Toyota RAV4 2013–2018 problems by year and mileage
4th generation (XA40)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,668 complaints, 919 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2013 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 20,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 257
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2013
- Electrical system75 reports · median 7,500 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise40 reports
- Engine29 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery · Trailer hitches
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 48,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 197
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2014
- Electrical system69 reports · median 58,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise45 reports
- Engine31 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery · Steering — electric power assist system · Trailer hitches
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 35,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 305
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Electrical system85 reports · median 47,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise60 reports · median 30,000 mi
- Steering47 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery · Steering — electric power assist system · Trailer hitches
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 20,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 240
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Electrical system59 reports
- Brakes44 reports · median 22,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise33 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery · Equipment — other · Electronic stability control (esc)
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 19,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 321
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Electrical system111 reports · median 36,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise64 reports · median 28,000 mi
- Brakes40 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery · Equipment — other · Tires — temporary/emergency spare tire
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Toyota RAV4
Close- Median failure report
- 12,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 348
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2018
- Electrical system131 reports · median 17,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise74 reports
- Engine33 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2014; earliest: the 2018, and the 2014 is 4 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 23,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 96,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 919
- Recalls
- 9
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Electrical system31.8% of complaints · median 38,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise18.9% of complaints · median 25,000 mi
- Engine11.2% of complaints · median 36,000 mi
Owners filed 1,668 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4; the electrical system leads with 31.8% of them, and half of the 919 that record an odometer reading came by 23,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
39% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 5.9 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. Failures clustered that early usually indicate a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 last?
On the 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4, half of the 919 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 23,000 miles and 90% by 96,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
23 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 7 past 200,000 — each one proof that a RAV4 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Toyota RAV4 2013–2018 · 919 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 321 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 39% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 7 complaints (0.8%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 500
- 25%
- 5,000
- Median
- 23,000
- 75%
- 58,000
- 90%
- 96,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 321 | 34.9% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 114 | 12.4% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 75 | 8.2% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 72 | 7.8% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 70 | 7.6% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 43 | 4.7% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 49 | 5.3% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 45 | 4.9% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 22 | 2.4% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 24 | 2.6% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 20 | 2.2% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 13 | 1.4% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 12 | 1.3% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 12 | 1.3% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 4 | 0.4% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 5 | 0.5% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 4 | 0.4% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 5 | 0.5% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 7 | 0.8% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common RAV4 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Toyota RAV4 2013–2018
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes180 reportsmedian 15,000middle half 4,500–36,000
- Body structure128 reportsmedian 16,000middle half 2,500–52,000
- Problems owners could not categorise316 reportsmedian 25,000middle half 5,000–48,000
- Steering114 reportsmedian 26,000middle half 4,500–99,000
- Transmission and driveline129 reportsmedian 35,000middle half 9,000–78,000
- Engine187 reportsmedian 36,000middle half 8,500–70,000
- Electrical system530 reportsmedian 38,000middle half 7,000–76,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 530 | 31.8% | 38,000 | 7,000–76,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 316 | 18.9% | 25,000 | 5,000–48,000 |
| Engine | 187 | 11.2% | 36,000 | 8,500–70,000 |
| Brakes | 180 | 10.8% | 15,000 | 4,500–36,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 129 | 7.7% | 35,000 | 9,000–78,000 |
| Body structure | 128 | 7.7% | 16,000 | 2,500–52,000 |
| Steering | 114 | 6.8% | 26,000 | 4,500–99,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 102 | 6.1% | 7,500 | 1,000–30,000 |
| Airbag system | 96 | 5.8% | 19,000 | 5,000–40,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 93 | 5.6% | 10,000 | 2,500–25,000 |
Known problems with the 2013–2018 RAV4
Fuel System 2018
Denso low-pressure fuel pump impeller cracking causing stalling; the recall population extends into MY2018-2019 RAV4s.
General 2013–2018
No dominant systemic mechanical defect — this generation is the reliability high-water mark of the nameplate; complaint volume is concentrated in infotainment, HVAC and paint rather than powertrain.
Before you buy a 2013–2018 RAV4: the 3-minute check
Generated from 919 mileage-tagged complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 campaigns cover this generation.
- Ask for exterior lighting repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 7,500 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
- Ask for throttle and speed control repair records. Same question here: a median of 10,000 miles.
- Check fuel system on 2018 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check general on 2013–2018 cars.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
RAV4 problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi76% below | At 90k mi88% below | At 120k mi94% below | At 150k mi97% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7,000–76,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 5,000–48,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 8,500–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 4,500–36,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 9,000–78,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 2,500–52,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 4,500–99,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Toyota RAV4 2013–2018 · 919 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 88% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 94% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 recalls (9)
NHTSA records 9 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around equipment (4), the electrical system (1), the tyres (1) (why one area can repeat).
Nov 2023 · 2013–2018 · Electrical SystemA battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner…
Jun 2019 · 2017–2018 · EquipmentAn incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…
Dec 2017 · 2018 · EquipmentAn incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers…
May 2017 · 2017 · TiresA spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States…
Apr 2016 · 2016 · EquipmentAn incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at…
Apr 2016 · 2016 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…
Mar 2015 · 2014–2015 · SteeringAn unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of…
Jan 2015 · 2013–2015 · Trailer HitchesIf the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the system incorrectly detects an electrical short and turns off the trailer lights while the trailer is being towed at night, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer…
Dec 2014 · 2014–2015 · EquipmentAccessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,668 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 179 (10.7%)
- Fires
- 164
- Injury reports
- 107
- Fatality reports
- 4
RAV4 problems by model year
The 2018 drew the most complaints of this generation, 348, most of them about the electrical system, and the 2014 the fewest, 197. A typical year drew about 281.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 257 | 161 | 20,000 | Electrical system (75) | 2 |
| 2014 | 197 | 106 | 48,000† | Electrical system (69) | 4 |
| 2015 | 305 | 170 | 35,000† | Electrical system (85) | 4 |
| 2016 | 240 | 151 | 20,000† | Electrical system (59) | 3 |
| 2017 | 321 | 174 | 19,000† | Electrical system (111) | 3 |
| 2018 | 348 | 157 | 12,000† | Electrical system (131) | 3 |
What RAV4 owners reported
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning right or left, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of…
2018 · 78,000 miles · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota RAV4. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The failure was intermittent. The failure lasted for several seconds before the power steering feature returned, and the vehicle returned to normal…
2014 · 140,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera was black and failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the camera was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
2018 · 40,000 miles · Reversing camera and sensors
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The contact stated that the gauges failed to properly operate. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the rearview camera image was reversed before becoming inoperable. The ABS, AWD, and…
2015 · 189,000 miles · Reversing camera and sensors
Built from 919 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other RAV4 generations
- RAV4 2001–2005 1,157 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- RAV4 2006–2012 2,648 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- RAV4 2019–2025 710 reports with mileage, most about problems owners could not categorise