2021 Toyota RAV4 Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

36Engine complaints

9.6%Of all 375 complaints

#4Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

AIR BAGS125 · 33.3%

Unspecified / other70 · 18.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44 · 11.7%

ENGINE36 · 9.6%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM21 · 5.6%

Share of the 375 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 overview page.

What owners report

“We were on a drive back from Nashville like normal. My mom had picked me up from work at around 07:15. The car started making…”NHTSA complaint 11523298 — filed 05/22/2023

“I was pulling into a parking space with my foot on the brake, had just touched the parking bar, and the engine started racing. The…”NHTSA complaint 11504262 — filed 01/29/2023

“Since I bought my brand-new car 1. the engine has stopped 5 times. 2. My windshield cracked. 3. There is low tire air pressure indicator…”NHTSA complaint 11497430 — filed 12/14/2022

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have engine problems?

Engine is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Toyota RAV4: 36 of 375 complaints on file (9.6%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have in total?

375 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 46 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, 49 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.