Toyota RAV4 Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Toyota RAV4 years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 100, 80, 93, and 87 respectively — the highest in the lineup. Best years are 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016, all with complaint index scores below 20.
Avoid 2019Avoid 2020Avoid 2021Avoid 2024Best 2012Best 2013Best 2014Best 2016
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 5,040
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Crashes reported
- 468
- Fires reported
- 193
- Top problem area
- Engine
RAV4 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 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 67 | 398 | 57 | 3 | 14 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 23 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 33 | 287 | 44 | 8 | 11 | Engine | 22.5 | 3★ |
| 2012 | Best | 7 | 260 | 36 | 4 | 5 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Best | 13 | 257 | 22 | 29 | 2 | Electrical System | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Best | 0 | 197 | 20 | 25 | 4 | Electrical System | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 53 | 304 | 37 | 41 | 4 | Electrical System | 25.5 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Best | 20 | 240 | 33 | 12 | 3 | Electrical System | 25 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 40 | 307 | 33 | 24 | 3 | Electrical System | 25 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 47 | 331 | 31 | 32 | 3 | Electrical System | 25 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 100 | 878 | 25 | 2 | 7 | Fuel System | 30 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Avoid | 80 | 634 | 17 | 5 | 6 | Engine | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Avoid | 93 | 386 | 46 | 7 | 1 | Airbags | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Good | 27 | 145 | 14 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Caution | 60 | 155 | 18 | 1 | 3 | Electrical System | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Avoid | 87 | 174 | 28 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 29 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Caution | 73 | 87 | 7 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 30 | 5★ |
RAV4 years to avoid: what went wrong
2019 Toyota RAV4 Index 100 · 878 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2019 RAV4 has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, with 878 total complaints. Fuel System issues lead at 31% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 1,000 miles, followed by Engine problems at 27% (median 6,000 miles). NHTSA lists a fuel pump recall (20V682000), a steering gear box water-intrusion recall (20V373000), and a front lower suspension arm cracking recall (20V286000) for this year. Owners also reported airbag non-deployment in crashes and pre-collision system failures.
2019 fuel system problems →2019 engine problems →2019 electrical system problems →
2021 Toyota RAV4 Index 93 · 386 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2021 RAV4 has a complaint index of 93 from 386 complaints. Airbags are the top problem area at 32% of complaints (median 30,000 miles), followed by Electrical System issues at 13% and Engine problems at 12%. NHTSA lists an airbag sensor recall (23V865000). Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes, a fire that spread through the passenger compartment after a minor collision, an engine-off vehicle catching fire while parked, and unexpected steering-wheel movement near a lane split.
2021 airbags problems →2021 electrical system problems →2021 engine problems →
2024 Toyota RAV4 Index 87 · 174 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2024 RAV4 has a complaint index of 87 from 174 complaints. Engine problems make up 26% of complaints (median 13,324 miles) and Electrical System issues 20% (median 21,889 miles). NHTSA recalls cover a Panoramic View Monitor software update (25V744000), an instrument panel software update (25V595000), and loose front brake caliper and wheel hub bearing bolts (24V911000). Owners reported unintended acceleration while parking, airbags failing to deploy in a frontal collision, and a vehicle that lurched forward while braking.
2024 engine problems →2024 electrical system problems →2024 steering problems →
2020 Toyota RAV4 Index 80 · 634 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2020 RAV4 carries a complaint index of 80 across 634 complaints. Engine problems account for 32% of complaints (median 10,000 miles), Electrical System issues 19% (median 2,800 miles), and Fuel System issues 14% (median 500 miles). NHTSA recalls cover airbag sensors (23V865000), a steering column breakaway pin issue (20V734000), and the fuel pump replacement (20V682000). Owners reported unintended acceleration, brake failure at low speed, and a parked vehicle catching fire linked to electrical or fuel pump failure.
2020 engine problems →2020 electrical system problems →2020 fuel system problems →
Most common Toyota RAV4 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine1,165 (23%)
- Electrical System1,086 (22%)
- Other936 (19%)
- Fuel System510 (10%)
- Structure & Body476 (9%)
- Brakes457 (9%)
- Airbags421 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain385 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers315 (6%)
- Steering311 (6%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Toyota RAV4 years should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint and recall data point to 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024 as the RAV4 years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 80, 93, and 87 — the highest of the 16 model years covered.
- What are the best Toyota RAV4 years to buy?
- The 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 RAV4 model years rank best, with complaint index scores of 7, 13, 0, and 20 respectively, the lowest in the lineup.
- What is the biggest problem area for the Toyota RAV4 overall?
- Across all years, Engine issues account for 23% of the 5,040 total complaints and Electrical System issues account for 22%, the two largest categories.
- Does the 2019 RAV4 have a fuel system recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 20V682000 covers a fuel pump assembly replacement for certain 2019 RAV4 vehicles, and Fuel System complaints made up 31% of all 2019 RAV4 complaints with a median failure mileage of 1,000 miles.
- Is the 2021 RAV4 airbag issue serious?
- Airbags were the top complaint area for the 2021 RAV4, making up 32% of its 386 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,000 miles and one related NHTSA recall (23V865000).