Model year guide

2021 Toyota RAV4

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Toyota RAV4 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 16 on record.

2021 Toyota RAV4 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Toyota RAV4 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints374
Combined30 mpg
Typical price$31,955

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2021 Toyota RAV4 recalls 1

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification NHTSA Campaign #23V865000 · 20/12/2023

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 deploy…

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. Owners may co…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2021 Toyota RAV4 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 374 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2021 Toyota RAV4 MPG & running costs

Combined30 mpg
City28 mpg
Highway35 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,050

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2021 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Low
$27,594
Typical price
$31,955
High
$38,977

From 11 comparable 2021 Toyota RAV4 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Toyota RAV4 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$12,700
Total$22,950
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($31,955) with the same model 5 model-years older ($19,259), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Toyota RAV4 trims & engines on record

Trims
LE · XLE · TRD Off Road · Limited · XLE Premium · XLE Premium HV
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 203 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 176 hp

2021 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on record

2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium2T3C1RFV8MW171128 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE2T3H1RFV7MW171157 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE2T3P1RFV5MC236827 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE2T3H1RFV2MC133126 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE2T3H1RFVXMC159165 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE2T3H1RFVXMC139594 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium HV4T3B6RFV5MU050862 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road2T3S1RFV4MW228663 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE2T3W1RFV8MC138614 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 LimitedJTMY1RFV9MD079576 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE2T3F1RFV6MW189768 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road2T3S1RFV2MW196621 2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited2T3Y1RFV7MW136585 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE2T3P1RFV1MW197541 2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE2T3P1RFV2MC205177 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE2T3K1RFV2MC099341

Other Toyota RAV4 model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

2021 Toyota RAV4 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Based on 374 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, structure, latches/locks/linkages.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2021 Toyota RAV4 at about 30 mpg combined (28 city / 35 highway).

How much is a 2021 Toyota RAV4 worth?

Comparable 2021 Toyota RAV4 listings run roughly $27,594–$38,977, typically around $31,955 (from 11 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.