MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2022 Toyota RAV4

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2022 Toyota RAV4 Safety Ratings

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 131 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

1Recalls
131Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong category. This rating is notably influenced by one specific recall concerning the front passenger occupant classification sensor. Beyond this, crash protection scores are solid across the board, complemented by the standard inclusion of all three key crash avoidance technologies.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, based exclusively on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2022 Toyota RAV4 safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index84 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk15.5%
Recalls on file1
Owner complaints131 (unverified allegations)
Class rank75 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Toyota RAV4?

The 2022 RAV4’s Safety Index score of 84 out of 100 aligns precisely with the 2021 model, indicating no overall change in its safety profile. This stability, however, conceals a notable deficiency in its defect record. A recall and complaint sub-score of 13 out of 20 significantly lowers the overall index, despite strong crash protection and avoidance technology. Crash protection scores 61 out of 70. The vehicle also achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, bolstered by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. However, the single recall for the 2022 RAV4 is critical: a faulty front passenger occupant classification sensor could compromise airbag deployment, presenting a serious restraint system risk. Furthermore, 131 unverified owner complaints have been registered. The Electrical System and Engine categories each generated a significant number of these allegations. Of particular note are the 10 unverified complaints regarding Forward Collision Avoidance, which contrast sharply with the system’s perfect score in the Safety Index. This discrepancy highlights the difference between a system's rated capability and its reported real-world performance.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Toyota RAV4 perform in crash tests?

The 2022 RAV4 achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection was rated 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance test each earned 4 out of 5 stars; the rollover risk for the RAV4 was assessed at 16 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16665

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record13/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?

The 2022 RAV4 carries one NHTSA recall campaign, targeting the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor. This recall affects the RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, and RAV4 Prime. A faulty occupant classification system can affect whether the passenger air bag deploys correctly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER22V519000

Risk: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA08.

Reported 2022-07-21

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Toyota RAV4?

NHTSA has received 131 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System and Unknown Or Other category at 34 reports each, Engine at 25, Steering at 18, Structure at 17, and Forward Collision Avoidance at 10. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.

131 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

13reported crash
0reported fire
12reported injuries
2reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 34Unknown Or Other 34Engine 25Steering 18Structure 17Forward Collision Avoidance 10

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Toyota RAV4?

The 2022 RAV4 has a significant safety concern: an active recall for its occupant classification system, which affects airbag deployment. Verification that this recall has been remedied is essential for any specific VIN before purchase; this is a critical safety issue.

  • The 2022 RAV4 has one active recall campaign specifically involving the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, a restraint-system issue that affects correct air bag deployment for front passengers.
  • The Safety Index held flat at 84 out of 100 compared to the 2021 model year, with the defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 being the component that limits a higher overall rating.
  • NHTSA unverified complaints for this model year include 10 allegations related to Forward Collision Avoidance, a category worth noting alongside the system's standard-equipment status and perfect avoidance tech sub-score.
  • Rollover risk for this model year is measured at 16 percent by NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover rating and a dynamic tip test result of No Tip, providing specific context for buyers weighing SUV stability.

RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Toyota RAV4 places

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2022 Toyota RAV4 safety questions

Was the 2022 Toyota RAV4 crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Toyota RAV4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2022 Toyota RAV4 crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2022 Toyota RAV4 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Toyota RAV4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Toyota RAV4?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 131 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Toyota RAV4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other RAV4 years

Rivals in SUV (2022)

Safest SUV rivals, 2022 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat100/1005 of 50
2022 Infiniti Qx5599/100not rated1
2022 Buick Encore GX95/1005 of 51
2022 Buick Envision95/1005 of 51
2022 Nissan Murano95/1005 of 50
2022 Buick Enclave94/1004 of 51
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16665), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota RAV4 2022.
  • 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 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
  • 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.