Head-to-head reliability
Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander
How the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander: The RAV4 averages 310 complaints per year, while the Highlander averages 228. The RAV4 has more electrical and engine issues, including sudden power loss, whereas the Highlander faces transmission and brake problems. Both have recalls, but the Highlander has more. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota RAV4 or Toyota Highlander more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4, over the last decade, has accumulated a substantial number of complaints, averaging about 310 per year. Owners frequently report issues with the electrical system, engine, and fuel system, including sudden power loss and transmission failures. The high number of crash-related complaints and injuries suggests that these failures can occur in situations that compromise safety. While the RAV4 is a popular compact SUV, these reports indicate that buyers should be aware of potential reliability concerns that could affect daily driving.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, with an average of about 228 complaints per year, shows a lower complaint rate than the RAV4. However, its powertrain is a major source of owner grievances, with many reports of transmission stalling and failure, especially in cold weather. Brake issues are also notable, with some owners describing a dangerous lack of braking power. Despite having more recalls, the Highlander's overall complaint volume is lower, but the severity of powertrain and brake problems warrants attention for potential buyers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota RAV4 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,099 | 2,278 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 44 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 220 | 128 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 309.9 | 227.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 187 | 138 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 1 Better |
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.
Toyota RAV4
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER647
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM632
- 03ENGINE586
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM417
- 05AIR BAGS295
Owners report sudden loss of propulsion and transmission failure, often without warning, which can be life-threatening if it occurs on the highway. The multimedia screen may also go blank, cutting off navigation.
There are reports of the engine shutting off while driving at highway speeds, leaving the vehicle disabled in traffic. Some failures occur without any prior warning lights.
A persistent check engine light due to faulty fuel tank pressure sensors and switching valves has been reported, leading to warranty disputes and potential emissions issues.
“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…”
Toyota Highlander
- 01POWER TRAIN729
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER364
- 03SERVICE BRAKES273
- 04ENGINE251
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM219
The 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) is prone to stalling and internal failure, especially during cold starts. Some owners have experienced complete transmission failure, leaving the vehicle unable to move.
Brakes may not engage until the pedal is nearly to the floor, causing near-accidents. This issue has been reported by multiple drivers of the same vehicle, indicating a systemic problem.
Strong fuel vapor odors enter the cabin, particularly on hot days or after long drives, suggesting a possible fuel leak or vapor management issue.
“Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consisten…”
“The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80…”
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.
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…
Toyota Highlander — 44 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 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
The risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the r…
The risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. G…
Buyer analysis
Toyota RAV4 or Toyota Highlander: which should you buy?
The Toyota Highlander has fewer complaints per year (228 vs. 310) and fewer crash-related incidents, suggesting a lower overall risk. However, the Highlander's powertrain and brake issues are serious and could lead to dangerous situations. In practice, the RAV4's higher complaint volume may reflect more widespread electrical and engine problems, but both vehicles have significant reliability concerns that buyers should investigate thoroughly.
Key differences
- The RAV4 has a higher annual complaint rate (310 vs. 228) and more crash-related complaints (220 vs. 128), indicating a higher frequency of safety-relevant incidents.
- The Highlander's most common issue is powertrain (729 complaints), with many owners reporting transmission stalling and failure, while the RAV4's top issue is electrical (632 complaints), including sudden power loss.
- Brake problems are more prominent in the Highlander (273 complaints) than in the RAV4, with reports of brakes not engaging properly.
- The RAV4 has more engine complaints (586 vs. 251), with instances of engine shutdown while driving, whereas the Highlander's engine issues are more about fuel odors.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or transmission failure, especially in 2025 models with low mileage.
- Inspect the electrical system, including the multimedia screen, for intermittent blanking or other glitches.
- Test the transmission during a cold start to see if it hesitates or stalls, and check for any signs of transmission fluid leaks.
- Have the brakes inspected for pedal feel and any warning lights, as some owners report a soft pedal that goes almost to the floor.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the electrical system in the RAV4 and powertrain in the Highlander.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, brakes, and electrical components.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including cold starts and highway speeds, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and any previous repair invoices related to the engine, transmission, or brakes.
- Check online forums and NHTSA complaints for model-year-specific issues to be aware of common problems.
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 | Toyota RAV4 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 2 |
| 2025 | 83 | 9 |
| 2024 | 171 | 42 |
| 2023 | 152 | 176 |
| 2022 | 143 | 236 |
| 2021 | 382 | 501 |
| 2020 | 630 | 309 |
| 2019 | 875 | 475 |
| 2018 | 330 | 264 |
| 2017 | 305 | 264 |
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 Toyota RAV4 or Toyota Highlander in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander
- Toyota RAV4 total complaints
- 3,099
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,278
- Toyota RAV4 total recalls
- 27
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 44
- Toyota RAV4 avg complaints/year
- 309.9
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 227.8
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota RAV4 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN