2021 Toyota Rav4: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Toyota Rav4? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 357 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2021 Toyota Rav4 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2021 Toyota Rav4 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2021 Toyota Rav4 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Toyota Rav4 has 357 owner complaints, 45 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Rav4
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 357
- Crash-related complaints
- 45
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 35
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Toyota Rav4 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Toyota Rav4?
The 2021 Toyota Rav4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Toyota Rav4
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the airbag system and verify all recalls are addressed.
- Check for any open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag, electrical, and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the airbag system and verify all recalls are addressed.
- Check for any open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag, electrical, and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Toyota Rav4, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for a substantial portion of the total. Other notable areas include uncategorized issues and electrical faults. The data suggests potential concerns with safety systems and electrical components.
- Airbag Malfunctions represent the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Uncategorized Issues and Electrical Faults are also frequently reported.
- Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System, Steering Defects, Structural Problems, and Brake System each have a moderate number of complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 122 complaints, the most reported issue.
- Electrical Faults: 43 complaints, indicating possible electrical system problems.
- Engine Problems: 33 complaints, suggesting potential powertrain issues.
All 2021 Toyota Rav4 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Rav4. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 122 | 27 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 67 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 43 | 4 | 5 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 33 | — | 3 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 20 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 20 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 7 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 17 | 7 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 9 | 3 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tether | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Rav4. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I have a 2021 TYTA RAV4 HYBRID XLE PREMIUM AWD, the driver seat is very slow moving forward and backwards twisting and preventing to fully go forward and backwards. I need to get out and in of my vehicle. So I have to move in back and forth to get out and move it forward to see…
Srs error appeared on the dash. Now the dealership is opening steering column to fix the electrical issue. The car has less than 29,000miles on it.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to lock securely. The contact stated that the door could not be locked while using the key fob, the keypad, or locked manually. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The lo…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amo…
The steering light comes on , and "engine stopped, steering power low" comes on. The car just stops, usually when I've braked and come to a compete stop, and just completely shuts down. It's done it in the middle of traffic, I don't know why it's an issue.
I was in a car accident that ended up being a total loss for my vehicle. I was hit head on to the front drivers side and none of my airbags went off. I am aware there was a recall for the passenger airbags, and was actually scheduled to get the repair the following week, but the …
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a swishing sound coming from the front passenger’s side door. There was water inside the door's body cavity. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w…
My 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid exhibits significant vibration in both exterior rear-view mirrors beginning at approximately 30 MPH, worsening at highway speeds of 50–70 MPH. Toyota has acknowledged this as a known manufacturing defect via TSB T-SB-0079-20, which identifies the origin…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving on the freeway at approximately 35 MPH, another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction attempted to make a left turn and collided with the contact's vehicle. The point of impact was the front driv…
My Toyota hybrid AWD vehicle experienced corrosion of the rear traction motor cable, which Toyota has acknowledged in Service Campaign 25TD01. This corrosion affects the electrical connection to the rear drive motor and can result in loss of AWD propulsion capability. Loss of rea…
The entire transmission failed according to the Toyota Service Center in Hyannis, MA. My vehicle is only 5 years old, only has 42,245 miles, no history of any accidents, I am the only owner, and had regular and consistent service. My vehicle is available for inspection. I am now …
The sunroof shattered without any thing hitting the glass
On 2/24/2026, while driving down I-5 Freeway, the panoramic sun roof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a gunshot. Nobody was injured. There was no accident. I pulled off the freeway and the WASDOT incident response truck pulled off with me to inspect. …
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while fueling the vehicle, the fuel tank failed to register the correct fuel level. The contact stated that the fuel warning light illuminated intermittently while driving and while the vehicle was parked. Additionally,…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 23 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle sideswiped another parked vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The steering wheel…
Power seat adjuster failed making it impossible for drivers to adjust the seat for safe driving.
This complaint is being filed as a follow-up to a previously submitted NHTSA complaint regarding door lock failures on my 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Since the original complaint, a second door has now failed. In addition to the front passenger door, the rear passenger-side door wi…
Driver door lock actuator. When using the vehicles remote key, the driver door does not lock and unlock with the rest of the vehicles locks. This failure can cause theft of personal property in the vehicle or theft of the vehicle itself. The problem has been confirmed by other to…
I am reporting a safety defect involving the front passenger door lock actuator on my 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid. The front passenger door will not lock or unlock using the key fob or the interior power door lock button. The door must now be locked manually. This defeats the ve…
‘Voltage abnormality, power steering low’ error message has appeared three separate times. All while vehicle is idle at stop light or parked, last incident car was unable to restart immediately. All dashboard lights came on, including message saying parking hold unavailable. Me…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Toyota Rav4.
2021 Toyota Rav4 Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Rav4. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Toyota Rav4 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Toyota Rav4 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 357 owner complaints, 45 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2021 Toyota Rav4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Rav4?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (122 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (67 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (43 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Toyota Rav4?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Toyota Rav4?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Toyota Rav4, NHTSA complaints include 45 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 357 total complaints. 48 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Toyota Rav4 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Toyota Rav4. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Rav4?▾
The 2021 Toyota Rav4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Rav4 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Toyota Rav4 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.