CarModelProblems.com

2021 Toyota RAV4 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Air Bags — runs 3.9× the fleet median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
375Complaints
1Recalls
46Crashes
7Fires
49Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Air Bags (33.3% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Air Bags complaints here are 3.9× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.

1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Air Bags125 · 33.3%RecalledRecall 23V865000
Electrical System44 · 11.7%No official action
Engine36 · 9.6%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System21 · 5.6%No official action
Service Brakes20 · 5.3%No official action
Visibility/wiper19 · 5.1%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

AIR BAGS125 · 33.3%
Unspecified / other70 · 18.7%
ENGINE36 · 9.6%
SERVICE BRAKES20 · 5.3%
VISIBILITY/WIPER19 · 5.1%
POWER TRAIN18 · 4.8%
STEERING18 · 4.8%
SEATS16 · 4.3%

Percentages are the share of the 375 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 1 campaign

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 2023 · reported 12/20/2023

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“I was involved with an accident in May 21, 2022. The front body parts were almost destroyed (please refers to the attached photo), but the…”NHTSA complaint 11466878 — filed 05/31/2022 · AIR BAGS

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

6202054202167202271202310120241502025572026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 125 of 375 NHTSA complaints (33.3%), followed by unspecified/other issues (70), electrical system (44), engine (36). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?

375 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 46 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 49 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?

Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 23V865000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Toyota RAV4's reported problems?

1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.