The Lemon Index2015 Toyota RAV4.
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 100 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 33, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 24 to 26 mpg combined. The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 305 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2015 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 8K to 70K miles on the car (170 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 14K–76K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 10K–91K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 4K–70K 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 313 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Squeak noise which is heard coming from the front
- "tt: some customers may encounter bluetooth connectivity concerns such as: difficulty pairing…
- Grinding noise condition which is heard coming
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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Brakes did not respond while driving and an accident occurred.
2015 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 10785270
More owner reports
Brakes failed completely had to use emergency brakes to stop car on highway petal went all the way to floor tow car to dealership .checked ok to dealership" they said"
NHTSA complaint 11073179
Power steering went out and brakes failed , during an evasive maneuver ..on or 11. 2015 : which subsequently impacted a tree
NHTSA complaint 10920262
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 33; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2015 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (18%), brakes (18%) and body structure (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 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.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 get?
24 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Toyota RAV4 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 8,300 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 35,000 miles, from 170 complaints.
Does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2015?
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