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2021 Toyota RAV4 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2021 Toyota RAV4 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has 449 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve air bags and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.8/ 10

Based on 449 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

AIR BAGS

114 25.4%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

65 14.5%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

37 8.2%

ENGINE

33 7.3%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

21 4.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 25.4% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 46 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has 449 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 25% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 are AIR BAGS (114), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (65), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (37).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 251 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2020 RAV4 complaints2022 RAV4 complaints2019 RAV4 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 39 of 39 systems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

45 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WITH 4 MILES LEFT ON HV RANGE/DTE, I FILLED MY FIRST FULL TANK AT COSTCO. PUMP READ 10.82 GALLONS. NOW HV RANGE IS SHOWING 544 MILES. I GOT ABOUT 39.9 MPG ON FIRST TANK (WITHOUT EV) WHICH IS IN LINE WITH EPA. BUT MY REAL HV RANGE FROM FULL TO EMPTY WAS ONLY 10.9 X 39.5 = 430 MILES. IF YOU ADD EV MILES OF 42, THEN YOU GET AROUND 472 MILES. NOT 600. THEIR MPG CLAIMS ARE VALID. BUT THEIR GAS TANK/ RANGE CLAIMS ARE CLEARLY OVERSTATED. REAL RANGE IS ONLY 472. NOT 600. WHICH IS DISAPPOINTING, YOU MIGHT GO ON A ROAD TRIP WITH YOUR FAMILY, AND BE STUCK IN MIDDLE OF NO WHERE BECAUSE THEIR RANGE CLAIMS WERE OVERSTATED. THEY MARKETED THIS TO BE CLOSE TO BEING 600 MILE RANGE. WHEN IT CAN HARDLY GO 472 WHEN GAS TANK SHOWS EMPTY. TOYOTA IS CALLOUS AND NEGLIGENT IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE SO FAR. I WAS DISSED BY MY TOYOTA DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH PRIUS PRIME. NOW RAV4 PRIME HAS HE SAME ISSUE, AND I AM HEARING THE SAME WITH RAV4 HYBRID OWNERS. YOU CAN ONLY FILL IN 10+ GALLONS. NOT 13 OR 14 GALLONS AS THEY FALSELY CLAIM. REAL RANGE OF YOUR RAV4 PRIME/HYBRID IS ONLY 470 MILES NOT 600!!

9/8/2020

BOTH SIDE MIRRORS SHAKES AT 40 MILES OR ABOVE.

10/13/2020

43 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

29 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

IN A 4 CAR PILE UP. HIT IN REAR X2 BY A LARGE VAN WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC ON NJ PARKWAY FOOT ON BREAK AND PUSHED INTO CAR IN FRONT OF ME X2. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

4/30/2021

The knee airbag deployed during a collision and caused devastating shin injuries. The muscle and skin was ripped off the driver's legs revealing bone.

10/7/2021

27 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

22 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD AFTER ONLY 3 DAYS OF NOT BEING DRIVEN. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND COULD NOT BE JUMP STARTED. VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD. WIRELESS CHARGING DOES NOT CHARGE CONSISTENTLY. INTERMITTENT CONNECTION ONLY AND GETS VERY HOT. USB PHONE CONNECTION RANDOMLY DISCONNECTS AND RECONNECTS. OCCASIONALLY THE VOICE COMMAND PROMPT ON CENTER CONTROL IS ACTIVATED AND STAYS CONNECTED WHEN CONNECTING A PHONE THROUGH USB AND CANNOT EXIT TO SEE INFORMATION DISPLAY. REMOTE START FROM FOB WILL NOT WORK. LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM TOO SENSITIVE AND TAKES OVER STEERING OF CAR CAUSING COUNTERSTEERING FROM DRIVER CONTROL.

3/5/2021

THERE IS A RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S DOOR WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND THE DOOR IS SWUNG CLOSED. THE REARVIEW MIRROR OF THE DOOR HAS SIGNIFICANT SHAKING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, SO THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE SPEAKER IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR MAKES A STATIC OR CRACKLING SOUND WHEN MUSIC IS OFF.

3/17/2021

20 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

18 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CABE TOYOTA (2849 LONG BEACH BLVD, LONG BEACH, CA 90806, (562) 595-7411) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NOTHING NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.

