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2021 Tesla Model Y vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

On the public data alone the RAV4 edges it 3–0.

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2021 Tesla Model Y

The 2021 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as a electric compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range AWD, is …

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2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the RAV4 Hybrid AWD, is E…

2021 Tesla Model Y2021 Toyota RAV4
SegmentCompact SUVCompact SUV
PowertrainsElectricHybrid, Gas
Best EV range (mi)326—
Best combined mpg—40
Safety Signal3592
NHTSA recalls231
Critical recalls00
Owner complaints1,068405
NHTSA overall stars55

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Model Y

▲high

Exterior Lighting

SB-24-17-003
20,349 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskHeadlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.FixThe remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
NHTSA campaign 26V507000reported Aug 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.
○minor

Back Over Prevention

SB-26-00-001
218,868 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixTesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
NHTSA campaign 26V283000reported May 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.
▲high

Tires

SB-24-00-018
696,281 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."RiskDriving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.FixTesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
NHTSA campaign 24V935000reported Dec 17, 2024Tesla, Inc.

RAV4

▲high

Air Bags

23TA15, 23LA03
999,901 vehicles
ProblemToyota 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.RiskAn air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.FixDealers 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 campaign 23V865000reported Dec 20, 2023Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing