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The shocking story of one Toyota RAV4 enthusiast’s nine-year journey, which ended with a loyal Toyota customer abandoning the 2024 RAV4 due to quality issues.
Jibin Carmel on the Toyota RAV4 Discussion Group 2019-2025 – Gas + Hybrid + Prime Owners Facebook page says,
“It’s Time to say bye to the RAV4 family. Since 2015, I have been a RAV4 enthusiast. For nine years, I owned the 2015 RAV4 XLE, one of the best cars ever made.”
“I needed an upgrade, so I moved to the 2024 RAV4 XLE Premium last year. But I have a laundry list of problems. The ride was not the same. There are creaky noises in the rear suspension, doors, and brakes, and it’s had alignment problems. Being a car freak, these things really bothered and freaked me out.”
“So I got rid of my 2024 RAV4. I ultimately chose the Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade after searching for a larger Toyota. Thank you all for the support and suggestions you provided while in this group. Goodbye, RAV4 Fam.”
Is Toyota’s RAV4 Quality Control Declining?
As a long-time automotive journalist, few things get my attention like an enthusiast’s journey with a brand. When Jibin Carmel, a nine-year veteran of the Toyota RAV4, posted his goodbye, it wasn’t just a note—it was a seismic shift in a loyalist’s world.
Jibin’s experience, moving from a beloved 2015 RAV4 XLE to a frustrating 2024 RAV4 XLE Premium, is a perfect, albeit disheartening, real-world case study. For all of you who share a passion for Japanese reliability, we need to discuss what’s happening at Toyota.
Jibin’s initial 2015 RAV4 was, in his words, “one of the best cars ever made.” This speaks to the golden era of Toyota quality—simplicity, durability, and a ride tuned for the masses. His jump to a new 2024 model, a vehicle that should represent the pinnacle of a decade of development, revealed a 2024 Toyota RAV4 with a laundry list of quality problems.
His complaints—creaky noises in the rear suspension, doors, and brakes, along with alignment problems—aren’t just isolated issues; they point to a broader, more systemic decline in 2024 Toyota RAV4 build quality that we’ve been tracking across various forums and owner reports.
The 2024 RAV4’s Frustrations
The core of Jibin’s disappointment lies in the stark contrast between his two vehicles. The 2015 model represented the previous generation (the 4th gen), built on a platform known for its uncomplicated durability. The 2024 model (the 5th generation), while more stylish and technologically advanced, utilizes the TNGA-K platform and is known to prioritize stiffer, sportier handling—a significant shift in philosophy for the RAV4.
When you upgrade a beloved model like the RAV4, you expect better, not different problems.
The Noise and Suspension Problem
Jibin’s mention of creaky noises in the RAV4 rear suspension is one of the most frequently reported mechanical issues for the current-generation RAV4. While the suspension is stiffer for improved handling, this firmness can transmit more road imperfections and, frustratingly, highlight minor assembly or component issues.
Toyota has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) addressing specific noise issues, including brake squeal. The fix for rear suspension noises often involves inspecting and lubricating, or replacing, stabilizer bar bushings and links.
My advice is to leverage those TSBs. Don’t take “it’s normal” for an answer. Print the TSBs—which are essentially internal factory repair guides—and bring them to your dealer. This is a crucial practical takeaway: being an informed customer is your best defense against dealership shrugs.
Alignment and Handling Woes
The report of 2024 RAV4 alignment problems further suggests possible quality control issues in the assembly process or with subpar suspension components. A new car shouldn’t have chronic alignment issues. This not only affects the driving dynamics but also leads to premature and uneven tire wear, resulting in significant financial losses for the owner. A car freak like Jibin is naturally attuned to these subtle dynamics.
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A Key Takeaway
The 5th Gen RAV4 is designed to feel more “car-like” than the 4th Gen, but the execution can be inconsistent. The perception that the “ride was not the same” is likely due to the stiffer chassis tuning and potentially inadequate sound deadening, leading to more road and wind noise—another common owner complaint that contributes to the feeling of a lower-quality experience. The refinement gap between the 4th and 5th generation seems wider than acceptable for a premium trim like the XLE Premium.
Jibin’s Escape: He Doesn’t Abandon the Brand
Jibin’s decision to get rid of his 2024 RAV4 and ultimately choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade is a classic case of a loyal customer voting with their wallet, but importantly, staying within the family. This speaks volumes about the enduring trust in the Toyota brand name, even when a specific model disappoints.
Why the Grand Highlander is the Right Solution For Jibin
The Grand Highlander is a different animal, and a great choice for someone looking to escape the current RAV4’s issues.
A Step Up in Comfort: The Grand Highlander is built on a stretched version of the TNGA-K platform, but it’s tuned to be a much more comfortable, quieter, and spacious three-row cruiser. Jibin’s desire for a “larger Toyota” was met not just with space, but with a significant boost in ride refinement. It is the perfect antithesis to the stiff and noisy RAV4 experience he endured.
Higher Build Quality: The Grand Highlander is positioned higher in the Toyota lineup and often benefits from better materials and more attention to fit and finish—the very things Jibin found lacking in his RAV4 XLE Premium.
Nightshade Styling: The Grand Highlander Nightshade edition features give him the visual upgrade he likely wanted in the RAV4 without sacrificing the comfort he needed. The blacked-out accents provide a sharp, modern, and distinctive look, appealing to that ‘car freak’ desire for something special.
How About You?
If you’re a long-time Toyota owner who finds the latest RAV4 generation too loud or harsh, the Grand Highlander offers the older-school Toyota comfort and refinement in a modern package, with the spaciousness being a major bonus. This is currently the best three-row SUV alternative to the Toyota RAV4.
Conclusion:
Jibin’s story is a wake-up call. Toyota built its reputation on bomb-proof reliability and a refined, comfortable ride. The current RAV4, while selling in massive numbers, is showing signs of a quality drift—a trade-off for a “sportier” image and aggressive cost-cutting in non-visible areas, such as sound deadening and suspension components.
Toyota must urgently address the widespread complaints about excessive noise and ride quality in the current Toyota RAV4 before brand loyalty erodes further. This includes doubling down on those TSBs and ensuring component quality across the board.
For those considering an upgrade, Jibin’s journey offers a comprehensive solution: if the 2024 RAV4’s ride and noise levels bother you, opting for a model with a focus on refinement, such as the Grand Highlander, is a practical alternative.
It proves you don’t have to leave the brand to find the quality you remember. For anyone needing the utility of the RAV4 but demanding better quality, the conversation must also include its upscale Lexus NX sibling, a key point in addressing the decline in current-generation Toyota quality control.
Question for Toyota Owners
Have you experienced a similar shift in quality when moving from an older to a newer Toyota model? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my 2025 Toyota RAV4 story: I Just Bought a 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE, Put 1000 Miles On It, and I Already Want To Trade It In, This Car Is a Total Disappointment
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl
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Source: torquenews.com
