Toyota RAV4 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 5,055 complaints about the Toyota RAV4 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about electrical system and other or unspecified. Toyota has filed 19 warranty extensions and 20 service campaigns for it, and there are 39 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Toyota RAV4? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the RAV4 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 5,055
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 19
- Filed by Toyota
- Service campaigns
- 20
- Filed by Toyota
- Safety recalls
- 39
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the RAV4 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 88 | Other or unspecified (26%) | 3 | 2 |
| 2024 | 176 | Other or unspecified (28%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 157 | Other or unspecified (27%) | 3 | 5 |
| 2022 | 148 | Electrical system (26%) | 1 | 8 |
| 2021 | 387 | Airbags (32%) | 1 | 9 |
| 2020 | 635 | Engine (28%) | 6 | 15 |
| 2019 | 879 | Fuel and propulsion (29%) | 7 | 13 |
| 2018 | 332 | Electrical system (39%) | 3 | 9 |
| 2017 | 307 | Electrical system (35%) | 3 | 8 |
| 2016 | 240 | Electrical system (25%) | 3 | 9 |
| 2015 | 305 | Electrical system (28%) | 4 | 11 |
| 2014 | 197 | Electrical system (35%) | 4 | 11 |
| 2013 | 257 | Electrical system (29%) | 2 | 11 |
| 2012 | 260 | Visibility and wipers (20%) | 5 | 5 |
| 2011 | 287 | Cruise control and speed control (24%) | 11 | 6 |
| 2010 | 400 | Suspension (25%) | 14 | 11 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single RAV4 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Toyota
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Toyota filed with NHTSA for the RAV4, in its own words. A warranty extension means Toyota pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionSep 2025· Electrical system· model years 2019–2024
Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Engine· model years 2019–2021
This Customer Support Program provides coverage as it applies to Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak on Certain 2019-2021 Avalon & Avalon HV, 2018-2021 Camry & Camry HV, Certain 2020-2021 Corolla, Certain 2019-2021 Corolla HB, 2020-2021 Highlander, Certain 2019-2021 RAV4 & RAV4 HV,…
- Warranty extensionJun 2024· Electrical system· model years 2013–2018
On April 9, 2024, a settlement of claims for certain 2013-2018 model year Rav4 vehicles was preliminarily approved by the federal court.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2024· Hybrid system· model years 2019–2022
Ti: Technical instructions for customer support program 22TE09 HV floor under wire harness and rear traction motor cable corrosion certain 2021–2022 Model year RAV4 prime
- Warranty extensionJun 2023· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2019–2020
DP: This Customer Support Program provides coverage for a condition involving the front transfer case electro-magnetic clutch in certain 2019–2020 model year RAV4 Adventure and Limited grade AWD vehicles.
- Warranty extensionApr 2023· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2021
RL: The specific condition covered by this program is roof rail water leaks from the roof rail mounting clips due to deterioration of the seal of the roof rail clips.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Brakes· model years 2019–2020
On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Brakes· model years 2019–2020
On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court.
- Warranty extensionNov 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2019–2020
This Customer Support Program provides coverage for a condition involving the front transfer case electro-magnetic clutch in certain 2019–2020 model year RAV4 Adventure and Limited grade AWD vehicles.
- Warranty extensionNov 2020· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2019–2020
DP: This Customer Support Program provides coverage for a condition involving the front transfer case electro-magnetic clutch in certain 2019–2020 model year RAV4 Adventure and Limited grade AWD vehicles.
- Warranty extensionOct 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2019–2020
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions for CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 20TE04
- Warranty extensionOct 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2020
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions for CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 20TE05
- Warranty extensionFeb 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2017
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS Customer Support Program ZKG Phase 2 ? Customer Renotification and Repair Phase Repair is Now Available Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint
- Warranty extensionDec 2019· Body and structure· model years 2010–2017, 2019–2020
Dealer Daily Message: ***Phase 2 ? Customer Renotification and Repair Phase*** Repair is Now Available Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint.
- Warranty extensionNov 2019· Exterior lights· model years 2013–2015
Customer Support Program ZHB Expired October 31, 2019. Toyota has received a number of reports regarding the halogen head lamps on certain 2010–2011 model year Prius vehicles.
Manufacturer reference Updated ZHB Deal: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Warranty extensionJul 2019· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2015
Warranty Enhancement Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns in which the vehicle may exhibit a brief intermittent shudder during torque converter flex lock up.
