The Lemon Index2014 Toyota RAV4.
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 58 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 20, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, and it has 4 recalls. It's the best Toyota RAV4 year we track.
One of the most reliable. 5× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2007
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 207 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2014 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 12K to 78K miles on the car (115 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 20K–90K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 12K–102K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 16K–88K miles
Recalls 4
- 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.
- steering 2015
A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process.
- 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.
Show all 4 recalls
- equipment 2014
The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed.
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 373 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The breather plug should be replaced during any differential/transfer case repairs to prevent…
- The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of…
- The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic
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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 EV SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1000–2700 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
After getting t-boned at an intersection, my Toyota RAV4 immediately caught fire. The car was hit on the passenger side by the right wheel and right to mid section of the hood. When I got out of the car it was already on fire.
2014 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 10632313
More owner reports
The electrical wiring was eaten by a rodent. The rodent made a nest in the engine area after eating the wires. The repair of the vehicle is costing us $1510 plus a rental car.
NHTSA complaint 10786504
Navigation screen is dangerously unreadable in sunlight; the glare is impossible to see through.
NHTSA complaint 10778728
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 20; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2014 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (21%), engine (14%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Toyota RAV4 have?
4 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2014 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 2014 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,000 and 78,000 miles. The middle report was at 45,000 miles, from 115 complaints.
Does the 2014 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2014 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $1000 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
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