How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

NHTSA lists 24 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 RAV4, which is about 6% of its 386 total complaints for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 fuel system?

No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data provided for this problem area.

What is the main fuel system complaint on the 2021 RAV4?

Most owners describe the fuel tank not filling to its rated 14.5-gallon capacity, often taking closer to 11 gallons before the pump stops or fuel backs up.

At what mileage do fuel system problems show up on the 2021 RAV4?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 905 miles, indicating the issue often appears very early in ownership.

Did the fuel system issue cause any crashes or fires on the 2021 RAV4?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 fire among the Fuel System complaints for the 2021 RAV4, with 0 injuries reported.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 24 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4, about 6% of its 386 total complaints. The dominant pattern is fuel tanks that won't fill to their rated capacity, plus reports of fuel odor and one fire linked to the fuel system. No related recall is listed in NHTSA data.

Fuel System complaints: 24; 6% of 386
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 905 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report the fuel tank, rated at 14.5 gallons, only accepts around 11 gallons before the pump shuts off or fuel surges back up the filler tube.
Some drivers say the dashboard's distance-to-empty estimate and actual mileage-per-tank fall well short of the advertised range, suggesting the tank is not filling to capacity.
Several complaints describe a strong or abnormal fuel odor inside or near the vehicle while driving, with dealers unable to identify a cause.
One complaint describes an engine compartment fire that spread to the passenger compartment after a low-speed collision, involving both a crash and a fire.
A few owners report a 'malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission' warning appearing alongside a strong gasoline smell.

When 2021 Toyota RAV4 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 8, 2020, latest Mar 2, 2026.

24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2020 to Mar 2026; peak Jan 2021 (2).

Fuel System recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Fuel System complaints by RAV4 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20052 (1%)
200625 (4%)
200722 (2%)
200816 (3%)
200910 (3%)
201020 (5%)
201113 (5%)
20128 (3%)
20139 (4%)
20147 (4%)
201513 (4%)
20165 (2%)
201713 (4%)
201812 (4%)
2019269 (31%)
202090 (14%)
202124 (6%)
20229 (6%)
202310 (6%)
20244 (2%)
20254 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Toyota RAV4?: NHTSA lists 24 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 RAV4, which is about 6% of its 386 total complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 fuel system?: No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data provided for this problem area.
What is the main fuel system complaint on the 2021 RAV4?: Most owners describe the fuel tank not filling to its rated 14.5-gallon capacity, often taking closer to 11 gallons before the pump stops or fuel backs up.
At what mileage do fuel system problems show up on the 2021 RAV4?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 905 miles, indicating the issue often appears very early in ownership.
Did the fuel system issue cause any crashes or fires on the 2021 RAV4?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 fire among the Fuel System complaints for the 2021 RAV4, with 0 injuries reported.