2021 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 387 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 47 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 49 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 20, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Campaign 23V865000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
125 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact decided to leave the vehicle with the dealer until parts became available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Mar 8, 2025
Recall notice issued Dec 2023 and indicated remedy would be available Quarter 3, 2024. Still no remedy available.
Air bags, Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the OCS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed to not have passenger’s occupy the front passenger’s seat and that the remedy had not yet been developed. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Air bags, Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Mar 4, 2025, crash
The contact owned a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that while her son was driving down a hill at 25 MPH, the vehicle was rear-ended when the other vehicle's brakes failed to stop as intended. As a result, the contact's vehicle was pushed into oncoming traffic. The contact's son veered to the left, then crashed into a plastic barrier, and from the impact the vehicle came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. The air bag warning light illuminated. The contact and her son went to Urgent Care. The contact suffered injuries to her jaw and back and had a concussion. The contact's son suffered injuries to his neck and back. A police report was filed. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to the residence and later to the collision shop. The insurance company was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,900.
Air bags, Feb 26, 2025
Recall issued December 2023 with an estimated remedy available by Toyota in October 2024. As of February 2025, still no remedy available. I'm quite concerned at the length of time its taking to correct a simple OCS sensor. should be as easy as just inspect and/or replace the sensor. My pregnant wife now has to sit in a seat where the airbag may or may not deploy in an accident for the unknown future since no remedy has been made.
Air bags, Feb 7, 2025
The recall has been in place since 2023 with a tentative resolution date of 3rd quarter of 2024. So far, no resolution has been offered.
Air bags, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer and local dealer were not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Seats, Jan 30, 2025
In early March 2024 we received the recall notice for our Toyota RAV4 LE because the OCS (air bag sensor) on passenger seat were found to possibly be faulty. I have called the dealer and Toyota's customer service hotline about once a month with no response given that a remedy is available as yet. What is the problem with Toyota taking so long to provide a remedy for this faulty sensor. We are two senior citizens who own a very nice basic RAV4 which we really enjoy especially the 30-32 gasoline mpg even in town. We have absolutely no complaints about the vehicle other than we cannot go anywhere together because no one can sit in the front seat without being a safety hazard. Yes, we could use the back seat but would you like to have to do that? This is very frustrating as a consumer to have purchased a vehicle and we cannot use it or choose not to because of the Toyota recall. Is there any way the government can put some pressure on Toyota to hurry up and get a remedy/replacement parts for the problem. Or have the dealer voluntarily check to see if the current OCS might happened to not be faulty. We would greatly appreciate any intervention or assistance you could provide. Thanks for your time and attention.
Air bags, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side seat belt warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the passenger’s seat was not occupied by a passenger or object, but the warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Jan 17, 2025
Manufacturer has not repaired recall in a timely manner. Airbags unsafe and unable to deploy.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag and seat belt warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,777. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2025
Toyota issued a preliminary recall in December 2023. I visited my dealership in January 2024, where I purchased my car and learned that there was no fix. Given I use my car to transport my twin babies, I asked for a loaner since they confirmed (at that time) that my car would have a fix later in 2024. I repeatedly checked in on the vehicle and to date, there is no fix. I am paying my car note and do not have possession of my car. I have been told my NY state that since this is a recall, it is not subject to the lemon law program. I've tried working with Toyota and they refuse to rebuy the car or fix the car. They also refuse to release the car to me. I am being forced to drive a loaner vehicle and pay a car note with NO fixes or repairs being done to the vehicle. I need assistance getting my car fixed or refunded for the purchase. It's been over a year that they've held the car and they have no plans to fix it. I'm including a letter that details the incident. I'm happy to follow up with other materials (copy of repair slip when the car was taken by Toyota, proof of ownership, etc.) This should not be allowed to continue. Toyota has had over a year to fix this and we've passed their scheduled remedy month by over 4 months. Thank you for your consideration.
Air bags, Jan 12, 2025
POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAGS, Toyota has taken way too long to fix a possible major safety problem with the airbag system!
Air bags, Jan 8, 2025
Toyota informed us of defective OCS sensors on NHTSA recall No. 23V-865 in 2023. There has since been no remedy nor further notice from Toyota for even an inspection. Dealer claims to be waiting on manufacturer still today 1/8/25, 1343.
Air bags, Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Dec 28, 2024
I have had a critical Passenger Airbag recall for over one year impacting my 2021 RAV4 Auto, NHTSA Recall No. 23V-865; Toyota Recall No. 23TA15. It should NOT have taken Toyota over one-year to diagnose and apply the remedy to ensure that I am driving a safe car. I was promised by Toyota that a Remedy would be made available in February 2024, June 2024, and Sept, 2024. The Website even indicates that the remedy would be available in the 3rd Quarter of 2024. Toyota has the parts to manufacture and sell new cars, but my recall apparently is Not a priority on anyone's profit list since I had paid my money to purchase the car. I have a need to drive my car at home to drop-off my son at school and drive to doctor's appointments, Yet, I was told I should not drive the car nor let anyone ride in my car. This is not a realistic solution and if this is all Toyota has to offer when they should have fixed the major recall by now, I am demanding a full refund of the cost of purchase and they can have the car back. Again, my car is subject to OCS sensors in the front passenger seat, that was improperly manufactured and installed. This is a MAJOR RISK OF INJURY AS THIS DEFECT WOULD NOT ALLOWTHE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO DEPLOY. I HEREBY REQUEST EITHER A REFUND FROM TOYOTAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,000 OR AN IMMEDIATE FREE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR. IF TOYOTA HAS THE PARTS TO PUT OUT NEW CARS I AM SURE THEY HAVE THE PARTS TO REMEDY THIS CRITICAL RECALL. My name is [XXX] , PHONE [XXX] . THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Dec 15, 2024
Recall still not resolved or remedied