Toyota RAV4 years to avoid and best years
Newer Toyota RAV4 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 140 (877 complaints). 2019 through 2020 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 12 (from 197 complaints), 2022 at 24 (from 144 complaints), and 2012 at 27 (from 266 complaints). The Toyota RAV4 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2019 Toyota RAV4, 213 of 877 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.
Data as of .
2014
2022
2012
2025–26
Toyota RAV4 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Toyota RAV4. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 41 |
| 2025 → Too early | 44 | 87 | 3 | Electrical system | 33 |
| 2024 → | 58 | 174 | 3 | Steering, Electrical system, Engine | 31.6 |
| 2023 → | 37 | 154 | 3 | Electrical system | 31.5 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 24 | 144 | 1 | Structure | 30.7 |
| 2021 → | 45 | 385 | 1 | Air bags | 30.7 |
| 2020 → | 82 | 634 | 6 | Engine | 30.6 |
| 2019 → Most | 140 | 877 | 7 | Fuel and propulsion system | 32 |
| 2018 → | 37 | 331 | 3 | Electrical system | 26.4 |
| 2017 → | 33 | 307 | 3 | Electrical system | 26.4 |
| 2016 → | 30 | 238 | 3 | Electrical system | 26.4 |
| 2015 → | 29 | 304 | 4 | Electrical system | 25.3 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 12 | 197 | 4 | Electrical system | 37.8 |
| 2013 → | 32 | 256 | 2 | Electrical system | 38 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 27 | 266 | 5 | Visibility and wipers | 33.4 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 0W-20 (2.5L 4-cylinder); 5W-30 (optional 3.5L V6) · 4.7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/70R16 (Base) to 235/55R18 (Sport)
Known issues for this generation
Certain 2012 Toyota RAV4 vehicles are covered by safety recall 14V-054 after NHTSA found that increased resistance in the brake actuator can illuminate ABS, traction control, and stability-control warning lamps and disable those driver-assist functions while conventional braking remains available. Toyota’s remedy is a no-cost software update to the skid control ECU. The recall also covers certain 2012–2013 Tacoma and 2012–2013 Lexus RX350 vehicles under the same campaign.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (5W-20 acceptable if 0W-20 is unavailable) · 4.6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/65R17 (LE) to 235/55R18 (Limited/SE)
Known issues for this generation
Toyota recall 23V-734 (23TA13) covers 2013–2018 RAV4 vehicles after some replacement Group 35 batteries with smaller top dimensions can shift when the hold-down clamp is not tightened correctly, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short-circuit. Toyota states that can increase fire risk; dealers replace the battery hold-down clamp, tray, and positive terminal cover at no charge. Toyota estimates about 1,854,000 U.S. vehicles are involved in the recall.
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- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-16 · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/65R17 (LE) to 235/55R19 (Limited/Adventure)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 20V-682 (Toyota campaign 20TA02) covers certain 2019–2020 Toyota RAV4 vehicles whose low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Toyota states a failed pump can stall the engine while driving, increasing crash risk; dealers replace the pump assembly with an improved unit at no charge. The campaign also lists many other Toyota and Lexus models, and NHTSA’s acknowledgment letter cites about 1,517,721 units across the expanded recall population.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota RAV4 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 12 (from 197 complaints), 2022 at 24 (from 144 complaints), and 2012 at 27 (from 266 complaints).
Which Toyota RAV4 year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 140 (877 complaints). 2019 through 2020 are in that same range. On the 2019 Toyota RAV4, 213 of 877 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.
How do Toyota RAV4 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Toyota RAV4 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Toyota RAV4 years are too early to compare?
The Toyota RAV4 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2017 Toyota RAV4?
5th generation (2013-2018).
What oil does a 2019 Toyota RAV4 use?
Toyota’s 2019 RAV4 maintenance guide specifies 0W-16; Toyota service bulletins list about 4.8 quarts with filter for the A25 engine family.
Does the Toyota RAV4 have a battery fire recall?
2013-2018 RAV4 models are covered by NHTSA recall 23V-734 for 12-volt battery hold-down and terminal contact issues; 2019+ models are not part of that campaign.