Which RAV4 years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024 as the RAV4 years to avoid, based on complaint index scores of 100, 80, 93 and 87 respectively, the highest in the model's 2010-2025 range.

Which Forester years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2025 as the Forester years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 87, 100, 93 and 80.

Does the RAV4 or Forester have more recalls?

The RAV4 has 39 total recall campaigns across 16 model years versus 32 for the Forester.

Which gets better fuel economy, the RAV4 or Forester?

The RAV4 averages 26.7 MPG combined across its model years versus 25.9 MPG combined for the Forester.

Which model has more total complaints?

The RAV4 has 5,040 total complaints and the Forester has 5,034, nearly identical totals; NHTSA does not provide sales figures so these are not normalized per vehicle sold.

Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester: Which Years to Avoid

Toyota RAV4 owners should avoid 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024; Subaru Forester owners should avoid 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2025. Both models logged similar total complaints (5,040 vs 5,034) over 16 model years, with the RAV4 carrying more recall campaigns (39 vs 32). RAV4 averages 26.7 combined MPG versus 25.9 for the Forester.

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 ★

Subaru Forester

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 5,034
Per model year: 315
Recall campaigns: 32
Years to avoid: 2015, 2019, 2020, 2025
Best years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2024
Top problem area: Visibility & Wipers
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 25.9
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
2010	Caution	398	14	23	Good	259	17	22
2011	Good	287	11	22.5	Best	147	16	23
2012	Best	260	5	23	Best	105	15	23
2013	Best	257	2	25.5	Best	77	12	23
2014	Best	197	4	25.5	Caution	403	2	25
2015	Caution	304	4	25.5	Avoid	613	3	25
2016	Best	240	3	25	Caution	414	3	25
2017	Good	307	3	25	Caution	587	1	25
2018	Good	331	3	25	Caution	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	Good	207	0	29
2022	Good	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	Caution	87	3	30	Avoid	93	3	28.5

Complaint Index by year

Toyota RAV4

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

Subaru Forester

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 to avoid, based on complaint index scores of 100, 80, 93 and 87 respectively, the highest in the model's 2010-2025 range.
Which Forester years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2025 as the Forester years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 87, 100, 93 and 80.
Does the RAV4 or Forester have more recalls?: The RAV4 has 39 total recall campaigns across 16 model years versus 32 for the Forester.
Which gets better fuel economy, the RAV4 or Forester?: The RAV4 averages 26.7 MPG combined across its model years versus 25.9 MPG combined for the Forester.
Which model has more total complaints?: The RAV4 has 5,040 total complaints and the Forester has 5,034, nearly identical totals; NHTSA does not provide sales figures so these are not normalized per vehicle sold.