NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 389 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Most complaints involve air bags (125) and electrical system (47). The EPA rates it 28–30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each RAV4 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 57 |
| 1998 | 85 |
| 1999 | 63 |
| 2000 | 40 |
| 2001 | 314 |
| 2002 | 555 |
| 2003 | 327 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1,003 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 266 |
| 2013 | 261 |
| 2014 | 207 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 333 |
| 2019 | 884 |
| 2020 | 639 |
| 2021 | 389 |
| 2022 | 149 |
| 2023 | 164 |
| 2024 | 176 |
| 2025 | 94 |
“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. For several years I was told it was only being done in certain states and that New Mexico would be last on list due to climate. Probably six months ago the message changed from Toyota and it was now ok in every state. Only problem is still no parts according to dealer. Last contact was on June 2, 2026 with the second dealer to order part. No call back and no contact. First effort was in Santa Fe NM where car was purchased new in 2021at Toyota dealer. Last effort over a month ago was at Albuquerque Larry Miller Toyota. So safety recall for faulty air bag sensor on my wife's side of car has been in place about 900 days without parts to fix a potentially deadly problem. VERY DANGEROUS”
“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”
“2021 Toyota RAV4 gas XXX Vehicle suddenly stopped while driving Busy roadway in [XXX] Wife and young children were passengers Dashboard displayed “ENGINE STOPPED” Dashboard displayed “STEERING POWER LOW” Police responded Police determined waiting for the insurance tow was unsafe Police arranged emergency towing Vehicle subsequently inspected by Beaver Toyota Dealer drove approximately 26 miles attempting to reproduce the issue No fault code/history found Problem could not be reproduced You remain concerned about a potentially recurring safety defect”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| RAV4 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 290 |
| RAV4 AWD LE Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| RAV4 AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 33 | 29 | $2,200 | 301 |
| RAV4 AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI & PFI · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,300 | 316 |
| RAV4 AWD TRD OFFROAD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 323 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 389 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (125), electrical system (47), engine (41). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota RAV4 at 28–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Toyota RAV4 5 out of 5 stars overall.