Diagsheet

2021 Toyota RAV4 · symptom sheet

Takata airbag inflator recall

  • 90owner reports
  • 40,000median miles
  • 3involved a crash

Newest report Jul 4, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

90 of the 125 reports of airbag on the 2021 RAV4 describe Takata airbag recall.

Part of Airbag warning light or recall (125 reports)

Tick what matches of 90 reports

46
71
15
10

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the airbags covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

23V-865Dec 20, 2023
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Risk and remedy
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 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

NHTSA investigations into the airbags on the RAV4

EQ12-002opened Feb 14, 2012
Airbags · model years 2011

Autoliv air bag propellant mixture. Closed may 8, 2012.

NHTSA summary
The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.

None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 30,000 and 43,956 miles, from the 12 reports that gave a mileage.

3424
4825
826

What owners wrote

“The recall has been in place since 2023 with a tentative resolution date of 3rd quarter of 2024. So far, no resolution has been offered.”

Filed Feb 7, 2025

“Manufacturer has not repaired recall in a timely manner. Airbags unsafe and unable to deploy.”

Filed Jan 17, 2025

“Toyota informed us of defective OCS sensors on NHTSA recall No. 23V-865 in 2023. There has since been no remedy nor further notice from Toyota for even an inspection. Dealer claims to be waiting on manufacturer still today 1/8/25, 1343.”

Filed Jan 8, 2025

“Toyota said a remedy for the recall would be available Q3 2024. It is now December and nothing has been done. The passenger seat has been without a functional airbag all year and continues to be unsafe.”

Filed Dec 8, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 3 of 90 reports involved a crash and 4 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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