2019 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Fuel/propulsion system is the leading concern among 879 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 25 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 21 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 4, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Campaign 20V682000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemJun 24, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.
Campaign 20V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower armMay 20, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. The front lower suspension arms may have cracks, which may result in the suspension arm separating from the front wheel assembly.
If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms, free of charge. This recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's interim numbers for this recall are 20TB08 / 20TA08.
Campaign 20V286000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingFeb 6, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
Campaign 20V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraAug 6, 2019
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Due to a damaged electrical connector, the back-up camera may not activate when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
If the backup camera system does not activate and the driver does not check his/her surroundings while reversing, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the back-up camera system and replace the audio display unit, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0N.
Campaign 19V576000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 28, 2019
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
Campaign 19V503000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsMar 27, 2019
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Campaign 19V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
214 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 9, 2024
Engine: I got the 100k engine maintenance done. I replace my coolant and got an oil change. The engine maintenance required warning is still on my dashboard and will not go away because the diagnostic reader states I need a new coolant bypass valve. This is not apart of the factory maintenance, alot on rav4 owners are dealing with this, and it is very pricey. I think it is best for this type of situation to be recalled. Brakes: I got my front brakes replaced and I had issues with my front calipers. My mechanic said both calipers had holes in them and caused my brake fluid to leak which has affected my braking alot. It takes a long time to brake and I’ve experienced this even after I’ve paid alot of money to get my driver said caliper replaced, still need to get my passenger side replaced. My mechanic only uses toyota brand supplies so I’m not sure why there isn’t any longevity in the quality of supplies. I’ve only had the vehicle for 2 years.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 7, 2024
Defective coolant bypass valves on my 2019 Toyota RAV 4 have caused coolant to leak out of my vehicle’s closed-loop coolant system, harming its ability to properly regulate engine temperature. Eventually the message “Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer” appeared on my dashboard indicating an issue with the engine. An internet search of this error message on the 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 and Corolla models shows this is a widespread defect, affecting hundreds of Toyota owners. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Toyota regarding defective coolant bypass valves in the 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 and Corolla models [XXX] et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc) but Toyota has still not addressed this defect with a recall. Attached is a copy of the mechanic invoice I just paid to replace the defective coolant bypass valves on my 2019 RAV4 as the engine was not maintaining temperatures appropriately and in risk of total engine failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 3, 2024
My 2019 Toyota RAV4 had been making a loud noise at random intervals when driving at high speeds such as freeway speeds. The dealer said they could not reproduce the issue. A couple years later at around 65000 miles my engine maintenance required message came up and would not go away. I took my vehicle to get the code read and there were no codes. I kept smelling fuel or different unpleasant smells when driving the vehicle. The engine maintenance required notice would turn on every single Time I used the AC. I later went to the Toyota dealer and they said the coolant bypass valve had been leaking and causing the engine maintenance notice to come up. This is a new vehicle that has been maintained properly and rarely driven far. The part and labor was $824.
Engine, Sep 3, 2024
Coolant valve failed ($700)shortly after warranty ended; extended warranty did not cover repair. Coolant valve then caused harness to be unusable causing for a $4500 part replacement to be required. During the whole process the Toyota dealership maintenance told me that the engine repair required alert was for normal maintenance and directed me to continue driving with it until my scheduled service every time after speaking with three different people and a mechanic at the dealerships maintenance shop. I was then told after bringing in the car that I could leave although the alert was still present. Finally after the maintenance supervisor looked at my car I was told it was not safe to have been driving. Toyota made a faulty part that they expected to break and still put it in vehicles. They then are not even aware/ do not acknowledge this widespread issue in 2019 and 2020 rav-4s and Carrolas. This defective part can cause the engine to have catastrophic issues as I was later told by the maintenance manager at a Toyota dealership. However, Toyota is leaving car owners and leaders out of thousands of dollars in repairs and not acknowledging or warning customers of a dangerous issue.
