2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems

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The Toyota RAV4 (Japanese: トヨタ・RAV4, Hepburn: Toyota Ravufō) is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers.

It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system.

For the third-generation model, Toyota offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions were sold in Japan and Europe; long-wheelbase versions in Australia and North America. Toyota of Japan also sold the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴァンガード, Hepburn: Toyota Vangādo) at Toyopet Store dealership chain from 2005 through 2016. RAV4 for the Japanese market were sold at two different Toyota dealership chains, Corolla Store and Netz.

In 2019, the RAV4 was the best-selling SUV of any type in the world, and the fourth best-selling passenger car overall. North America is the largest market, with 535,000 units sold in 2019, followed by Europe (133,000) and China (127,000). By February 2020, a total of 10 million RAV4s had been sold globally.

2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid

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Common 2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2021 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include:

  • 12-volt battery issues: Some owners have reported that the 12-volt battery, which is crucial for starting the vehicle, fails to charge properly. This issue has been particularly problematic for those who drive short distances frequently or need to leave the car in airport lots or camping sites for extended periods.
  • Battery drain: The 2019 and some 2020 models of the RAV4 Hybrid had issues with battery drain, which has been fixed in later models. However, it is still a concern for some owners, especially those who drive frequently or leave the car parked for long periods.
  • Roof leak: Some owners have reported roof leaks in their RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. This issue can be particularly problematic during heavy rain or snow, as it can lead to water damage inside the car.
  • Gas tank filling problem: Some owners have reported difficulties filling the gas tank completely, which can be inconvenient and lead to frequent trips to the gas station.
  • Performance issues: Some owners have reported performance issues with the RAV4 Hybrid, including slow acceleration and poor handling.
  • Interior problems: Some owners have reported issues with the interior of the RAV4 Hybrid, including uncomfortable seats and poor visibility while driving.
  • Reliability concerns: Although the RAV4 Hybrid is generally considered a reliable vehicle, some owners have reported reliability concerns, including issues with the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

It is important to note that these issues are based on complaints from owners and may not be representative of the overall reliability and performance of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2021. If you are considering purchasing this vehicle, it is recommended that you thoroughly research the vehicle and consider any potential issues before making a decision.

2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid engine

Does the 2021 RAV4 have any problems?

Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 include rattling noises from the B-pillar in the cabin, excessive wind noise, along with rapid battery drain. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other compact SUVs on the market, leading to lower repair bills.

Is there a recall on Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid 2021?

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles. The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam.

What is the battery problem with the Toyota RAV4 hybrid?

If the RAV4 Prime has been driven continuously in "EV mode," (just using the plug-in hybrid battery, not the internal combustion engine) and the accelerator pedal is then press rapidly to accelerate the vehicle, it's possible for the battery to drop below a specified threshold.

What are the disadvantages of a RAV4 Hybrid?

Things We Don't Like

  • Noisy Cabin. Excessive interior noise from different sources is an issue with the RAV4 Hybrid. ...
  • Rough Rider. As capable as the RAV4 feels in the corners, the price paid is a relatively firm and unsettled ride for a compact SUV. ...
  • Nothing Special Inside. ...
  • Technical Difficulties.

Are there any issues with the 2021 RAV4?

Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 include rattling noises from the B-pillar in the cabin, excessive wind noise, along with rapid battery drain. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other compact SUVs on the market, leading to lower repair bills.

What are the disadvantages of a RAV4 hybrid?

Things We Don't Like

  • Noisy Cabin. Excessive interior noise from different sources is an issue with the RAV4 Hybrid. ...
  • Rough Rider. As capable as the RAV4 feels in the corners, the price paid is a relatively firm and unsettled ride for a compact SUV. ...
  • Nothing Special Inside. ...
  • Technical Difficulties.

Is there a recall on Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid 2021?

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles. The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam.

Is Toyota RAV4 2021 reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4? The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid.

2024-08-01

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
  • VIN: 4T3D6RFV1MU
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-05-20

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
  • VIN: 4T3D6RFV2MU
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-05-13

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-13
  • VIN: 4T3B6RFV3MU
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-04-29

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-29
  • VIN: 2T3R6RFV1MW
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-04-29

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-29
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
2024-01-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-03-01
  • VIN: 4T3RWRFV8MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving at high rates of speed, the vehicle stalled after slamming on the brake pedal. The contact waited approximately 20-30 seconds after the initial failure before being able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving operation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
2022-01-20

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-12-30
  • VIN: 4T3D6RFV0MU
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the sunroof exploded, and fragments of glass fell inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the sunroof replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
2021-09-07

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-08-28
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4T3RWRFVXMU
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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.
2021-01-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-01-05
  • VIN: 2T3E6RF30MW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE
  • Summary: 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. NO SOUND OR ANYTHING DURING MY ENTIRE DURATION OF DRIVE. 7. THE REMOTE START BARELY WORKS EVER BUT I CAN START ERICKS TRUCK. IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK MOST OF TIME EITHER. 8. LANE ASSIST SEEMS LIKE IT'S FIGHTING ITSELF. IT BASICALLY MAKES THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKEY FEELING WHEN IT'S ON AND BOUNCES BACK AND FORTH. 9. WHEN ANY IPHONE IS PLUGGED IN FLASHES BETWEEN CARPLAY TO REGULAR MODE EVERY 3-5 SECONDS. 10. RECEIVING MESSAGE THAT HYBRID BATTERY LOW.

