2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 98 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 60 |
| 2024 | 28 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
38% of complaints: electrical system — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY18% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I was pulling into a parking space at a slow speed and breaking when my car accelerated violently and caused me to go across a median and strike another parked vehicle. Police came and did a report.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240104
16% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was pulling into a parking space at a slow speed and breaking when my car accelerated violently and caused me to go across a median and strike another parked vehicle. Police came and did a report.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240104
8% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY5% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota 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.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will close the aiming caps on the headlights, free of charge. The recall began January 6, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA15.
Campaign 20V698000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota 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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03.
Campaign 22V239000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HEV ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA01.
Campaign 23V041000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Dealers will replace the DC-DC converter, free of charge.
Campaign 23V478000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V698000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V239000 (electronic stability control (esc)) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V041000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V478000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.