2021 Toyota Rav4 Safety Report

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, there are significant concerns stemming from owner complaints and a critical recall. A total of 348 complaints have been filed, with a notable 43 crashes, 7 fires, and 47 injuries reported. The most prominent issue, 'AIR BAGS,' accounts for 101 complaints, directly correlating with the single recall issued for this vehicle. This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000) addresses a potentially improperly manufactured occupant classification system sensor that could prevent the passenger airbag from deploying, significantly increasing injury risk in a crash. Many complaints highlight the unavailability of parts for this recall, leaving owners with an unresolved safety defect. Beyond the airbag issue, common complaint patterns include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (43 complaints), 'STRUCTURE' (12 complaints), and 'ENGINE' (11 complaints). Specific issues like spontaneous sunroof shattering, reported by multiple owners, fall under 'STRUCTURE' or 'VISIBILITY,' posing a sudden hazard. Transmission failures, though not a top-tier complaint component, are also mentioned in sample complaints, indicating potential severe mechanical issues. The high number of 'AIR BAGS' complaints and the associated recall are critical, as a non-deploying airbag directly compromises occupant safety in an accident, despite the vehicle's otherwise strong crash test scores. The overall safety is somewhat overshadowed by the unresolved airbag recall and the volume of diverse complaints. While the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world incidents and manufacturing defects, particularly concerning critical safety systems like airbags, raise flags. The 47 reported injuries and 43 crashes underscore that these issues are not merely inconveniences but have led to tangible safety incidents. Buyers should be aware of the recall status and other reported mechanical and structural issues.

Our recommendation: Given the critical airbag recall and numerous owner complaints despite strong crash test ratings, prospective buyers should verify that the airbag recall (23V865000) has been completed and inspect for signs of other reported issues like sunroof damage or electrical malfunctions.