The Toyota RAV4 is a fantastic family-friendly five-seat SUV, and you can keep it that way by getting service at a Toyota dealer or approved service centre. All Toyota RAV4 models have annual service intervals of every 12 months, or if you hit a maximum mileage before the year is out (usually every 10,000 miles), then you need to get your RAV4 serviced then.
Booking regular service appointments, as per your car’s maintenance schedule, will keep it in the best condition. It means there are less likely to be mechanical issues further down the road, too. What’s more, our specialist Toyota Trained Technicians at our Toyota dealers are qualified to keep any RAV4 in the best health, too.
When a RAV4 arrives at one of our service centres, it will be treated to a 37-point Vehicle Health Check as part of the service, and Toyota genuine parts will be used throughout. If your car is more than three years old, then your local Toyota service centre can also carry out an MOT test on your RAV4, either as part of a service, or it can be booked separately.
If you own a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid, then your car will also benefit from Toyota’s Hybrid Electric Service. This complimentary additional health check of the car’s hybrid system ensures that everything is working correctly. Your car’s battery warranty is then extended by another 12 months, and there’s a maximum of 15 years of coverage for the hybrid system.
What happens in a Toyota RAV4 service?
There are alternating Intermediate and Full services for the Toyota RAV4. The first is a basic oil and filter change, but the latter is a thorough inspection of the car’s mechanical, electrical and safety equipment, so you can have peace of mind that everything is in order. Depending on the age of the RAV4 (and whether it’s petrol, hybrid or diesel), service will include:
Engine oil and filter replacement, screenwash refill, checks on the air filter, brake fluid, pollen filter and the battery of the remote-control keyfob.
Fluid levels were checked and topped up as required, brake pipes and hoses were inspected, the exhaust checked for leaks, wheel rims for damage and wheel nut tightness, handbrake operation and brake pedal travel. Checks that the lights, horns, wipers & washers all work correctly, and that the function of all warning lights is correct while chasing up any issues they might be highlighting. We’ll also check seat belts for damage & operation, the installation of the driver’s floor mat and the operation of the alarm.
Other inspections include ones for the 12-volt battery, the cooling system, including the radiator and condenser, engine and inverter coolant, valve clearances, brake life, the fuel system, automatic transmission fluid, play in the steering wheel, gearbox & linkages, the condition of the driveshafts, ball joints and bearings, play in the suspension, the condition of the tyres, wheel alignment, glass and lenses of the exterior lights.
Finally, and if possible, your RAV4 will be washed and vacuumed, while a visual safety report will be prepared for your car’s collection.
Toyota Warranty
Every new RAV4 is eligible to be covered by up to a 10-year/100,000 miles (whichever comes first) Toyota warranty. This is provided through an initial three-year manufacturer warranty, and up to an additional seven-year service-activated Toyota Warranty. Under Toyota Warranty, a 12-month/10,000-mile warranty is included with every Toyota service, giving you a chance to relax in the knowledge that you and your vehicle are in safe hands. Terms and conditions apply.
Service Plans
For some owners, the prospect of facing a large annual service bill for their Toyota RAV4 can stop them from making a booking in the first place. But Toyota is able to provide service plans that can help to spread the cost of servicing. A plan can last for 24 or 36 months – which will cover two or three services – and you can take one out at any time.
To find out how much a service plan costs for your car, simply enter your registration and mileage, and the Toyota Service Plan calculator will do the rest. As well as service costs, the calculator also offers extras such as Toyota Roadside Assistance and can also include your MOT costs.
DIY Maintenance
If you like the idea of doing your own servicing on an older Toyota RAV4, then there’s nothing stopping you. Toyota can help you to source parts for your car, either via your local dealer, or our official stores on eBay and Amazon. These offer a wide range of parts and accessories for all models, new and old. All parts bought via official channels are fully approved and covered by a 12-month warranty, subject to terms and conditions.
Toyota RAV4 repairs
If your Toyota RAV4 is damaged, then your local Toyota dealer can also repair your car. As with servicing, all Toyota repairs use genuine parts with at least 12 months warranty, while fixed-price repairs mean that there will be no surprise costs to budget for. Our Toyota dealers will also aim to offer same-day service on any mechanical repairs that need to be conducted. And of course, your Toyota service centre will keep you informed of all work that will need to be carried out.
I have been contacted by stoneacre about my 2 service due in June. I have a service plan which I was led to understand included all fluids including brake fluid. But stoneacre are asking for an extra payment for this service.
I have felt very uncomfortable with the level of service, feeling pressured by the way this company does business since they took over the franchise.
