Which years should I avoid on the RAV4 and Forester?

For the RAV4, NHTSA data points to 2007, 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024 as Avoid years. For the Forester, avoid 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2025.

Which has more complaints overall, RAV4 or Forester?

The RAV4 has 7,793 total complaints over 21 model years (371 per year) versus 5,520 for the Forester (263 per year), but NHTSA doesn't publish sales data so these totals aren't normalized per vehicle sold.

How do recall counts compare?

The RAV4 has 46 total recall campaigns across its lineup, while the Forester has 37.

Which model gets better fuel economy?

The RAV4 averages 25.6 mpg combined across its years, slightly ahead of the Forester's 24.8 mpg combined average.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

RAV4 owners report Engine issues most (27% of complaints), followed by Electrical System (16%). Forester owners split between Visibility & Wipers (22%) and Engine (22%) as top areas.

Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester: Which Years to Avoid

Toyota RAV4 owners filed 7,793 complaints across 46 recall campaigns (371 per model year); avoid 2007, 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024. Subaru Forester owners filed 5,520 complaints across 37 recalls (263 per model year); avoid 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2025. Totals aren't sales-normalized.

Head to head

Toyota RAV4

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 7,793
Per model year: 371
Recall campaigns: 46
Years to avoid: 2007, 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024
Best years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2022
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 25.6
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.7 ★

Subaru Forester

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 5,520
Per model year: 263
Recall campaigns: 37
Years to avoid: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2025
Best years: 2024
Top problem area: Visibility & Wipers
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 24.8
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

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				Forester
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Caution	141	5	22.5	Good	93	1	20.5
2006	Caution	704	11	22	Good	88	2	21
2007	Avoid	1,004	14	22	Good	74	1	21.5
2008	Avoid	575	14	22	Good	50	1	21.5
2009	Caution	327	15	23	Caution	178	17	22
2010	Caution	400	14	23	Caution	262	17	22
2011	Caution	287	11	22.5	Caution	147	16	23
2012	Best	260	5	23	Caution	105	15	23
2013	Best	257	2	25.5	Caution	77	12	23
2014	Best	197	4	25.5	Caution	403	2	25
2015	Caution	304	4	25.5	Avoid	613	3	25
2016	Good	240	3	25	Caution	414	3	25
2017	Caution	307	3	25	Avoid	587	1	25
2018	Good	331	3	25	Avoid	495	3	25
2019	Avoid	878	7	30	Avoid	833	3	29
2020	Avoid	634	6	29.5	Avoid	601	0	29
2021	Avoid	386	1	29.5	Caution	207	0	29
2022	Best	145	1	29.5	Good	98	1	27.5
2023	Caution	155	3	29.5	Good	73	1	27.5
2024	Avoid	174	3	29	Best	29	2	27.5
2025	Good	87	3	30	Avoid	93	3	28.5

Complaint Index by year

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid on the RAV4 and Forester?: For the RAV4, NHTSA data points to 2007, 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024 as Avoid years. For the Forester, avoid 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2025.
Which has more complaints overall, RAV4 or Forester?: The RAV4 has 7,793 total complaints over 21 model years (371 per year) versus 5,520 for the Forester (263 per year), but NHTSA doesn't publish sales data so these totals aren't normalized per vehicle sold.
How do recall counts compare?: The RAV4 has 46 total recall campaigns across its lineup, while the Forester has 37.
Which model gets better fuel economy?: The RAV4 averages 25.6 mpg combined across its years, slightly ahead of the Forester's 24.8 mpg combined average.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: RAV4 owners report Engine issues most (27% of complaints), followed by Electrical System (16%). Forester owners split between Visibility & Wipers (22%) and Engine (22%) as top areas.