M MILEMARK Costs Guides

Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4

For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 15.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.7 for the Honda CR-V. 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 (2005–2021), 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.

Honda CR-V

24.7 complaints per 10,000 sold

1.6× the Toyota RAV4’s rate

Complaints
11,995
Sold
4,860,851
Recall campaigns
47
Open NHTSA investigations
3

Most complaints: 2007–2008 and 2017–2018. Fewest: 2013, 2016 and 2020–2021. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 68,000 mi

  2. Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration

    Typically around 16,750 mi

  3. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 45,000 mi

  4. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 66,350 mi

  5. Injectors and high-pressure fuel system

    Typically around 13,203 mi · repair $720–$2,150

Estimate costs for a specific Honda CR-V →

Toyota RAV4

15.6 complaints per 10,000 sold

37% fewer than the Honda CR-V

Complaints
6,918
Sold
4,430,888
Recall campaigns
38
Open NHTSA investigations
0

Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2014 and 2016–2018. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 60,000 mi

  2. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 67,976 mi

  3. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 24,000 mi

  4. Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting

    Typically around 90,900 mi

  5. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 40,000 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Toyota RAV4 →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4?

For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 15.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Honda CR-V has 24.7, counting the same model years for both.

What is the most common problem on the Honda CR-V?

The most-reported problem on the Honda CR-V is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 68,000 miles.

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 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda CR-V: 2007–2008 and 2017–2018; 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.