- Warranty extensionSep 2017· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2015
Dealer Email: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for repairs related to U760E Torque Converter Shudder.
- Warranty extensionDec 2015· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2012
Dd: In our continuing efforts to help ensure the best in customer satisfaction, toyota is announcing a warranty enhancement program to extend the warranty coverage for rear differential coupling growl noise on 2006-2012 Model year RAV4 4WD vehicles.
- Warranty extensionDec 2015· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2012
DD: In our continuing efforts to help ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for Rear Differential Coupling Growl Noise on 2006-2012 model year RAV4 4WD vehicles.
- Service campaignJul 2026· Engine· model years 2022–2025
In wet conditions, water contacting the radiator in the subject vehicles after idling for an extended period can create steam that can cause an incorrect engine sensor reading.
- Service campaignJun 2025· Electrical system· model years 2013–2025
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
- Service campaignOct 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2022–2023
The subject vehicles were delivered with only one (1) Smart Key on select models since October 2022 due to a global semiconductor shortage impacting certain microchips. The affected vehicles were delivered with one (1) Smart Key and a second mechanical key.
- Service campaignJun 2024· Electrical system· model years 2013–2018
During a recent investigation of reported battery fires in 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with gasoline engines (excluding hybrid models), Toyota discovered that many non-Toyota retailers and others who sell or install replacement batteries were recommending a small size battery for…
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2013–2018, 2021–2022
Safety Recall and Service Campaign completion is an important part of our commitment to customer satisfaction of Toyota products.
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2013–2018, 2021–2022
Toyota plans to conduct Safety Recall and Service Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed
- Service campaignJun 2024· Electrical system· model years 2023
Technical instructions for special service campaign 24TC03 data communicaton module (dcm) update certain 2023 Corolla, corolla cross, corolla hatchback, corolla HV, gr corolla, crown, highlander, highlander HV, prius, RAV4, RAV4 prime, RAV4 HV, venza HV
- Service campaignAug 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2021–2022
TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 22TC05 Crankcase Case Vent
- Service campaignMar 2021· Airbags· model years 2010–2021
Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- Service campaignFeb 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2020
Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- Service campaignNov 2019· Electrical system· model years 2016
Technical Instructions: This Limited Service Campaign has expired as of November 30, 2019. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN G0X POWER REAR HATCH MUTIPLEX ECU CERTAIN 2016 MODEL YEAR RAV4 & RAV4 HYBRID
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every RAV4 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Electrical system969 (19%)
- Other or unspecified888 (18%)
- Engine790 (16%)
- Fuel and propulsion376 (7%)
- Airbags368 (7%)
- Transmission and drivetrain341 (7%)
- Brakes328 (6%)
- Body and structure324 (6%)
Safety recalls
39 recalls cover at least one RAV4 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The front seat brackets for the seat rails may be welded improperly.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse.
Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Some of the bolts that secure the front brake caliper and the wheel hub bearing may be loose, which can result in a damaged caliper brake hose or possible wheel detachment.
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged.
The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant.
Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event…
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The front lower suspension arms may have cracks, which may result in the suspension arm separating from the front wheel assembly.
Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
Due to a damaged electrical connector, the back-up camera may not activate when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors.
The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.
And 24 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- PE21005Preliminary evaluation· opened Feb 2021, closed Aug 2024· Electrical system· model years 2013–2018
Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
Led to recall 23V734.
- EQ12002Investigation· opened Feb 2012, closed May 2012· Airbags· model years 2011
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
- RQ10003Recall query· opened Feb 2010, closed Mar 2011· Electrical system· model years 2010
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
Led to recall 11V112000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2025 Toyota RAV4 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Toyota RAV4 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 5,055 owner complaints, 19 warranty extensions and 20 service campaigns Toyota filed, and 39 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2019 (879), 2020 (635), 2010 (400). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Toyota RAV4?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name electrical system (19%), other or unspecified (18%), engine (16%). Toyota has filed 19 warranty extensions covering the RAV4, listed on this page.
Which RAV4 model years have the most complaints?
2019 (879), 2020 (635), 2010 (400). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the RAV4 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Toyota extended the warranty on the RAV4?
Yes: electrical system (model years 2019–2024); engine (model years 2019–2021); electrical system (model years 2013–2018), and 16 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a RAV4?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 39 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.