NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime Safety Ratings
The 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 59 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime earned a full five-star overall NHTSA crash rating, contributing to its strong NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100. This places it firmly in the Strong band for vehicle safety. Its avoidance-tech suite also received a perfect score. However, two active recalls have been issued, and prospective buyers of used models should confirm these have been remedied prior to purchase.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime received a five-out-of-five overall star rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.3% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 59 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime?
The 2023 RAV4 Prime represents a meaningful step forward from the 2022 model year, with the NHTSA Safety Index climbing six points from 80 to 86, both years sitting in the Strong band but the 2023 version landing noticeably higher within it. The gain is visible across the component breakdown: crash protection at 61 out of 70 anchors the score, while the avoidance-tech component reached its ceiling at 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this trim. The defect record sub-score of 15.25 out of 20 reflects the two active recall campaigns, one tied to instrument-cluster and panel electronics and one to back-over prevention display function. The complaint picture for this year is dominated by electrical system allegations, which account for roughly two-thirds of the 59 reported complaints, a pattern that aligns with the instrument-cluster recall. The five-star overall NHTSA crash rating is the headline strength of this model year, and the side-crash perfect score in particular sets a high bar. The rollover four-star result and 13 percent risk figure are worth noting but sit within normal ranges for the SUV segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime perform in crash tests?
The 2023 RAV4 Prime registered a 13 percent risk of rollover, a figure reinforced by a dynamic no-tip result. This contributes to its five-star side-crash protection rating. The model was awarded five out of five stars overall, with frontal impact and rollover resistance each earning four out of five stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18600
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first involves the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster and panel, and extends across 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime units among other Toyota models. The second targets back-over prevention, addressing a display function issue on a broad range of 2022-2026 Toyota and related vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION25V744000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Reported 2025-10-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V595000
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's cus
Reported 2025-09-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime?
Fifty-nine unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The electrical system leads with 39 alleged reports, followed by unknown or other issues at 18. Forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, lane departure, and service brakes each appear in smaller numbers. All are unverified allegations, not established facts.
59 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime?
The 2023 RAV4 Prime was subject to two recalls regarding the instrument cluster and back-over prevention, necessitating a VIN check for all used models to confirm the completion of these safety campaigns.
- The Safety Index rose six points year over year, from 80 in 2022 to 86 in 2023, the largest single-year gain visible in this model's recent history and driven partly by a stronger defect-record sub-score.
- Two active recall campaigns specifically cover 2023 RAV4 Prime units: one addressing instrument-cluster and panel electronics, and one addressing a back-over prevention display function, both issued in 2025.
- Fifty-nine unverified complaints reported to NHTSA for this model year skew heavily toward the electrical system, with 39 of 59 alleged reports citing that component, a concentration that aligns directly with the instrument-cluster recall campaign.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score hit the maximum 10 out of 10 for this model year, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the 2023 RAV4 Prime lineup.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime places
The 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime safety questions
Was the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 59 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Rav4 Prime years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18600), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Rav4 Prime 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 75 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.