 problems?

Is the Toyota RAV4 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota RAV4 problems?

What is the 2018-2022 Toyota RAV4 Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)?

What is the 2013-2023 Toyota RAV4 Water Pump Failure/Leak?

What is the 2016-2021 Toyota RAV4 Entune/Audio System Freezing?