The Lemon Index2021 Toyota RAV4.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is better than average by owner complaints: 319 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 80, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 28 to 40 mpg combined. The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2019–2025 Toyota RAV4, 45.9M views. The 2021 is the same RAV4.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical1.4M views
2019 - 2023 Toyota RAV4 Key Fob Battery Replacement - EASY DIYKey Fob Rob · 864K views · 4 videos - Oil changes & service848K views
Oil Change on 2019-2025 Toyota RAV4 plus a few extra tips you should know!Throttle-On John · 430K views · 3 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring445K views
Quick & Easy - Reset Toyota RAV4 Maintenance Required Oil Light (2019 - 2024)Blu-TSX · 445K views - Brakes & ABS419K views
Toyota RAV4 (2019-2025): How To Replace Front Brake Pads And Rotors In The Gen 5 Toyota RAV4?Morozov Automotive · 252K views · 2 videos
Show 3 more
- Windows, doors & mirrors397K views
Toyota RAV4 (2019-2025): How To Open Gas / Fuel Tank Door?Morozov Automotive · 250K views · 2 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door341K views
Toyota RAV4 (2019-2025): Cabin Air Filter Replacement. Easy DIY!Morozov Automotive · 341K views - Fuel pump, filter & tank285K views
Toyota RAV4 (2019-2025): How To Unlock Stuck Gas Tank Door?Morozov Automotive · 285K views
Before you buy, watch
Should you buy the latest Toyota RAV4 2019-2021?The Car Care Nut · 1.0M views
5 Most Common Problems of the Toyota Rav4 2019-2025Carnivauto · 434K views
Toyota RAV4 SUV 2020 in-depth review - CarbuyerCarbuyer · 298K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 508 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 44K miles on the car (82 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 12K–44K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2023
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- electrical 2023
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.
- electrical 2023
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 t…
Show all 5 recalls
- stability control 2022
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.
- lights 2020
The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 287 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and…
- Some 2020 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota RAV4 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota RAV4 HYBRID SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1600–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The manufacturer has not corrected the recall in 10 months
2021 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 11584962
More owner reports
-Rear passenger door lock actuator fails -Safety risk of door not automatically locking when driving -Problem has been reproduced because it has occurred more than once -No inspection has taken place -No warning lamps or messages
NHTSA complaint 11502993
Airbags deployed without collision. Car went slightly off road, after attempted correction to get back onto the road the curtain airbags deployed.
NHTSA complaint 11531296
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 80; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (21%), electrical (20%) and fuel or ev drive system (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 get?
28 to 40 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,700 and 44,000 miles. The middle report was at 16,000 miles, from 82 complaints.
Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $1600 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2022 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works