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: other or unspecified
169 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2024
Toyota RAV4 5th Gen Power Lift Gate Hinge Issues Unpredictable Failure: If the lift gate or its components fail unexpectedly, it could cause injury to someone loading or unloading items, especially if they are unable to react in time. Obstructed Visibility: If the lift gate detaches while in motion, it could obstruct the driver’s rear visibility, increasing the risk of an accident. Risk to Other Road Users: A detached lift gate or related debris could pose significant danger to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles on the road. Vehicle Stability and Control: A sudden failure or detachment of the lift gate components could destabilize the vehicle, especially at high speeds. Damage to Emergency Equipment: If the lift gate collapses or detaches, it could damage essential safety or emergency equipment stored in the trunk, leaving occupants unprepared in an actual emergency. Child and Pet Safety Concerns: Families frequently use RAV4s as family vehicles. A collapsing or failing lift gate could pose a serious risk to children or pets while loading or unloading. Potential for Escalating Damage: The failure of hinges or struts could result in cascading damage to other parts of the vehicle, such as electrical systems or the rear windshield, creating additional safety hazards. Delayed Emergency Response: If the lift gate malfunctions or becomes stuck in a partially open or closed position, it could impede access to the cargo area in emergencies, such as retrieving a first aid kit.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2024, fire
The vehicle suddenly started to smoke and burn by itself when driving on the super crowded highway. I immediately stopped the vehicle and found that the burning site was the bottom of the front-left head of the vehicle (please see the images attached). The mechanician I visited after judged that the fire may due to failed electrical parts or system. He suggested to visit a Toyota dealer for recall. However, the Toyota dealer (Crown Toyota, 1201 Kettering Dr, Ontario, CA91761) declined my request with the reason that my vehicle has passed warranty time. The vehicle was just inspected in the Toyota dealer a few days ago. The dealer's inspection report shows that the vehicle does not have any problems besides suggesting to replace tires and front brakes.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2024
The Data Communication Module has failed in my vehicle. This causes several major distractions and increases the risk of an accident. The media screen in the center of the dashboard will send an alert message every 15 seconds saying that ‘the connected device is not compatible’. At night, this alert message is especially bright and distracting. The lights on the SOS button are constantly blinking. More significantly, the SOS button does not work anymore. The only known solution to this problem is either to disconnect the DCM, or to pay more than $1300 to replace it.
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2024
First the problem was the seat belt malfunction and I check it everything was ok do accident or damage and two week later passager side air bag malfunction I took it to toyota the see the problem they said there are no recall and i have pay out of my pocket to fix manufacture malfunction problem.. after there months later my suv would not drive faster is move very slow and now it not even 5 years now and my transmission went out I have replace it
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2024
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2019 Toyota RAV4, which I believe poses a significant safety concern. The check engine light on my vehicle frequently illuminates, resulting in the disablement of the all-wheel drive (AWD) system. I initially brought my vehicle to a Toyota dealership, where they replaced the charcoal canister (EVAP) three times based on the diagnostic code. Despite these repeated repairs, the problem persists. Suspecting that the issue might be related to the dealership's service, I sought a second opinion from another Toyota dealership. Unfortunately, they provided the same diagnosis and solution, which again failed to resolve the issue. Given that the AWD system is a critical safety feature, especially in adverse driving conditions, I believe this issue should be considered a safety concern and potentially covered by a recall. Further given that the EVAP system is directly tied to the fuel it also should be considered a safety concerns. The repeated failure to address the root cause of the problem not only undermines the reliability of the vehicle but also compromises the safety of its occupants. I kindly request that the NHTSA investigate this matter and consider issuing a recall to address this widespread issue. Your attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated, as it would ensure the safety and satisfaction of Toyota RAV4 owners. Thank you for your time and consideration. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2024
My car frame floods every time it rains. This flooding includes my sunroof drain clogging. As a result of the water retention in my car’s frame, my cars safety system controller units are being corroded and thus I DO NOT have any reliable safety monitoring system. I have looked into this and this a COMMON complaint for Toyota 2019-2021 Rav4 sunroof cars. I have had the sunroof drain cleared multiple times but the issue remains. So far it has impacted my tire pressure safety monitoring systems. This is a MAJOR safety issue as the electrical safety monitoring system controller units are NOT properly functioning as a result of poor water drainage.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2024
