YearToAvoid

2021 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 21 steering complaints for the 2021 Toyota RAV4, about 5% of its 386 total complaints for the year. These include 3 crashes and 1 injury, with a median failure mileage of 4,250. No steering-related recalls are currently listed for this model year.

Steering complaints
21
5% of 386
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
4,250 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a 'Power Steering Voltage Abnormality' warning appearing along with sudden engine and steering power loss while driving or at a stop.
  • Some describe the steering wheel seizing or becoming very stiff during low-speed turns, in one case leading to a collision with a parked vehicle.
  • Several complaints describe brief loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist while turning, including one case that ended in a collision with a street sign.
  • One owner reported the steering independently pulling the vehicle off the road at highway speed, resulting in a rollover crash.
  • Multiple owners mention that dealers or mechanics could not find a cause after testing the battery, alternator, and starter, despite the warning recurring.
  • A separate complaint describes erratic lane keep assist behavior that steered the vehicle toward oncoming traffic instead of keeping it centered.

When 2021 Toyota RAV4 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 26, 2021, latest Sep 13, 2026.

2021 Toyota RAV4 steering complaints: complaints filed per month3Feb 2021Jul 2021Jun 2023Jul 2024Apr 2025Jan 2026Sep 2026
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2025 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2021 Toyota RAV4

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by RAV4 model year

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

  1. 201018 (5%)
  2. 201115 (5%)
  3. 20129 (3%)
  4. 201311 (4%)
  5. 201421 (11%)
  6. 201546 (15%)
  7. 201610 (4%)
  8. 201712 (4%)
  9. 201811 (3%)
  10. 201932 (4%)
  11. 202027 (4%)
  12. 202121 (5%)
  13. 202220 (14%)
  14. 202326 (17%)
  15. 202427 (16%)
  16. 20255 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 21 steering complaints for the 2021 RAV4, which is about 5% of the 386 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2021 RAV4 steering problems?
No, NHTSA does not list any related recalls for the 2021 RAV4 steering complaints in this data.
Did the 2021 RAV4 steering issues cause any crashes?
Yes, NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 1 injury linked to steering complaints for this model year.
At what mileage do 2021 RAV4 steering problems usually occur?
The median mileage at failure reported in NHTSA complaints for steering issues on the 2021 RAV4 is 4,250 miles.
What steering symptoms do 2021 RAV4 owners report most?
Owners most often describe a 'Power Steering Voltage Abnormality' warning paired with sudden loss of engine and steering power, along with some reports of stiff or seized steering wheels.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.