2021 Toyota RAV4 Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 11/01/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 389 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 overview page.
What owners report
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11474455 — filed 07/18/2022
“I was reversing. I exited vehicle The Car was either not in park or fully In park. I got something from the back seat, turned…”NHTSA complaint 11466557 — filed 05/28/2022
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR SHIFTER DISENGAGED, PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM SHIFTING GEARS…”NHTSA complaint 11404841 — filed 03/25/2021
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Toyota RAV4: 22 of 389 complaints on file (5.7%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have in total?
389 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 11/01/2026. Across all categories, 47 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, 49 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
