Toyota RAV4 Reliability by Year, 2016–2021
Comparing a used Toyota RAV4? Start with what changed between model years, then open the report for the car you are considering. The records below help you identify recall work, reported symptoms and questions for an inspection.
These records do not establish which year is most reliable. The 2016 has had more time to accumulate reports than the 2021, and we do not have sales or mileage data to calculate failure rates. Why age matters when reading complaints.
What changed from year to year
Compare the EPA-listed engines, transmissions, drivetrains and fuel economy with the previous year, alongside NHTSA crash-test ratings and recall campaigns. Open a pair for the details; the timeline does not cover every trim, equipment or production change.
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2016
The earliest model year covered here, so there is no prior year to compare it with.
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2017
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2016; four recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (equipment, service brakes and tires).
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2018
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2017; two recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (equipment and tires).
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2019
A 8-speed automatic appears for 2019; the 6-speed automatic listed for 2018 is not in the 2019 listing; eight recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (back over prevention, electrical system, engine and engine cooling and others).
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2020
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2019; five recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, back over prevention and equipment).
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2021
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2020; five recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, engine and engine cooling, fuel system and others).
The record, year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations | Combined MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 254 | 1 | 24–32 | Full report → |
| 2017 | 3 | 320 | 1 | 24–32 | Full report → |
| 2018 | 3 | 345 | 1 | 24–32 | Full report → |
| 2019 | 7 | 898 | 0 | 28–40 | Full report → |
| 2020 | 6 | 646 | 0 | 27–40 | Full report → |
| 2021 | 1 | 503 | 0 | 28–40 | Full report → |
The same years side by side on one screen →
Sources and methodology
- Recalls, complaints and investigations: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Engines, transmissions, drive types and fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov (EPA/DOE)
- See our methodology and data sources pages for how these reports are built and their limitations.