2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 4 recalls, 99 owner complaints and up to 38 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #20V698000 · 2020 · 413 vehicles
What's wrong: The headlight aiming caps May have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Adjusting the horizontal headlight beam can increase glare, reducing the visibility of an oncoming driver or the vehicle operator, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will close the aiming caps on the headlights, free of charge. The recall began January 6, 2021.
Stability control Vehicle recall #22V239000 · 2022 · 458,110 vehicles
What's wrong: The skid control ECU software May not turn on the vehicle stability control (vsc) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the vsc system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "electronic stability control systems."
Why it matters: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the skid control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V041000 · 2023 · 16,679 vehicles
What's wrong: During certain cold weather driving conditions, while driving in ev mode, the hybrid vehicle control engine control unit (hev ECU) software May cause the hybrid system to shut down if the accelerator is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle, resulting in a stall.
Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the hev ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 27, 2023.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V478000 · 2023 · 43,442 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric current rectifying module contained within the dc-dc converter May have been damaged during production, which can result in an electrical short-circuit.
Why it matters: A short circuit can cause the dc-dc converter to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees fahrenheit (5 degrees celsius). Dealers will replace the dc-dc converter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (37): the most common themes are electrical failure (19), fire / smoke (11), door / lock issues (4).
- Other / unknown (24): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), warning light on (4), electrical failure (3).
- Fuel & propulsion (18): the most common themes are warning light on (3), fire / smoke (3), electrical failure (2).
- Brakes (16): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime has 99 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 RAV4 Prime model years for complaints (1.9× the average RAV4 Prime year). Complaints peaked in 2022 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 5,104 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (21 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 40 | 36 | 38 | Regular Gas and Electricity |
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 Prime.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. 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 Prime problems?
Owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (37), other / unknown (24), fuel & propulsion (18).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime get?
EPA ratings run up to 38 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime 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.