5/14/2021

The contact stated that the owner of a 2021 Toyota Rav4 was driving approximately 35 mph when the odor of burning rubber was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle flames were present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed during the incident. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The contact indicated that the vehicle had recently been repaired after a front-end crash had occurred. The contact also references an NHTSA open investigation(PE21005) for the same failure that had occurred. The failure mileage was 30,000

8/11/2022

16 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

16 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WITH 4 MILES LEFT ON HV RANGE/DTE, I FILLED MY FIRST FULL TANK AT COSTCO. PUMP READ 10.82 GALLONS. NOW HV RANGE IS SHOWING 544 MILES. I GOT ABOUT 39.9 MPG ON FIRST TANK (WITHOUT EV) WHICH IS IN LINE WITH EPA. BUT MY REAL HV RANGE FROM FULL TO EMPTY WAS ONLY 10.9 X 39.5 = 430 MILES. IF YOU ADD EV MILES OF 42, THEN YOU GET AROUND 472 MILES. NOT 600. THEIR MPG CLAIMS ARE VALID. BUT THEIR GAS TANK/ RANGE CLAIMS ARE CLEARLY OVERSTATED. REAL RANGE IS ONLY 472. NOT 600. WHICH IS DISAPPOINTING, YOU MIGHT GO ON A ROAD TRIP WITH YOUR FAMILY, AND BE STUCK IN MIDDLE OF NO WHERE BECAUSE THEIR RANGE CLAIMS WERE OVERSTATED. THEY MARKETED THIS TO BE CLOSE TO BEING 600 MILE RANGE. WHEN IT CAN HARDLY GO 472 WHEN GAS TANK SHOWS EMPTY. TOYOTA IS CALLOUS AND NEGLIGENT IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE SO FAR. I WAS DISSED BY MY TOYOTA DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH PRIUS PRIME. NOW RAV4 PRIME HAS HE SAME ISSUE, AND I AM HEARING THE SAME WITH RAV4 HYBRID OWNERS. YOU CAN ONLY FILL IN 10+ GALLONS. NOT 13 OR 14 GALLONS AS THEY FALSELY CLAIM. REAL RANGE OF YOUR RAV4 PRIME/HYBRID IS ONLY 470 MILES NOT 600!!

9/8/2020

WHEN THE LOW FUEL LIGHT COMES ON IT ONLY TAKES 10 GALLONS TO REFILL. THIS GIVES ME A RANGE OF 400 MILES ON A TANK OF FUEL. I WAS EXPECTING A RESERVE AMOUNT OF FUEL AFTER THE LOW FUEL LIGHT COMES ON TO DRIVE TO A FUEL STATION BUT ONLY USING 10 GALLONS OUT OF A 14 GALLON TANK SEEMS WRONG.

1/13/2021

14 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

16 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS ISSUE HAPPENED ON 12/31/2020. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK THIS EVENING. I CAME ONTO AN ONRAMP DURING MY DRIVE AND I BEGAN INCREASING MY SPEED TO 70MPH. AS I'M ACCELERATING I STARTED TO NOTICE A WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE SUNROOF . I INSTANTLY ASSUMED THAT MY HUSBAND HAD ACCIDENTALLY OPENED THE SUNROOF AND HAD NOT CLOSED IT BACK UP ALL THE WAY. (WE HAVE NOT HAD THIS CAR VERY LONG AT ALL SO WE ARE STILL LEARNING WHICH BUTTONS DO WHAT.) AS I PULL BACK THE COVER I NOTICE THAT THERE ARE SHARDS OF GLASS FALLING ONTO MY LAP FROM THE SUNROOF. I WAS IN COMPLETE SHOCK AND PULLED OVER TO MAKE SURE I WAS NOT MISTAKEN. SURE ENOUGH THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED AND THERE WAS GLASS EVERYWHERE. I HAVE NO WAY OF EXPLAINING HOW THIS HAPPENED AND I AM VERY FRUSTRATED THAT I HAVE TO MAKE A CLAIM ON A CAR I HAVE HAD FOR MAYBE A MONTH AND A HALF AND EVEN MORE UPSET THAT I CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED. I WAS ALSO SURPRISED THAT THERE WERE PEOPLE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE SUNROOF!

1/3/2021

Windshield Crack sitting in parking lot, nothing hit it( i.e. no rocks, no chips, no nothing). It broke randomly, radiating out from the bottom edge near wiper toward center of windshield. Yes, available for inspection upon request Could have happened when driving. It has not yet been confirmed by dealer (pending), insurance, or other third party The new vehicle was only 5 weeks old.

6/3/2021

14 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

16 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON JANUARY AND WITH JUST OVER 4K MILES THIS WARNING CAME UP.. PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION.. TURNED OFF THEN ON THE CAR AND SAME WARNING...CALLED THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION ASAP..

5/10/2021

While using Cruse control. It did not slow the vehicle. I could not turn it off. The brakes would not work. I ran thru an intersection against the light. Bounced over the median. I turned off the ignition, still coasted about 1/2 mile. Finally I jammed the gear shift lever into Park. Toyota has the vehicle for inspection and reading of the black box. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY WARNING SIGNS OF THE FAILURE. WARNING MESSAGES DID DISPLAY DURING THE FAILURE, WHICH WERE "CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE", "BRAKE FAILURE", AND "LANE DEPARTURE".

