Model year guide

2013 Toyota RAV4

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Toyota RAV4 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 636 on record.

2013 Toyota RAV4 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 Toyota RAV4 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints254
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$17,758

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2013 Toyota RAV4 recalls 2

Trailer Hitches NHTSA Campaign #15V011000 · 16/01/2015

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Toyota Rav4 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to December 29, 2014, and equipped with an accessory trailer light module. The software within the module may incorrectly detect an electrical short and preventively turn off the electrical current and the trailer lights.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer light module with a new unit with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-15A.

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery NHTSA Campaign #23V734000 · 01/11/2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 27, 2024, to 2013-2014 RAV4 owners. Additional owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, phase 2 will begin on May 14, 2025, and phase 3 in…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2013 Toyota RAV4 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 254 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2013 Toyota RAV4 safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2013 Toyota Rav4 SUV AWD Later Release. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2013 Toyota RAV4 MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,417

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2013 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Low
$15,300
Typical price
$17,758
High
$22,000

From 634 comparable 2013 Toyota RAV4 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 Toyota RAV4 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,085
Depreciation (5 yrs)$8,950
Total$21,035
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($17,758) with the same model 5 model-years older ($8,815), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2013 Toyota RAV4 trims & engines on record

Trims
LE · XLE · Limited · Sports · High · Standard
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 176 hp

2013 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on record

Other Toyota RAV4 model years

2013 Toyota RAV4 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2013 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota RAV4?

Based on 254 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, structure, exterior lighting.

What is the 2013 Toyota RAV4 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2013 Toyota RAV4 an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota RAV4 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2013 Toyota RAV4 at about 25 mpg combined (22 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2013 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Comparable 2013 Toyota RAV4 listings run roughly $15,300–$22,000, typically around $17,758 (from 634 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.