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 PER YEAR
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 | 314 |
| 2004 | 153 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1003 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 286 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 255 |
| 2014 | 194 |
| 2015 | 302 |
| 2016 | 234 |
| 2017 | 301 |
| 2018 | 327 |
| 2019 | 867 |
| 2020 | 624 |
| 2021 | 375 |
| 2022 | 132 |
| 2023 | 140 |
| 2024 | 161 |
| 2025 | 69 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: electrical system — 65 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY11% of complaints: engine — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20231229
11% of complaints: power train — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: service brakes — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20171116
7% of complaints: structure — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 15V011000 — check if this car was fixed
Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
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.
Campaign 23V734000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (65 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V011000 (exterior lighting, trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V734000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.