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2021 Toyota RAV4 maintenance schedule

The 2021 RAV4 is part of the XA50 generation (2019-2026), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 RAV4 needs, and when

Manufacturer rows link to Toyota's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter (A25A-FKS)

5,000 for severe duty

10,000 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Engine air filter (A25A-FKS)30,000 mi / 3 yearsIndependent
Cabin air filter (A25A-FKS)15,000 mi / 18 monthsIndependent
Tire rotation (A25A-FKS)5,000 mi / 6 monthsIndependent
Brake fluid (A25A-FKS)Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
Engine coolant (A25A-FKS)100,000 mi / 10 yearsIndependent
Transmission fluid (A25A-FKS)

Inspect/Service severe

60,000 mi / 6 yearsIndependent
Spark plugs (A25A-FKS)120,000 mi / 12 yearsIndependent
Serpentine belt (A25A-FKS)Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
Differential and transfer case fluid (AWD)Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
12V battery (A25A-FKS)

Inspect annually

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-16, 4.8 qt
Coolant
SLLC
Transmission fluid
ATF WS

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.5L 4-cyl (A25A-FKS), 203 hp, 8-speed Auto, FWD/AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota RAV4

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Toyota dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Air bags

NHTSA 23V865000

December 2023

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.

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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$429

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other RAV4 model years

XA50 (2019-2026)

20192020202120222023202420252026

XA40 (2013-2018)

20142015201620172018

Shopping new? The Toyota RAV4 guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-16. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a RAV4 for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 RAV4 earns before you buy it.

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