2021 Toyota RAV4
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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 |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 77 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 309 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 314 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1003 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 303 |
| 2016 | 237 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 330 |
| 2019 | 875 |
| 2020 | 630 |
| 2021 | 382 |
| 2022 | 141 |
| 2023 | 150 |
| 2024 | 170 |
| 2025 | 81 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: air bags — 125 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On Nov 05, at approximately 11:10pm, I was driving my RAV4 on Alafaya Trail, Orange County, Orlando.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231129
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
I was traveling on a nearby road at approximately 40mph when another vehicle ran a stop sign causing me to t-bone his vehicle and spin around. There was no time for evasive measures so the vehicles collided at full speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231022
IN A 4 CAR PILE UP. HIT IN REAR X2 BY A LARGE VAN WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC ON NJ PARKWAY FOOT ON BREAK AND PUSHED INTO CAR IN FRONT OF ME X2. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210430
12% of complaints: electrical system — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing autonomous/self driving.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: engine — 39 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
My 2021 Toyota RAV4 began experiencing intermittent shuddering and vibration at low speeds around May 2026. The condition occurred while accelerating from a stop or at slow speeds and became more frequent over time.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260723
Also filed under POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE5% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing floor shift.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Me ([XXX]) and my 3 children went on a trip from July 25- July 30 to Sequoia National Park & Yosemite National Park .
NHTSA ODI report, 20210802
SAFETY TIMELINE
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...
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.
Campaign 23V865000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (125 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (46 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V865000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.