Before you buy a 2021 RAV4
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Recalls vs. other years
Its single recall campaign is the fewest of the six model years we cover (2016–2021); the busiest has 7.
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Where complaints cluster
Complaints concentrate on the air bags: 28% of the 510 on file. The top components are air bags (144, of which 32 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 21 an injury), electrical system (73, of which 5 mention a crash, 5 a fire and 4 an injury) and power train (24, of which 2 mention a crash and 1 a fire). Across all 510 reports, 60 describe a crash, 8 a fire and 32 at least one injury.
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Recent reports
80 complaints (16% of the total) were filed in the last 12 months, so owners are still reporting problems, most often about the air bags (18).
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Changes from 2020
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2020; five recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, engine and engine cooling, fuel system and others).
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Fuel economy and running cost
Its most efficient version (2.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid) is rated 40 mpg combined, better than most for the 2021 SUVs we cover (median 25 mpg across 42 other EPA listings); the thirstiest version is rated 28 mpg. At 15,000 miles a year and the national average regular gasoline price of $4.28 (EIA, week of Oct 19, 2026), fuel would cost about $1,610 a year in the most efficient version and about $2,290 in the thirstiest.
Drive types
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Complaint trends
510 complaints on file with NHTSA, by category.
Visibility & lighting
36 (7%)
Top components as NHTSA logged them:
Air bags — 124 complaints (24%)
Unknown or other — 68 complaints (13%)
Electrical system — 35 complaints (7%)
Fuel/propulsion system — 21 complaints (4%)
Service brakes — 18 complaints (4%)
Structure — 14 complaints (3%)
What owners told NHTSA
Short excerpts from owner reports submitted to NHTSA. They are unverified and describe one vehicle each.
“I have been unable to get my vehicle inspected and repaired by a dealer despite months of waiting and asking two different Toyota dealers to order the necessary part or parts. This recall has been in place for years.”
Air bags · received Jul 2026
“I have a faulty coolant bypass valve on my 2021 Toyota RAV4. Every time I turn on the air conditioning the service engine required comes up on my notifications a known recall problem for Toyota RAV4’s of this year”
Electrical system · received Sep 2026
“I have had several intermittent occasions over the past 3-4 years where the brakes do not stop the vehicle when depressed. I can feel something through the brakes pedal, but cannot explain what it is.”
Service brakes · received Oct 2026
Recalls
1 campaign on file. Check a specific car with our VIN recall check .
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
· 23V865000 · 2023-12-20
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
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 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.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
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. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026.
Investigations
No NHTSA investigations on file for this model year.
Manufacturer communications
Service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. They are not recalls.
Equipment
21 documents
(2020-04-14 – 2023-03-31)
Date Type Component
2023-03-31
service bulletin Equipment, parking brake, electrical system, lane departure
2022-05-31
service bulletin Equipment, electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
2022-04-11
service bulletin Equipment
2022-03-24
service bulletin Equipment
2021-10-22
service bulletin Equipment
2021-09-27
service bulletin Equipment, structure:body:door
2021-07-06
service bulletin Equipment
2021-05-27
service bulletin Equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility
2021-02-03
service bulletin Equipment
2020-11-13
service bulletin Equipment, electrical system
2020-10-22
service bulletin Equipment
2020-10-20
service bulletin Equipment
2020-09-30
service bulletin Equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility, electrical system
2020-08-07
service bulletin Equipment, engine
2020-08-05
service bulletin Equipment, electrical system
2020-08-03
service bulletin Equipment
2020-07-27
service bulletin Equipment
2020-06-09
service bulletin Equipment, structure, electrical system
2020-04-23
service bulletin Equipment
2020-04-15
service bulletin Equipment
2020-04-14
service bulletin Equipment
Structure:body
18 documents
(2024-04-19 – 2024-07-29)
Date Type Component
2024-07-29
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-07-29
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-07-12
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-07-12
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-07-12
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-07-12
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-07-12
