Which RAV4 years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024 as the RAV4 years with the highest complaint index relative to other RAV4 model years, with 2019 topping the list at a complaint index of 100.

Which CR-V years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2017, 2018, 2024, and 2025 as the CR-V years with the highest complaint index, led by 2018 at a complaint index of 100 with 2,141 complaints.

Does the RAV4 or CR-V have more complaints?

The CR-V has more total complaints, 10,573 versus 5,040 for the RAV4, and a higher per-model-year average (661 vs 315), but NHTSA does not publish sales data so these totals are not normalized by vehicles sold.

Which gets better fuel economy, RAV4 or CR-V?

The CR-V averages 28.4 MPG combined across its model years versus 26.7 MPG for the RAV4, though newer CR-V years like 2024 (33.5 MPG) and 2025 (37 MPG) pull that average up.

Are there recalls on both models?

Yes, NHTSA lists 39 total recall campaigns for the RAV4 and 39 for the CR-V across the years covered, with neither model showing any do-not-drive recalls in this data.

Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: Which Years to Avoid

Toyota RAV4 owners should be cautious about 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024, while Honda CR-V owners should watch 2017, 2018, 2024 and 2025. RAV4 logs 5,040 total complaints across 16 model years (315/year) versus CR-V's 10,573 (661/year), though totals aren't sales-normalized. RAV4 averages 26.7 combined MPG; CR-V averages 28.4.

Head to head

Toyota RAV4

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 5,040
Per model year: 315
Recall campaigns: 39
Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024
Best years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 26.7
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.7 ★

Honda CR-V

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 10,573
Per model year: 661
Recall campaigns: 39
Years to avoid: 2017, 2018, 2024, 2025
Best years: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2022
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 28.4
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	RAV4				CR-V
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Caution	398	14	23	Best	480	15	23.5
2011	Good	287	11	22.5	Good	553	13	23.5
2012	Best	260	5	23	Best	403	3	25.5
2013	Best	257	2	25.5	Best	382	2	25.5
2014	Best	197	4	25.5	Caution	587	1	25.5
2015	Caution	304	4	25.5	Caution	670	3	28.5
2016	Best	240	3	25	Good	393	3	28
2017	Good	307	3	25	Avoid	1,768	7	28.5
2018	Good	331	3	25	Avoid	2,141	5	28.5
2019	Avoid	878	7	30	Caution	1,099	8	28.5
2020	Avoid	634	6	29.5	Good	353	7	29.5
2021	Avoid	386	1	29.5	Good	330	4	29.5
2022	Good	145	1	29.5	Best	259	3	29.5
2023	Caution	155	3	29.5	Caution	515	3	29.5
2024	Avoid	174	3	29	Avoid	392	2	33.5
2025	Caution	87	3	30	Avoid	248	1	37

Complaint Index by year

Toyota RAV4

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Honda CR-V

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which RAV4 years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024 as the RAV4 years with the highest complaint index relative to other RAV4 model years, with 2019 topping the list at a complaint index of 100.
Which CR-V years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2017, 2018, 2024, and 2025 as the CR-V years with the highest complaint index, led by 2018 at a complaint index of 100 with 2,141 complaints.
Does the RAV4 or CR-V have more complaints?: The CR-V has more total complaints, 10,573 versus 5,040 for the RAV4, and a higher per-model-year average (661 vs 315), but NHTSA does not publish sales data so these totals are not normalized by vehicles sold.
Which gets better fuel economy, RAV4 or CR-V?: The CR-V averages 28.4 MPG combined across its model years versus 26.7 MPG for the RAV4, though newer CR-V years like 2024 (33.5 MPG) and 2025 (37 MPG) pull that average up.
Are there recalls on both models?: Yes, NHTSA lists 39 total recall campaigns for the RAV4 and 39 for the CR-V across the years covered, with neither model showing any do-not-drive recalls in this data.