The Lemon Index2018 Toyota RAV4.
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 164 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 38, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 24 to 32 mpg combined. The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 348 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2018 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 4K to 38K miles on the car (157 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 6K–49K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 1K–18K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 8K–34K miles
Recalls 3
- 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.
- equipment 2019
The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect.
- equipment 2017
These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels.
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 183 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
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 FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Rav4 Hybrid SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle was in a parking space; foot on brake. Went to shift the vehicle into park and it accelerated into the glass / building I was parked in front of. Air bags did not deploy.
2018 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 11173003
More owner reports
Traffic stopped on the highway and my car didn't. The automatic braking system started but it didn't stop. Almost every airbag deployed except the passenger, it was off. My dash read that abs failed contact dealer.
NHTSA complaint 11390787
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2018 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (20%), brakes (14%) and lights (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 have?
3 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 2018 Toyota RAV4 get?
24 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,300 and 38,100 miles. The middle report was at 12,000 miles, from 157 complaints.
Does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Toyota RAV4 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2018?
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