8/11/2021

14 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE IS A RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S DOOR WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND THE DOOR IS SWUNG CLOSED. THE REARVIEW MIRROR OF THE DOOR HAS SIGNIFICANT SHAKING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, SO THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE SPEAKER IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR MAKES A STATIC OR CRACKLING SOUND WHEN MUSIC IS OFF.

3/17/2021

Vehicle's hood has adhesive separation. The defect is located at the bottom of the hood closest to the windshield. Air infiltration is causing the inside of the hood to flex at speeds higher than 40mph. This flexing will cause adhesive in other parts of the hood to separate and fail as well, which will in turn will increase the air infiltration and drag on the hood itself which will more than likely affect the hood latching system. This is a major safety concern that the company tells me is a "characteristic" of the vehicle.

1/26/2022

9 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF ITS LANE KEEP ASSISTANCE. ONE ACTIVATED, IT REGULARLY WILL DO THE OPPOSITE OF KEEPING YOUR LANE. IT HAS RUN ME OFF THE ROAD AND ALSO INTO THE LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE REPORTED TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE IT. I HAVE ESCALATED TO THE DEALER AS THIS HAPPENS VERY FREQUENTLY AND IS IN SAFE. UPON ACTIVATION OF THE LTA, IT TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL APPROX 15- 20 DEGREES AND IMMEDIATELY TAKES YOU OUT OF THE LANE. THE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM KICKS IN AND THEN TRIES TO BRING YOU BACK AND THIS GOES ON AND ON WITH CLEARLY MARKED LANES. IF I DIDN'T APPLY QUITE A BIT OF FORCE TO PREVENT THE DEPARTURE I COULD HAVE WELL BEEN AN INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GOING DOWN A WELL MARKED INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, NIGHT AND DAY TIME, NO RAIN OR SNOW/ICE. THE VEHICLE RECOGNIZED THE LANE DEPARTURE (BEEPS) BUT IT WAS THE VEHICLES SYSTEM THAT DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE LANE (WITH MY HANDS ON THE WHEEL OF COURSE). A VIDEO CAN BE SHARED UPON REQUEST.

2/26/2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED OFF TO THE RIGHT AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF TO THE RIGHT FLIPPING OVER A CINDERBLOCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL DOWN A MOUNTAIN TOP. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN RIGHT ANKLE AND A FRACTURED DISK IN HER BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO A JUNKYARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BLACK BOX READ THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS SELF INFLICTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 620.

4/30/2021

6 more complaints are available in this category.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF ITS LANE KEEP ASSISTANCE. ONE ACTIVATED, IT REGULARLY WILL DO THE OPPOSITE OF KEEPING YOUR LANE. IT HAS RUN ME OFF THE ROAD AND ALSO INTO THE LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE REPORTED TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE IT. I HAVE ESCALATED TO THE DEALER AS THIS HAPPENS VERY FREQUENTLY AND IS IN SAFE. UPON ACTIVATION OF THE LTA, IT TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL APPROX 15- 20 DEGREES AND IMMEDIATELY TAKES YOU OUT OF THE LANE. THE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM KICKS IN AND THEN TRIES TO BRING YOU BACK AND THIS GOES ON AND ON WITH CLEARLY MARKED LANES. IF I DIDN'T APPLY QUITE A BIT OF FORCE TO PREVENT THE DEPARTURE I COULD HAVE WELL BEEN AN INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GOING DOWN A WELL MARKED INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, NIGHT AND DAY TIME, NO RAIN OR SNOW/ICE. THE VEHICLE RECOGNIZED THE LANE DEPARTURE (BEEPS) BUT IT WAS THE VEHICLES SYSTEM THAT DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE LANE (WITH MY HANDS ON THE WHEEL OF COURSE). A VIDEO CAN BE SHARED UPON REQUEST.

2/26/2021

VEHICLE BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD AFTER ONLY 3 DAYS OF NOT BEING DRIVEN. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND COULD NOT BE JUMP STARTED. VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD. WIRELESS CHARGING DOES NOT CHARGE CONSISTENTLY. INTERMITTENT CONNECTION ONLY AND GETS VERY HOT. USB PHONE CONNECTION RANDOMLY DISCONNECTS AND RECONNECTS. OCCASIONALLY THE VOICE COMMAND PROMPT ON CENTER CONTROL IS ACTIVATED AND STAYS CONNECTED WHEN CONNECTING A PHONE THROUGH USB AND CANNOT EXIT TO SEE INFORMATION DISPLAY. REMOTE START FROM FOB WILL NOT WORK. LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM TOO SENSITIVE AND TAKES OVER STEERING OF CAR CAUSING COUNTERSTEERING FROM DRIVER CONTROL.

