What Starter Motor Fits a 2021 Toyota RAV4?
Starter motor part numbers catalogued for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 (2.0 L petrol, 4-cyl, 150 hp), the engine variants that change them, and how to replace it.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.0 L petrol, 4-cyl, 150 hp engine takes starter motors such as STARTVOLT LSt 1949, TMI ST03024 and DRI 335280132 (TecDoc catalogue). TecDoc lists 10 starter motors from 6 brands for this engine. The 2021 RAV4 was built with 8 engine variants (from 2.0 L to 2.5 L); these part numbers are catalogued for the 2.0 L petrol, and other engines can take a different starter motor.
Last updated: · Source: TecDoc catalogue
2021 Toyota RAV4 starter motor: key facts
| Catalogued engine | 2.0 L petrol, 4-cyl, 150 hp |
|---|---|
| Part numbers | LSt 1949 (STARTVOLT); ST03024 (TMI); ST03039 (TMI); 335280132 (DRI); 335278132 (DRI); 25-5574 (ELSTOCK) |
| TecDoc listings | 10 starter motors, 6 brands |
| Engine variants (2021) | 8, from 2.0 L to 2.5 L |
| Fit is decided by | The engine and gearbox, the power rating, the pinion tooth count and the mounting pattern |
| NHTSA recalls: electrical system | 2 of 5 for this model |
| DIY | Advanced DIY (access varies widely) |
Sources: TecDoc catalogue (part numbers, engines), NHTSA recalls.
Starter Motor: what it does & when to replace it
The starter motor cranks the engine to get it running. Failure signs include a single click (or rapid clicking) when you turn the key, intermittent no-start, or a grinding noise during starting. A starter that works when cold but fails when hot is a classic sign of an aging unit. Replacement difficulty varies dramatically by vehicle — some starters are easily accessible, others are buried under the intake. Confirm the battery and connections are good first, since a weak battery mimics a bad starter. Often a job better suited to an experienced DIYer or a shop.
DIY difficulty: Advanced DIY (access varies widely). Always confirm the correct part for your exact build by VIN before buying.
Which engine does your 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was sold with 8 engine variants, and the correct starter motor can differ between them. This is the single thing a year/make/model dropdown cannot tell you.
| Engine | Fuel | Cylinders | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 218 hp | Petrol/Electric | 4 | 2018–now |
| 2.0 L 175 hp | Petrol | 4 | 2018–now |
| 2.5 L 203 hp | Petrol | 4 | 2018–now |
| 2.0 L 173 hp | Petrol | 4 | 2018–now |
| 2.5 L 207 hp | Petrol | 4 | 2018–now |
| 2.0 L 150 hp | Petrol | 4 | 2018–now |
| 2.5 L 222 hp | Petrol/Electric | 4 | 2018–now |
| 2.5 L 306 hp | Petrol/Electric | 4 | 2020–now |
Engine variants catalogued for this model (TecDoc), filtered to those built around 2021. We hold catalogued part numbers for the base engine only — decode your VIN and we resolve your exact engine, then the exact part. Full dimensions and specifications for this vehicle are on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 overview.
How to replace the starter motor on a 2021 Toyota RAV4
- 1Confirm the battery and connections are good first — a weak battery mimics a bad starter.
- 2Disconnect the battery negative terminal.
- 3Locate the starter (often low on the engine/transmission bellhousing) and disconnect its wiring, noting positions.
- 4Unbolt and remove the old starter, supporting its weight as the last bolt comes out.
- 5Fit the new starter, torque the bolts, reconnect the wiring and battery, and test-start.
⚠ Access varies dramatically — some starters are buried under the intake and are a shop job.
These are general steps for the electrical category. Exact fastener locations, torque values, and the correct part number depend on your 2021 Toyota RAV4’s build — confirm by VIN before you start.
Compatible parts for your 2021 Toyota RAV4
Real starter motor options catalogued for this 2021 Toyota RAV4 (TecDoc), shown for the base engine (2.0000 L Petrol). Each links to live marketplace listings for that exact brand and part number.
| Brand | Part number | Note | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| STARTVOLT | LSt 1949⇆ cross-ref |
Starter | Find this part → |
| TMI | ST03024⇆ cross-ref |
Starter | Find this part → |
| TMI | ST03039⇆ cross-ref |
Starter | Find this part → |
| DRI | 335280132⇆ cross-ref |
Starter | Find this part → |
| DRI | 335278132⇆ cross-ref |
Starter | Find this part → |
| ELSTOCK | 25-5574⇆ cross-ref |
Starter | Find this part → |
Compatible options shown for the base engine — exact fit can vary by engine and trim; confirm with your VIN before buying. Part data: TecDoc catalogue.
Shop starter motor for your 2021 Toyota RAV4
Browse starter motor listings from major marketplaces. Confirm fitment by VIN first — use VinSnap above to get the exact part number for your build before purchasing.
Find the exact starter motor by VIN
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Decode my VIN →Frequently asked questions
What starter motor fits a 2021 Toyota RAV4?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.0 L petrol, 4-cyl, 150 hp engine takes starter motors such as STARTVOLT LSt 1949, TMI ST03024 and DRI 335280132 (TecDoc catalogue). The 2021 RAV4 was built with 8 engine variants (from 2.0 L to 2.5 L); these part numbers are catalogued for the 2.0 L petrol, and other engines can take a different starter motor.
Which brands make starter motors for the 2021 Toyota RAV4?
For the 2.0 L petrol engine, TecDoc lists 10 starter motors from 6 brands: DRI, ELSTOCK, LUCAS, TMI, CEVAM and STARTVOLT.
How often should the starter motor on a 2021 Toyota RAV4 be replaced?
The starter motor cranks the engine to get it running. Failure signs include a single click (or rapid clicking) when you turn the key, intermittent no-start, or a grinding noise during starting. VinSnap has no manufacturer-specific interval on file for the 2021 Toyota RAV4; the owner’s manual has the official schedule.
Can I replace the starter motor on a 2021 Toyota RAV4 myself?
Advanced DIY (access varies widely). Allow about 1–3 hours. Tools: socket set + extensions, torque wrench, multimeter. Access varies dramatically — some starters are buried under the intake and are a shop job.
Are there recalls on the 2021 Toyota RAV4’s electrical system?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 filed under the electrical system: 23V478000 (2023-07-12), electrical system / propulsion system / dc/dc converter; 23V041000 (2023-02-02), electrical system / propulsion system / hybrid management / power control unit/module (hpcu). Recall repairs are free at a franchised Toyota dealer.