2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 40 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl · hybrid AWD · 41 city / 38 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The part named most often is air bags, with 17 complaints (77% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and electrical system (2). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 35,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 162 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the occupant classification and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags17 77%
- Brakes2 9.1%
- Electrical system2 9.1%
- Lane departure1 4.5%
- Other or unknown1 4.5%
- Vehicle speed control1 4.5%
Example complaints
Air bags: “The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the SRS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to the rent a vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #11630933, filed 2024-12, 50,000 milesBrakes: “The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard with “BRAKE Failure” message displayed. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the traction control electronic control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11631020, filed 2024-12, 60,000 milesElectrical system: “1. Car wouldn't start. Left stranded without vehicle. 2. Cruise control turned off and would never turn back on for the duration of my 30 minute drive. 3. The cruise control accelerated past the set limit. It was challenging to get it to stop accelerating. It didn't stop right away either. Scared me to death. 4. Instrument panel was flickering bright to dim constant and then settle at dim during daylight hours in the broad daylight. 5. Phone charger not working properly. My phone is not moving around either. 6. The entire radio system wouldn't work. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388255, filed 2021-01, 350 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,000 and 60,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 41 | 38 | 40 | $1,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2020–2021, Camry 2020–2022, Lexus ES Hybrid 2020–2022 +11 more
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…
Recall details for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 162 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037202Aug 20, 2026Engine. OBSOLETE NOTICE August 20, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0051-26.
- 11037201Aug 20, 2026Engine. This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge at battery on high voltage (HV) Ni-MH and Li-ion batteries.
- 11037186Aug 11, 2026Engine. Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership…
- 11033412May 14, 2026Electrical system. Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care…
- 11029896Feb 27, 2026Engine. OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
- 11028726Jan 30, 2026Electrical system. OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
- 11028722Jan 28, 2026Electrical system. Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest…
- 11028713Jan 12, 2026Electrical system. Some RAV4 vehicles power seat where the automatic seat adjustment by the memory function does not work.
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11028711Jan 6, 2026Electrical system. Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care…
Other model years of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 30 | 300 | 1 | — | 38 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 5 | 7,285 | 2 | — | 39 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 9 | 36,000 | 1 | 5 | 40 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 5 | 16,256 | 2 | 5 | 40 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 22 | 35,000 | 1 | 5 | 40 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 13 | 53,000 | 5 | 5 | 40 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 22 | 1,809 | 3 | 5 | 40 | — | Rising |
| 2018 | 15 | 13,000 | 0 | 5 | 32 | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 14 | 9,425 | 1 | 5 | 32 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 17 | 2,000 | 0 | — | 32 | — | Stable |
All Toyota RAV4 Hybrid model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 17 complaints (77% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (RAV4 Hybrid AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl · hybrid) at 40 mpg combined, 41 city and 38 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 35,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,000 and 60,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.