3/5/2021

5 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY SPOUSE WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND SHE COMPLAINED TO ME THAT OUR NEW 2021 RAV4 SUDDENLY LURCHES WHEN SLIGHTLY ACCELERATING FROM A ROLLING STOP. I THEN DROVE WITH HER AND WITNESSED THE SAME ISSUE ALTHOUGH I COULD NOT REPLICATE IT MYSELF. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TUSTIN TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (FROM WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR) BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES OR REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THAT BEING SAID THE CARS ARE SO NEW THAT IT MAY JUST BE THAT THERE AREN'T ENOUGH NEW OWNERS YET TO REPORT THE PROBLEM.

12/9/2020

TL* THE CONTACT RECEIVED A 2021 TOYOTA RAV4 AS A LOANER VEHICLE FROM SERRA TOYOTA (1300 CENTER POINT PKWY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35215) AS HIS PERSONAL VEHICLE WAS AWAITING REMEDY REPAIRS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE LOANER VEHICLE AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING WHILE ACCELERATING. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER LOANER VEHICLE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER AND A CASE FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,935. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

3/18/2021

4 more complaints are available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

While using Cruse control. It did not slow the vehicle. I could not turn it off. The brakes would not work. I ran thru an intersection against the light. Bounced over the median. I turned off the ignition, still coasted about 1/2 mile. Finally I jammed the gear shift lever into Park. Toyota has the vehicle for inspection and reading of the black box. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY WARNING SIGNS OF THE FAILURE. WARNING MESSAGES DID DISPLAY DURING THE FAILURE, WHICH WERE "CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE", "BRAKE FAILURE", AND "LANE DEPARTURE".

8/11/2021

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.

4/24/2022

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

While using Cruse control. It did not slow the vehicle. I could not turn it off. The brakes would not work. I ran thru an intersection against the light. Bounced over the median. I turned off the ignition, still coasted about 1/2 mile. Finally I jammed the gear shift lever into Park. Toyota has the vehicle for inspection and reading of the black box. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY WARNING SIGNS OF THE FAILURE. WARNING MESSAGES DID DISPLAY DURING THE FAILURE, WHICH WERE "CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE", "BRAKE FAILURE", AND "LANE DEPARTURE".

8/11/2021

I had 2 sudden acceleration incidents. The first occurred 10/6/21.My car lurched forward & hit a pole. I was with my mom who saw me press the brake, which did not engage. My car has an auto-braking system which did not function as designed. I took it to Toyota.They determined there were no issues w/the vehicle. I insisted there was something wrong & warned this will happen again & could be much worse. I felt defeated but hoped it was an isolated glitch & hoped for the best. Fast forward 2 months to 12/13/21 I was in a drive-thru using the hold button, which is a feature that holds the brake in place, so my foot was not on any pedal. All of a sudden, my car began to accelerate & the brakes would not engage. An error message on the dash said “BRAKE MALFUNCTION”. I could not stop the car. I put in park, but it did not stop the car. The car jumped the curb & drove into oncoming traffic & hit two cars. They were traveling north, I was traveling west. It’s a miracle another car did not hit & kill me. The most frightening experience of my life. I had the car towed to Toyota as the front wheel blew out & could not be driven. Another inspection was done & once again Toyota came back with “they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle.” And added that the brakes were never engaged, which is an outright lie & utterly insane. I spoke to an attorney & what he told me was quite eye opening. He has been practicing product liability law for 30 years. He told me the letter received from Toyota was a standard letter that all car companies respond with. They never admit a problem unless forced to, usually by the govt, to do a recall after enough people file a complaint. I really believed Toyota would tell the truth. I never imagined they would lie & participate in a cover-up. They would rather fight you in court. As mentioned earlier, my car has an auto braking system, so why didn't it work? Clearly it malfunctioned. My hope is that this deceit by car manufacturers ends.

1/23/2022

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. Witnesses and firefighters estimated that any fire barrier between the engine and passenger compartments had failed, and that a fire of that severity from such a minor accident indicated some fault with the vehicle. The vehicle was an immediate total loss as inspected by our insurer.

4/5/2023

I was in a bad car accident last Wednesday July 26, 2023 It was very scary and Bizarre; My car accelerated (started racing)and when I stepped on brake, it accelerated more. I saw a message flash up on my GPS screen but obviously couldn't read it as I was trying to stop my car. The Auto brakes didn’t work, I crashed into a tree; air bags didn’t deploy and I got this message ("CHECK ENGINE! A MALFUNCTION IN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF THE ENGINE,THROTTLE, OR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN DETECTED.CONTACT YOUR TOYOTA DEALER IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE INSPECTED." (See attached). Luckily I was in an almost empty parking lot when this happened, if not i could have been killed or killed someone else. All the safety back ups failed. I took a picture of the message-will attach it to this report. I was taken to Huntington Hospital ER and had a cat scan to make Sure my sternum and ribs aren’t broken-showed Soft tissue abdominal swelling and bruised sternum and ribs from my seat belt. Pain to chest, ribs an right side. I believe my car is totaled Just had it inspected and serviced a few weeks ago at the Toyota dealership where I purchased it and it only has 10,000 miles on it! I am Fighting with insurance company to make sure the car's computer is interrogated before they do anything else.-The insurance company was pressuring me to release the car to Copart without this being done and I refused. My car was towed to and remains at Combined Auto Collision 4035 Jericho Tpk, East Northport, NY. This incident could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome and loss of life. Aa investigation needs to be taken to insure this does not happen to anyone else. Thank you for your kind assistance The consumer stated that the dealer identified the problem being that the water drainage pillars short out the electrical system.

