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Toyota RAV4

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

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

Reliability

Overall Reliability

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

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 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 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

"Driver's door needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to turn off the child lock for the back doors."

Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""Bad battery was replaced March 05, 2025""

Anonymous, TX (2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Window washer mechanism broken"

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

"I only have one 2021 Toyota RAV4. Used to have a 2020 RAV4 & a 2015 Avalon. Traded both for 2021 RAV4."

Anonymous, AZ (2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Seat belt alarm and air bag recall"

Anonymous, LA (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"drivers window motor needed to be replaced"

Anonymous, WI (2021 Toyota RAV4 Adventure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Parking brake

"Electrical parking brake motor operates intermittently"

Anonymous, AB (2021 Toyota RAV4 Adventure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Premature brake wear

"Car was not used for about two and a half months and brakes deteriorated while sitting. First driven the rear brakes made terrible noise, loud squeaking a rumble and a clunk. Had to get complete brake overhaul, 1100.00 dollars."

Anonymous, MD (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Had to replace all brakes and rotors at 40000 miles"

Anonymous A., MI (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"It was all part of the same brake problem."

Anonymous, MD (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Had to replace all rotors at 40000 miles"

Anonymous A., MI (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

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

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Dash area has always made rattling noise and creaks."

Anonymous A., FL (2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Just the wind noise and the brakes make squealing noise when backing up."

Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"A rattle noise from the area of the left side air vent. It only occurs on certain roads and certain speeds. If the road is smooth there is no rattle generated. It sounds like a plastic on plastic rattle. I have not taken it to the shop to investigate bc Im afraid that taking the dash apart would only move the problem to another area. I feel its an overall design issue and manufacture should install dampers on the dash components going forward. YouTube reports this as a common issue."

Anonymous A., TX (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

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

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

""Connecting to phone, gps issues""

Anonymous, NY (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

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.

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

""Engine began running rough, got an engine light, and ran diagnostics. Diagnostics recommended number three injector cone replacement. Dealer diagnostics confirmed confirmed number Number three cylinder cone, shop mechanic informed fuel injector and cone replacement required. Big job - 2 days work, $2000.""

Anonymous, OH (2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

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

"Road wind noise"

Anonymous, RI (2021 Toyota RAV4 LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint is chipping off down to the metal in door jams and jam areas of the hood and tailgate."

Anonymous A., FL (2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

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

""When blower is turned on, a buzzing noise similar to that of a an old fashion CRT computer monitor is present. Dealership had entire AC system replaced, issue still present. Have to turn on radio loudly to drown out this noise.""

Anonymous, TX (2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

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 Major

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

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.

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.

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.

Transmission Minor

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

Engine Minor

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

Engine Cooling

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

Transmission Major

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

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
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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