2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 37 Electrical System complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, 37% of all 99 complaints for the year, including 1 fire, 1 crash, and 1 injury. Three related recalls cover the DC-DC rectifying module, cold-weather EV mode control, and headlight aiming caps.
- Electrical System complaints
- 37
- 37% of 99
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- —
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report arcing sounds and an electrical burning smell when plugging in a Level 2 EVSE charging cable, sometimes with charging codes and a refusal to charge.
- Some describe a loud grinding or train-horn-like noise from the heat pump within about a minute of startup, especially while backing out or maneuvering.
- Multiple owners received notice of recall 23V478000 for the electrical system but reported long waits with no repair parts available.
- Others saw a 'Plug In Charging System Malfunction' dash warning tied to a charging unit air fan sensor issue.
- A few owners noted the power rear tailgate intermittently beeps and stops opening.
- One owner reported the rear brakes locking when driving over small bumps while slowing down.
When 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 10, 2021, latest Jun 7, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
- NHTSA 23V478000Jul 12, 2023Electrical System43,442 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc converter
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 23V041000Feb 2, 2023Electrical System16,679 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:hybrid management:power control unit/module (hpcu)
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 20V698000Nov 12, 2020Electrical System413 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System complaints by RAV4 Prime model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
- 202137 (37%)
- 20227 (33%)
- 202342 (67%)
- 20249 (31%)
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2021 RAV4 Prime?
- NHTSA lists 37 Electrical System complaints for the 2021 model year, which is 37% of all 99 complaints filed for that year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 RAV4 Prime's electrical system?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 23V478000 for the DC-DC rectifying module inside the electric current rectifying system, recall 23V041000 for cold-weather EV mode control software, and recall 20V698000 for headlight aiming caps.
- Have there been fires linked to electrical issues in the 2021 RAV4 Prime?
- NHTSA data for this problem area lists 1 fire, 1 crash, and 1 injury among the 37 electrical complaints filed for the 2021 model year.
- What do owners say about the charging system specifically?
- Sample complaints describe arcing noises and a burning smell during Level 2 charging, charging system malfunction warnings, and delays getting the 23V478000 recall repair completed due to part shortages.