Which RAV4 and Tucson years should I avoid?

For the RAV4, avoid 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024, which carry complaint index scores of 100, 80, 93 and 87. For the Tucson, avoid 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2025, with complaint index scores of 93, 80, 87 and 100.

Which model has more recalls?

The RAV4 has 39 total recall campaigns across 2010-2025 versus 26 for the Tucson, though neither list includes any do-not-drive recalls.

Which model has more complaints overall?

The Tucson has 5,761 total complaints (360 per model year) compared to the RAV4's 5,040 (315 per model year). NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these totals are not normalized per vehicle sold.

How do fuel economy figures compare?

The RAV4 averages 26.7 mpg combined across its lineup, while the Tucson averages 25.2 mpg combined. Both show improved mpg and lower annual fuel cost in more recent model years.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

RAV4 owners report Engine issues most (23% of complaints, 1,165 total) followed by Electrical System (22%, 1,086). Tucson owners report Engine issues most heavily (45%, 2,577 total) followed by Transmission & Powertrain (20%, 1,177).

Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson: Which Years to Avoid

Toyota RAV4 years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024; Hyundai Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2025. The RAV4 logs 5,040 total complaints (315/year) across 39 recalls, versus 5,761 (360/year) and 26 recalls for the Tucson. Totals aren't sales-normalized.

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 ★

Hyundai Tucson

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 5,761
Per model year: 360
Recall campaigns: 26
Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2022, 2025
Best years: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2021
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 25.2
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.7 ★

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				Tucson
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Caution	398	14	23	Best	59	4	24.5
2011	Good	287	11	22.5	Best	124	5	23.5
2012	Best	260	5	23	Good	255	3	23
2013	Best	257	2	25.5	Good	266	3	23
2014	Best	197	4	25.5	Best	201	2	22.5
2015	Caution	304	4	25.5	Good	227	1	23
2016	Best	240	3	25	Avoid	1,619	5	27
2017	Good	307	3	25	Avoid	1,086	3	27
2018	Good	331	3	25	Caution	396	1	24.5
2019	Avoid	878	7	30	Caution	379	1	24
2020	Avoid	634	6	29.5	Good	177	1	24
2021	Avoid	386	1	29.5	Best	79	1	24
2022	Good	145	1	29.5	Avoid	381	3	29
2023	Caution	155	3	29.5	Caution	133	2	28
2024	Avoid	174	3	29	Caution	96	4	28
2025	Caution	87	3	30	Avoid	283	6	28

Complaint Index by year

Toyota RAV4

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

Hyundai Tucson

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

Frequently asked questions

Which RAV4 and Tucson years should I avoid?: For the RAV4, avoid 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024, which carry complaint index scores of 100, 80, 93 and 87. For the Tucson, avoid 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2025, with complaint index scores of 93, 80, 87 and 100.
Which model has more recalls?: The RAV4 has 39 total recall campaigns across 2010-2025 versus 26 for the Tucson, though neither list includes any do-not-drive recalls.
Which model has more complaints overall?: The Tucson has 5,761 total complaints (360 per model year) compared to the RAV4's 5,040 (315 per model year). NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these totals are not normalized per vehicle sold.
How do fuel economy figures compare?: The RAV4 averages 26.7 mpg combined across its lineup, while the Tucson averages 25.2 mpg combined. Both show improved mpg and lower annual fuel cost in more recent model years.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: RAV4 owners report Engine issues most (23% of complaints, 1,165 total) followed by Electrical System (22%, 1,086). Tucson owners report Engine issues most heavily (45%, 2,577 total) followed by Transmission & Powertrain (20%, 1,177).