2013 Toyota RAV4
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 257
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 257 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 77 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 309 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 315 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 705 |
| 2007 | 1,004 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 331 |
| 2019 | 879 |
| 2020 | 635 |
| 2021 | 387 |
| 2022 | 144 |
| 2023 | 157 |
| 2024 | 175 |
| 2025 | 88 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
29% · 75 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
The system that failed is the 12-volt battery hold-down assembly and associated electrical infrastructure, exactly as described under NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign Number 23V-729 (Toyota Recalls 23TA13 / 23TB13).
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-24
Engine
11% · 29 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Pulled into driveway, turned off car. Entered house within a couple of minutes front end of car burst into flames. Fire Dept. was called to put out fire. Car was towed to Newburgh NY for insurance adjustor inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-29
Power train
11% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing torque converter.
Structure
11% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing body and door.
Service brakes
9% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Toyota RAV4. While attempting to reverse, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle, but the brakes ceased.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-16
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2015-03-17Exterior lighting, trailer hitches15V011000 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.
Remedy: 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 service at 1-866-405-4226.
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2021-02-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-08-12 Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
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2024-12-27Electrical system23V734000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 75 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 29 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V011000 · Exterior lighting, trailer hitches
- Recall 23V734000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota RAV4?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.