2021 Toyota RAV4 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 507 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota RAV4, filed between 2020-09-08 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the air bags (147, 29%), electrical system (86, 17%) and engine (44, 9%). Owners reported 59 crashes, 8 fires and 54 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Toyota RAV4 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 147 | 29% | 34 | 1 | 37 |
| Unknown or other | 99 | 20% | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 86 | 17% | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Engine | 44 | 9% | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 39 | 8% | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 37 | 7% | 15 | 0 | 6 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 27 | 5% | 16 | 1 | 8 |
| Power train | 27 | 5% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 22 | 4% | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 22 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 22 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Seats | 18 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 13 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 12 | 2% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 2% | 5 | 0 | 7 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 147 complaints
- 147 complaints of 507 (29%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 8 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 34 crashes, 1 fire and 37 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Toyota RAV4; the recall, campaign 23V865000, says: “A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.”
Electrical system: 86 complaints
- 86 complaints of 507 (17%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 16 of them also name the engine; owners reported 5 crashes, 6 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Toyota RAV4; the latest, campaign 23V478000, says: “The electric current rectifying module contained within the DC-DC converter may have been damaged during production, which can result in an electrical short-circuit.”
Engine: 44 complaints
- 44 complaints of 507 (9%) name the engine.
- 16 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 39 complaints
- 39 complaints of 507 (8%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 9 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes and 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 covers this system.
Service brakes: 37 complaints
- 37 complaints of 507 (7%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 10 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 15 crashes and 6 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 507 (5%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 10 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 16 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 51 |
| 2022 | 77 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 121 |
| 2025 | 124 |
| 2026 | 64 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names RAV4, RAV4 HYBRID, RAV4 PRIME, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Toyota RAV4 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota RAV4?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Toyota RAV4's most common problem areas are the air bags (147 of 507 complaints), electrical system (86 of 507 complaints) and engine (44 of 507 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA has 507 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota RAV4, including 59 reported crashes and 8 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.