Problems · by component

2021 Toyota RAV4 electrical system problems

47 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 cite electrical system, 12% of all 389 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
47
12% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11762309
“2021 Toyota RAV4 (gas model) has experienced a sudden, unexpected engine stall/shutdown on a public road. The incident occurred while shifting into Drive after backing up in reverse. The engine immediately died without any prior dashboard warning lights or mechanical symptoms. The information screen displayed a message stating "Put Car in Park" or "Shift into Park." The vehicle safely restarted immediately after shifting back into Park and pressing the ignition button. This intermittent stall has happened three times under the exact same directional shifting conditions over the last 1.5 years, creating a high-risk scenario for a rear-end collision in active traffic. After previous incident (one year ago) when the engine stopped when shifting from reverse to drive, I took it to Toyota service. Dealership diagnostics could not previously replicate the issue due to its intermittent nature and the absence of a permanent check engine code. checked battery and performed health check.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11757462
“Car makes a whining noise Toyota Pinellas park said it was normal but the transmission is jolting/slipping not accelerating vs the first test drive. Both cv axles were bad tires were bald when sold to me tps sensors were bad. Had to get a new set of tires and paid the Toyota for work on the vehicle”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2026Power train, Electrical system, WheelsODI 11737608
“Upon taking my 2021 Rav4 Hybrid in for the rear traction motor cable corrosion recall (25TD01) on 5/7/2026, I was told there are no parts, no estimated arrival time, and therefore not even a rough estimate for a timeframe of repair. I was told that no one would inspect or evaluate the part in question to indicate if the car was safe to drive. I expressed my extreme concern given the recall includes risk of power failure, even while driving. I received inconsistent, avoidant answers and an absolute denial to remedy the situation in any way. I was told the dealership is "Dolan" and not "Toyota". I again expressed my concerns about safety and the dealerships' denial to, at minimum inspect the recalled part and/or housing of the part. Emily, the Service manager stated that Toyota does not "allow" loaner vehicles for this particular recall. She could not provide any sources for this information. To summarize; the dealer with not provide an inspection of the recalled part and/or housing, or give an estimated timeline for repair given I am #125 on a waitlist. There is a complete lack of regard for mine or my children's safety as the dealer will not provide any…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11736428
“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 rear-wheel propulsion significantly reduces traction and stability, particularly in snow, ice, and wet conditions. Drivers may believe the vehicle still has AWD capability when in fact the rear drive system is compromised. In addition, the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control system repeatedly turned off unexpectedly while driving and displayed “unavailable” warnings. These malfunctions occurred alongside the electrical issues related to the rear traction motor cable corrosion, suggesting the defect may affect multiple vehicle systems. Toyota has acknowledged this defect through Service Campaign 25TD01 but has not issued a safety recall. Given the potential for loss of propulsion and malfunction of driver-assistance systems, this issue should be investigated as a safety defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11723795
“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 will no longer lock or unlock electronically using the key fob or interior power lock button and must be locked manually. When attempting to lock the vehicle, the vehicle emits a warning beep indicating a door is unsecured, even though some doors appear locked. Upon inspection, the rear passenger door was found unlocked. This issue appears to be progressive, affecting multiple doors. Doors may appear locked when they are not, creating a security concern.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2026Electrical system, StructureODI 11717435

Showing 6 of 47 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2021 RAV4 problem areas