Several Toyota models are among the least reliable cars in Germany, according to a new study from ADAC.
Toyota has been known for its reliability for years. But ADAC's latest crash statistics for 2025 show otherwise.
Several of the brand's models – including the RAV4, Yaris and C-HR – are among the worst cars in the entire study.
In this year's report, German ADAC analyzed more than 3.6 million crashes and compared 159 different car models.
The statistics cover cars with first registration from 2015 to 2022. And for Toyota, the conclusion is clear: Several models disappoint with high crash rates.
RAV4, Yaris and C-HR at the bottom of the scale
The worst is the Toyota RAV4. For cars from 2020, a whopping 45.2 crashes per 1,000 cars have been registered. Newer models are also doing poorly. For 2022, the figure is 18.4, which is still among the highest in the class.
The Yaris is not a success story in the statistics either. Here, the crash rate for 2021 is a whopping 48.2 and for 2022 a whopping 29.2. The numbers are slightly better for older models – but are still high: 27.3 for 2020, 21.3 for 2018 and 23.4 for 2016.
The Yaris Cross, which is a newer model, only appears in the statistics for one year – but that is not positive. In 2022, it will be a whopping 40 crashes per 1,000 cars.
The Toyota C-HR makes it even worse. For the 2020 model year, a whopping 63.1 crashes per 1,000 cars have been registered. In 2021, the number is 41.6, and for 2019 and 2018 it is 46.8 and 35.5 respectively.
Toyota responds to criticism
ADAC points out that most breakdowns are due to problems with the 12-volt battery. Toyota confirms this in a comment. According to the brand, several of its models have been equipped with batteries that did not have sufficient current absorption capacity.
"Toyota has over the past year optimized the entire process from battery production to delivery," the brand writes in a press release.
For the Yaris and Yaris Cross, a new battery with higher capacity was introduced in February 2024, and according to Toyota, these will now be fitted to all newly produced cars.
In addition, battery monitoring has been introduced in the MyToyota app, which informs car owners about the condition of the battery.
Several car owners have had the battery replaced at no cost, either through the warranty or through goodwill regulations.
Not everything looks bleak for Toyota
However, not all Toyota models are doing poorly. The Toyota Aygo is a clear bright spot in the statistics.
For the 2022 model year, it is only 1.9 crashes per 1,000 cars. For the other model years (2021-2015), the figures are between 4.6 and 12, which is significantly better than the other Toyota models and on par with many premium cars.
The Toyota Corolla also performs better than average, with between 10.4 and 20 crashes per 1,000 cars depending on the model year.
However, it is still higher than the top models from Tesla, Audi and BMW, but significantly lower than, for example, the C-HR and RAV4.
The conclusion from ADAC: A dent in Toyota's otherwise good reputation
Toyota's poor ranking in ADAC's statistics comes as a surprise, as the brand has been known for many years for its high reliability.
The explanation of battery problems sounds likely, but that doesn't change the fact that many owners have experienced problems – especially with newer models.
The statistics should prompt Toyota to react, and it seems that steps have already been taken in that direction. But for car owners considering buying a used car, the ADAC list is important. And it's good to remember that even the most reliable brands can have their flaws.
