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2021 Toyota RAV4: common problems and reliability
One of the worst RAV4 years.
One of the Toyota RAV4 years to avoid. All RAV4 years
507 owner complaints, most about air bags. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 RAV4?The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has 507 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag high-voltage cable corrosion ("cablegate") on 2019-2021 hybrid models: major corrosion issue leading to failure, subject to warranty extension programs and a class-action lawsuit in canada.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Toyota RAV4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other RAV4 years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the RAV4?
Across the 30 RAV4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 41 (2000) to 1,110 (2002). With 507 complaints, the 2021 RAV4 sits above the model's median of 304.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 RAV4
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 23V865000Toyota 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.
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 20V698000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles. The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
electronic stability control (esc):control module:software
Campaign 22V239000Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
electrical system:propulsion system:hybrid management:power control unit/module (hpcu)
Campaign 23V041000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During certain cold weather driving conditions, while driving in EV Mode, the hybrid vehicle control engine control unit (HEV ECU) software may cause the hybrid system to shut down if the accelerator is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle, resulting in a stall.
Show 1 more recall
electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc converter
Campaign 23V478000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low maintenance costs, and high resale value.
- Very frequentHigh-voltage cable corrosion ("Cablegate") on 2019-2021 Hybrid models
Major corrosion issue leading to failure, subject to warranty extension programs and a class-action lawsuit in Canada.
- Recurrent8-speed automatic transmission concerns
Described as problematic, with unique shifting behavior in lower gears; noted as a reason to avoid certain gas models (2019+ RAV4, 2017+ Highlander). Concerns about it being a "sealed" unit with no dipstick or scheduled service.
Owner insights cover all generations of the RAV4. See the full RAV4 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used RAV4 listings typically run $14,998–$29,181.
Other RAV4 model years
Compare every RAV4 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the RAV4 against its rivals
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