2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid.

2023-12-20
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: 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. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
  • Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 2, 2024. A second notice will be mailed once the remedy is available. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Negative 2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid car reviews

  1. Jamaal Mueller 2024-11-17

    Pro: It's whisper quiet, handles well, and is great on gas. The interior looks quality and well-designed. Cons: Although the gas engine is loud, there are rattles all over the place with only 175 miles on it, and the fit and finish isn't as good as my Ford.

  2. Amari Hintz 2024-10-02

    The look and concept of this car are amazing. However, it is important to note that in real-world driving, the car may not be the most comfortable option. While the car boasts impressive fuel efficiency, it may not provide the level of comfort that some drivers are looking for. It is worth noting that the cabin height is short and the seats may not be the most comfortable for longer drives. Additionally, the ride may be bumpy on roads that are not freshly paved. It is important to consider these factors before making a purchase, especially if you are over 6ft tall.

  3. Adolfo Botsford 2024-09-29

    I wanted to share my experience with the 2021 and similar models. I have noticed that the air conditioner drain can easily become clogged and has a plastic tube flaw, which can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Unfortunately, fixing this issue can be quite expensive, costing nearly $4000, and Toyota does not cover this cost even when under warranty. Additionally, there is a risk that the issue may occur again even after the repair. While this has been frustrating, I still appreciate the quality of Toyota vehicles and will continue to consider them in the future.

  4. Maximo Satterfield 2024-08-04

    Great gas mileage! I ended up buying a Subaru Forester instead of this one. It's not the most beautiful car out there, but it's definitely not hideous and the price was just right!

  5. Reagan Klein 2024-07-21

    We recently purchased a 2021 Hybrid RAV4 XLE after driving a 2007 Hybrid Avalon XLE. We were under the impression that all the features we had on the Avalon would be present in the RAV4, but unfortunately, we discovered that Toyota had dropped the automated driver seat function. This feature was incredibly useful as it allowed the seat to automatically adjust to the position that provided the most room for entering and exiting the car. It's frustrating that this feature was removed, and we're not sure why. It's especially inconvenient when one driver has the seat all the way up, and the other driver struggles to get in. We believe that this issue could be resolved with a simple software update, and we hope that Toyota takes notice. It's disappointing to encounter such a problem in a car that costs $40,000. Despite this issue, we appreciate Toyota's efforts and will consider purchasing from them again in the future.

Positive 2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid car reviews

  1. Titus Runte 2024-11-13

    The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE is a fantastic car that ticks all the boxes for me. It's powerful, smooth, comfortable, roomy, and has a sporty look. What's more, it has great gas mileage and AWD, which were my top priorities in a new car. Although finding one was quite the challenge, my great salesperson and a little patience helped me find exactly what I was looking for.

  2. Otis Grady 2024-10-09

    I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the ride and handling of the vehicle during your test drive. It's great to know that you found it to be very quiet as well.

  3. Billy Howell 2024-09-24

    Fantastic SUV! You'll enjoy a smooth ride and plenty of options for a reasonable price.

  4. Triston Casper 2024-09-15

    Driving is awesome because it handles really well and has amazing acceleration for the money. Plus, it averages 38 mpg! The only downside is that it can be difficult to see the switches at night.

  5. Brennan Armstrong 2024-08-13

    Great car! It drives very quietly and smoothly, and is very fuel efficient! We absolutely love our car and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a luxury SUV!

Leave your review of 2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid problems:

About to purchase 2021 RAV4 XLE. Any problems I need to know ...
About to purchase 2021 RAV4 XLE. Any problems I need to know ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/comments/prvzeo/about_to_purchase_2021_rav4_xle_any_problems_i/

Sep 20, 2021 ... Switched from a tundra to a Rav4 hybrid. I stopped worrying about gas and got in trouble with the wife for just going on a drive when i was ...

2021 Toyota RAV4 Reliability - Consumer Reports
2021 Toyota RAV4 Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2021/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Steering And Suspension · Exhaust · Body Hardware · Fuel System/Emissions · Noises And Leaks · Engine Electrical · Drive System.

2020-2021 Rav4 Hybrid reliable? : r/Toyota
2020-2021 Rav4 Hybrid reliable? : r/Toyota
https://www.reddit.com/r/Toyota/comments/16ox7ec/20202021_rav4_hybrid_reliable/

Sep 22, 2023 ... 2020-2021 Rav4 Hybrid reliable? · High voltage cable warranty got extended to match the hybrid system warranty · 12v battery drain was a software ...

Issues on 2023 Rav4 hybrid XSE | Toyota RAV4 Forums
Issues on 2023 Rav4 hybrid XSE | Toyota RAV4 Forums
https://www.rav4world.com/threads/issues-on-2023-rav4-hybrid-xse.328455/

Jun 14, 2023 ... hi all, Any common problems or issues on the 2023 Rav4 Hybrid XSE models? I already read the corrosion on the high voltage cables on earlier ...

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/rav4-hybrid/2021/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

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toyota rav4 hybrid 2023 photo
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toyota rav4 hybrid 2020 photo
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2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrid photo