Last updated: 2026-03-04

Toyota RAV4

1 Toyota RAV4 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Toyota RAV4 average of 76/100

The Toyota RAV4 years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 66/100. The best Toyota RAV4 year to buy is 2025 84/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 scores significantly below the model average of 76/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 66/100 due to fuel propulsion system (224) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 76/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Toyota RAV4 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Toyota RAV4 average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201966/100Good10864Fuel Propulsion System (224)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Toyota RAV4

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 864 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Toyota RAV4. Severity signals include 27 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel Propulsion System (224), Engine (137), Unknown Or Other (119).

10 recalls864 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Fuel Propulsion System (224), Engine (137), Unknown Or Other (119), Electrical System (81), Power Train (73), Structure (51)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Toyota RAV4 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Toyota RAV4 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

443 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

432 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

335 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

ENGINE

294 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

252 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

180 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Toyota RAV4 Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Toyota RAV4

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 330 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Toyota RAV4. Severity signals include 31 crash-related complaints and 31 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (111), Unknown Or Other (55), Power Train (26).

Score: 76/100 (Good)3 recalls330 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Toyota RAV4 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Toyota RAV4 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota RAV4 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Toyota RAV4 years: 2019 (score: 66/100). These model years score significantly below the Toyota RAV4 average of 76/100.
What is the best year for the Toyota RAV4?
The best year for the Toyota RAV4 is 2025, with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 5 recalls and 49 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Toyota RAV4 have?
Across all years in our database, the Toyota RAV4 has a total of 53 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Toyota RAV4 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 84/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Toyota RAV4 problems?
The most common Toyota RAV4 problems are electrical system (443 complaints), unknown or other (432 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (335 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Toyota RAV4 reliable long-term?
The Toyota RAV4 has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Toyota RAV4 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Toyota RAV4 generation is the Fourth generation (XA40) with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota RAV4?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Toyota RAV4 is $429 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Toyota RAV4 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 5 recalls and 49 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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