The Lemon Index2013 Toyota RAV4.
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 117 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 44, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, and it has 2 recalls. The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 262 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 60K miles on the car (165 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 0K–61K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 5K–77K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 6K–60K miles
Recalls 2
- electrical 2023
Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit.
- trailer hitches 2015
The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 398 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Squeak noise which is heard coming from the front
- Grinding noise condition which is heard coming
- While a vehicle is in inventory, the battery is subject to conditions that can reduce its…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBattery hold down bracket thermal events2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD Later Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD Later Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 EV SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1000–2550 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
I bought a new 2013 rav 4 with Toyota navigation. On any sunny day it is impossible to read the map due to the glare. I plan on complaining to the dealership this week.
2013 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 10508045
More owner reports
Cruise control problem rpms jump from 2200 to 4000 or higher 5000 car is not safe to drive with cruise control on.
NHTSA complaint 10749522
The car accelerated suddenly without intent almost crashing into a wall. I was able to stop the car w/out injury or accident . I was entering my garage at a very slow speed ( under 5 mph).
NHTSA complaint 10789954
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 44; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2013 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (26%), speed control (13%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2013 Toyota RAV4 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,700 and 60,700 miles. The middle report was at 20,000 miles, from 165 complaints.
Does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $1000 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2022 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works