Dossier-backed inspection brief

2021 Toyota RAV4 inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or hand it to a mechanic. Every check comes from a named issue in the published authority; configuration uncertainty remains visible.

Configuration: Only one reviewed 2021 configuration is present: 2.5L · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · Regular · RAV4.

Inspect this RAV4

Mark each check as you go. Progress saves on this device, works offline, and prints cleanly.

Saved on this device — no account needed. Copy link shares the safe URL only (no price, risk, or VIN).

Mark the checks to see where they point: a single Walk away outweighs the rest.

Required checks

Check the VIN for open NHTSA actions, then ask the inspector to test the named system and document the result.
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification safety campaign: 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 ve
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Pass / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

Service and oil-change history
Completed recall / campaign paperwork
Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification safety campaign

The cited record is bound to model year 2021; no broader incidence claim is made.

Red flags: 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 ve

Pass signals: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

clm_toyota-rav4-2021-recall-recall-23v865000-obs-1258

Inspection evidence

clm_toyota-rav4-2021-recall-recall-23v865000-obs-12582021 Toyota RAV4Evidence: Medium confidence

The official record describes a potential crash, fire, injury, or loss-of-control consequence.

“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. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. 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.”

NHTSArecallOpen source record

Published from release rel_v4_cohort_20260726 with methodology m1-v4-authority-cohort. Check a specific candidate →