Powered byNHTSA|EPA|Community Reports|Updated
HomeToyotaRAV4Years to Avoid

Toyota RAV4 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Toyota RAV4 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
32
Years to Avoid
2019, 2007
Best Years
2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
2025
137 complaints3 recalls42 TSBs
2024
276 complaints3 recalls67 TSBs
2023
279 complaints3 recalls122 TSBs
2022
232 complaints1 recalls182 TSBs
2021
532 complaints1 recalls229 TSBs
2020
814 complaints6 recalls304 TSBs
2019Avoid
1,192 complaints7 recalls303 TSBs
2018
448 complaints3 recalls1 invest.183 TSBs
2017
419 complaints3 recalls1 invest.206 TSBs
2016
300 complaints3 recalls1 invest.257 TSBs
2015
403 complaints4 recalls1 invest.313 TSBs
2014
279 complaints4 recalls1 invest.373 TSBs
2013
333 complaints2 recalls1 invest.398 TSBs
2012
357 complaints5 recalls332 TSBs
2011
403 complaints11 recalls1 invest.283 TSBs
2010
498 complaints14 recalls1 invest.313 TSBs
2009
397 complaints15 recalls3 invest.287 TSBs
2008
708 complaints14 recalls4 invest.340 TSBs
2007Avoid
1,241 complaints14 recalls4 invest.309 TSBs
2006
882 complaints11 recalls2 invest.308 TSBs
2005
168 complaints5 recalls142 TSBs
2004
183 complaints2 recalls135 TSBs
2003
394 complaints0 recalls1 invest.102 TSBs
2002
682 complaints0 recalls116 TSBs
2001
418 complaints0 recalls127 TSBs
2000Best Year
34 complaints3 recalls80 TSBs
1999Best Year
75 complaints5 recalls58 TSBs
1998Best Year
92 complaints5 recalls66 TSBs
1997Best Year
61 complaints1 recalls52 TSBs
1996Best Year
54 complaints1 recalls46 TSBs
1995Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls16 TSBs
1994Best Year
4 complaints0 recalls15 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Toyota RAV4 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2019, 2007 Toyota RAV4 are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Toyota RAV4, consider the 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

32 model years analyzed