2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime recalls and problems
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime has 4 safety recalls and 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime recalls
Recall 23V-478: Electrical System
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. 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.
Risk: A short circuit can cause the DC-DC converter to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
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. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB07/23LB01.
Recall 23V-041: Electrical System
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. 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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the HEV ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA01.
Recall 22V-239: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Problem: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. 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."
Risk: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Recall 20V-698: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles. 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will close the aiming caps on the headlights, free of charge. The recall began January 6, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA15.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 37 | |
| Unknown or Other | 24 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | |
| Service Brakes | 16 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 11 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | |
| Engine | 3 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 8
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
- Lane Departure › Warning — 2
- Structure › Body — 1
- Seat Belts › Status Indicator Switch — 1
- Lane Departure › Assist — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 9,300 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota RAV4 Prime years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 23V-478 (electrical system), 23V-041 (electrical system), 22V-239 (electronic stability control (esc)), 20V-698 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (37 reports), followed by unknown or other (24). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 9,300 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.