Vehicle 1

Toyota RAV4

2,970 complaints · 27 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Hyundai Tucson

2,887 complaints · 25 recalls

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

Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson: The RAV4 has 297 complaints per year vs Tucson's 288.7, but the Tucson has over twice as many engine complaints (1251 vs 572). The RAV4 has more crash complaints (212 vs 125). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

0
Toyota RAV4
no category wins
4
Hyundai Tucson
wins all 4 categories
CategoryToyota RAV4Hyundai Tucson
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,970
2,887
✓ lower
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
27
25
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
212
125
✓ lower
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
297.0
288.7
✓ lower

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Toyota RAV4

1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER622
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM602
3. ENGINE572
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM413
5. AIR BAGS287

Hyundai Tucson

1. ENGINE1,251
2. POWER TRAIN532
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER393
4. SERVICE BRAKES362
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM321
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota RAV4 has slightly more complaints per year (297.0) than the Hyundai Tucson (288.7), but the difference is small. This means both vehicles have similar overall complaint rates, but the types of issues differ significantly.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you are concerned about engine reliability, the RAV4 has fewer engine complaints (572 vs 1251). If you want fewer crash complaints, the Tucson has fewer (125 vs 212). Choose based on which issues matter more to you.

Key Differences
  • Toyota RAV4 has 212 crash complaints vs Hyundai Tucson's 125.
  • Hyundai Tucson has 1251 engine complaints vs Toyota RAV4's 572.
  • Toyota RAV4 has 602 electrical system complaints vs Hyundai Tucson's 321.
  • Toyota RAV4 has 27 recalls vs Hyundai Tucson's 25.
⚠ Watch on Toyota RAV4
  • Check for electrical system issues, as there are 602 complaints.
  • Inspect air bags due to 287 complaints.
⚠ Watch on Hyundai Tucson
  • Engine problems are very common, with 1251 complaints.
  • Power train issues have 532 complaints, so test drive carefully.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • Test drive and listen for engine noises, especially on Tucson.
  • Inspect electrical components (lights, windows) on RAV4.
  • Review service history for any engine or transmission repairs.
  • Check air bag warning lights on RAV4.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Toyota RAV4Hyundai Tucson
2026
6
39
2025
64
247
2024
156
81
2023
134
117
2022
127
356
2021
372
68
2020
621
165
2019
866
368
2018
324
378
2017
300
1068
Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson — comparison facts
Comparison
Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson
Toyota RAV4 total complaints
2,970
Hyundai Tucson total complaints
2,887
Toyota RAV4 total recalls
27
Hyundai Tucson total recalls
25
Toyota RAV4 avg complaints/year
297.0
Hyundai Tucson avg complaints/year
288.7
More reliable overall
Hyundai Tucson
Toyota RAV4 top complaint area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hyundai Tucson top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Toyota RAV4 Reliability & Problems

2,970 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Hyundai Tucson Reliability & Problems

2,887 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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