2024 Toyota RAV4 Owner: "Mileage Changed After 24 Hours. I Have Never Seen That Before"

Toyota's reputation for reliability precedes the vast majority of the brand's models. People generally buy them because they want something dependable that will last many years. So, when even a minor quirk manifests itself, some owners wonder if their vehicle's reliability is compromised. Luckily, “minor glitches” are not always a precursor to an expensive repair bill.

Despite some common issues of the current-generation Toyota RAV4, the Japanese SUV continues to uphold the brand's near-spotless reputation for versatility, dependability, and value retention. That said, one owner of a 2024 RAV4 recently experienced a weird “glitch” in her SUV and decided to share her worries on the Toyota Owners Club forum. Here's what she says:  

Mad4u19 (Mich) says: “I have a 24 RAV4, and yesterday, I filled up the usual amount that would bring my tank to full, but it only went a little over the 3/4 line. This morning, I ran some errands and after 10 am, I saw that the tank moved from 3/4 to full and the estimated mileage increased. I've never seen it happen before.” 

Mich's issue is, indeed, an interesting one and not as uncommon as I thought. I experienced the same thing years ago on my first car, which had a modified fuel pump that was from a different model of the same brand. However, I rightfully suspected that the cause for this “issue” was different. 

Fellow forum members shared some useful information, and I also did my own research to see why this might happen. 

Tony says: “It can happen when the car is parked on uneven ground and refill stops early. I have had that experience a few times. Not in RAV4 but other Toyota models.”  

Tony makes a valid point. Toyota must use some very accurate sensor readings if the car was, indeed, parked on a slope, causing it to read a lower fuel level than what the fuel tank has. In my case, the car wouldn't start after sitting on a slope because the fuel sender of my scavenged fuel pump was positioned higher. 

Sarky says: “So it took the usual amount of money you would expect to be full right up, i.e, it didn't refuel short of full. Then only showed 3/4 full on the gauge in the car for a while before then showing full after you had driven it. 

I have had this in the past on other cars where air block stopped me filling right up to full but nothing as you describe. 

Not sure where the fuel sender is on the RAV4. Maybe it got an air block or something similar that shifted once you had driven it around.” 

While not impossible, this is rather unlikely unless your fuel level was low to begin with. If you get air in the fuel system, your car will have difficulty or inability to start the engine, uneven engine idle, or reduced performance. Luckily, the owner of this 2024 Toyota RAV4 didn't report any of the symptoms associated with air having entered the fuel system. 

Other forum members dismiss the change in fuel-level readout as something normal. 

Mark says: “My 2014 Auris Hybrid does it quite often (I don't worry about it, always sorts itself out after a short time).” 

The Japanese SUV continues to be one of the brand's best-selling models. The 2026 RAV4 is around the corner and promises more of the same, despite Toyota bringing out two new engines that will power a large variety of vehicles, including the highly anticipated Toyota GR Celica. 

That said, many owners continue to drive their older Toyota RAV4 models, with one owner recently achieving 250,000 (almost) trouble-free miles with his 2016 model. If you have any experience with your Toyota RAV4 or any other vehicle, feel free to share it in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Toyota RAV4 press release