Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4: Recalls and Complaints Compared (2012-2023)
Choosing between a used Subaru Forester and a used Toyota RAV4? Here is what the US government's records (NHTSA) show for model years 2012 to 2023: how many owner complaints and recall campaigns each one has, and which parts they concentrate on. It does not say which is the better car, but it tells you what to check.
At a glance
| Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years with data | 12 | 12 |
| Owner complaints, total | 4,532 | 4,128 |
| Complaints per model year (average) | 378 | 344 |
| Recall campaigns, total | 44 | 42 |
| Recalls per model year (average) | 3.7 | 3.5 |
| Most reported areas | visibility/wiper, electrical system, air bags | electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, engine |
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) complaint and recall records. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold: a model that sells more will have more complaints even if it is just as reliable. Newer model years have had less time to collect complaints.
How to read this
- A higher complaint count does not prove a car is worse, and a lower one does not prove it is better.
- Look at which parts repeat: those are what to ask a mechanic to check on the exact car.
- Recalls are repaired free at a dealer, but only the VIN shows which ones are still open.
Before you buy either one
- Run the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Get a vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck or an NMVTIS-based report).
- Compare the asking price with similar cars at the same mileage, not just the listed average.
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Year-by-year data: Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.
Enter the VIN or paste the listing to get recalls, a fair-price range from live dealer listings, red flags and what to say to the seller.
Check a car, first one is free