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: power train
80 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 22, 2023, crash
Sudden Unintended Acceleration....ONCE AGAIN! I was pulling into a parking stall of a shopping center at about 2-3 mph. I started to apply the brakes. Simultaneously, the car lurched forward hitting a retention pole. In an attempt to stop the car from going any further, I continued to press down on the brake pedal and shifted into reverse. The EDR shows that the gasoline engine reached 2200 rpms, while the hybrid electric motor reached 2300 rpms. The car performed a backward semi circle maneuver, eventually hitting a cement wall and coming to a stop. Even though there were two (2) impacts (one going forward and one going backward) no air bags were deployed. If there had been people in the area, they easily could have been killed. The damage to the car was extensive and the car was "totaled". The car manufacturer inspected the car and downloaded the Event Data Records. SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAN'T BE REPRODUCED!! There were/are no error codes and all car manufacturers, including my automobile's, refuse to acknowledge the issue. At the very least, could NHTSA PLEASE REMIND THE PUBLIC THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS, ALBEIT INFREQUENT, DANGER?
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 26, 2023
Driving home from work on 3/25/23 at 9:15 pm my dash lights starting going on and off flicking. “Power steering malfunction. Steering power low visit your dealer” “abs” also multiple dash lights came on at the same time. Brake light steering light. Got home and took video while parked to safely show the issue
Power train, Feb 27, 2023
Hesitation on acceleration from slow or rolling stop. When I step on the gas it takes a while to respond also when you slow down and accelerate again it hesitates to go .This has been an ongoing issue. It started around 2500 miles. Vehicle only has around 4000 miles total.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 16, 2022
The vehicle enters mud/sand mode spontaneously, causing the ABS, traction control, and forward collision warning to turn off. I cannot enter mud/sand mode myself when pressing the button. Must turn on normal or eco mode to get out of mud/sand mode once it activates. It has happened over a dozen times in a week.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 6, 2022
Car randomly switched the driving modes from normal to mud and sand while a driving on the highway about 55 miles per hour, also said precolision system disable, happened in last 3 days
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 14, 2022
My vehicle 2019 Toyota Rav 4 Limited has transmission and engine issues as well as a roof rack leak. I have reported this to Toyota via 1-800-331-4331, which was not helpful. Israel stated that there is nothing that Toyota Cooperate can do about this issue. Both the transmission and engine had been previously repaired at Toyota of Laredo to no avail. Currently my vehicle is awaiting repair at Cavander Toyota in San Antonio. No loaner was provided despite me being a home health therapist who needs her vehicle to work.
Power train, Jun 1, 2022
Abnormal Buzz/Groan Noise at 20 - 30 mph: The vehicles exhibits (again, as in 7/2020) an abnormal buzz/groan (rear) noise at 20 – 30 mph when accelerating from a stop, and/or at 13 – 20 mph on deceleration after driving the vehicle for 15 – 20 minutes or more. And also a "clunk" noise. This occurs with “Normal” drive mode selected. I am very worry, this very same problem as in 2020 keeps happening!! This is not a 5 star Toyota vehicle for sure, very worry!
Power train, May 13, 2022
2019 TOYOTA RAV4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE WHILE IN REVERSE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SOUND WAS AN ALERT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. THE CONSUMER INQUIRED WHY THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF THE BACK.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2022
On 12-April, I filed Report #11460592 regarding stuttering and uncontrollable acceleration of Toyota RAV4, 2019 model year, <22000 miles, incident occurred 11-April. Vehicle was taken to Toyota dealership service department on 12-April, returned that day as described in previous report. On 13-April, one day after repair, exact same issue occurred. Family (with 2 children) driving on road, 45MPH speed limit. Hybrid system malfunction alert occurred again. Speed limited drastically to approximately 15mph, with occasional reaccelerating uncontrollably. Vehicle exited as safely as possible and returned home. Vehicle then taken back to dealership for service. Full text of Report #114605 (11-April incident): Driving on 35MPH limit road. Vehicle began to stutter. Vehicle began to communicate warning lights - "PKSB Malfunction" and "Hybrid System Malfunction" and "Check Engine" and alerted to visit dealer. After stopping at red-light, received warning to pull over and stop driving. Vehicle could not exceed ~10mph no matter how much accelerator was depressed and received warning that vehicle had ~2.5 miles until it would cease being able to be driven. For rest of trip to home (approximately 2 miles), vehicle would alternate between 10mph limited state and returning to full acceleration which led to very unsafe driving conditions and abrupt changes in speed. Reached home and parked in drive way. After a few hours, returned to vehicle to take to dealer for service. All 3 error messages remained but no further limitation to 10mph or abrupt speed changes. Dropped off for service at dealership. Dealer notes: "Hybrid system malfunction, check engine light - SCAN FOR CODES, FOUND U010087 LOSS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PCW AND ECM / CLEAR CODES, UPDATE SYSTEM, OPERATING AS DESIGNED." Upon receipt from dealer, no further issues and drove home safely. Vehicle is a 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, bought new in Jan. 2020. Approximately 23000 miles, no previous issues.