Engine, Aug 30, 2024
I got an alert on my screen that would not go away. It said Engine Maintenance Required.” Went to auto one & there was 0 diagnostics associated with any codes. The guy said that it is the coolant bypass valve and that there is a class action in the works. He said most places charge $600 - $700 to replace and to hold on to my receipts.
Engine, Aug 28, 2024
Out of the sudden, the engine light started to display a message to check engine and overheating of this took place continuously. My Rav 4 only has 70k miles and I got it pre-certified from the dealer. This error is the Coolant Bypass Valve. This Valve is connected to a radiator hose.
Engine, Aug 24, 2024
A warning message appeared that stated: “Engine maintenance required - Visit your dealer”. At that time my vehicle had 38,796 miles on it. I contacted the Service Advisor at Toyota of Newnan who advised that it was likely the Coolant Bypass Valve on the engine and that they have had issues and repairs relating to that condition on their RAV4 and Corolla models. Their mechanics confirmed that this was the fault and that failing to have it repaired / replaced could result in engine overheating and engine seizing which could result in lose of vehicle control and endanger other vehicles on the road. Sensing the urgency, I had the repair / replacement completed at a cost of $846.68. Service advisor stated that many of the other vehicles with the same problem were still under warranty and repaired at no cost to the consumer. In my opinion this recurring defect among two Toyota model lines is occurring with enough regularity to warrant Toyota issuing at least a Service Bulletin and covering the cost of the repair and reimbursement to those that had to pay for the repair.
Engine, Aug 19, 2024
Check engine light came on. Ran codes in vehicle and showed code P2681-15 engine coolant bypass valve needs replaced.
Engine, Aug 17, 2024
2019 RAV4 with 50120 miles engine maintenance light. It is a very common problem with Rav4s. coolant bypass valve...... My brother has same model same problem. Spent $600 to replace it. Toyota is charging $600-$1000 to replace defective part.
Engine, Aug 16, 2024
2019 rav4 at 59,000 miles engine maintenance required popped up. Went to the dealer, service advisor knew exactly that coolant control valve needed to be replaced because it being so common. I looked it up and coolant bypass valves in the 2019–2023 RAV4 and Corolla models. Some owners have reported that this defect could affect the vehicle's performance and longevity. Now I have to spend almost 1,000 for a repair I didn’t even cause because Toyota built a faulty valve.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 12, 2024
Coolent valve needed to be replaced
Engine, Aug 12, 2024
Engine error message showed up after extended warranty expired by 600 miles. To fix the error message Toyota charge $871 total combined diagnostic, part and labor. The problem was coolant by pass valve shorted.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 11, 2024
Toyota Rav4 2019 XLE - Engine Coolant Pump Performance/Stuck Off Error code P26CB milage 56,920 Toyota says this is NOT covered by the 5 year power train warranty. For years Toyota has manufactured this water pump that freezes up due to manufacturing defect that allows the magnetic base housing to rupture. Dealers want to replace entire pump (or at least charge for it) verses replacing the frozen plastic rotor. Dealer claims this is not covered under 5 year power train warranty. Why not? My car temp started climbing and took me hours to get home (10 miles) as I kept stopping for hours waiting for engine cool and sprinkling water from bottles over the engine and trans housing where it butts against the engine (silver brading). (This was late in weekend night - repair shops not open. I do see a recall investigation started (no recall yet) and just wanted to add my complaint to the issue. At first the temp gauge read normal but later started climbing. The engine light did come on the the DB2 said P26CB.
Engine, Aug 5, 2024
Coolant bypass valve
Engine, Aug 1, 2024
Upon reaching 50k miles, vehicle prompted a "engine maintenance required, please contact dealer" message. Upon inspection at the dealer, I was told this is a common issue in newer Toyota RAV4/Corollas and employees have been seeing this issue continuously. There is no way to bypass this message without getting the part replaced and the replacement runs anywhere ~$800 -$1000. How are so many people dealing with the same issue and Toyota has yet to issue a recall?
Engine, Jul 25, 2024
Coolant bypass valve failure The issue has been confirmed by a service center and was told a very common failure in my make & model of car. Warning light came on dash board and immediately had checked at service center. The fix is $900, which is frustrating because a class action lawsuit is being gathered for this same defect in my same model of car.
