2021 Toyota RAV4 Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 125 airbag complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4, 32% of all 386 complaints that year, tied to 28 crashes, 34 injuries, and 1 fire. Median mileage at failure is 30,000. A related recall (23V865000) covers a sensor issue affecting the airbag system.
- Airbags complaints
- 125
- 32% of 386
- Crashes reported
- 28
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 34
- Median mileage
- 30,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed frontal or side-impact collisions, often around 30-40 MPH.
- Several drivers describe being t-boned or hit head-on with no front or side airbag deployment despite significant vehicle damage.
- Some complaints mention a dashboard warning message reading 'faulty airbag' or 'malfunction' appearing after the crash occurred.
- A few owners report that seatbelts released or failed to hold properly at the same time airbags did not deploy.
- One complaint describes a rear-end collision where airbags did not deploy and the driver's head struck the steering wheel.
When 2021 Toyota RAV4 airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 30, 2021, latest Jul 4, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4
- NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
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.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Airbags complaints by RAV4 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
- NHTSA lists 125 airbag complaints for the 2021 RAV4, which is 32% of all 386 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an airbag recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4?
- Yes. Recall 23V865000, reported December 20, 2023, covers a sensor issue in the airbag system. Toyota's remedy is inspection and free sensor replacement if needed.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically occur on the 2021 RAV4?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 30,000 miles at the time of the reported airbag failure.
- Have crashes or injuries resulted from these airbag complaints?
- NHTSA records 28 crashes, 34 injuries, and 1 fire linked to the airbag complaints for the 2021 RAV4.
- Is the 2021 RAV4 worse than other years for airbag complaints?
- Yes, relative to other RAV4 model years in this dataset. The 2021 year accounts for 32% share of airbag complaints, higher than any other year listed, including 9% for 2020 and 7% for 2022.