Known DCM issue rendering emergency services button and all DCM services inoperable. Will not be able to activate emergency services in the event of collision. Toyota is aware of this design flaw and put out TSB011220, but they won't cover it outside of the warranty. Potential safety issue
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2024
Coolant leaked out of a vehicle’s closed-loop coolant system, harming its ability to properly regulate engine temperature. This can cause overheating, stalling, increased emissions, and total engine failure and also allows coolant to leak into and damage surrounding engine components, including a vehicle’s electrical system, the complaint relays. Coolant leak also corroded the sensor on the RAV4 coolant bypass valve, which can caused it to remain in the open or closed position and be unable to properly direct coolant throughout the engine.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2024
Water leaking under passenger side visor and near passenger side window near the passenger side airbags
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 16, 2024
A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected. The car then ran hot and started jerking. I took it to autozone for them to look and could not find anything, I had a mechanic come over to look at it, and he couldn't find anything either. I sent it to Toyota Wolfchase in Memphis TN. Who has stated it will be two or three days before they can even look at it. This seems to be a common problem with Toyota cars yet there's no recall I have seen numerous complaints on Google Reddit, TikTok, and more. I called corporate to make a complaint and they said they don't see any complaints which I know is not true
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 9, 2024
When I was driving the car to work the automatic system (malfunction ) failed to restart in red light, i have to stop to restart (Awd malfunction } says to take to the dealer, I was driving back tothe dealership , they are saying car had zero coolant in syystem, raditor was leaking engine overheat to blow head gasket, a week before i was taking car dealership to state inspection and found only one issue that was back brake to change, no leak nothing they found, now i spent $7679 dollars to fix it i had all the proof what the dealerships try to say from the begining even I fixed, i am trying get rid of the vehicle now , it isonly 47454 miles when the incident happend.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2024, crash
[XXX] - Driving my 2019 Rav4 Hybrid Se nearing [XXX] [XXX] traveling 25-30mph suddenly felt like car was moving faster, stop sign came up fast, slammed on brakes with 0 effect! Yelled [XXX]? as I shot across the highway, down the shoulder, coming to rest against a couple small trees. No air bag deployed, wearing seat belts of course, still bumped head on ceiling causing small laceration, neck trauma, and Dr found I had also suffered a Vitreous Detachment (eye). Did not lose consciousness. Vehicle damage appeared to be front left corner but enough underneath to total vehicle. Very fortunate no other vehicles involved and that debris brought car to a stop instead of a big tree or wall. Two witnesses heard brakes... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 12, 2024
Coolent valve needed to be replaced
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2024
“Engine maintenance required, see dealer” message appeared on dash. Message cannot be cleared and blocks important information while driving. Diagnostic was performed and no codes were observed. Toyota dealership stated that the message is due to a faulty engine coolant bypass valve.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2024
The rear power liftgate metal hinges are peeling away from the body of the vehicle. My liftgate doesn't close properly and is out of alignment to stay safely latched closed and has become 100% unusable. There is a 1.5 inch gap (you can see light and water can enter) on rear pass. side and the door is tightly jammed closed on the rear driver side. After speaking with a Toyota service manager, he casually let me know he sees this frequently. I have learned this is a very known issue yet Toyota will do nothing to prevent these defective hinges from being installed or cover repairs. The service manager told to take it to the collision center to get quoted on a repair. I did and my out of pocket cost (because Toyota won't take responsibility for this defect) is between $700 and $2700, depending how much damage occurred to other components caused by the defective hinges (the collision company has also stated they've done many of these repairs). My vehicle showed no visible sign of failure prior to breaking. It would occasionally fail to close, as if an object was in the way, but upon re-trying to power liftgate button, it would close. Sometimes it would take 3 to 4 times to be successful. But, it never appeared as if it was out of alignment or damaged until last weekend when I tried to close it and it forced closed itself VERY incorrectly. Considering my vehicle was purchased less than 5 years ago, brand new, this shouldn't be happening. It definitely shouldn't be showing this kind of wear on a vehicle I haven't even had to change brakes, tires or a simple headlight on the ENTIRE ownership of the vehicle. When I use those items every single day. My liftgate is used 1 time or less a week. The cost of this repair is half what I still owe on it and I didn't even do anything to cause it, it happened due to faulty hinges that are NOT safe. How do I know my hatch won't open while driving? Or that it won't break opposite and my liftgate becomes unsecured from my suv altogeth
