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Buying guide

Toyota RAV4 XA50 (2018 to now): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Toyota RAV4 XA50 has been built since 2018 as an SUV, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or hybrid power. Chassis codes: MXAA52, MXAA54, AXAH52, AXAH54 and AXAP54. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2018 to now
Chassis codes
MXAA52, MXAA54, AXAH52, AXAH54, AXAP54
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid

On NZ roads

65,179registered, built 2018 to now
97%NZ new (63,419)
3%imported used (1,760)
Imported from
Japan 96%, Australia 4%, United Kingdom 0%
Gearboxes
Continuously Variable 91%, 8-Gear Auto 5%, 6-Gear Auto 4%
Top regions for the Toyota RAV4
Auckland (43,126), Christchurch City (7,720), Wellington City (4,471)

Source: NZTA Waka Kotahi Motor Vehicle Register open data (opens in a new tab), CC BY 4.0. Vehicles on the register now, counted by build year.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Toyota RAV4 XA50 (2019 to present). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Rear motor high voltage cable (AWD hybrid)

    Corrosion of the high voltage cable and connector to the rear motor on AWD hybrids is reported, with more risk for cars driven near the sea or in heavy mud.

    Where to look
    The orange high voltage connector under the rear bumper
    How to test
    Look under the rear with a torch for crusty white or green corrosion on the orange connector and its cable.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a new cable or connector set

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

  2. Hybrid battery cooling intake

    The cooling intake for the hybrid battery can get caked in dust or dog hair, which suggests the battery has run hot.

    Where to look
    The air intake under the rear seat
    How to test
    Look at the intake grille with a torch for packed dust or hair.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost cleaning is cheap; a hot battery ages faster

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

  3. Roof rail clip leaks (2019 to 2021)

    Early cars had a known issue with roof rail clips letting water in.

    Where to look
    The headlining near the tops of the doors
    How to test
    Look for water stains or sagging on the headlining along each side.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost resealing and headlining repair

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

  4. Brake booster pump (2019 builds)

    The brake booster pump may stop working on some cars built between 26 April and 3 June 2019, which makes the brake pedal harder to press.

    Where to look
    The build date, the brake pedal, and the dealer record for the VIN
    How to test
    Check the pedal feels normal and ask a Toyota dealer whether the car is affected and fixed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost dealer replaces the pump

    Sources: car-leasing.whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Lower front suspension arms (late 2019 builds)

    Cracks were found in the lower front suspension arms of some cars built between 25 September and 25 October 2019.

    Where to look
    The lower front suspension arms behind the front wheels, and the dealer record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Toyota dealer whether the car is affected and the arm replaced. Listen for knocks from the front over bumps.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost dealer replaces the arm at no cost

    Sources: car-leasing.whatcar.com (opens in a new tab), drivencarguide.co.nz (opens in a new tab)

  6. Bluetooth and infotainment (2019 to 2021)

    Bluetooth on earlier cars can be fussy, and Toyota released firmware updates for it.

    Where to look
    The touch screen and phone connection
    How to test
    Pair your phone, make a call and play audio. Ask whether the dealer has applied the firmware updates.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a software update

    Sources: autobuyersguide.com.au (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.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.0, 2.5 petrol or hybrid, and is it AWD?
  • On an AWD hybrid, has the rear motor cable connector been checked for corrosion?
  • Has the roof ever leaked?
  • Have all recalls and service campaigns been done for this VIN?
  • Does it come with 2 smart keys?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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