What Sort of Problems Do We See with Toyota RAV4 Hybrids Around Hamilton?
If you’re driving a RAV4 Hybrid around places like Te Kowhai, Tamahere, or even heading out on Wairere Drive every day, you’ll probably notice just how solid these Toyotas are. Good choice for an NZ family car. But – like with any car that cops all our Hamilton hills, potholes, and seasons – a few things can pop up. Here’s a real-world rundown, just based on what we see rolling into our workshop.
2014–2015 RAV4 Hybrids – That CVT Whine and Battery Stuff
First thing, if you’ve got one of these earlier RAV4 hybrids, you’ll notice the CVT (that’s the gearbox type most hybrids use) can get a bit noisy when you put your foot down. It’s not busted – just the way they are, especially heading up spots like River Road with a carload of kids.
Something we always mention to hybrid owners: look after your battery. Once you’re getting close to that 8-year mark (which lots of 2014-15s are), keep an eye on the battery light. If you’re racking up the k’s, especially on long runs over to Morrinsville or even just doing laps around Chartwell, battery life shortens. Remember, these cars have two batteries – a little 12-volt and the big hybrid one. If your radio, dash or headlights are getting weird, it can just be that 12V one going flat.
Troubleshooting: That CVT noise? Annoying, but normal. Any other odd rattles or your battery’s not holding up? Might be time for a check – we can help out, no drama. More on hybrid battery repairs here. And if your RAV’s parked outside in the frost at Rototuna each morning, do it a favour – a garage helps with battery life over winter.
2016 RAV4 Hybrids – Leaky Doors & Weatherstrip Headaches
These ones sometimes turn up with weatherstrip issues – that rubber seal around your doors. One of our customers from Cambridge found her doors not shutting right, proper pain when the Waikato winter rain kicks in. If you spot water on the floor, or find your heater working overtime, check those strips. Obvious cracks or the door not closing fully? Time to get it sorted before it gets worse. Here’s a handy explainer.
Troubleshooting: Weird door gaps, leaks, or the roof rack rattling? Bring it in – don’t let the car become a mobile swimming pool.
Generic car weatherstrip
2017–2019 RAV4 Hybrids – Brake Wobbles & Transmission Gremlins
A few of these have shown up in places like Glenview with spongy brakes, or sometimes the car jerks a bit when taking off from the lights on Greenwood Street. Transmission can play up – shaking or lurching while you’re accelerating happens, sometimes just after rolling over a speed bump by The Base.
There was also a 2019 recall in NZ for a dodgy front suspension arm. If you got missed by the recall, worth checking out.
Troubleshooting: Anything dodgy with brakes or gears? Don’t muck around – get it sorted straight away, especially before a WOF. That sort of thing you don’t want failing in peak hour on Ulster Street.
2020–2021 RAV4 Hybrids – New Models, Newish Issues
The 2021 RAV4 Hybrid is getting good reviews overall, but last year in the US there were a few recalls for steering, airbags, coolant leaks and suspension bits. Not common, but if you’re noticing the steering feels off or you’ve got warnings popping up, best play it safe.
Troubleshooting: Any concerns, even if it seems like nothing? Book it in for a check – peace of mind driving around Hamilton is worth it.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Repairs in Hamilton
Drive a RAV4 Hybrid and something’s up? Or just want a hybrid service from folks who actually see these daily (not just Toyotas – we see plenty of Nissan X-Trails, Kia Niros, and Mitsubishi Outlanders too, plus a few random Peugeot and SsangYong hybrids)? Give us a yell at Grimmer Motors – we’re locals, we know Hamilton roads and weather, and we’ll sort you out.