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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

    EPA MPG: 40 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2021 RAV4 Hybrid is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "My 12 not batter died in February 2025. My car sat for two weeks in the cold weather and would not start afterwards. I had the battery tested and it needed replacing."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "After a few days of not being used the 12V battery was dead and car was inoperable."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Body control module

    "Moon roof would not close intermittently for a week. Repaired today"

    Anonymous A., NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Keyless entry

    "Remote app kept locking or unlocking the car randomly. Problem was after market alarm that dealer didnt Natalies with no option for buyer. Dealer reinstalled the system under warranty and no further problems to report."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electrical system problem

    ""I kept receiving a "communication module activation failure" announcement upon starting the car. This required disconnecting the battery to reset. Also, the charging pad in the dash needed to be replaced and still does not work well.""

    Anonymous, DE (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    USB port

    "The USB Port had to be replaced as it was not allowing the phone to connect to CarPlay."

    Anonymous A., FL (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Hybrid LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack malfunction (didn't need replacement)

    "Had the HV cable replaced due to corroded connection"

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    "All of the warning system lights on the dash went off and a few days later the car would not start and all of the dashboard screens went blank. I had to have the car towed 50 miles to the dealer and they the hybrid harness had to be replaced and they will keep it for 3 to 4 weeks or until the harness arrives. They gave us a fully cost covered loaner car and and they said the repairs will be covered under warrantee. We also have a service contract on the vehicle that is in force through 12/30/26."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""The design has no way of preventing mice from entering the battery compartment. They chewed the wires that have soy in them and got into the passenger cabin and everywhere else. It was at the dealer for a full month waiting for parts, in particular one of the hybrid batteries.""

    Anonymous A., VA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""The standard battery needed to be replaced. It is used to start the vehicle, and it costs a couple of hundred dollars.""

    Anonymous, ON (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electric/hybrid battery problem

    "The high voltage cable corroded where it connects to the rear drive motor and had to be replaced. There is a l9ng wait for parts and this is an entire day-long job. Toyota covered the cost even though that part of the warranty was expired."

    Anonymous, MI (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Primarily in areas that utilize salt on roads during inclement weather, the high voltage cable that delivers power to the rear motor corroded. The car was compromised and was driven to the local dealer where it stayed for five weeks! Parts were in demand all through the northeast US. To Toyotas credit, they paid for the entire repair and a loaner vehicle when a vehicle was finally available."

    Anonymous A., NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Android Auto

    "Car frequently fails to load Android Auto and / or generates "USB Error" when trying to connect."

    Anonymous A., MO (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Apple CarPlay

    "Since getting my car 1.5 months ago, Apple CarPlay has been giving me ongoing issues where it disconnects out of the blue, which is quite problematic when I rely heavily on google maps for directions and has rendered the CarPlay feature unreliable and unusable for daily, high traffic. In some instances the entire display resets as a result of the disconnection. I briught this problem up to my dealership 5 days after buying the vehicle and they did nothing to truly diagnose it and told me the problem was most likely with the cords or my phone, which were brand new and the same years ad the car, respectively. After further investigation this is a common issue many iPhone users are experiencing with multiple newer Toyota vehicles, despite the the phone models or cords used. Ive experiences with is problem with multiple friends phones as well, which further supports that this is a RAV/Toyota software issue that continues to not be addressed in software updates. Overlap Im very disappointed in buying such a new car that wont serve this simple function that I value and rely on so heavily."

    Anonymous, BC (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "For over 3 months WiFi services connected but did not provide internet connectivity."

    Anonymous, NC (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Plug to connect phone and use map services shorted out"

    Anonymous, CO (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Air bag recall..air bag passenger seat sensor recall. These were serious because NHTSA advised not to use front passenger seat making the vehicle less useful"

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "had to replace 12volt battery"

    Anonymous A., CA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Radiator grill shutter"

    Anonymous A., CT (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Airbag deployment system recall that took over a year to fix. No offer of loaner. The car was not safe to drive!"

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "The driver's side passenger door collects water and it pours out when the door is opened."

    Anonymous, MA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Rear doors take on water from when at all rain fall events driving and standing"

    Anonymous, 99 (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "rattling noise in dashboard under screen"

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The air vent and window vibration started one year after purchasing"

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Doors or sliding doors

    "Rear doors seals in winter with sand on the road the gasket poor design"

    Anonymous, ON (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Seat belts

    "recall for passenger side air bag dispenser sensor"

    Anonymous, VA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Seat controls - power

    "seat no longer travels the entire range. Mechanic says a new seat transmission needed. Cost prohibitive."

    Anonymous, AZ (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Exterior trim fade out mostly at rear bumper"

    Anonymous, ON (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "Loose trim on front driver's seat"

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""Drivers sun visor rattles. It happens every week or two. It was repaired under warranty, but the issue still persists.""

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Bought car a year ago and discovered existing oil leak. Had it fixed 6 months ago."

    Anonymous, WA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    ""At 20,000 miles, needed front brake pads and rotors. Toyota did not pay for any of this cost. I have never needed new brakes within the first 20K of owning a vehicle""

    Anonymous, VT (2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2021 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Electric Motor
    EV Battery
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Suspension/Steering
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Dec 20, 2023
    An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V865000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 999901
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