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Toyota RAV4: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2025 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2013 (81/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2013 81 · 2014 78 · 2022 77 · 2016 77

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202576/100
Buy

69 complaints · 3 recalls

202467/100
Caution

161 complaints · 3 recalls

202374/100
Buy

140 complaints · 3 recalls

202277/100
Buy

132 complaints · 1 recalls

202166/100
Caution

375 complaints · 1 recalls

202062/100
Caution

624 complaints · 6 recalls

201961/100
Caution

867 complaints · 7 recalls

201872/100
Buy

327 complaints · 3 recalls

201772/100
Buy

301 complaints · 3 recalls

201677/100
Buy

233 complaints · 3 recalls

201572/100
Buy

302 complaints · 4 recalls

201478/100
Buy

194 complaints · 4 recalls

201381/100
Buybest year

254 complaints · 2 recalls

201264/100
Caution

266 complaints · 5 recalls

201164/100
Caution

286 complaints · 11 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2013?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2013 Toyota RAV4’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2025 Toyota RAV4 head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Toyota RAV4 as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.