repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
2021 Toyota RAV4Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 390 owner complaints about the 2021 Toyota RAV4, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 23V-865 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has problems
390 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
125Air bags28 crash/fire/injury
47Electrical system9 crash/fire/injury
41Engine3 crash/fire/injury
23Power train
22Steering
21Service brakes
21Fuel/propulsion system
21Structure
19Visibility/wiper
10915 other systems23 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 125 | 28 |
| Electrical system | 47 | 9 |
| Engine | 41 | 3 |
| Power train | 23 | 2 |
| Steering | 22 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 21 | 7 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 21 | 1 |
| Structure | 21 | 3 |
| Visibility/wiper | 19 | 2 |
| 15 other systems | 109 | 23 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2021 Toyota RAV4 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
30kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 21 air bags complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 19% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
10under 30k miles21under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other RAV4 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAV4 median. How we score
'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Toyota RAV4 safety ratings
2021 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What RAV4 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I have been unable to get my vehicle inspected and repaired by a dealer despite months of waiting and asking two different Toyota dealers to order the necessary part or parts. This recall has been in place for years. For several years I was told it was only being done in certain states and that New…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota RAV4. The contact was traveling at approximately 50 MPH directly behind a van in the same lane of traffic. The van suddenly made an emergency avoidance maneuver to bypass a stationary vehicle completely stopped in the lane. Despite the attempt, the van rear-ended the…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V865000 (Airbags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was/was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
Own a 2021 RAV4?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.