Honda Element vs Toyota RAV4
For 2005–2011 models, the Honda Element has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 31.9 for the Toyota RAV4. 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 (2005–2011), 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 Element
22.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
30% fewer than the Toyota RAV4
- Complaints
- 468
- Sold
- 210,614
- Recall campaigns
- 14
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2007–2008. Fewest: 2011. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 116,557 mi
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 168,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 84,287 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 111,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 100,000 mi
Toyota RAV4
31.9 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.4× the Honda Element’s rate
- Complaints
- 3,136
- Sold
- 984,559
- Recall campaigns
- 20
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. 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 Honda Element or the Toyota RAV4?
For 2005–2011 models, the Honda Element has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Toyota RAV4 has 31.9, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Honda Element?
The most-reported problem on the Honda Element is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 116,557 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 Element and Toyota RAV4 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda Element: 2007–2008; 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.