A used first-generation Toyota RAV4, sold in the U.S. for the 1996 to 2000 model years, is worth buying when the driver air bag recall is closed, the underside is not rotten and the title is clean, because those three things cost more to fix than any worn seat. On Nov. 5, 2026, the NHTSA recall API for 1998 returned 20V033000, a recall of certain 1998-2000 RAV4s whose non-azide driver air bag inflators can absorb moisture and rupture in a crash, plus an Audiovox theft-deterrent campaign (98V278000) that only applies to cars fitted with that dealer system. Run the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup before you pay.
Which RAV4 this is
Wikipedia lists the first RAV4 as a compact crossover built on a unibody platform, offered in two-door and four-door bodies with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. U.S. buyers mostly see four-door automatics. Match the body, drivetrain and year to the VIN. Our general RAV4 guide covers later generations, and our Toyota recall check shows how a VIN search works.
The driver air bag
NHTSA describes 20V033000 as a non-azide driver inflator problem, separate from the larger Takata PSAN recalls covered on the NHTSA Takata page. Ask for the dealer invoice showing the inflator was replaced. If the VIN still shows open, the fix is free at a Toyota dealer, but book it before you drive the car daily. Our air bag recall check explains how to read the status.
Rust, the AWD system and the rear door
Look at the rear floor, the rocker seams and the mounts for the swing-out spare on the tailgate. On all-wheel-drive cars, listen for clunks from the center differential on tight turns and look for leaks at the rear differential. Make sure the rear door opens, latches and holds the spare without sagging. Our open recall guide covers how campaigns appear on a report.
A test drive that tells you something
Drive it from cold, not after the seller has warmed it up. Listen for ticks and knocks at start-up, watch the mirror for smoke, and check that every gauge and warning lamp comes on and then goes out. Try every gear, a hard stop and a slow full-lock turn both ways, then look underneath for fresh drips. Bring a flashlight and a magnet for filler checks on the lower doors and rear wheel arches.
Insurance, registration and inspection
Call your insurer with the VIN before you pay, because a high-mileage SUV or van can be valued low after a loss. Ask your state DMV whether the vehicle needs a VIN inspection, a safety inspection or an emissions test at transfer, and what happens if a prior registration lapsed. Budget for new tires if the date codes are old, even when the tread looks fine.
When to walk away
- An open 20V033000 driver air bag recall the seller will not fix.
- Rust through the rear floor or rockers.
- Clunks or binding from the AWD on tight turns.
- A VIN that does not match the title.
Questions to ask the seller
- Was 20V033000 done? Was the work done, and is there a receipt?
- Was a dealer alarm installed, and was 98V278000 checked?
- When was the timing belt or chain service last done?
- Has the title ever been branded?
Reading the history on an older SUV
Do not expect a complete service log. Many independent shops never reported their work, so the report matters most for title brands, odometer readings at title transfers and registration gaps by state. A car that moved from a coastal or rust-belt state to a dry one may have been retitled; look at the dates and ask why. An approved NMVTIS check adds salvage and junk records from insurers and recyclers. If the odometer readings go backward or the car shows as exempt, ask for the paper trail before you price it. Our odometer discrepancy guide explains what those entries mean.
Private-sale paperwork
Most cars like this sell privately. Make sure the name on the title matches the seller ID, the VIN on the title matches the plate and the stamping on the car, and any old lien is released in writing. Our lien release guide walks through that step. Pay by a traceable method, get a dated bill of sale, and do not accept an open title signed by someone who is not present.
How to price it
Clean early RAV4s still sell as cheap commuter crossovers. Compare recent private sales and dealer listings for the same year, engine and drivetrain, then subtract air bag, rust and AWD repairs.
What the report costs
As of early November 2026 a CARFAX bought direct usually costs around $44.99, and AutoCheck sits a little lower. We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Our guest price has been about $5.50 a report, about $4.50 for members, and about $6.75 for a CARFAX and AutoCheck bundle. Confirm the price at checkout, since it can change.
On a car this old, read the report for title brands and odometer readings first; service entries are often thin.
Sources
- NHTSA recall lookup (API checked Nov. 5, 2026; 1998: 20V033000 driver air bag inflator; 98V278000 aftermarket theft deterrent)
- Toyota RAV4, Wikipedia
- NMVTIS
- Hagerty (valuation tools)
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