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-07-12
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-06-21
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-06-21
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-05-17
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-05-15
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-04-19
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-04-19
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-04-19
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-04-19
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-04-19
service bulletin Structure:body
2024-04-19
service bulletin Structure:body
Engine and engine cooling
16 documents
(2020-06-23 – 2024-02-28)
Date Type Component
2024-02-28
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling, hybrid propulsion system
2024-02-21
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
2024-02-12
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
2024-02-07
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control:throttle
2023-08-29
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control:cables
2023-07-10
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling, back over prevention
2023-03-20
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
2023-02-20
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
2022-09-28
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
2022-09-22
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling, electrical system
2022-08-10
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling, engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission co…
2022-07-29
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
2022-05-27
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
2022-03-14
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling, equipment:electrical
2021-10-29
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
2020-06-23
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling
Electrical system
14 documents
(2020-03-16 – 2024-04-11)
Date Type Component
2024-04-11
service bulletin Electrical system
2024-04-11
service bulletin Electrical system
2024-03-04
service bulletin Electrical system
2022-06-28
service bulletin Electrical system, power train
2022-06-28
service bulletin Electrical system
2022-06-07
service bulletin Electrical system
2022-03-03
service bulletin Electrical system
2021-12-20
service bulletin Electrical system, equipment:electrical
2021-12-17
service bulletin Electrical system, equipment, engine
2021-07-12
service bulletin Electrical system, fuel system, gasoline
2020-11-02
service bulletin Electrical system, equipment
2020-05-18
service bulletin Electrical system, equipment
2020-04-14
service bulletin Electrical system
2020-03-16
service bulletin Electrical system, back over prevention
Fuel system
12 documents
(2021-03-03 – 2023-06-08)
Date Type Component
2023-06-08
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control
2023-04-05
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
2021-07-12
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline, electrical system
2021-07-07
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline, electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge
2021-03-04
service bulletin Fuel system, other
2021-03-04
service bulletin Fuel system, other
2021-03-04
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline, air bags
2021-03-04
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline
2021-03-04
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline
2021-03-03
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline
2021-03-03
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline
2021-03-03
service bulletin Fuel system, gasoline
Unknown or other
9 documents
(2023-04-06 – 2024-12-19)
Date Type Component
2024-12-19
service bulletin Unknown or other, engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:cra…
2024-06-17
other Unknown or other
2024-06-17
other Unknown or other
2024-06-17
other Unknown or other
2024-06-17
other Unknown or other
2023-08-17
service bulletin Unknown or other, communication:manufacturer telematics
2023-08-17
service bulletin Unknown or other, engine
2023-04-06
service bulletin Unknown or other, structure:body:roof and pillars
2023-04-06
service bulletin Unknown or other, structure:body:roof and pillars
Engine
8 documents
(2020-06-01 – 2024-10-23)
Date Type Component
2024-10-23
service bulletin Engine
2024-09-17
service bulletin Engine
2024-06-19
service bulletin Engine
2024-06-19
service bulletin Engine
2024-05-21
service bulletin Engine
2020-08-07
service bulletin Engine
2020-06-12
service bulletin Engine
2020-06-01
service bulletin Engine
Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
8 documents
(1991-01-18 – 2022-08-10)
Date Type Component
2022-08-10
service bulletin Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
2022-05-26
service bulletin Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
2021-10-14
service bulletin Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
2021-05-24
service bulletin Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
2021-03-22
service bulletin Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
2020-08-03
