Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Toyota RAV4, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags125
- Unknown or other75
- Electrical system47
- Engine41
- Power train22
- Steering21
- Structure21
- Fuel/propulsion system21
- Service brakes20
- Visibility/wiper19
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 49 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 142 2021 RAV4 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 55 people died inside them, and 12 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Toyota RAV4 failed the safety check 1.00% of the time — 6% more often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 28,075 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2021
92,382 new Toyota RAV4 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021; the largest markets were Poland (10,991), France (10,615), Spain (9,434).
- Average mass
- 1,757 kg
- Average CO₂
- 107 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 132 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 77% · Petrol/electric 23%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
11,611 Toyota RAV4 cars first registered in Europe in 2021 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Petrol hybrid versions use 6.3 l/100 km on the road against 5.7 in the WLTP test (+11%).
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 786 | 7.9 | 7.1 | +10% |
| Petrol hybrid | 7,591 | 6.3 | 5.7 | +11% |
| Plug-in hybrid | 3,234 | 3.9 | 1.0 | +306% |
Litres per 100 km from the cars' own fuel meters (OBFCM), collected in 2024; the year is the year of first registration. All years together · European Environment Agency · CC BY 4.0
Engines
The most common engines in 2021 Toyota RAV4 cars on Dutch roads are the 2.5 hybrid (131 kW, 176 hp), 2.5 hybrid (136 kW, 182 hp) and 2.0 petrol (129 kW, 173 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 hybrid | 131 kW 176 hp | 2,899 |
| 2.5 hybrid | 136 kW 182 hp | 814 |
| 2.0 petrol | 129 kW 173 hp | 200 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
3,929 first registered in 2021 are on Dutch roads; 59% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €51,060.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde596
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht289
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld147
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm110
- Band onvoldoende profiel107
- Band beschadigd81
- Waarschuwingsinrichting controlesysteem bandenspanning geeft29
- Bandenspanning op 1 as niet gelijk26
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
11,800 cars built in 2021 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 93 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 553 of these cars first registered in 2021 took their annual MOT test. 95% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2021 the figure was 91%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 2.2% | 3.3% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 1.6% | 2.9% |
| Visibility | 0.9% | 1.6% |
| Brakes | 0.2% | 1.3% |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.2% | 0.1% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
3,828 of these cars first registered in 2021 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 82,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
6,459 2021 cars are on the New Zealand register; 5% arrived as used imports, 94% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 15.5 % |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 15.9 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 6 variants: combined 7.7–8.5 L/100 km (about 28–31 mpg US), CO₂ 180–200 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 (Stop/Start) · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 8.5 | 6.8 | 7.7 |
| RAV4 · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 8.8 | 6.8 | 7.9 |
| RAV4 AWD LE · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 8.7 | 6.9 | 7.9 |
| RAV4 AWD (Stop/Start) · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 8.8 | 7.1 | 8.0 |
| RAV4 AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.4 | 7.1 | 8.4 |
| RAV4 AWD TRD Off-Road · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.5 | 7.4 | 8.5 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4.
| 2023684 20 Dec 2023 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor for the occupant classification system (OCS) may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the sensor could short… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Toyota told its dealers about the 2021 Toyota RAV4: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010357 | Customers may experience a MIL ON, or an intermittent MIL ON condition, accompanied by DTC P140018, Exhaust Gas Recirculation "A" Control Circuit 2 Circuit Current Below Threshold |
| 11010071 | Customers may experience a MIL ON, or an intermittent MIL ON condition, accompanied by DTC P140018, Exhaust Gas Recirculation "A" Control Circuit 2 Circuit Current Below Threshold |
| 11007455 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11007445 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11007444 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11007443 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11006161 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11006151 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11006150 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11006149 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11005155 | Some 2021 model year Avalon, 2020 2022 model year Camry, and 2019 2022 model year RAV4 vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS engine may exhibit reduced engine power and/or a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following throttle body Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present in freezing temperatures: P01201C: Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch A Circuit Voltage Out of Range. P210015: Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Short to Battery or Open. P210019: Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Current Above Threshold. P211172: Throttle Actuator A Control System Actuator Stu |
| 11005153 | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. |
| 11005149 | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. |
| 11005122 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11005119 | This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 2025 model year Toyota vehicles. |
| 11005115 | Toyota plans to conduct Safety Recall and Service Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed |
| 11005114 | Safety Recall and Service Campaign completion is an important part of our commitment to customer satisfaction of Toyota products. Toyota will be conducting follow-up notifications to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed in the campaigns listed |
| 11005064 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11005061 | This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 2025 model year Toyota vehicles. |
| 11005057 | Toyota plans to conduct Safety Recall and Service Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed |
| 11005056 | Safety Recall and Service Campaign completion is an important part of our commitment to customer satisfaction of Toyota products. Toyota will be conducting follow-up notifications to remind owners whose vehicles have not yet had Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed in the campaigns listed |
| 11003649 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11003647 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. PD017-04. The entire bulletin has been updated. |
| 11003644 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11003619 | Customers have expressed concerns about the performance of Qi Wireless Chargers. Wireless chargers on applicable vehicles are designed to work with Qi Certified devices only. MagSafe devices, that are not Qi Certified, may not charge as expected with Qi Wireless Chargers. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)