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Forward collision avoidancePart report

2021 Toyota RAV4 Forward collision avoidance Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
5%of 389 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2021 Toyota RAV4, 5% of the 389 complaints for this model year. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Does not maintain cruse control speed that I set when traffic becomes heavier around the car for example….cruise control stops working and car slows down as vehicles are passing my car, or are driving in front of me or in back of me. It does not like traffic near by. If there’s no traffic it works and maintains the set speed.”

NHTSA complaint #11461952, filed 2022-04

“While waiting at a red light with my car stationary, the lane I occupied divided into two. I gently adjusted my steering wheel to the left, and in an unexpected turn of events, a dashboard indicator illuminated before my steering wheel rapidly veered to the right. This abrupt motion resulted in a collision with another vehicle, causing damage to both cars. Despite my attempts to avert the situation, my right thumb became trapped in the wheel, leading to a fracture. …”

NHTSA complaint #11538176, filed 2023-08

“While changing lanes in my 2021 Toyota RAV4 with my turn signal activated, the Lane Departure Alert / Lane Tracing Assist system applied an unexpected steering input that pulled my vehicle directly into a Jersey barrier, resulting in physical contact with the barrier. I was intentionally and safely moving into the adjacent lane when the system intervened abruptly and steered my vehicle toward the barrier. My speed was approximately 55 - 60 mph. The weather was rainy off and on but not raining at the time. The road surface was damp. …”

NHTSA complaint #11766944, filed 2026-09

“I was on highway 41 going around 40mph when my car out of nowhere slammed on the breaks ( the pre collision censor ) I believe is what caused it. About 10 mins prior to the incident when I was backing out of the gas station it braked (abruptly with noise) even though nothing was in the way or approaching my vehicle. I would say that I was stuck in the car for about 5 mins before I could get it to start driving again. The electrical flashed and shut off right when the car braked. I did have my two dogs in the backseat and thankfully no one was harmed.”

NHTSA complaint #11542448, filed 2023-09

“While accelerating ~6ft from a complete stop, a minor collision occurred affecting the front right headlight. The air-bags did not activate and the engine compartment was immediately on fire. Within ~1minute, the fire had spread to and completely engulfed the passenger compartment. The contents were immediately destroyed. The speed with which the fire spread through the vehicle was a significant risk to my life and the motorists around me. There were no warning lights on the dashboard prior to the incident, and the car had never before experienced an accident. …”

NHTSA complaint #11515666, filed 2023-04

Forward collision avoidance: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202578%
2024169%
20231811%
2022117%
2021185%
2020102%
2019182%
201862%
201783%
201621%
201310%
201110%
201010%
200411%

Other parts of the 2021 Toyota RAV4

Air bags
125 complaints
Other or unknown
77 complaints
Electrical system
47 complaints
Engine
41 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaints
Fuel system
24 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Brakes
21 complaints
Steering
21 complaints
Body and structure
21 complaints
Seats
18 complaints
Lane departure
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Toyota RAV4

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology