Most common 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems
Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid complaints by model year
Best RAV4 Hybrid years: 2024, 2022, 2023. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019. Compare all years →
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid recalls (1)
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid owners say
Air bags
The contact owns a 2021Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle failed to stop while the brake pedal was depressed which resulted in the contact crashing into two parked vehicles where it eventually came to a stop after crashing into a curb. The contact was also concerned that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and then towed again to a local dealer where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | AWD | 41 / 38 / 40 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the RAV4 Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the RAV4 Hybrid years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
The air bags — 17 complaints, 77% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (2) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have?
There is 1 recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the most recent from December 20, 2023 (occupant classification). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2022 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021 and 2019. See the full Toyota RAV4 Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.