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2021 Toyota RAV4

Introduction

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that is available with three engine options and two transmission options. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The second engine option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 222 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The third engine option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine that produces 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT.

The RAV4 is a popular choice among consumers because it is reliable, fuel-efficient, and offers a comfortable ride. However, there have been some issues reported with the 2021 model year.

Engine

  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
    • Premature wear of piston rings
      • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a decrease in engine power.
      • Solution: Replace the piston rings.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
      • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V665000
  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
    • No issues found

Transmission

  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
    • Shifting problems
      • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifts, or slipping gears.
      • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and filter. In some cases, the transmission may need to be replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
      • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V450000
  • CVT
    • No issues found

Suspension

  • No issues found

Electrical

  • Battery drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use.
    • Solution: Replace the battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • Electrical system failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The electrical system fails, causing the vehicle to lose power.
    • Solution: Replace the electrical system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
      • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V239000

Exterior

  • Cracked windshield
    • Description/Symptoms: The windshield cracks easily, even from minor impacts.
    • Solution: Replace the windshield.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • Fading paint
    • Description/Symptoms: The paint fades prematurely, especially on the roof and hood.
    • Solution: Repaint the vehicle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
      • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • No issues found

Summary

Overall, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle. However, there have been some issues reported with the engine, transmission, electrical system, and exterior. The severity of the issues varies, but some can be expensive to fix.

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