Engine, Jul 23, 2024
Hi there. As of June 17, 2024, there is a class action lawsuit against Toyota regarding issues with the coolant bypass valves in the 2019–2023 RAV4 and Corolla models. Some owners have reported that this defect could affect the vehicle's performance and longevity, potentially leading to expensive repairs. The plaintiffs allege that Toyota has violated the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and California's Unfair Competition Law, Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. They are seeking a jury trial, declaratory and injunctive relief, and punitive damages. I encountered the same issue on July 3, 2024, and visited Toyota Scott Clark (Charlotte), where I was charged $129 for diagnostics and $835.60 for further service to fix the problem. I am not willing to pay for this service, and Toyota has refused to cover the cost. I am joining the class action lawsuit against Toyota.
Engine, Jul 22, 2024
Coolant bypass valve
Engine, Jul 21, 2024
My engine maintenance light will not shut off due to a engine coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery. I also have warm fluid dripping on my feet when ac is on. The dealer says water under the dash is from from recalled roof rails. There has been a recall for code that pops up on my mechanic Toyota number20TA04. Dealer says he does haven't code so toyota hasnt issued any issues or re all for engine bypass valve. Toyota now has a class action law suit for this part. I can't afford $700 repair, can't see the messages or my speed due to the engine maintenance required on my screen which can't be reset. This is dangerous and can cause the need to have engine replaced, start engine fires. Toyota has known this issue for 5 yrs and needs to be held accountable.
Engine, Jul 16, 2024
Coolant Bypass Valve Failure Engine Maintenance Required: See Dealer message appears on the drive screen when driving and you can't remove it- which means you can't see your digital speed or what you are setting your cruise at. The failure of this valve will cause the car to overheat which will lead to radiator/engine damage if not taken care of immediately. This part needs to be recalled!!!! RECALL THE TOYOTA COOLANT BYPASS VALVE! It is a faulty part that is failing in all 2019-2020 Toyota models. Mine is a 2019 RAV4. The part is plastic and is failing across the board. It Is costing $996.00 to have this problem diagnosed and fixed so I can drive my car again. I am a teacher and this is a substantial amount of money for a plastic part that should have never been used in the first place. Toyota needs to be held responsible for its cheap and faulty parts. I didn't know if I was going to make it to the dealership or not.
Engine, Jul 16, 2024
Engine maintenance required per dealership it is the coolant bypass valve. Reason for failed per Toyota “bad luck” appears to be a class action suit filed for this issue current mileage 72,384
Engine, Jul 15, 2024
Engine maintenance required notification came on - told it was due to the coolant bypass valve circuit shorting to the battery
Engine, Jul 11, 2024
Known issue and reported by many others. Coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced around 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Occurs when turning on AC. Engine maintenance required sign pops up and cannot remove which does not allow driver to see speedometer leading to unsafe driving speeds.
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
Coolant Bypass Valve Defect. Toyota sold me a 2019 RAV 4 knowing there are problems with coolant bypass valve. Toyota RAV4s and Corollas is “insufficiently manufactured and/or designed” as it can crack and leak coolant. Once a leak begins, the coolant comes into contact with an electrical connector near the valve and corrodes and damages the component, the filing says. Once this occurs, a vehicle’s engine can no longer communicate with the coolant bypass valve during operation, the suit states.
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
A “Engine Maintenance Required” notification came up on dash boards. When car was taken to dealership and a diagnosis was made they stated that the engine coolant bypass valve was damaged and needed to be replaced. Upon research online it appears that Toyota would be recalling over 44,000 vehicles of the makes RAV4 and Corolla ranging from the manufacturer years 2019-2023. The issue with these vehicles states that potential of a crack forming in the engine, a result of a manufacturing error. Coolant or oil could leak from the crack, leading to the engine stalling, overheating, or possibly catching fire. This issue can be found within several articles. The dealership is wanting me to pay $787+ tax for an issue that appears to be a manufactured issue which later I may not be refunded.