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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota RAV4 Prime

    EPA Range: 42 miles
    EPA MPG: 38 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

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

    The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime has been recalled 4 times 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 Prime owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Cable running under Chassis smoked. Vehicle was towed to dealer as i was worried about fire. All work was done under an existing campaign. No damage to the vehicle. All work was covered by Toyota."

    Anonymous, MA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "The underfoot automatic trunk door opener rarely works."

    Anonymous, DE (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    ""Two years after we bought the 2021 RAV4 Prime premium edition we noticed a problem with the Electric Charge port door. The charge port door hinge mechanism was loose and broken allowing the door to flop around while open and made contact with the rear quarter panel. They replaced the defective hinge assembly. Fast forward two years and the same component has failed again. I took the vehicle back to the dealership to get the new failed hinge replaced, and was told multiple times that it would be replaced under warranty, three times over theee visits. On the day I took the vehicle in for the repairs I was told that the hinges were not covered under warranty as the are a body part. I am a retired master technician, and asked the pertinent questions about the part that was to be replaced. That question was whether or not the failed part was ever updated to eliminate a recurring failure, and I was told that Toyota motor company has not updated the part. By not doing so Toyota is using a known part that will fail consistently in 2-3 year intervals. The price the wanted to replace the part was more that $1500.00. My background as a master technician along with my demands to talk to the service manager, about the situation, had the service manager offering to discount the labor cost by a few hundred dollars, leaving the bill at $900.00. Toyota motor corporation is fleecing their customers by not correcting this issue by redesigning the known failing components. This situation should be investigated, and result in. Class action lawsuit be filed against Toyota for negligence in the handling of knowledge of known defective components, and continued use of them as a recurring profit making scheme.""

    Anonymous, OR (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "Driver Seat heater replaced"

    Anonymous A., NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    "At certain highway speeds there is a marked vibration and noise"

    Anonymous, ME (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "The design of the sunroof is such that it rattles like it is not secured. Toyota techs at three dealerships have confirmed it is the way it was designed. No leaks, just noise."

    Anonymous, NC (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    Other climate system problem

    ""The aluminum radiator for the cooling system was punctured by a rock kicked up in front of the car while driving. Since it sits in front of the engine radiator behind large grille openings, its unprotected from road debris. This seems like an obvious design flaw, but it isnt covered by the warranty and cost $2100 to replace at the dealership.""

    Anonymous A., OR (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "A part came loose Easy fix"

    Anonymous A., OH (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    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

    ""The car was left plugged in to charge for 3 months without use. The 12-volt battery had no charge at the end of that time and needed a jumper charge. I purchased a trickle charger to use in the future if this happens again, so I don't need a tow truck to jumper the car.""

    Anonymous A., VA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    EV Charging

    Won't charge at home; won't work with some public chargers; won't fully charge; charge connection; charge port door.

    What Owners Say

    Other electric/hybrid charging problem

    ""As I said, I received a recall from Toyota regarding the DC to DC converter (they said it might cause a fire). It took Toyota about 5 months until a fix was available. When available the converter was replaced with an upgraded component. I neaver had any issues with the device.""

    Anonymous, GA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Spark plugs or wires failure

    "Loss of power twice in winter from engine.Toyota did investigate and was suspecting spark cables or ignition coil.Problem did not occur afterwards."

    Anonymous, QC (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in 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

    Fuel door or charge port door

    "Charge port door has come a bit loose and is hard to shut / opens during a car wash."

    Anonymous A., FL (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Radio

    ""Radio kept going silent, took a software reload to fix it...""

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Squeaking

    "Brake were rusted so squeaking"

    Anonymous, QC (2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE 2.5-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    Engine Minor

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

    Paint/Trim

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

    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.

    Transmission Major

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

    EV Battery

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

    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.

    Engine Cooling

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

    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.

    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.

    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
    EV Charging
    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
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Jul 12, 2023
    A short circuit can cause the DC-DC converter to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The electric current rectifying module contained within the DC-DC converter may have been damaged during production, which can result in an electrical short-circuit.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Dealers will replace the DC-DC converter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB07/23LB01.
    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: 23V478000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 43442
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Feb 02, 2023
    An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During certain cold weather driving conditions, while driving in EV Mode, the hybrid vehicle control engine control unit (HEV ECU) software may cause the hybrid system to shut down if the accelerator is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle, resulting in a stall.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will update the HEV ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA01.
    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: 23V041000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 16679
    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
    Apr 13, 2022
    Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
    What should you do:
    Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
    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: 22V239000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 458110
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Nov 12, 2020
    Adjusting the horizontal headlight beam can increase glare, reducing the visibility of an oncoming driver or the vehicle operator, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles. The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    What should you do:
    Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will close the aiming caps on the headlights, free of charge. The recall began January 6, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA15.
    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.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V698000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 413
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