11 complaints reported

2021 Toyota RAV4 Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
11
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2025
May 2025

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Aug 2025
Oct 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Mar 2024
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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Apr 2024
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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Aug 2024
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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Apr 2024
Mar 2024

Coolant Bypass Valve failed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2023
Feb 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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: May 2023
Jan 2023

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Aug 2023
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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Nov 2020

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has 11 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.