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2021 Toyota Rav4 Engine Problems

13 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

13
Complaints
Jan 2024Sep 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (13)

mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

The vehicle has never been in an accident and has been garage kept. There were 5 pinholes in the radiator that were slowly dripping over time. My radiator fluid went so low my car overheated and had to be taken in for repair. No warning until there was no radiator fluid left and overheated and had to pull over on the highway. Radiator was cracked in 5 places. 4 year old car, less than 55,000 miles. Confirmed and repaired by an independent service center.

NHTSA #: 11681147
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 2025

Coolant bypass valve problem with several rav4s. My car is unusable and I need it to work.

NHTSA #: 11672368
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2025

Pop up of "Engine Maintenance Required" , ran the diagnostic steps and confirmed it is due to coolant bypass leak.

NHTSA #: 11660869
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2024

Keep getting an service engine maintenance message/ check engine light. No codes show up, most likely the coolant bypass valve everyone is having an issue with. Don't receive message when ac is off. Or when blasting heat. Reset and comes back. Needs to be a recall. I see there is a class action lawsuit pending.

NHTSA #: 11613606
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2024

Started seeing the message on the dashboard that says “engine maintenance required visit your dealer” when I took it to get it checked out they said it was the coolant bypass valve, the worker at the Toyota dealership mentioned that it has been happening to other vehicles as well, so he knew exactly what the message meant. Upon doing my own research I found many others with the same issue on their RAV4’s as well. This issue is not covered by their warranty

NHTSA #: 11610767
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2024

Engine maintenance light came on saying to go to dealer at 35,000 miles. The coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced in order to prevent the engine from overheating. Our repair shop coordinated with the dealership who admitted that they commonly see this issue on RAV4 and Corolla models, though there is no recall currently in place.

NHTSA #: 11585965
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2024

Coolant Bypass Valve failed.

NHTSA #: 11580299
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2024

I had my 2021 RAV4 Hybrid in for a routine oil change at 59,150 miles. I have maintained this vehicle in accordance with Toyota's recommendations since purchasing it brand new. During their inspection, it was noted by the Toyota mechanic that the timing cover was already seeping, way before it ever should be for this age and mileage of vehicle. The dealership mechanic did not recommend anything be done at this time since it wasn't an "active leak", even though seepage will turn into a leak. They denied my request for them to inspect the gaskets and look for cracks in the timing cover while my vehicle is still covered under warranty. While they would not say why they refused to honor my request, I assume it is because my warranty is set to expire when my vehicle reaches 60,000 miles (only 850 more miles from then) and they want me to have to pay $3500 of my own money instead of theirs after my warranty expires. It is unsafe for me to continue to drive this vehicle due to the fact that a timing cover leak can be a serious issue for my vehicle. The timing cover helps protect the timing belt, which is crucial for the proper operation of the engine. If the gasket is leaking, it can lead to oil loss, potential engine damage, and even engine failure if not addressed promptly. There were not any warning lamps that indicated to me that there was an issue.

NHTSA #: 11564723
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2024

The engine block cracked and started leaking coolant. It is clearly a defective manufacturing of the block casting. The same engine was recalled several months before mine, but my manufacturing date fell just outside of the range they recalled in the same year. The problem was confirmed by Price Leblanc Toyota in Baton Rouge, LA, a new short block was installed and I was left footing the bill because Toyota Corp denies responsibility for it even though it is only 3 years old and has had ALL maintenance done through the dealerships. The initial coolant leak was first noticed on 10/17/2023. The vehicle repairs were completed by Price Leblanc Toyota and picked up on 12/13/2023.

NHTSA #: 11563342
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2023

Coolant Engine Bypass Valve Faulty. Dealership says it’s a known problem and they replaced 12 this week on RAV4 all different mileages

NHTSA #: 11542207
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2023

The hybrid system stopped working thus AWD, automatic emergency brake and other components stopped working as well. Message Hybrid System malfuction output power reduce visit your dealer AWD System malfuction 2wd mode engage visit dealer Engine light turn on

NHTSA #: 11524971
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2023

I was pulling into a parking space with my foot on the brake, had just touched the parking bar, and the engine started racing. The car went forward over the parking bar before I cold stop it by stomping on the brake. The only thing stopping me from going over the side of the hill was a chain link fence. Luckily the brakes worked. This is a 2021 RAV4 and I have never had this problem before. I am scheduled to go into the Toyota dealer to have them look at it.

NHTSA #: 11504262
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2021

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CABE TOYOTA (2849 LONG BEACH BLVD, LONG BEACH, CA 90806, (562) 595-7411) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NOTHING NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.

NHTSA #: 11416598

Other 2021 Toyota Rav4 Issues