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
- 387
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 387 complaints
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 | 315 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 705 |
| 2007 | 1,004 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 331 |
| 2019 | 879 |
| 2020 | 635 |
| 2021 | 387 |
| 2022 | 144 |
| 2023 | 157 |
| 2024 | 175 |
| 2025 | 88 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
32% · 125 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On Nov 05, at approximately 11:10pm, I was driving my RAV4 on Alafaya Trail, Orange County, Orlando.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-29
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, 2023-10-22
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, 2021-04-30
Electrical system
12% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing autonomous/self driving.
Engine
11% · 41 reportsShow 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, 2026-07-23
Also filed under Power train
Power train
6% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing floor shift.
Show 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, 2021-08-02
Steering
6% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing yaw/angle sensor and steering control module.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2021 Toyota rav 4. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle independently veered off to the right and the contact lost control of the steering of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-04-30
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021Complaint volume 387 complaints filed for this model year.
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2024-10-31Air bags23V865000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 125 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 41 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V865000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.