service bulletin Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
2001-05-04
service bulletin Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
1991-01-18
service bulletin Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
Show all 51 categories
Structure
7 documents
(2020-05-28 – 2022-06-14)
Date Type Component
2022-06-14
service bulletin Structure
2022-06-14
service bulletin Structure
2021-11-23
service bulletin Structure
2020-08-05
service bulletin Structure, electrical system, equipment
2020-07-31
service bulletin Structure
2020-07-31
service bulletin Structure, equipment adaptive/mobility
2020-05-28
service bulletin Structure, equipment
Equipment:electrical
6 documents
(2020-07-27 – 2022-12-15)
Date Type Component
2022-12-15
service bulletin Equipment:electrical
2021-11-12
service bulletin Equipment:electrical
2021-10-14
service bulletin Equipment:electrical
2021-07-09
service bulletin Equipment:electrical
2020-12-14
service bulletin Equipment:electrical, electrical system
2020-07-27
service bulletin Equipment:electrical
Electrical system:software
4 documents
(2020-06-03 – 2023-10-10)
Date Type Component
2023-10-10
service bulletin Electrical system:software
2020-10-22
service bulletin Electrical system:software
2020-07-27
service bulletin Electrical system:software
2020-06-03
service bulletin Electrical system:software, equipment:electrical:anti-theft devices
Back over prevention
4 documents
(2021-01-05 – 2023-03-23)
Date Type Component
2023-03-23
service bulletin Back over prevention, engine and engine cooling
2023-03-22
service bulletin Back over prevention
2022-03-01
service bulletin Back over prevention, vehicle speed control
2021-01-05
service bulletin Back over prevention, seat belts
Wheels
4 documents
(2020-07-31 – 2022-01-12)
Date Type Component
2022-01-12
service bulletin Wheels, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, tires
2021-05-27
service bulletin Wheels, tires
2020-10-22
service bulletin Wheels, trailer hitches
2020-07-31
service bulletin Wheels, trailer hitches
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
3 documents
(2021-05-07 – 2024-02-20)
Date Type Component
2024-02-20
service bulletin Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system), unknown or…
2022-12-07
service bulletin Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
2021-05-07
service bulletin Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system), electrical…
Back over prevention:software
3 documents
(2020-10-21 – 2023-07-10)
Date Type Component
2023-07-10
service bulletin Back over prevention:software
2021-01-20
service bulletin Back over prevention:software
2020-10-21
service bulletin Back over prevention:software
Power train
3 documents
(2021-07-06 – 2023-02-20)
Date Type Component
2023-02-20
service bulletin Power train
2021-10-05
service bulletin Power train, equipment, electrical system
2021-07-06
service bulletin Power train
Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/CD etc.
3 documents
(2022-05-27 – 2022-12-19)
Date Type Component
2022-12-19
service bulletin Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/CD etc.
2022-08-05
service bulletin Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/CD etc.
2022-05-27
service bulletin Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/CD etc.
Air bags
3 documents
(2021-03-04 – 2022-11-23)
Date Type Component
2022-11-23
service bulletin Air bags
2021-03-17
service bulletin Air bags
2021-03-04
service bulletin Air bags, fuel system, gasoline
Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery
3 documents
(2020-12-14 – 2022-03-08)
Date Type Component
2022-03-08
service bulletin Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery
2021-01-25
service bulletin Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery
2020-12-14
service bulletin Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery
Visibility
3 documents
(2020-04-09 – 2021-09-03)
Date Type Component
2021-09-03
service bulletin Visibility, lane departure
2020-12-09
service bulletin Visibility, suspension
2020-04-09
service bulletin Visibility, lane departure
Service brakes
2 documents
(2022-12-04 – 2024-02-15)
Date Type Component
2024-02-15
service bulletin Service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, engine and engine cooling:cooling…
2022-12-04
service bulletin Service brakes
Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system
2 documents
(2023-05-11 – 2023-08-21)
Date Type Component
2023-08-21
service bulletin Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system
2023-05-11
service bulletin Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system, electrical system
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (PCV)
2 documents
(2022-08-11 – 2022-08-29)
Date Type Component
2022-08-29
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (PCV)
2022-08-11
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (PCV)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor
2 documents
(2022-08-17 – 2022-08-23)
Date Type Component
2022-08-23
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor
2022-08-17
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
2 documents
(2020-10-21 – 2022-02-07)
Date Type Component
2022-02-07
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
2020-10-21
