Toyota

RAV4 (XA40)

2013-2018 · Compact SUV ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.0)
2,117 NHTSA Complaints
9 Recalls
207 Fire Reports
228 Crash Reports
Includes data from: RAV4RAV4 EVRAV4 HVRAV4 HYBRID
View all 4 generations of the Toyota RAV4 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

2AR-FE

2.5L 4-cyl / 176 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
1,964 complaints 304.2 per year Gasoline
200 fire reports 5 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
656
other
381
engine
235
brakes
223
transmission
146

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (656 complaints)
Typical onset: 30,500โ€“97,750 mi Est. repair: $500โ€“$1,800 (45 reports)
Engine Issues (235 complaints)
Typical onset: 36,195โ€“79,250 mi Est. repair: $1,000โ€“$5,400 (9 reports)
Brakes Issues (223 complaints)
Typical onset: 6,750โ€“50,500 mi Est. repair: $600โ€“$5,000 (13 reports)

4 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Toyota RAV4 regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (657 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (237 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (223 complaints)
brakes critical
Transmission Issues (148 complaints)
transmission critical
Body/Trim Issues (145 complaints)
body critical

Recalls (9)

23V734000Jan 10, 2023serious
Electrical System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. 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.

19V503000Jun 27, 2019serious
Equipment

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. 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."

17V831000Dec 19, 2017serious
Equipment

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

17V295000Feb 4, 2017serious
Tires

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

16V236000Apr 21, 2016serious
Tires

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

16V198000Jul 3, 2016serious
Service Brakes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

15V011000Jan 15, 2015serious
Trailer Hitches

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.

15V144000Mar 12, 2015serious
Steering

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.

14V828000Dec 29, 2014serious
Equipment

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 problems?

The 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 has accumulated 2,117 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Toyota RAV4 engine is most reliable?

The 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 a good used car?

The 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,117 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 have?

The 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 has 2,117 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4?

There are 9 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota RAV4?

Before buying a used Toyota RAV4, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the RAV4 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,117 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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