The best and worst Toyota RAV4 years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Toyota RAV4s old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2014, 2016–2017 and 2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2006–2008 and 2010 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2006 Toyota RAV4 · 36.2 per 10,000 sold (2.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column, typically around 43,008 miles; then oil consumption and leaks.
2007 Toyota RAV4 · 53.4 per 10,000 sold (3.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column, typically around 46,000 miles; then oil consumption and leaks.
2008 Toyota RAV4 · 39.8 per 10,000 sold (2.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 84,639 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2010 Toyota RAV4 · 23.3 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Stalling and no-start, typically around 8,000 miles; then control arms, ball joints and bushings.
Years with the fewest complaints
2014 Toyota RAV4 · 7.4 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Infotainment, screen and software, typically around 56,500 miles.
2016 Toyota RAV4 · 6.8 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Wiring harness, grounds and connectors, typically around 26,000 miles.
2017 Toyota RAV4 · 7.5 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Battery, alternator and charging, typically around 80,000 miles.
2022 Toyota RAV4 · 3.9 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 4,800 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Toyota RAV4 year: 14.9 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Toyota RAV4?
Among Toyota RAV4s old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2007 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 53.4, about 3.6× a typical Toyota RAV4 year. The 2006, 2008 and 2010 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Toyota RAV4?
The 2022 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Toyota RAV4s from 2005–2022: 3.9, against 14.9 for a typical year. The 2014 and 2016–2017 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2007 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported problem on the 2007 Toyota RAV4 is tie rods, linkage, shaft and column, typically around 46,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Toyota RAV4 years ranked?
The 2023–2025 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
Looking at a specific Toyota RAV4?
See what it’s likely to cost you over the next 3 years from its year and mileage.
Open the cost estimator → Full Toyota RAV4 reportCompare the Toyota RAV4 with
Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.