MotorDeets

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 1 recall, 22 owner complaints and up to 40 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
22owner complaints
1mention a crash
40best combined mpg
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #23V865000 · 2023 · 999,901 vehicles

What's wrong: A short circuit May develop in the occupant classification system (ocs) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

The fix: 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. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags17
Electrical2
Speed control / throttle1
Lane departure1
Brakes1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Traction Control System1

What owners describe

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has 22 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 11 RAV4 Hybrid model years for complaints (1.7× the average RAV4 Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 35,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (13 complaints, 5 recalls), 2022 (5 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 4-cyl hybridAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive413840Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems?

Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (17), electrical (2), speed control / throttle (1).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid get?

EPA ratings run up to 40 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other RAV4 Hybrid years

20162017201820192020202120222023202420252026