Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4
How the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4: The Outback averages 459.5 complaints per year, while the RAV4 averages 309.9. Outback owners report frequent Eyesight system failures and windshield cracks, while RAV4 owners report sudden power loss and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback, over the past decade, has drawn a high volume of owner complaints, averaging about 460 per year. The dominant issues revolve around the Eyesight driver-assist system and windshield durability, with many owners reporting sudden system shutdowns and spontaneous glass cracks. Electrical problems, including corrosion in wiring harnesses, also feature prominently, sometimes disabling multiple safety systems at once. While no fatalities were reported, the frequency and nature of these issues suggest a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits for electronic and visibility-related repairs.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4, with an average of about 310 complaints per year, has a lower complaint rate than the Outback but still shows concerning patterns. Owners frequently report sudden loss of power and transmission failures, often at low mileage, along with electrical glitches affecting the multimedia screen. Engine and fuel system problems, such as check engine lights and fuel pressure sensor failures, are also common. The RAV4 has a higher number of crash-related complaints and injuries, which may reflect more severe incidents or a higher number of vehicles on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Outback | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,595 | 3,099 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 27 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 134 Better | 220 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 459.5 | 309.9 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 81 Better | 187 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 4 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Subaru Outback
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER1,452
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,434
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER880
- 04VISIBILITY244
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE221
Owners report the Eyesight system turning off without warning, disabling all safety features like lane departure and emergency braking. Additionally, windshields crack spontaneously with no impact, creating a safety hazard and costly repairs.
Corrosion on a CAN bus pin in the driver door wiring harness can cause simultaneous failure of multiple safety-critical systems. Other electrical issues include sudden stalling and infotainment problems.
Some complaints describe sudden unintended deceleration or loss of power while driving, which can be alarming and dangerous. Others mention infotainment screen interruptions from advertisements, which can distract the driver.
“1.) Eyesight constantly turns off on a whim. No reason or rhyme to it but just turns off. Meaning none of my "safety" systems (lane departure, crash avoidance, emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, collision warnings, collision braking) are functioning.…”
“Windshield made a very loud bang noise as if something hit it but nothing was observed to hit. After arriving home, I inspected the windshield and discovered a 4 inch straight hairline horizontal crack with no sign of debris impact (no chip, scratch, etc). Sa…”
Toyota RAV4
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER647
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM632
- 03ENGINE586
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM417
- 05AIR BAGS295
The multimedia screen can go blank or white, causing loss of navigation and frustration. Some complaints also describe sudden loss of power or other unexplained events.
A catastrophic transmission failure at low mileage caused complete loss of forward propulsion. There are also reports of electrical system recalls with parts unavailable, leaving owners waiting for repairs.
The engine can unexpectedly lose power and shut off while driving, leaving the vehicle disabled in traffic. This is a serious safety concern, especially on highways.
A permanent check engine light due to a faulty switching valve and fuel tank pressure sensor has been reported. Owners have faced warranty denial, adding to the frustration.
“The multimedia screen which shows the map and direction guidance became to blank occasionally, just white grey since February 2026. I immediately lost the direction. It could be back by restarting the engine at the beginning. The problem got worse, happened m…”
“I was driving on a 4 lane highway heading north bound in the right hand lane with my sister in the passenger seat both wearing seat belts traveling at approximately 55-60 miles per hour. Traffic was light. At the time of the incident other cars were at least…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Subaru Outback — 26 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Toyota RAV4 — 27 recalls
The 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…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: 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 charg…
The 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 d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 RAV 4 vehicles. The front seat brackets for the seat rails may be welded improperly.
The risk: Improperly welded seat brackets can prevent the seat from adequately restraining an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the seat bracket welds as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Rav4, Rav4 Hybrid, and Rav4 Prime vehicles. The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that may cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the…
The risk: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this reca…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Toyota RAV4 has fewer complaints per year (about 310) compared to the Subaru Outback (about 460). This suggests that, on average, RAV4 owners file fewer complaints, which may indicate a lower rate of issues. However, the RAV4's complaints include more severe incidents like loss of power and transmission failure, so the difference in raw numbers doesn't tell the whole story.
Key differences
- The Outback has a much higher rate of visibility/wiper complaints, mainly due to Eyesight system failures and spontaneous windshield cracks.
- The RAV4 has more engine and fuel system complaints, including sudden loss of power and check engine lights.
- The Outback has zero reported deaths, while the RAV4 has four, though the RAV4 also has more crash-related complaints and injuries.
- Electrical system issues are common in both, but the Outback's wiring corrosion can disable multiple safety systems at once, while the RAV4's electrical problems often affect the multimedia screen or transmission.
- Inspect the windshield for any existing cracks or signs of stress, as spontaneous cracking is a known issue.
- Test the Eyesight system thoroughly, including lane departure and emergency braking, to ensure it doesn't turn off unexpectedly.
- Check for any signs of transmission issues, such as hesitation or slipping, especially if the vehicle has low mileage.
- Verify that the multimedia screen functions properly and doesn't go blank or white, as this is a common complaint.
Before you buy
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls have been addressed, especially for the RAV4's electrical system and the Outback's drivetrain.
- Have a mechanic inspect the wiring harnesses for corrosion, particularly in the driver door area of the Outback.
- Test drive both vehicles and pay attention to any warning lights or unusual behavior from the Eyesight system or the engine.
- Ask for service records to see if the Outback's windshield has been replaced or if the RAV4 has had any transmission work.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential electronic and drivetrain failures.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Outback | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 28 |
| 2025 | 75 | 83 |
| 2024 | 2 | 171 |
| 2023 | 89 | 152 |
| 2022 | 462 | 143 |
| 2021 | 296 | 382 |
| 2020 | 896 | 630 |
| 2019 | 1033 | 875 |
| 2018 | 807 | 330 |
| 2017 | 917 | 305 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4
- Subaru Outback total complaints
- 4,595
- Toyota RAV4 total complaints
- 3,099
- Subaru Outback total recalls
- 26
- Toyota RAV4 total recalls
- 27
- Subaru Outback avg complaints/year
- 459.5
- Toyota RAV4 avg complaints/year
- 309.9
- More reliable overall
- Toyota RAV4
- Subaru Outback top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Toyota RAV4 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER