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Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) (2006-2012) reliability

At a glance

Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) built around 2012: about average at the MOT

Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) models built around 2012 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) models built around 2012 involves the suspension.

Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2006-2012SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 16,218 tests of RAV4 models registered 2006-2012.

About 1 in 20 RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) MOTs (5.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,288 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) MOTs (5.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 1,288 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (XA30) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,04321.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,28823.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
63322.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
76227.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,01629.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
4,40729.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,52330.7%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,54630.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 19 years old.

How the RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) compares

At each age below, see how the RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 100,144 tests across 20 Toyota models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateToyota average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,04321.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,28823.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
63322.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
76227.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,01629.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
4,40729.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,52330.7%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,54630.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the RAV4 Mk3 (XA30).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 23.4% for the Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30), both built around 2012.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,819 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Mini (R60)

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23%

    No clear edge over the Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    7,400 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.1%
    Dangerous
    4.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.0%, against 23.4% for the Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30), both built around 2012.

    1,755 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Land Rover Discovery

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    No clear edge over the Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    7,774 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

91%of all Toyota RAV4 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

36 recalls in all

5 of the 36 RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Risk of fire
  • Drivers airbag may not function
  • Fire may occur

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) cars have aged

How RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%91113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (1,112 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (1,041 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (1,024 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (972 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (991 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (364 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (357 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (340 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (338 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (325 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (369 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (322 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (342 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (326 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (288 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (1,971 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (1,929 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (1,850 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (1,773 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (1,580 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (3,674 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (3,640 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (3,340 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (2,982 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (2,699 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (3,580 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (3,397 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (3,009 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (2,715 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (2,309 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (2,522 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (2,273 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (2,085 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (1,774 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (1,546 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
Mk3 (XA30) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Toyota RAV4 models of this age

This list covers every Toyota RAV4 built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (XA30) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    18.9%
    Advisory: 373Fail: 35 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    17.1%
    Advisory: 320Fail: 22 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    10.9%
    Advisory: 199Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.3%
    Advisory: 151Fail: 18 (11% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    9.8%
    Advisory: 218Fail: 1 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,288 tests

Looking at a Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Toyota RAV4 Mk3 (XA30) (2006-2012) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,288 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 16,218 MOT tests on Toyota RAV4 models first registered between 2006-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.