8/1/2023

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2021 TOYOTA RAV4 HAVE DESIGN PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION SYSTEM. WHERE IF THE FREEDOM OVER 55MPH THE CAR WILL BE UNSTABLE, BUMPY AND SHAKY. I AM REALLY SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR ON THE HWY. I HEARD MIST 2021 RAV4 HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL TO FIX OR CHANGE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH A FIRM ONE ASAP. THANK YOU.

5/14/2021

I have been having continuous problems with the transmission jerking and slipping passengers can also feel this. I am also experiencing vibration in the steering when you get up to high speeds around 60-80 mph. The car also has a habit of lunging forward suddenly when the gas saver light goes off which can cause it to hit other vehicles.

7/18/2022

2 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

P225 / 60 R18. Passenger rear tire blew out driving at highway speeds (75-80 mph). The car swerved back and forth across lanes almost into the median and then to the shoulder a couple of times and almost flipped before I was able to pull to the shoulder and stop. Another driver stopped to make sure I was ok and said he also thought I was going to flip more than once. I did not notice any warning lights prior to the incident. There were a couple of times prior to the failure that it felt like the car was swerving slightly - I thought possibly due to wind or different texture of the road surface, then the tire blew. The entire inside wall of the tire is separated from the tread. The dealer has not inspected the tire yet. I am ordering a set of new tires - I don't trust these and never want to go through that again.

11/9/2021

Feb. 26th, 2022 driving I-5 (Tacoma)towards North with my Wife on our way home at approximately 05:00PM (Raining and Windy) Tire got puncture with some type of metal that cause our car swerved immediately slowdown and put my hazard light on at the same time did my best to take the closest exit as safety as possible till we made it to exit (S. 74th St.) Immediately evaluate my REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE (225/65R17 Michelin Primacy) and it was already flat and DAMAGE due to running flat towards our exit (safety location) Called my insurance Roadside Assistant and the same time calling our friends if someone can give us a hand/help. StateFarm Roadside Assistance says 1hr to 1.5hr… while waiting for Raodside Assistance and One of our friend I started looking for my “Spare Tire/Tools” sadly we only have the “Spare Tire and A Jack” it’s missing the the Tire Wrench so I called my salesman and ask what happen I bought a Brand New car and it didn’t came with a “Set of Tools” I didn’t bother checking the trunk of our car since we bought it Brand new I was confident bcoz I know my salesman since he’s been our salesman ever since. Contacted the Toyota Dealership the following day but they just keep putting me on hold. Now I’ve been missing work since we don’t have a car. Reason why I called dealership is to ask if they have a Warranty on my tire and that help us cut a lil of trouble/expenses if our tire is still under warranty. Tire has 12,000 miles that time. Feb 27th (Sunday) woke up early to get my tire fix but unfortunately Costco tire service told me that they can do or repair my tire anymore. Tried contacting Michelin but sadly still unlucky. Feb 28th I called out work to get my tire fix, while getting my tire fix I tried contacting Toyota Rodland again to ask about my Tire Warranty but no one answers. Texted my salesman but he answered my text late evening told me he couldn’t anything about the tire, all he can do is to give me a Set of Tire Wrench.

3/4/2022

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

LED headlights do not emit heat and allow ice to cover entire headlight group, blocking illumination. Problem is exacerbated with road grime in the ice. LED headlights, also, do not provide enough light spectrum to identify objects in the dark—nearly all other lights provide better/friendlier illumination to the human eye at night. LED headlights are a safety issue in the dark… made worse in icy conditions.

2/23/2022

1. For two different occasions the high beams wouldn't turn on at night on a dark road and rainy day. Took the vehicle to Toyota but mechanic reported that he couldn't reproduce event. I had to drive very slowly with normal lights as I could. 2. For two different occasions the vehicle wouldn't start I almost had the vehicle towed but using the toyota app and the key fob was able to remote start and then start the vehicle. I can't imagine what would have happened if the car turned off in the middle of an intersection and wouldn't turn on. 3. The adaptive cruise control has a glitch that I have told Toyota. If you're going over 30 mph and the vehicle in front of you has been in a complete stop for a while, the car may not stop you have to manually stop or crash. This could be extremely dangerous.

