Nissan Xterra vs Toyota RAV4
For 2005–2015 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 21.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 62.0 for the Nissan Xterra. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2015), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Nissan Xterra
62.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.9× the Toyota RAV4’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,106
- Sold
- 339,527
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005–2008. Fewest: 2012–2015. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 67,630 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Transmission cooler and fluid overheating
Typically around 108,630 mi · repair $200–$600
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 105,000 mi · repair $260–$1,910
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 111,200 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 109,574 mi
Toyota RAV4
21.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
66% fewer than the Nissan Xterra
- Complaints
- 4,153
- Sold
- 1,957,793
- Recall campaigns
- 25
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2014. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 67,976 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 24,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 90,900 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 40,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Nissan Xterra or the Toyota RAV4?
For 2005–2015 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 21.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Xterra has 62.0, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Nissan Xterra?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Xterra is fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 67,630 miles; the repair typically runs $630–$1,700.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota RAV4 is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 60,000 miles.
Which Nissan Xterra and Toyota RAV4 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Nissan Xterra: 2005–2008; Toyota RAV4: 2006–2008 and 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.