Rav4 FW20 20WFE
I am very unhappy and if I could move my service plan to another franchise if it was possible.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comment. We would like to apologise about the service you have received.
Our Customer Relations Team would be best placed to investigate this for you.
You can contact them here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre/.
Alternatively, you can call 0344 701 6202.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
How long is the warranty period of the actual hybrid battery?
Hi Martin, thanks for your comment.
All of our Hybrid batteries are covered by 5 years of manufacturing warranty. This can be extended up to the 15th as part of your annual Toyota Hybrid Electric Service. More details on this here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/hybrid/hybrid-ownership
Thanks,
Toyota UK
My one year old Rav4 hybrid with 4800 on the clock has pilling on the drivers seat, like a cheap woollen jumper. Toyota warranty said it’s fair wear and tear and not cover by warranty. Their customer service said they would replace the faulty piece of material but I must pay £200 + vat labour cost.
Now I fully understand that replacing the seat is out of the question but surely they have a moral obligation to their customers and as a token of goodwill replace the faulty material
Hello, Does the car have to be serviced by Toyota to maintain the manufacturers initial warranty? My lease company want to use a non Toyota garage
Hi Clive, thanks for your comment.
Your vehicle does not have to be serviced by a registered Toyota Centre in order to maintain the warranty. However, you will need to adhere to the service schedule and ensure that genuine Toyota parts are used.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hello I had first service on last Thursday 19/06/22 at my local Toyota dealer I been told it will take two and half hours bit it was done in 45 minutes and I checked they only top up the engine oil but they have refil any other like antifreeze brakefluid screen wast etc when it goes in the service they should do all this as part of we pay for servicing the car but. Think the dealers are cheating customers at all levels once they sell the car just to mention I had Mercedes Benz from new had service plan and they never treated like Toyota dealers regretting bought Toyota.Just to mention I had only 3885 miles on first service
Hello I have just sent email regarding my car service
Should the brake pads and discs be checked at the main and intermediary services?
Hi Roger, thanks for your question.
Please provide us with your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
I have just had annual Rav4 service on my 2020 car and no issues reported but last night battery flat and had to call out recovery service They said a cells down in battery So asking myself do garage actually check battery condition as part of service Plus I’m annoyed for a car less than 3 years old the battery needs replacing and wouldn’t be surprised if Toyota say not covered under warranty
Hi David, thanks for your comment.
We are sorry to hear about this experience.
For customers with hybrid vehicles, the Hybrid Health Check forms part of the scheduled servicing. The warranty includes cover for the hybrid battery and components for up to 10 years/100,000 miles.
Please contact your Toyota Centre so that they can physically inspect your vehicle and assess if it is covered under warranty.
Many thanks.
Can I check if my 2021 RAV4 have had an oil change it has had a service at 5,000 CA21ECJ. I’ve sent an email to the Toyota dealer who done the last service “with the last owner “with no response my mileage is now 9825 I need to change the oil/filter
Hi, thanks for your comment.
Which Toyota Centre are you trying to contact?
Thanks.
Despite only having travelled 13000 miles the local dealer has stated that the rear trailing arms need replacing on my wife’s 2016 Hybrid RAV4 at a cost of £1600
It has been serviced exactly to those recommended at great cost despite its low mileage but I am now told that it is not covered under the extended warranty so it all appears to have been a waste of time and money
The odd thing is that there was no advisory about any wear at the last service and it is now a major defect that requires repairing immediately. How come there was no signs of wear only 3000 miles ago.
The car is only used for local transport and shopping so how many dangerous RAV 4’s are out there
Hi David, thanks for your comment.
We are sorry to hear about this issue and apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.
If you would like to discuss this further, we would recommend contacting our Customer Relations Team. You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Just been quoted over £450 for a second service on a 2021 Rav 4. Would this be around the normal price with a main dealer ? Seems very expensive to me
Hi Graham, thanks for your question.
The price for a second service of the RAV4 should be £370, however this price may include extras, such as your MOT costs. We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre for a breakdown of the cost.
Thanks.
Good morning, my RAV4, Reg WA15 ZZV, has just had a major service carried out by Jim Walton Penrith as part of my 3 year Toyota Service plan. I have subsequently had the rear two tyres replaced elsewhere. While they were doing this they said that the rear discs and pads were very low and needed replacing. Should this not have been attended to or at least mentioned at the major service ?
Hi Charles, thanks for your comment.
Your brake pads & discs should have been inspected during your full service. We would recommend checking this with your Toyota Centre.
Thanks.