Makes›Toyota›RAV4›2006

2006 Toyota RAV4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Toyota RAV4
Pictured: 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium in Silver Sky with Midnight Black roof, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD /Limited, 4dr SUV AWD V6 Sport, 4dr SUV AWD V6/V6 Limited
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
149 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
Length
179.1 in
Curb weight
3,444–3,677 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2006 SUV - (18.3 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 149 hp, versus about 227 hp for similar 2006 models.
  • Many owner complaints195 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 54 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Toyota RAV4 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 179 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,444 lb (4dr SUV AWD /Limited).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 31% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2006

  • New body dimensions: 17.7 in longer, wheelbase +6.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 RAV4 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine149 hp2.4L 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

StandardSportsHigh

Built in: Tahara, Aichi · Obu, Aichi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2006 RAV4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD /Limited179.1 in71.7 in68.9 in104.7 in61 / 61 in3,444 lb57/43
4dr SUV AWD V6 Sport179.1 in73.2 in68.9 in104.7 in61 / 61 in3,677 lb57/43
4dr SUV AWD V6/V6 Limited179.1 in71.7 in68.9 in104.7 in61 / 61 in3,655 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RAV4 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 24+31%$2,800370
RAV4 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+20%$3,050404
RAV4 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22+29%$3,050404
RAV4 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21+24%$3,200423
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.3 MPG2006 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Toyota RAV4 under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Toyota RAV4 (this car)24 MPGNot rated10
2006 Toyota Land Cruiser13 MPGNot rated2
2006 Honda CR-V23 MPGNot rated11
2006 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2006 Hyundai Tucson22 MPGNot rated1
2006 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated1
2006 Toyota Highlander27 MPGNot rated9

Recalls (10)

Suspension › Rear · Aug 12, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V596000 · 337,449 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Risk
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other · Feb 19, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V096000 · 1,123,752 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
Risk
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls · Oct 22, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V689000 · 1,814,284 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Risk
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Apr 9, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V168000 · 1,486,413 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Risk
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Fix
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Suspension › Rear · Aug 28, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V383000 · 780,584 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Risk
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Suspension › Rear · Aug 2, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V373000 · 780,584 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Risk
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Feb 24, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V113000 · 1,363,244 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Risk
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix
THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

Problem
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Toyota RAV4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

195Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
105,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine70
Suspension42
Steering36
Unknown Or Other17
Electrical System15
Air Bags11
Power Train9
Service Brakes8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/02: 120/03: 120/05: 120/07: 120/11: 120/12: 121/03: 121/04: 221/05: 121/09: 221/11: 122/02: 122/05: 122/09: 122/11: 123/02: 123/07: 124/01: 124/12: 125/03: 125/08: 125/10: 126/03: 126/09: 120/0220/0721/0321/0922/0523/0224/1225/10max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Toyota RAV4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 70 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Suspension — 42 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  4. Steering — 36 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Toyota RAV4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other RAV4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 RAV443181.1 inNot rated242
2025 RAV439180.7 in★★★★★4106
2024 RAV439180.7 in★★★★★4177
2023 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★3171
2022 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★2154
2021 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★1411
2020 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★6651
2019 RAV440180.7 in★★★★★8906
2018 RAV432181.1 in★★★★★3348
2017 RAV432181.1 in★★★★★3321
2016 RAV432181.1 in★★★★★3257
2015 RAV426179.5 in★★★★★4304

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →