This is an online complaint because the manufacturer has failed to remedy the safety recall for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) in a timely manner. The recall was announced in December 2023 and they still don’t have a remedy - this is unacceptable because in a crash, the airbag may not deploy and there is a risk of injury.
2021 Toyota RAV4 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2021 record →
Recall notice issued Dec 2023 and indicated remedy would be available Quarter 3, 2024. Still no remedy available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the OCS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed to not have passengers occupy the front passenger’s seat and that the remedy had not yet been developed. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 15,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owned a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that while her son was driving down a hill at 25 MPH, the vehicle was rear-ended when the other vehicle's brakes failed to stop as intended. As a result, the contact's vehicle was pushed into oncoming traffic. The contact's son veered to the left, then crashed into a plastic barrier, and from the impact the vehicle came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. The air bag warning light illuminated. The contact and her son went to Urgent Care. The contact suffered injuries to her jaw and back and had a concussion. The contact's son suffered injuries to his neck and back. A police report was filed. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to the residence and later to the collision shop. The insurance company was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,900.
Recall issued December 2023 with an estimated remedy available by Toyota in October 2024. As of February 2025, still no remedy available. I'm quite concerned at the length of time its taking to correct a simple OCS sensor. should be as easy as just inspect and/or replace the sensor. My pregnant wife now has to sit in a seat where the airbag may or may not deploy in an accident for the unknown future since no remedy has been made.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer and local dealer were not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
In early March 2024 we received the recall notice for our Toyota RAV4 LE because the OCS (air bag sensor) on passenger seat were found to possibly be faulty. I have called the dealer and Toyota's customer service hotline about once a month with no response given that a remedy is available as yet. What is the problem with Toyota taking so long to provide a remedy for this faulty sensor. We are two senior citizens who own a very nice basic RAV4 which we really enjoy especially the 30-32 gasoline mpg even in town. We have absolutely no complaints about the vehicle other than we cannot go anywhere together because no one can sit in the front seat without being a safety hazard. Yes, we could use the back seat but would you like to have to do that? This is very frustrating as a consumer to have purchased a vehicle and we cannot use it or choose not to because of the Toyota recall. Is there any way the government can put some pressure on Toyota to hurry up and get a remedy/replacement parts for the problem. Or have the dealer voluntarily check to see if the current OCS might happened to not be faulty. We would greatly appreciate any intervention or assistance you could provide. Thanks for your time and attention.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side seat belt warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the passenger’s seat was not occupied by a passenger or object, but the warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Manufacturer has not repaired recall in a timely manner. Airbags unsafe and unable to deploy.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag and seat belt warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,777. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAGS, Toyota has taken way too long to fix a possible major safety problem with the airbag system!
Toyota issued a preliminary recall in December 2023. I visited my dealership in January 2024, where I purchased my car and learned that there was no fix. Given I use my car to transport my twin babies, I asked for a loaner since they confirmed (at that time) that my car would have a fix later in 2024. I repeatedly checked in on the vehicle and to date, there is no fix. I am paying my car note and do not have possession of my car. I have been told my NY state that since this is a recall, it is not subject to the lemon law program. I've tried working with Toyota and they refuse to rebuy the car or fix the car. They also refuse to release the car to me. I am being forced to drive a loaner vehicle and pay a car note with NO fixes or repairs being done to the vehicle. I need assistance getting my car fixed or refunded for the purchase. It's been over a year that they've held the car and they have no plans to fix it. I'm including a letter that details the incident. I'm happy to follow up with other materials (copy of repair slip when the car was taken by Toyota, proof of ownership, etc.) This should not be allowed to continue. Toyota has had over a year to fix this and we've passed their scheduled remedy month by over 4 months. Thank you for your consideration.
The seat is not adjustable due to a broken plastic gear that controls seat movement. The seat cannot reach gas or brake pedals because it is not adjustable. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer, who has advised that the repair is $2,222. No warning was when the part falled.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Critical safety concern regarding the braking system in my Toyota Rav4, 2021 which I believe may warrant further investigation for a potential recall as there are none at this time. The issue pertains to the breaking system, which locks up unexpectadly during use, casuing sudden and severe break locking without warning (unable to break). I suspect as many others online who have mentioned this issue on Toyota Forums is that it is the prime breaking software. I have had my breaks inspected multiple times as I was in a car accident where the breaks did not work and I rolled into the car in front of me when we were starting to proceed through a green light at 5MPH. When pushing on the brakes nothing happened and I rolled into a mother and children. Luckily I did not cause significant damage however I explained to her my breaks would not work. This accident then caused me to be dropped from my insurance (policy termination by Geico) since I had switched providers and happened during my 30 day grace period. This malfunction created a significant safety hazard for myself and others on the road as well as fear that it will happen again and should be investigated as I have have this happen multiple times since the accident. Geico claim number: 8817814110000001
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I have had a critical Passenger Airbag recall for over one year impacting my 2021 RAV4 Auto, NHTSA Recall No. 23V-865; Toyota Recall No. 23TA15. It should NOT have taken Toyota over one-year to diagnose and apply the remedy to ensure that I am driving a safe car. I was promised by Toyota that a Remedy would be made available in February 2024, June 2024, and Sept, 2024. The Website even indicates that the remedy would be available in the 3rd Quarter of 2024. Toyota has the parts to manufacture and sell new cars, but my recall apparently is Not a priority on anyone's profit list since I had paid my money to purchase the car. I have a need to drive my car at home to drop-off my son at school and drive to doctor's appointments, Yet, I was told I should not drive the car nor let anyone ride in my car. This is not a realistic solution and if this is all Toyota has to offer when they should have fixed the major recall by now, I am demanding a full refund of the cost of purchase and they can have the car back. Again, my car is subject to OCS sensors in the front passenger seat, that was improperly manufactured and installed. This is a MAJOR RISK OF INJURY AS THIS DEFECT WOULD NOT ALLOWTHE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO DEPLOY. I HEREBY REQUEST EITHER A REFUND FROM TOYOTAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,000 OR AN IMMEDIATE FREE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR. IF TOYOTA HAS THE PARTS TO PUT OUT NEW CARS I AM SURE THEY HAVE THE PARTS TO REMEDY THIS CRITICAL RECALL. My name is [XXX] , PHONE [XXX] . THANK YOU. INFORMATIO
Without any warning and without anyone touching the car my back windshield exploded out. This flung pieces of glass inches from my toddler as we were about to get in the car. I have a remote car starter (for 4 years on this car) and had started it a few minutes before walking to my car to put my stuff down, I opened the passenger door, put my bags on the seat and closed the door. I then turned around to help my toddler into the car and it suddenly exploded inches from us
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Recall still not resolved or remedied
Thread came off the rim of tire, the car only has 36,000 miles on it. Tire Size P 225/65R17
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the remedy was not available till June 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Just a little over 33k miles, regular maintenance wit dealer, after the power steering light flashes on then goes off after auto stop of motor when stopping and stop at long intervals sometime see a battery charging at same time. Fluid is great no noise. I see a recall but not on this vin. However I’m reading on line several of these are having the same issue, the car is too new..
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
There is a risk in driving this vehicle as there is a safety recall open on this vehicle. As per the status on nhtsa website it says that remedy will be available in Q3 2024 and that is already passed but there is no fix. When reached to the manufacturer they are unable to provide more info. Also this vehicle was sold to me by Toyota dealership as a used car without disclosing this safety issue. Now when reaching to dealership they are stating that nothing can be done. I have family with young kids and we use this car everyday. I am concerned about safety of my family. Hence, I am raising this complaint against the manufacturer to get this issue fixed asap.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also stated that the OCS sensor warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 8,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I got a recall about the airbag but the dealership said remedy is not available yet and im trying to ship out my car overseas
On [XXX] I discovered and reported the unauthorized and unlawful installation of a wifi screw spy camera in my vehicle to Officer Palamcci from the Danvers Police Station located in Danvers, Ma. The WiFi Screw spy camera is discreetly installed in my vehicle. Which was recently purchased at IRA Toyota Danvers, M. The WiFi screw spy camera installed by a Toyota employee has the presence of a LED in the center of the black WiFi screw which is currently screwed inside the mount of the rear view mirror. This is in violation of Toyota’s Code of Conduct safe practices and procedures and privacy laws and regulations. I have submitted the criminal complaint to the FBI, Danvers Police station, Woburn Toyota and Woburn Police Station. CC: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The front passenger seat is unusable as the OCS sensor has turned off the airbags for that seat. Every time the car is started, or begins driving after sitting idle for a couple of minutes, it will beep and alarm constantly for several minutes, warning me of the passenger airbag. It is a serous distraction, and now prevents me from transporting a passenger. This has been going on since June 2024, and dealer refuses to look at car due to recall. I was even willing to pay myself to make the repair. No one will touch it. The remedy was originally set for the summer time, then end of 3rd quarter 2024. Now, it’s almost a month after the end of the 3rd quarter. Thank you for your time in reviewing this.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I've seen this error message (voltage abnormality steering power low) a few times whenever we are at a stop light and begin to go. This only happens whenever the Start/Stop function is active so the engine is stopped while not moving. Then once we start going, it will show up for a second and then disappear. We have taken the car to a local shop where they said that the alternator was beyond normal use and we received a quote as they believed it was worth replacing. When we went to Toyota dealership as the alternator is still under warranty they said they didn't see anything, they would not allow us to drive the car or hold onto the break in their shop. Problem continues to persist.
There is a recall on our passenger side air bag - NHTSARecall #23V-865. Toyota recall#23TA15 Bellingham Toyota verified this - and we have an indicator/problem light that is on. I am very upset becuase we were told a fix would be available in 3rd qtr 2024 and now it is 4th qtr 2024. When I called Toyota headquarters, they have no answer as to when there will be a fix. They offered a loaner - however they prohibit the use of that loaner in Canada. Additionally, we would have to pay the cost of a rental up front and then submit receipts later for reimb but they CAN't guarantee reimb. We are very low income and so we cannot front that money, NOR take a chance that it would not be reimbursed. We live right on the US/Canadian border and we go to Canada a lot to visit family - two of which are currently in the hospital/his mom and my sister. My husband is a quadriplegic and we only have this one vehicle to go back and forth with our 2 daughters. There is nowhere near enough room with his wheelchair/walker for when we all want to travel. Additionally, when it's just him and me, he can't hear me speaking to him when he has to sit in the back seat all the time. At this point, we would like Toyota to take our current vehicle back in a trade and provide us with a new car that has none of these problems.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH with traffic ahead slowing down, the vehicle registered the traffic information as an immediate stop ahead and the braking system engaged along with the contact depressing the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down. Upon coming to a stop, a pick-up truck rear-ended the vehicle 3 - 4 times. No air bags deployed. The driver's front seat belt failed to retract during the impact to safely secure the driver. The contact sustained injuries to her knees, shoulders, and arms. The front passenger sustained bruises from the seat belt. The rear passenger sustained head and back injuries. All 3 occupants received medical attention via ambulance to the Emergency Room. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed due to it being undrivable. The insurance company was currently inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The power lift gate started malfunctioning maybe six months after I purchased the car new. I brought it to Toyota two or three times and they cannot replicate it because it’s a random occurrence. It will either not open and beep open an inch and beep. open foot and beep , there are no recalls. I’ve been told it happens to other people and for some reason Toyota is unable to fix this. It is very frustrating and it has been happening on a brand new car. Also, there seems to be some defect where mice are nesting and getting in to the car into the cabin air filter in quite a few Toyota models. This needs to be rectified also.
The contact owned a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 35-40 MPH, another vehicle unexpectedly cut in front of the vehicle. The contact's wife veered to the right to avoid the other vehicle, and the front driver's side of the vehicle crashed into an electric pole. The air bags failed to deploy, causing the contact's wife to hit her forehead against the steering wheel. The contact's wife was temporarily unconscious. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to open. A bystander assisted the contact's wife to exit the vehicle through the rear driver's side door. The contact's wife sustained back pain, right elbow pain, neck pain, a lacerated lower lip, and pain all over the body. The contact arrived at the scene and transported his wife to the hospital, where she received medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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