NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Toyota RAV4 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 135 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV AWD achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong safety band. This score reflects solid crash-test performance and full marks for its standard avoidance technology. However, its defect record tempered the overall rating, resulting in a two-point decrease from the 2022 model.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 100 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 | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 135 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 100 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Toyota RAV4?
The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid is marked by three active recall campaigns, a notable factor given that two were issued post-production. This situation suggests a significant portion of the used market may contain vehicles still requiring remedy for these issues. The most significant of these recalls addresses the instrument cluster's electrical system, a concern amplified by owner complaints; "Electrical System" is the second most cited category among the 135 unverified owner reports for this model year. A separate recall pertains to tire valves, specifically affecting units with an accessory wheel configuration. These defect-related issues contribute to a Safety Index score of 82 out of 100 for the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid. This represents a two-point decline from the 2022 model's 84, with the defect record sub-score falling to 11 out of 20 points. Conversely, the model maintains a strong crash protection score of 61 out of 70, reflecting consistent crash test performance. Its avoidance technology also achieves a perfect 10 out of 10, underscoring the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all trims.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Toyota RAV4 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid achieved an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. While its side protection also earned 5 stars, frontal protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk was assessed at 16 percent, with a dynamic tip test resulting in "No Tip," contributing to a 4 out of 5 stars rating for rollover protection.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18599
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses a back-over prevention display function affecting a broad range of Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. The second targets the electrical system instrument cluster on 2023-2025 RAV4 and related Toyota models. The third, issued earlier, covers a tire valve stem issue on units equipped with 17-inch black alloy accessory wheels. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive is noted in the data provided.
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
TIRES:VALVE23V485000
Risk: A damaged or improperly installed valve stem may allow air to leak and/or the tires to be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel valve stems and replace the load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 18, 2023. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 23R1.
Reported 2023-07-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has logged 135 unverified owner complaints for this model year, including alleged reports of 18 crashes and 13 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues, Electrical System, Steering, Engine, Service Brakes, and Forward Collision Avoidance. All are unverified consumer allegations.
135 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Toyota RAV4?
For the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid, two of the three recall campaigns were issued after the model year concluded, making it crucial for prospective buyers to verify remedy completion. Before purchasing a used 2023 RAV4 Hybrid, consumers should use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to check recall status. Confirmation from a dealer or seller that all three campaigns have been addressed on the specific vehicle is advised.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 82 out of 100 dropped two points from the 2022 model's 84, with the defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 being the sole driver of that decline.
- Three recall campaigns are attached to this model year, two of which were issued after production ended, meaning used-market vehicles may still have open, unremedied safety campaigns.
- The electrical system instrument cluster recall aligns with Electrical System being the second most-alleged complaint category in the 135 unverified NHTSA owner reports for this year.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result, and rollover risk is measured at 16 percent, providing year-specific context for the 4-star rollover rating on this AWD configuration.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Toyota RAV4 places
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Toyota RAV4 safety questions
Was the 2023 Toyota RAV4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Toyota RAV4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Toyota RAV4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Toyota RAV4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Toyota RAV4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 135 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Toyota RAV4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RAV4 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 18599), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota RAV4 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 100 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.