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2024
THE CENTRAL ENTERTAINMENT TOUCH SCREEN /DISPLAY HAS NOT BEEN WORKING AT ALL. CARPLAY AND CHARGING DOES NOT WORK AT ALL AS DISPLAY IS NOT WORKING. SPEAKER SETTINGS AS WELL AS GAS MILEAGE INFO CAN NOT BE ACCESSED AS IT DISPLAYS NOT WORKING OR NOT RESPONSIVE. I TRIEDTO CHECK WITH TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HERE IN LOUISIANA AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT IT IS OUTSIDE WARRANTY AND HAVE TO PAY 1500 DOLLARS TO CHANGE THE RADIO AND THE DISPLAY COMPLETELY. TO ME PERSONALLY IT LOOKS LIKE A SOFTWARE ISSUE RATHER THAN A HARDWARE PROBLEM. HOPE IT HAS A SIMPLE FIX. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE SO THAT OTHER DRIVER'S DO NOT ENCOUNTER THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING AND GET INTO A LIFE-THREATENING ACCIDENT. APPRECIATE YOUR HELP.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2024
Engine maintenance light - requiring change of coolant bypass valve
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2024
I own a 2019 Toyota RAV 4. After realizing that my liftgate does not close properly I discovered that the hinges are cracked resulting in issues with opening and closing the tailgate and causing a misalignment when the door finally shuts. In further researching I have discovered there are hundreds of vehicles affected and owners impacted by this manufacturer defect. Toyota fails to take any action despite having an extended warranty. I fully believe this should be a recall issue with full responsibility on the vehicle manufacturer for installing faulty parts.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2024
My issued started as a persistent warning light that the vehicle needs to be taken to dealer. They informed me that the the Engine Coolant Bypass Valve was malfunctioning. This problem is so common that the service writer was able to diagnose it within 10 seconds of hearing the symptoms. Apparently these parts are used in the RAV4, the corolla and some Camry’s 2019-2021. These aren’t even a question of if they will break but how soon (sometimes as early as 20,000 miles). My car has 38,036 miles on it. It is very low mileage and driven conservatively. The safety issue is that this repair is to put the same faulty part in, which costs just shy of $900, only to have the same issue reoccur in another 20-30k miles. It is tempting to continue to drive the car without making the repair, as it is costly and frustrating, yet it is not safe so the repair must be done. This is such a widespread problem in these cars, that there is no doubt that some drivers just cannot afford the expense and are continuing to operate their vehicles, regardless of safety. I believe this should be a recall or at the least a warranty enhancement to the parts as they become faulty, so that until Toyota has a better fix, it is no fault of the driver and not an unexpected expense to cover to drive their fairly new vehicle, which they didn’t expect to have to need costly repairs so soon. This is an issue inherent in either the poor design or the poor manufacturing which forces the drivers to put safety in competition with their financil
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2024
Vehicle has been releasing a chemical odor when engine is started. At 36,000 miles the Engine Maintenance Requird light alerted driver to have vehicle checked. Diagnostic indicated the Coolant Bypass Valve was needing replacement. Cost for repair $760 + tax. Part for repair is priced at less than $100 at local car parts store but repair must be done at dealership to maintain powertrain warranty. POV: Excessive price for a part that should not be failing at 36,000 miles. Driver advised to not drive vehicle for safety reasons.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 27, 2024
Engine coolant valve by-pass issues. Engine coolant bypass hose fails.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2024
"Engine Maintenance Required See Dealer" message keeps appearing on my bashboard took it to my local Toyota dealer and they confirmed the problem is the coolant bypass valve/hose $150 to find the find the problem and $700 to fix apparently this is common in 2019-2022 RAV4s. Now my car won't drive for long without over heating I have only had my car for a year and a half and drive less than 5,000 a year.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2024
Coolant bypass value malfunction. Engine maintenance required message popped up on dashboard and display screen. The check engine light never came on and still hasn’t came on. Message will come on when starting the car every other time. Was told the radiator value/hose(coolant bypass value) was faulting in most 2019 Rav4s and it’s a common issue they have. If you run the AC, the car will start to overheat and leak
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2024
my 2019 Rav4 has a message "to visit the dealer" vehicle needs maintance. i believe code #P2681. The coolant bypass valve. the dealer told me that the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. Also through my research this is a know issue with certain Toyota vehicles including the Rav 4. Deal needs approx $1,000 to replace the coolant bypass value. My personal mechanic researched the known issue and wants me to purchase the parts from Toyota #16260-f0010. $119.68 from toyota online parts. I am not sure what to do. No recall "YET" and vehicle not in warranty.