4/21/2022

2 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2021 TOYOTA RAV4. THE FIRST WEEK I OWNED IT I EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO AIR IT UP THE VALVE STEM BROKE AND THE TIRE WENT COMPLETELY FLAT. THE VALVE STEM IS ONE UNIT AND CONNECTED TO THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. I LEARNED THAT THE STEMS ARE MADE OF ALUMINUM AND SUBJECT TO BREAKING DUE TO THE SOFT METAL. TOYOTA REFUSED TO COVER THE EXPENSE SAYING IT WAS DRIVER ERROR. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE SHOP WHERE THE TIRE WAS PLUGGED TOLD ME THIS HAPPENS QUITE A BIT. I WAS SHOCKED THAT TOYOTA WOULD INSTALL SUCH CHEAP METAL ON THEIR CARS. THIS IS A ROAD HAZARD AND CAN EASILY LEAVE ONE STRANDED. MY COST WAS NEARLY $300. THE BREAKAGE WAS NOT MY FAULT. IT WAS A PROBLEM OF SOFT ALUMINUM. I BELIEVE THESE STEMS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED WITH HIGH QUALITY STEEL. THANK YOU.

2/20/2021

I have been having continuous problems with the transmission jerking and slipping passengers can also feel this. I am also experiencing vibration in the steering when you get up to high speeds around 60-80 mph. The car also has a habit of lunging forward suddenly when the gas saver light goes off which can cause it to hit other vehicles.

7/18/2022

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

While driving to friends house, the collision warning popped on screen 1 or 2x but no vehicle was close to front of the car. When I turned into driveway and pulled onto yard to park the collision warning went off and red screen flased and I tried to brake but brakes would not depress. The car suddenly lurched forward quickly and I tried to steer away but it slammed into a line of cars with great force. I crashed into the parked car in front of me with such force it pushed a line of 4 cars. I had mild issues after crash: Whiplash, neck pain, head pain, and soreness. The RAV-4 had passed inspection with the dealer with no issues, The car had less than 15K miles driven. The collision warning lights seemed to start to have issues the day of the crash; approximately 15 min before the crash. Post-note for 3/27/2023 - we picked up from the collision repair and the car and the collision control was still flashing in error - and will be taken back to Toyota dealer on 3/28/2023 to have them read the computer. Other similar incidents have been reported for 2021 RAV-4 - and a similar recall went out for Toyota Prius we found after the crash.

3/27/2023

Driving with cruise control on, on a 2 lane road with a left turn lane. Approx 40MPH. Vehicle ahead of me by 4-5 car lengths got into left lane. When I has about 10 feet from him my brakes automatically slammed on, he was in his lane, I was in my lane. This has happened 4-5 times since I've had the veh. I now stay aware that this might happen and stay ready to cancel the cruise. This could be very dangerous if someone was right behind me. Dealer test drove and ran scan no problem found. Which as expected, if it doesn't happen when they test drive there's not a lot they can do. I understand this.

6/27/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE GLASS SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. THE LOCAL DEALER VALLEY HIGH TOYOTA LOCATED AT 14612 VALLEY CENTER DR, VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.

10/15/2020

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormally loud booming sound heard. After stopping to inspect the vehicle it was discovered that the glass sunroof had exploded. The contact stated that during the failure, there was no other vehicles or objects were nearby. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000. Repairs were made but the contact paid out of pocket for them. Their claim for reimbursement from the manufacturer was denied due to there being no evidence of a factory defect or an outstanding recall.

11/30/2023

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD AFTER ONLY 3 DAYS OF NOT BEING DRIVEN. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND COULD NOT BE JUMP STARTED. VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD. WIRELESS CHARGING DOES NOT CHARGE CONSISTENTLY. INTERMITTENT CONNECTION ONLY AND GETS VERY HOT. USB PHONE CONNECTION RANDOMLY DISCONNECTS AND RECONNECTS. OCCASIONALLY THE VOICE COMMAND PROMPT ON CENTER CONTROL IS ACTIVATED AND STAYS CONNECTED WHEN CONNECTING A PHONE THROUGH USB AND CANNOT EXIT TO SEE INFORMATION DISPLAY. REMOTE START FROM FOB WILL NOT WORK. LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM TOO SENSITIVE AND TAKES OVER STEERING OF CAR CAUSING COUNTERSTEERING FROM DRIVER CONTROL.