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Seats
2 documents
(2021-03-05 – 2022-02-01)
Date Type Component
2022-02-01
service bulletin Seats
2021-03-05
service bulletin Seats
Equipment adaptive/mobility
2 documents
(2020-10-09 – 2021-05-03)
Date Type Component
2021-05-03
service bulletin Equipment adaptive/mobility, electrical system, equipment
2020-10-09
service bulletin Equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender
1 document
(2024-03-11)
Date Type Component
2024-03-11
service bulletin Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
1 document
(2024-03-04)
Date Type Component
2024-03-04
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication, engine and engine cooling
Hybrid propulsion system
1 document
(2024-02-28)
Date Type Component
2024-02-28
service bulletin Hybrid propulsion system, engine and engine cooling
Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system:refrigerant hoses and fittings
1 document
(2023-08-21)
Date Type Component
2023-08-21
service bulletin Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system:refrigerant hoses and fittings
Vehicle speed control
1 document
(2023-08-17)
Date Type Component
2023-08-17
service bulletin Vehicle speed control, equipment, air bags
Structure:body:roof and pillars
1 document
(2023-04-05)
Date Type Component
2023-04-05
service bulletin Structure:body:roof and pillars, unknown or other, structure:critical fasteners
Lane departure
1 document
(2023-03-31)
Date Type Component
2023-03-31
service bulletin Lane departure, electrical system, equipment, parking brake
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
1 document
(2023-03-27)
Date Type Component
2023-03-27
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Electronic stability control:automatic (asc)
1 document
(2023-03-23)
Date Type Component
2023-03-23
service bulletin Electronic stability control:automatic (asc), suspension, back over prevention
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)
1 document
(2023-02-27)
Date Type Component
2023-02-27
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm), power train
Electrical system:propulsion system:hybrid management:power control unit/module (hpcu)
1 document
(2022-11-30)
Date Type Component
2022-11-30
service bulletin Electrical system:propulsion system:hybrid management:power control unit/module…
Seats:front assembly:power adjust
1 document
(2022-07-21)
Date Type Component
2022-07-21
service bulletin Seats:front assembly:power adjust, seats
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software
1 document
(2022-07-08)
Date Type Component
2022-07-08
service bulletin Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software
Electrical system:body control module/bcm
1 document
(2022-06-07)
Date Type Component
2022-06-07
service bulletin Electrical system:body control module/bcm, equipment
Communication:manufacturer telematics
1 document
(2022-05-13)
Date Type Component
2022-05-13
service bulletin Communication:manufacturer telematics
Steering:steering wheel /handle bar:yaw/angle sensor
1 document
(2022-03-15)
Date Type Component
2022-03-15
service bulletin Steering:steering wheel /handle bar:yaw/angle sensor, back over prevention, ele…
Electrical system:wiring
1 document
(2022-01-28)
Date Type Component
2022-01-28
service bulletin Electrical system:wiring
Electrical system:ADAS:driver monitoring:software
1 document
(2022-01-20)
Date Type Component
2022-01-20
service bulletin Electrical system:ADAS:driver monitoring:software, electrical system
Suspension
1 document
(2021-10-01)
Date Type Component
2021-10-01
service bulletin Suspension
Parking brake
1 document
(2021-09-02)
Date Type Component
2021-09-02
service bulletin Parking brake
Equipment:appliance:air conditioner
1 document
(2021-07-26)
Date Type Component
2021-07-26
service bulletin Equipment:appliance:air conditioner
Steering
1 document
(2021-03-22)
Date Type Component
2021-03-22
service bulletin Steering, back over prevention
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs:accesory power outlet/jack/port/USB/sae/cigarette lighter
1 document
(2020-11-19)
Date Type Component
2020-11-19
service bulletin Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs:accesory power outlet/jack/port/USB/s…
Communication
1 document
(2020-10-22)
Date Type Component
2020-10-22
service bulletin Communication, electrical system:software
190 communications on file, grouped into 51 categories.
Fuel economy
Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined
RAV4 Hybrid AWD Hybrid
2.5L 4cyl
Automatic (AV-S6)
All-Wheel Drive
41
38
40
RAV4 Prime 4WD Hybrid
2.5L 4cyl
Automatic (AV-S6)
All-Wheel Drive
40
36
38
RAV4
2.5L 4cyl
Automatic (S8)
Front-Wheel Drive
27
35
30
RAV4
2.5L 4cyl
Automatic (S8)
Front-Wheel Drive
28
35
30
RAV4 AWD LE
2.5L 4cyl
Automatic (S8)
All-Wheel Drive
27
34
30
RAV4 AWD
2.5L 4cyl
Automatic (S8)
All-Wheel Drive
27
33
29
RAV4 AWD
2.5L 4cyl
Automatic (S8)
All-Wheel Drive
25
33
28
RAV4 AWD TRD OFFROAD
2.5L 4cyl
Automatic (S8)
All-Wheel Drive
25
32
28
Fuel cost calculator
Safety ratings
Configuration Overall Frontal Side Rollover
2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD
★★★★★ 5/5
4/5
5/5
4/5
2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD
★★★★★ 5/5
4/5
5/5
4/5