Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2016–2025)
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid years to avoid are 2019, 2021, and 2025, with complaint indexes of 89, 78, and 100 out of 122 total complaints across all years. 2022 and 2023 are rated Best, with the lowest complaint indexes of 11 and 22.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 10
- 2016–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 122
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 12
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Airbags
RAV4 Hybrid Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Caution | 67 | 17 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 32 | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 56 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 32 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 44 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 32 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 89 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Fuel System | 40 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 33 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Airbags | 40 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Avoid | 78 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 40 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 40 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 22 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 38.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Visibility & Wipers | 38 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 100 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Visibility & Wipers | 38 | — |
RAV4 Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Index 100 · 5 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2025 RAV4 Hybrid has the highest complaint index of all years, at 100, based on 5 complaints. Visibility & Wipers issues lead, at 60% of the year's complaints, with a median failure mileage of 3,400; owners describe sunroof glass fracturing or exploding both while parked and while driving. Airbag failure to deploy was also reported, at a median mileage of 15,000. Two recalls apply to this year, one covering a mislabeled load capacity sticker and one covering a parking-assist camera software update.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Index 89 · 22 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid has a complaint index of 89 and ranks second-worst of all years. Fuel system problems dominate, making up 64% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of only 400 miles. Owners describe fuel gauge malfunctions and abnormal noises while refueling. Brake-related complaints followed, at 18% of the year's total, with a median failure mileage of 23,500. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, covering front lower suspension arm cracks, an engine defect shared with several Toyota and Lexus models, and a brake booster pump issue.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Index 78 · 22 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2021 RAV4 Hybrid carries a complaint index of 78. Airbags are the dominant problem area, accounting for 77% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 29,000. Owners describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes. Brake and electrical system complaints each made up 9% of the year's total, with median mileages of 34,000 and 31,175. One recall applies to this year, covering an airbag sensor shared across multiple Toyota and Lexus models.
Most common Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Airbags24 (20%)
- Fuel System21 (17%)
- Brakes17 (14%)
- Electrical System15 (12%)
- Visibility & Wipers15 (12%)
- Engine14 (11%)
- Other14 (11%)
- Structure & Body13 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, 2019, 2021, and 2025 are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 89, 78, and 100.
- What is the best year for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
- 2022 and 2023 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 11 and 22, the lowest among the 10 model years with data.
- Does the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid have recalls?
- NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid, covering front lower suspension arm cracks, an engine defect, and a brake booster pump issue.
- Is the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid reliable?
- The 2021 RAV4 Hybrid is rated Avoid based on NHTSA complaints, with a complaint index of 78 and airbags making up 77% of that year's complaints.
- How many total complaints does the RAV4 Hybrid have?
- NHTSA lists 122 total complaints and 11 recall campaigns across the 2016-2025 RAV4 Hybrid model years covered.