Vehicle report

2021 Toyota RAV4

Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.

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2021 Toyota RAV4
1 Total recalls
Dec 20, 2023 Latest recall date
368 Complaint reports
$1,794 Estimated fuel cost
Quick answer: The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has 1 official recall and 368 consumer complaints in our database. The latest recall date is Dec 20, 2023. The most common complaint categories include air bags, unknown or other, structure. Estimated annual fuel cost is $1,794 based on the current calculator assumptions.

Buyer interpretation

What this record means before you buy

The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.

Recall homework

There is 1 official recall listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.

Owner complaint pattern

Owner complaints most often mention air bags, unknown or other, structure. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.

Service bulletin signal

304 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.

Ownership-cost check

The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2021 Toyota RAV4?
  • Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
  • Have you noticed any issues related to air bags, unknown or other, structure?
  • Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist

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2021 Toyota RAV4 Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings

Official safety ratings were found for 2 tested variants of the 2021 Toyota RAV4.

Overall 5/5 stars
Frontal crash 4/5 stars
Side crash 5/5 stars
Rollover 4/5 stars

Displayed variant: 2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD ; rollover risk 15.9%

Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain, or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless the official record says so.
Variant Overall Front Side Rollover
2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD Default 5/5 stars 4/5 stars 5/5 stars 4/5 stars
2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD 5/5 stars 4/5 stars 5/5 stars 4/5 stars

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?

Verify with official VIN lookup

1 official recall on record for the 2021 Toyota RAV4. 6 matched quarterly completion reports are available.

Latest recall: December 20, 2023

Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the manufacturer, or an authorized dealer. Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
Campaign Component Summary Consequence Remedy Date Completion
23V865000 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION 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. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03. Dec 2023 2026-1
487,741 remedied / 999,901 involved (48.8%)

Are there federal defect investigations for the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Official records show 2 federal defect investigations matched to the 2021 Toyota RAV4.

0 open 2 closed
Investigations are not recalls. They show official defect reviews and may close without a recall, or may reference a related campaign when one exists.
Action Status Component Subject Opened Related recall
DP22005 Closed ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition. 		Jan 2023
Closed Aug 2023 		22V063000
DP22005 Closed ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition. 		Jan 2023
Closed Aug 2023 		22V063000

Are there manufacturer notices for the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Official records show 304 manufacturer communications on record for the 2021 Toyota RAV4.

10 warranty 6 service campaigns 0 software/OTA

Common components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (82), ENGINE (38), EQUIPMENT (36), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (30), STRUCTURE:BODY (24)

Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions, software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
Date Type Component Summary ID / document
Apr 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ENGINE Some customers may experience a rough running engine with a MIL ON P140018 DTC. Upon further inspection, a loose C90/C27 connector pin at the EGR valve may be found. To correct this concern, please reference the repair section of this TSB. 11032467
T-SB-0023-26
Feb 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ENGINE OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete. 11029896
T-SB-0104-21 Rev2
Jan 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26. 11028726
T-SB-0106-22 Rev2
Jan 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software. 11028722
T-SB-0001-26
Jan 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Some RAV4 vehicles power seat where the automatic seat adjustment by the memory function does not work. 11028713
T-TT-0797-26
Jan 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions UNKNOWN OR OTHER Some 2005 – 2026 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 guidelines. 11028712
T-SB-0055-24 Rev2
Jan 2026 Warranty Program/Extension ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing extended coverage under this Customer Support Program for repairs related to excessive corrosion to the wire harness connections at the Rear Motor Generator. Excessive corrosion can cause AM Radio Static during certain drive cycles, or the vehicle may not start. 11028711
22TE09
Dec 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ENGINE Some 2021 – 2025 model year RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and RAV4 Prime vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P019064 (Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor “A” Signal Plausibility Failure) present. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified to address this condition. 11027554
T-SB-0089-25
Sep 2025 Service Campaign ELECTRICAL SYSTEM The subject vehicles are equipped with a rear motor unit and an HV Floor Under Wire that provide high voltage to operate the motor. Mud, water, or road salt could potentially enter the HV Floor Underwire connector housing and could cause corrosion over time. Excessive corrosion could cause AM Radio Static during certain driving cycles, or the vehicle may not start. 11024098
25TD01
Sep 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 25TD01 REAR TRACTION MOTOR CABLE CORROSION CERTAIN 2019 - 2024 RAV4 HV (AWD), 2021- 2024 RAV4 PRIME, 2020-2024 HIGHLANDER HV (AWD), 2021-2024 VENZA HV, 2023-2024 CROWN HV VEHICLES 11024097
25TD01

What are the most common 2021 Toyota RAV4 complaints?

368 total complaints on record

How much does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel?

Estimated annual cost $1,794 $150/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 30.1 MPG
Energy used 399 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal

Assumptions: 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)

296 g/mi CO2Fuel score 6/10Smog 6/10

Model-year comparison

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022