Vehicle 1

Subaru Outback

0 complaints · 0 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota RAV4

2,970 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4: The Outback has 0 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the RAV4 has 2,970 complaints and 27 recalls. The RAV4's top issues include electrical system (602) and engine (572) problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Subaru Outback
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota RAV4
no category wins
CategorySubaru OutbackToyota RAV4
Total Complaints
All years combined
0
✓ lower
2,970
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
0
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
0
✓ lower
212
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
0.0
✓ lower
297.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Outback

No component data available

Toyota RAV4

1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER622
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM602
3. ENGINE572
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM413
5. AIR BAGS287
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Outback has zero complaints per year over 10 years, while the Toyota RAV4 averages 297 complaints per year. This suggests the Outback may have fewer reported issues, but low complaint volume doesn't guarantee problem-free ownership.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize a model with very few reported safety or reliability complaints, the Subaru Outback stands out. However, if you need a vehicle with more widespread availability and aftermarket support, the RAV4 may be easier to maintain despite its higher complaint count.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Outback: 0 total complaints, 0 recalls; Toyota RAV4: 2,970 complaints, 27 recalls.
  • RAV4 has 212 crash complaints; Outback has 0.
  • RAV4 top issues: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (622), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (602), ENGINE (572); Outback has no top issues.
  • RAV4 averages 297 complaints per year; Outback averages 0.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Outback
  • No complaints or recalls may indicate low reporting, not necessarily absence of issues. Check for any service bulletins or owner forums for hidden problems.
⚠ Watch on Toyota RAV4
  • High number of electrical system (602) and engine (572) complaints suggest potential reliability concerns. Also, 212 crash complaints warrant careful inspection of safety systems.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report for both models.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
  • Check for open recalls on the RAV4 using NHTSA's VIN lookup.
  • Test drive to assess engine and electrical system performance.
  • Review owner forums for common issues not captured in NHTSA data.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru OutbackToyota RAV4
2026
0
6
2025
0
64
2024
0
156
2023
0
134
2022
0
127
2021
0
372
2020
0
621
2019
0
866
2018
0
324
2017
0
300
Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4 — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Outback vs Toyota RAV4
Subaru Outback total complaints
0
Toyota RAV4 total complaints
2,970
Subaru Outback total recalls
0
Toyota RAV4 total recalls
27
Subaru Outback avg complaints/year
0.0
Toyota RAV4 avg complaints/year
297.0
More reliable overall
Subaru Outback
Toyota RAV4 top complaint area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Outback Reliability & Problems

0 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota RAV4 Reliability & Problems

2,970 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.