NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota RAV4 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 374 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, marking a significant five-point improvement from the 2020 model year's 79 out of 100 rating. This score places the vehicle firmly in the Strong safety band, an ascent driven by its robust NHTSA crash-test results and comprehensive standard crash-avoidance technology.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 ranks 63 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 374 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 63 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota RAV4?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 represents a notable step forward in MotorCaliber's safety measurement compared to its immediate predecessor. The Safety Index moved from 79/100 in the Average band for 2020 to 84/100 in the Strong band for 2021, a five-point gain driven largely by a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10/10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all coming standard. Crash protection contributed 61 out of a possible 70 points, consistent with the NHTSA star picture: a 5-star overall and a 5-star side result are genuine strengths, while the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores leave a small gap from the ceiling. The defect record sub-score of 13/20 is the softest component of the index, shaped by one active recall and a complaint volume of 374 reports, with air bag components alone accounting for 124 of those unverified allegations. The single recall specifically concerns the occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, which is directly relevant to the complaint pattern. For a vehicle now circulating in the used market, that combination of a strong overall index and a concentrated air bag concern is the defining safety story of this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota RAV4 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 secured a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance was bolstered by a 5 star rating in the side-impact test. Frontal and rollover protection each achieved 4 out of 5 stars, with the latter category noting a 16 percent rollover risk and no tip in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15849
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 carries one NHTSA recall campaign. It targets the occupant classification sensor within the air bag system and covers certain 2020 to 2021 Toyota models including this one. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this campaign, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000
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 Lexu
Reported 2023-12-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has logged 374 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 RAV4. The most frequently alleged problem area is air bags, with 124 reported complaints, followed by unknown or other issues at 70, and the electrical system at 45. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
374 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota RAV4?
Any shopper considering a 2021 RAV4 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. The open air bag sensor recall may or may not have been completed by the current owner. Confirm the remedy was performed and obtain documentation, as recall repairs are provided at no charge through the manufacturer.
- The 2021 RAV4's Safety Index of 84/100 Strong represents a five-point increase over the 2020 model year's 79/100 Average score, making 2021 the stronger safety year between the two.
- NHTSA's single recall for this model year targets the air bag occupant classification sensor, a component that also tops the unverified complaint list with 124 reported issues out of 374 total.
- The 5-star overall NHTSA rating is anchored by a perfect 5-star side-impact result, while frontal and rollover ratings each sit at 4 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent.
- All three major crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2021 RAV4, earning a full 10/10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota RAV4 places
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota RAV4 safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota RAV4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota RAV4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota RAV4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Toyota RAV4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota RAV4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 374 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Toyota RAV4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RAV4 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15849), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota RAV4 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 63 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.