Power train, Feb 24, 2022
A warning notice came on the dashboard stating hybrid system malfunction, see dealer at 49,743 miles. The warning notice stayed on and we called the dealer who instructed us to bring the car in for service and not to drive it until serviced. Toyota service said the hybrid harness wires had rusted which caused the malfunction.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2022
Car hesitates when pulling out from a stop. The natural reaction is to depress accelerator more causing a shift feels like a lower gear and the car pulls out abruptly . This happens very often and I contribute it to lower gas mileage then car is rated at along with accelerated tire wear. I feel it is a safety issue when merging into traffic and causing a possible accident. I've taken my concerns to dealership on numerous occasions with complete disregard of condition calling it a " characteristic" of the vehicle. I feel there needs to be a recall to correct this issue.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 8, 2021
After a recall repair order was issued, the repairs were made and now accelerating under load or uphill, the vehicle will accelerate and then bogs down or chokes (the vehicle then loses speed and no longer accelates). The issue has occurred several times while accelerating to freeway speeds on freeway on-ramps (it’s a safety hazard). 1st attempt to repair by the dealer was made on 11/22/2021. 2nd attempt by the same dealership is pending for today 12/08/2021 at 1:30pm.
Power train, Jul 1, 2021
Abnormal bussing noises under the car when driving.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 18, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND LUNGED FORWARD WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOORS WOULD LOCK RANDOMLY LEAVING HIM LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWNS TOYOTA OF GLEN BURNIE (7167 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KOONS ANNAPOLIS TOYOTA (1107 WEST ST, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401) TO GET A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT, TRANSMISSION, TCM, TRANSFER CLUTCH, AND THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,349. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2021
CAR LOST POWER TWICE, GOING UP A STEEP GRADE. 'HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION' WARNING CAME ON THE SCREEN, GAS PEDAL DID NOT WORK AT ALL. I WAS UNABLE TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR, BOTH TIMES ON THE INTERSTATE. DRIVING UP A STEEP MOUNTAIN, ABOUT 50F WEATHER.
Power train, Feb 3, 2021
ABNORMAL BUZZ OR GROAN NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT TRANSFER CASE WHEN SLOWING OR ACCELERATING AROUND 15-20 MPH. TOYOTA TSB IDENTIFIES PROBLEM AS ELECTRO-MAGNETIC CLUTCH SHIFTING FROM 2WD TO 4WD ON CERTAIN MODELS. TOYOTA SAYS NOT A RECALL BUT WILL REPAIR WHICH REQUIRES OPENING THE TRANSFER CASE. BRAND NEW CAR AND TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE ENTIRE TRANSFER CASE INSTEAD OF REPAIRING IT. DEALER ORDERED PARTS 3 WEEKS AGO AND STILL NOT DELIVERED. DEALER HAS NOT OFFERED LOANER CAR IN INTERIM.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 1, 2021
BATTERY GOES DEAD AND REQUIRES A JUMP START AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK.ENERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT ALWAYS RELEASE FIRST TIME.TRANSMISSION CLUNKS AND GRINDS WHEN SHIFTING.HAS BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERS WHO TELL ME EVERYTHING IS FINE AND I DON'T DRIVE IT ENOUGH.BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2019 AND IT NOW HAS 2901 MILES ON IT.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 29, 2020
CRUISE CONTROL AND OTHER SAFETY ISSUES RANDOMLY GO OFF LINE. WHEN DRIVING CRUISE CONTROL TURN OFF, AS DO THE ELECTRONICS. FURTHER, THE AUTOMATIC BRIGHT LIGHTS ARE RANDOM TO THE POINT I HAVE TO DISABLE THE SYSTEM. I HAVE PICS AND VIDEO, CANNOT CHANGE FORMAT, DON'T KNOW HOW.
Power train, Dec 14, 2020
THERE IS A LARGE CHUNK AND GRIND NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN GOING INTO 4TH GEAR. BOTH UP SHIFTING AND DOWN SHIFTING. TOOK THE ISSUE TO TOYOTA, THEY SAID THEY WERE WAITING FOR MORE PEOPLE TO REPORT HE ISSUE BEFORE FIXING THE ISSUE.
Power train, Oct 11, 2020
SOUND HEARD WHEN GOING FROM ALL WHEEL DRIVE TO FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AT LOW SPEEDS. ALSO WHEN STOPPING WHEN WHEN THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE REENGAGES.
Power train, Sep 21, 2020
DURING A SLOW ROLL, THE VEHICLE JERKS PRETTY BAD. COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE RAV4S THAT TOYOTA HASN'T ADDRESSED.
Power train, Sep 13, 2020
AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS DOWN TO FIRST GEAR, WITHOUT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AS ONE ACCELERATES THE VEHICLE MAKES AN ABRUPT FORWARD MOVEMENT. STRONG ENOUGH TO MOVE A PASSENGER BACKWARDS. I HAVE ONLY NOTICE THIS AT LOW SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC. DOES NOT HAPPEN AFTER COMPLETE STOP. I WILL RAKE CAR TO DEALER TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION THIS IS NOT NORMAL ON AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Power train, Jul 26, 2020
MY 2019 MY 2019 ADVENTURE IS MAKING A GROANING SOUND WHEN I ACCELERATE CONSERVATIVELY BETWEEN 20-30 MPH. THIS HAPPENS PROBABLY 50% OF THE TIME. SEEMS TO BE THE AWD SYSTEM. THERE IS A BULLETIN REGARDING IT: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2019/MC-10169438-9999.PDF . IT'S AN ONGOING PROBLEM. SEEMS LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2020
MOANING, BUZZING NOISE OF FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WHEN ACCELERATION TO 35MPH, ALSO UPON DECELERATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN CAR IS HOT.
Power train, Jun 23, 2020
VEHICLE JERKS AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A "ROLLING STOP." IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE - THERE SEEMS TO BE A DELAY WITH GOING, SO THE CAR JERKS TO KICK INTO THE SPEED IT SHOULD BE. I'VE TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3 TIMES TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, BUT THEY ALWAYS SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR