VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Rav4 Hybrid years?

Rav4 Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted26 complaints2017: 21 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 22 complaints2020: 15 complaints2021: 26 complaints2022: 8 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 6 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Rav4 Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rav4 Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1765%
Electrical System312%
Brakes28%
Driver Assistance14%
Latches & Locks14%
Speed Control14%
Visibility & Wipers14%

Does the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V865000AirbagsDecember 20, 2023 · 999,901 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2021Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle failed to stop while the brake pedal was depressed which resulted in the contact crashing into two parked vehicles where it eventually came to a stop after crashing into a curb. The contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 28, 2021 · crash

“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving at high rates of speed, the vehicle stalled after slamming on the brake pedal. The contact waited approximately 20-30 seconds after the initial failure before being able to restart the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2021

“The contact owns a 2021Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle failed to stop while the brake pedal was depressed which resulted in the contact crashing into two parked vehicles where it eventually came to a stop after crashing into a curb. The contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 28, 2021 · crash

“ 1. CAR WOULDN'T START. LEFT STRANDED WITHOUT VEHICLE. 2. CRUISE CONTROL TURNED OFF AND WOULD NEVER TURN BACK ON FOR THE DURATION OF MY 30 MINUTE DRIVE. 3. THE CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATED PAST THE SET LIMIT. IT WAS CHALLENGING TO GET IT TO STOP ACCELERATING. IT DIDN'T STOP RIGHT AWAY EITHER. SCARED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 5, 2021

“ 1. CAR WOULDN'T START. LEFT STRANDED WITHOUT VEHICLE. 2. CRUISE CONTROL TURNED OFF AND WOULD NEVER TURN BACK ON FOR THE DURATION OF MY 30 MINUTE DRIVE. 3. THE CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATED PAST THE SET LIMIT. IT WAS CHALLENGING TO GET IT TO STOP ACCELERATING. IT DIDN'T STOP RIGHT AWAY EITHER. SCARED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 5, 2021

2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Rav4 Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (17 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

How safe is the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.