Owners have reported 55 crashes, 7 fires and 51 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota RAV4. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints137
AIR BAGS
Owners report that the 2021 Toyota RAV4 frequently experiences issues with the airbag system, particularly related to a recall for the passenger airbag sensor, which remains unresolved due to unavailable repair parts. Complaints frequently mention that the recall notice was issued in December 2023, but as of 2025, no remedy has been provided, causing owners to avoid using the front passenger seat. Some reports describe the airbag failing to deploy during crashes, with one incident involving a high-speed collision where the airbags did not activate, resulting in injuries. The lack of available parts for the recall repair is a common frustration, with owners noting the prolonged delay in addressing this safety defect. These issues are often reported without specific mileage details, but the timeline suggests a persistent problem over several years.
Severity signals: 29 crash, 1 fire, 32 injury reports
Owner complaints69
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the sunroof or moonroof shattering unexpectedly, often describing the sound as resembling a gunshot and noting that the glass can fall into the cabin if the interior panel is open. These incidents typically occur while driving at highway speeds, with no apparent external impact, and have been reported at various mileages. Additionally, some complaints highlight problems with the vehicle's air conditioning system, including condenser damage from road debris, leading to loss of cooling and potential visibility issues due to window fogging. Safety concerns are noted in several reports, including one crash involving unintended acceleration, which resulted in minor injuries. These patterns provide useful context for potential buyers regarding the reliability and safety considerations of this model.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints68
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2021 Toyota RAV4, including hybrid system malfunctions and steering power loss. Complaints frequently mention warning messages like "Voltage Abnormality Steering Power Low" and "Hybrid System Malfunction," often accompanied by vehicle stalling or complete loss of power, especially during stop-and-go traffic. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, but some reports involve vehicles with around 30,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with five reports involving fires and five involving crashes, some with injuries. These issues, along with reports of electrical component corrosion and battery discharge, suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 5 crash, 5 fire, 5 injury reports
Owner complaints22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report that the 2021 Toyota RAV4 frequently experiences issues with the fuel tank not filling to its advertised 14.5-gallon capacity, with many noting it only accepts around 10-11 gallons even when the low fuel warning is active. This discrepancy affects the vehicle's expected driving range, often reducing it from the advertised 550-600 miles to approximately 400 miles. Complaints also commonly mention inaccurate fuel gauge readings and drive-to-empty estimations, which do not align with actual fuel levels, leading to concerns about running out of fuel unexpectedly. While no crashes or fires are directly reported, the potential for unexpected fuel depletion poses a safety risk. These issues often appear early, with some owners noticing them immediately after purchase.
Owner complaints21
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the braking system, with several describing unexpected brake failures where the pedal travels to the floor without stopping the vehicle. Some complaints involve the brakes disengaging momentarily when driving over bumps or rough pavement, leading to a perceived loss of control. There are also instances where the automatic emergency braking or collision warning systems activate unexpectedly, causing abrupt stops. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 4,000 miles and others at higher mileage such as 60,000 miles. Four complaints involve crashes, highlighting the potential safety implications of these braking problems. Buyers considering a used 2021 RAV4 should be aware of these reported brake-related concerns.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints19
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues related to power steering and lane assistance systems. Complaints commonly describe a "Voltage Abnormality, Power Steering Low" warning, often occurring during stops or when the automatic stop/start feature is engaged, leading to temporary loss of steering control. Additionally, multiple owners experience erratic behavior from the lane keeping assist system, which can cause the vehicle to veer unexpectedly, sometimes resulting in crashes. These issues often become apparent around 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and one injury due to steering-related failures, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints15
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with water ingress, particularly in the doors, leading to concerns about corrosion and electrical failures. Complaints also highlight problems with the vehicle's glass components, including spontaneous shattering of windows and the sunroof without prior impact, which has resulted in injuries and poses a safety risk. Additionally, some owners describe issues with the rear hatch and liftgate, such as misalignment and abnormal sounds, which can affect vehicle usability. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some appearing as early as 3,900 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these structural concerns and the associated safety implications.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints14
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues related to the power train, with common complaints involving unexpected vehicle acceleration or deceleration, gear shifting problems, and unusual noises. Some owners describe the vehicle lunging forward unexpectedly, both when parking and during low-speed maneuvers, while others experience hesitation or stumbling during acceleration. Multiple reports also mention gear shifters disengaging unexpectedly, and abnormal sounds when shifting gears. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 2,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including two incidents where vehicles rolled or lunged unexpectedly, resulting in crashes. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for unexpected vehicle behavior.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints14
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the coolant bypass valve, often experiencing dashboard messages like "Engine Maintenance Required" and check engine lights, typically around 35,000 to 59,000 miles. Complaints also describe engine overheating due to radiator and engine block problems, with some instances of radiator cracks and coolant leaks. Additionally, a few owners mention abnormal engine noises and unintended acceleration incidents, although these are less common. Safety implications include potential overheating and unintended vehicle movement, which could pose risks during operation. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be attentive to these specific engine concerns when considering this model.
Owner complaints8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 report issues related to unintended acceleration and brake system failures. Complaints frequently mention incidents where the vehicle suddenly accelerates without input from the driver, often while attempting to brake or when the brake-hold feature is engaged, with some reports occurring at speeds as low as 65 mph and as high as at a standstill. These issues have resulted in four reported crashes, with seven injuries, and typically occur at mileage as low as 13,322 miles. Symptoms include the vehicle accelerating despite brake application, loss of brake function indicated by warning lights, and unexpected vehicle movement when using cruise control. These reports suggest significant safety implications, including loss of control and collisions.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 7 injury reports
