VehicleVerdict

2023 Toyota RAV4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 sits mid-pack among RAV4 years: 234 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 344, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (39), electrical system (36), and driver assistance (31), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

234

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

36

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other RAV4 years?

RAV4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted1,240 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 54 complaints1997: 61 complaints1998: 92 complaints1999: 75 complaints2000: 34 complaints2001: 418 complaints2002: 682 complaints2003: 392 complaints2004: 182 complaints2005: 168 complaints2006: 880 complaints2007: 1,240 complaints2008: 708 complaints2009: 397 complaints2010: 498 complaints2011: 402 complaints2012: 357 complaints2013: 331 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 399 complaints2016: 291 complaints2017: 408 complaints2018: 435 complaints2019: 1,168 complaints2020: 795 complaints2021: 505 complaints2022: 206 complaints2023: 234 complaints2024: 250 complaints2025: 101 complaints
RAV4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RAV4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Toyota RAV4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other3917%
Electrical System3615%
Driver Assistance3113%
Steering2511%
Engine2310%
Brakes156%
Transmission104%
Fuel System94%
Visibility & Wipers94%
Airbags83%
Body & Structure83%
Tires & Wheels83%
Speed Control63%
Suspension63%
Seats10%

Does the 2023 Toyota RAV4 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V744000Driver AssistanceOctober 30, 2025 · 1,024,407 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

25V595000Electrical SystemSeptember 11, 2025 · 591,377 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

23V485000Tires & WheelsJuly 11, 2023 · 195 units

Defect

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota RAV4 vehicles equipped with 17" black alloy accessory wheels. During installation of the alloy wheels, the tire valve stem may have been improperly installed or damaged. In addition, the load carrying capacity label may state the incorrect weight. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

A damaged or improperly installed valve stem may allow air to leak and/or the tires to be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 18, 2023. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 23R1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“A car pulled out right infront of me at an intersection, I hit their back drivers side rear with most of the front of my car. I was doing approximately 41-45 mph. No airbags were deployed and my SOS button didn't work nor did it call for help. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 17, 2024 · crash

“A car pulled out right infront of me at an intersection, I hit their back drivers side rear with most of the front of my car. I was doing approximately 41-45 mph. No airbags were deployed and my SOS button didn't work nor did it call for help. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 17, 2024 · crash

“While entering my garage (video available)The 2023 Hybrid Rav 4 accelerated on its own when I was braking to put it into reverse to back up to realign to park in my space. I was hitting the brake and the brake lights were on the dashboard while the car keep accelerating hitting the garage wall. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 9, 2025 · crash

“I was driving over 120 MPH and my car slid and hit the front car. My car later caught fire and ruptured shortly after. The FD extinguished it and it was a total loss. I have no clue as to where it was taken after the accident. Sorry :(”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 3, 2025 · crash · fire

“Was sitting in my car in the rain and all of a sudden the engine cut off. The check engine light came on and the error message on the dashboard said " Engine Power Reduced". If I try to put it in anything but Park, it won't let me. I have never had this issue, or any issue with this car. If I had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 6, 2025

2023 Toyota RAV4 — common questions

Is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 234 NHTSA complaints, below the typical RAV4 year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 RAV4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (39 complaints), electrical system (36 complaints), driver assistance (31 complaints).

Does the 2023 Toyota RAV4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota RAV4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RAV4 years to avoid are 2007, 2019, 2006, 2020, 2008, 2002. The cleanest record among RAV4 years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2023 Toyota RAV4?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.