VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota RAV4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 sits mid-pack among RAV4 years: 505 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 344, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 69 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (124), other (71), and electrical system (46), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

505

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

70

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

69

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other RAV4 years?

RAV4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,240 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 54 complaints1997: 61 complaints1998: 92 complaints1999: 75 complaints2000: 34 complaints2001: 418 complaints2002: 682 complaints2003: 392 complaints2004: 182 complaints2005: 168 complaints2006: 880 complaints2007: 1,240 complaints2008: 708 complaints2009: 397 complaints2010: 498 complaints2011: 402 complaints2012: 357 complaints2013: 331 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 399 complaints2016: 291 complaints2017: 408 complaints2018: 435 complaints2019: 1,168 complaints2020: 795 complaints2021: 505 complaints2022: 206 complaints2023: 234 complaints2024: 250 complaints2025: 101 complaints
RAV4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RAV4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota RAV4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags12425%
Other7114%
Electrical System469%
Engine367%
Driver Assistance347%
Visibility & Wipers306%
Fuel System245%
Steering214%
Body & Structure214%
Brakes204%
Transmission194%
Seats163%
Tires & Wheels122%
Seat Belts82%
Latches & Locks61%
Lighting61%
Suspension61%
Speed Control51%

Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 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.

“On May 20th, 2023 @ approximately 9:50 P.M. we struck a deer head on. Impact was severe enough that the passenger airbag should have deployed, but failed to deploy. I looked at the wiring guide for this vehicle after the incident, and I believe that in photo #4, it shows the path of the airbag wire…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 20, 2023 · crash

“The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has extremely poor right forward visibility and obstruction by the hood and the A pillar. These cars are unsafe. The front hood does not slope down, so visibility is obstructed, and the A pillar and mirrors (rear view and front right side mirror) further obstruct views. I took…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 24, 2022 · crash

“In the driver's side, rear therr was smoke coming and before that occurred the lights flickered several times. There may have been steering issues before the rear fire and blinking likes as smoke started to show. The safety is due to fire risk. There is some media information on the same vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 6, 2022 · fire

“The contact stated that the owner of a 2021 Toyota Rav4 was driving approximately 35 mph when the odor of burning rubber was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle flames were present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 10, 2022 · fire

“I was involved in an accident on the interstate traveling at about 80 mph and I hit a guard rail. I swerved, and then the lane assistance kicked in and made me lose control of the car completely, which is how I slammed into the guard rail. In that process, none of the airbags deployed and I had a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 17, 2025 · crash

2021 Toyota RAV4 — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

It is close to typical for the RAV4: 505 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2021 RAV4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (124 complaints), other (71 complaints), electrical system (46 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota RAV4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RAV4 years to avoid are 2007, 2019, 2006, 2020, 2008, 2002. The cleanest record among RAV4 years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 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.