3/5/2021

New 2021Toyota Rave4 vehicle would take over steering and turn left or right from the center of the lane. This issue would consistently steer you to a road shoulder or into another lane. A less experienced driver would have crashed. The steering pull is so significant that one is unable to take a drink or turn on the radio without the possibility of an accident. The last incident steered me into the path of a Cement Truck nearly causing an accident. Had I not been extra cautious, an accident would have occurred. The "vehicle is operating as designed" and "some customers are overly sensitive to the safety features" was the conclusion of Vancouver WA Toyota Service and advised to return the vehicle when an incident reoccurs. I insisted the next incident could kill someone. Service spoke to someone and apologized that in fact a Past Tech Bulletin (2019-2021) was released by Toyota addressing this issue. Service obtained a video from the vehicle and confirmed my complaint that the steering had indeed hijacked the vehicle and steered into the path of a Cement Truck. My concern of serious bodily injury or death is substantiated and documented by Vancouver WA Toyota and Toyota Corporation. Respectfully [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

7/6/2021

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

NO AUDIO WARNING. BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM) FLASHING IS NOT VISIBLE WHEN SUNLIGHT DIRECTLY REFLECTS INTO MIRROR. AUDIO ALERT IS AVAILABLE, BUT LIMITED TO CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT WHICH USES SAME SENSORS.

5/10/2021

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Me ([XXX]) and my 3 children went on a trip from July 25- July 30 to Sequoia National Park & Yosemite National Park . On Wednesday , July 28 around 1:30 pm we were at Yosemite Park and I pulled over to take some photos of the beautiful park(nature) . I made sure my children , the car and myself were in a correct parking spot , I put my RAV4 LE in Park position (P) and the car automatically put on the hand break and it makes a loud noise, letting me know it's safe . The RAV4 does not have a hand break like other cars , it only has a small pull button. Anyways the car was in Park position with the automatic break , I stepped out the vehicle and walked toward the front of the car and my RAV4 just stared to roll down and hit a tree . I ran inside the car to stop it but it was too late . The RAV4 had crashed into the tree with my 3 children, they were all asleep when it happen and lucky no one was hurt. The car has a alot of damages in the front area and on the drivers side . The dash was all lit up with messages saying system fail(Pre collision system) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

8/2/2021

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

P225 / 60 R18. Passenger rear tire blew out driving at highway speeds (75-80 mph). The car swerved back and forth across lanes almost into the median and then to the shoulder a couple of times and almost flipped before I was able to pull to the shoulder and stop. Another driver stopped to make sure I was ok and said he also thought I was going to flip more than once. I did not notice any warning lights prior to the incident. There were a couple of times prior to the failure that it felt like the car was swerving slightly - I thought possibly due to wind or different texture of the road surface, then the tire blew. The entire inside wall of the tire is separated from the tread. The dealer has not inspected the tire yet. I am ordering a set of new tires - I don't trust these and never want to go through that again.

11/9/2021

SEATS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My 2021 Toytoa rav4 Hybrid limited has memory seat buttons. However they don't light up at night or even if the headlights are turned on. There are two memory seat buttons. In a scenario where there are two drivers and one is a larger driver with more girth, and the second is a much slimmer driver, there will be significant distances between the positions. At nightime(or whenverer it is dark, when the larger driver sits in the vehilce and accidentally presses the power seat memory button for the slimmer driver(this can happen since Toyota decided not to illuminate the button in any way(at least they should have did it while the vehicle is in the parked position), the larger drive can get squished, hurt, possibly even die as the seat moves forward toward the steering wheel. Now in the toyota manual, it does say that if any power button is pressed again, the seat should stop. What actually happens is that the driver becomes panicked and pressed the button over and over again and the seat continues closer to the steering wheel. I was able to stop this the first time by pure accident by reaching between the door and the seat to my seat position controls. This is an accident waiting to happen! Toyota needs to illuminate the power seat buttons (at least in the parked position). The seat memory buttons cannot to be used in any other driving position so we are thankful for that. There may be other trims and years of the rav4 that have this issue. The best way to understand this issue is to experience this for yourself. Get a car with memory seat positions. Have two positons set, one positon will be very close to the steering wheel. Have a larger driver with more girth sit in and then press the button for the slimmer driver's postion. Do this at nightime.

12/4/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Toyota RAV4 2021 fuel tank capacity should be 14.5 Gallons as per manufacturer but never managed to pump close to 12 Gallons. Called Dealer but refuse to acknowledge the defect

2/1/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Lane keeping assistance over corrected and caused an accident that resulted in total loss of my vehicle. My tire crossed white line , I was trying to gradually adjust to keep from over correcting. The lane keeping assistance caused the steering to pull in the opposite direction and would not allow me to correct. The more I tried to get back in the lane the harder the lane assistance pulled in the oppposite direction. It ultimatley jerked the steeing wheel in the opposite direction a caused me to hit a tree head on.

2/16/2022

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the traction control warning light would illuminate upon starting the vehicle for the second time the same day. The contact stated that the warning light would turn off whenever he released the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not replicate the failure; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front wheels were moving faster than the rear wheels. The dealer also informed the contact that the failure was due to a user error. The dealer stated that the contact could have the habit of depressing both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time while at a complete stop as the DTC codes showed that the vehicle was moving while at a complete stop. The dealer informed the contact that they could not assist with the repair of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 810.

3/25/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,500.

