2021 Toyota RAV4 power train problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2021 Toyota RAV4 gas XXX Vehicle suddenly stopped while driving Busy roadway in [XXX] Wife and young children were passengers Dashboard displayed “ENGINE STOPPED” Dashboard displayed “STEERING POWER LOW” Police responded Police determined waiting for the insurance tow was unsafe Police arranged…”
filed Sep 13, 2026
“2021 Toyota RAV4 (gas model) has experienced a sudden, unexpected engine stall/shutdown on a public road. The incident occurred while shifting into Drive after backing up in reverse. The engine immediately died without any prior dashboard warning lights or mechanical symptoms. The information…”
filed Aug 17, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other RAV4 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 RAV4 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 RAV4 | 8 | 5% |
| 2023 RAV4 | 11 | 7% |
| 2022 RAV4 | 11 | 8% |
| 2020 RAV4 | 38 | 6% |
| 2019 RAV4 | 80 | 9% |
| 2018 RAV4 | 26 | 8% |
| 2017 RAV4 | 16 | 5% |
| 2016 RAV4 | 11 | 5% |
| 2015 RAV4 | 25 | 8% |
| 2014 RAV4 | 20 | 10% |
| 2013 RAV4 | 29 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Toyota RAV4
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.