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Buying guide

Toyota RAV4 XA40 (2012 to 2018): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Toyota RAV4 XA40 was built from 2012 to 2018 as an SUV, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol, diesel or hybrid power. Chassis codes: ASA44, ZSA42, ALA49 and AVA44. Redline has a curated guide to its 5 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2012 to 2018
Chassis codes
ASA44, ZSA42, ALA49, AVA44
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Toyota RAV4 XA40 (2013 to 2018). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. CVT on the 2.0 front drive

    The 2.0 front drive model uses a CVT. Shudder or noise needs looking into, because CVT faults almost always mean a whole new transmission.

    Where to look
    The CVT, felt from the driver seat
    How to test
    From a standstill, accelerate gently and then firmly and listen for whine or feel for shudder. Ask when the CVT fluid was last changed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a replacement transmission

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Exhaust manifold heat shield

    Rattling from a loose exhaust manifold cover is reported and is easily fixed.

    Where to look
    The heat shield over the exhaust manifold at the front of the engine
    How to test
    Listen at idle and when the engine rocks on start up and shut down for a tinny rattle from the front of the engine.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a new bolt or clip

    Sources: drivencarguide.co.nz (opens in a new tab)

  3. Diesel particulate filter

    DPF trouble does not seem common on these, but a clogged filter shows as rough idle, high idle speed, white smoke and sluggish running.

    Where to look
    The yellow DPF warning light on the dash of the 2.2 diesel
    How to test
    With the ignition on, the DPF light should come on, then go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, the filter may need clearing or replacing.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a DPF clean or replacement

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Front CV joints

    Worn CV joints are reported, usually on higher km cars.

    Where to look
    The front driveshafts behind each front wheel
    How to test
    Do a U turn while accelerating, both ways, and listen for clicking from the front.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a driveshaft or joint

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Underbody, bumper and sill damage

    The underbody and exhaust are among the most vulnerable parts, and scrapes that begin to rust and impact damage are common.

    Where to look
    The underbody, front bumper, sills and exhaust
    How to test
    Look underneath with a torch for scrapes, dents and early rust, and for marks on the bumper lip and sills.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost depends on what is bent or rusted

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), drivencarguide.co.nz (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Which engine and gearbox is it: 2.0 CVT, 2.5 auto or 2.2 diesel?
  • When was the CVT fluid last changed?
  • Has it been off road or used for towing?
  • Is it a facelift car with Toyota Safety Sense?

New Zealand notes

  • Driven reports no model specific recalls registered in NZ for this generation apart from the Takata airbag recall that covered many Toyotas.
  • Autonomous emergency braking arrived with the late 2015 update and is not on every model, so check the spec.

An XA40 suits a buyer who wants a dependable family SUV and checks the CVT or DPF on the engine it has.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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