6/23/2022

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle overnight, the following morning it was discovered that the rear hatchback door had erroneously opened. The contact stated that a severe thunderstorm had occurred over night however, the keys had not been used nor were any buttons depressed to cause the hatchback door to become unlocked. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,055.

7/5/2022

TETHER, LOWER ANCHOR (ON CAR SEAT OR VEHICLE)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The rear-facing snuglock lever does not hold the car seat belt or the tether belt securely in place. The car seat tips over when the car turns. It appears that some plastic is missing on the bottom of the lever. I have a video of me securing the seat belt and the belt loosening when the car seat is rocked but, am unable to upload.

10/19/2022

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

No safety devices worked during accident that cause by another vehicle driver who ran red light. Neither air bags deployed, nor safety belt worked properly during an accident. Due to these mal functions of safety devices, my wife on the passenger seat hit the dashboard badly. She was wearing the seat belt properly which was released later by the ER personal at the accident location to transfer to an ambulance.

1/12/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving to friends house, the collision warning popped on screen 1 or 2x but no vehicle was close to front of the car. When I turned into driveway and pulled onto yard to park the collision warning went off and red screen flased and I tried to brake but brakes would not depress. The car suddenly lurched forward quickly and I tried to steer away but it slammed into a line of cars with great force. I crashed into the parked car in front of me with such force it pushed a line of 4 cars. I had mild issues after crash: Whiplash, neck pain, head pain, and soreness. The RAV-4 had passed inspection with the dealer with no issues, The car had less than 15K miles driven. The collision warning lights seemed to start to have issues the day of the crash; approximately 15 min before the crash. Post-note for 3/27/2023 - we picked up from the collision repair and the car and the collision control was still flashing in error - and will be taken back to Toyota dealer on 3/28/2023 to have them read the computer. Other similar incidents have been reported for 2021 RAV-4 - and a similar recall went out for Toyota Prius we found after the crash.

3/27/2023

VISIBILITY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact rented a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a vibrating sound coming from the front driver’s side windshield. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was a rental and could not be diagnosed. The contact was informed to return the vehicle to Avis Car Rental. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes. The contact stated that due to the loss of motive power, the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed since the vehicle was a rental. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

7/27/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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. Shortly after the accident, the dashboard and multimedia system displayed multiple malfunctions: a VSC, TRAC, or Hill Start Assist Control system malfunction, a rear cross traffic alert malfunction, LTA malfunction, and a PKSB malfunction, all prompting a visit to the dealer. Upon contacting Toyota, they offered no assistance, asserting that the incident occurred at an approximate speed of 22 miles per hour due to data from the EDR. However, this contradicted the facts as my vehicle was stationary at a red light. The explanations provided by Toyota's representative, Alexis Turner, appeared inconsistent with the circumstances.

8/13/2023

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle briefly lost electric power steering (EPS). Due to the failure, the vehicle collided with a street sign. The rear cross-traffic and blind spot monitor warning lights were illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that a certified Toyota technician found no fault with the vehicle. The failure mileage was 7,500.

9/7/2023

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle briefly lost electric power steering (EPS). Due to the failure, the vehicle collided with a street sign. The rear cross-traffic and blind spot monitor warning lights were illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that a certified Toyota technician found no fault with the vehicle. The failure mileage was 7,500.

9/7/2023

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The front passenger door started to "not unlock" when using the keys or door buttons to unlock it, you would have to manually unlock the passenger door by reaching across from the driver's side of the car. For about a week, that was happening, then that same door started to "not lock" using the key fob, handle or door buttons, so both locking and unlocking could only be done manually. Then the most concerning incident, while driving and while a passenger was seated in the front seat, upon rounding a corner (moving less than 20 mph) in a very busy town full of parked cars and pedestrians, the closed front passenger door flung open while the vehicle was turning and moving, almost striking a pedestrian and parked car. The passenger was able to safely close the door, but this would have been impossible had there only been a driver in the car at the time. The door had been shut properly, and there were no indicator lights that the door was not fully closed. The door also "auto-locks" when moving, so there were multiple failures of the lock/door system when this occurred. The car was on the road more than 5 minutes when this happened with absolutely no warnings until the door flung open and the car made lots of warning noise at this point. We called the dealer and made an appointment and on the day of the appointment the locks magically started working again. The dealer just charged us $90 to perform a "lock diagnostic" to which they said there are no issues found. Well, let me just say, I feel a door randomly opening in a moving vehicle is a major safety problem and it is a grave concern for me to drive or ride in this car when I am not sure when or if this is going to reoccur at any given moment.

2/29/2024

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the liftgate was making an abnormal rubbing sound while being closed manually or automatically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that fluid was leaking from the left liftgate bar which had caused the failure. The mechanic reached out to the parts department and was provided an estimate for the replacement parts. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

5/29/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

The most reported complaint category for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is AIR BAGS, with 114 owner reports. That is about 25% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 251 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 severe?

251 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota RAV4: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
449
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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