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
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2023
"Engine maintenance required" comes on. TEch at auto shop cannot reset it. Does not need oil change or anything with engine. Also, both driver and passenger upper airbags seen accumulating moisture marks and leaving dark lines. This does not make sense.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 12, 2023
I was driving my 2019 rav 4 and a warning came on my screen that stated “ engine maintenance required. Visit dealer.” No check engine light came on just this warning that would not go away. I went to orileys to see is they could tell me what was wrong and they were unable to read it since it was not a check engine light. The orileys employee told me I had to take it to a Toyota dealership to find out exactly what was wrong with it. I contacted my local dealership and they confirmed that it was a coolant bypass valve that failed and that he has seen this warning pop up on at least 10 Rav 4’s and that every time it is the coolant bypass valve that has failed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2023
The front windshield just started a crack on the drivers side near the wiper blade. No rock or chips and I hear the glass crack while driving. I hear this is a problem with the factory glass from Toyota on the RAV4.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2023
“Engine maintenance required - see dealer” message around 60k miles and subsequent coolant bypass valve issue should be a RECALL for 2019 RAV4s. Toyota either deliberately enabled this message to pop up to require vehicle owners to spend over $600 at Toyota dealerships, installed faulty coolant bypass valves, and/or failed to properly code messages in the vehicles. The message will not go away and requires only Toyota to disable it. Thousands of owners have had to take their vehicles into Toyota dealerships to correct the message and/or valve issue, costing at least $600. For these reasons, this should be a RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 20, 2023
Toyota service bulletin: T-SB-0079-20 (August 14, 2020) Outer Rear View Mirror Image Vibration While Driving (Causes distraction and could lead to and accident because image in side mirrors are unusable due to vibration) Dealer refuses to do this repair because it was only covered under a 36mo or 36,000 mile warranty. My car currently has 23,500 and this repair should be covered...or be a recall! Some 2019 – 2020 model year RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a vibration/shaking of the image shown in the outer rear view mirror(s) while driving. Mirror vibration can be observed at highway speeds of approximately 50 – 70 mph on typical concrete/asphalt road surfaces.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2023, crash
I was pulling into a parking space and when I applied the brake to stop, the vehicle did not slow down and hit a building. The driver side airbags deployed (steering wheel and knee airbags). The was no one else in the vehicle. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance company. I have reported the issue to Toyota and signed an authorization for them to obtain the vehicles electronic data. The consumer has yet to receive a response from Toyota.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2023
Vehicle is switching to mud and sand mode on its own, which according to a quick google search is a common electrical problem. Possible cause listed by other drivers is a roof rail leak. Upon inspection I see water stains on the inside of my headliner where the roof rails sit. So confirmed roof rail leak. I have not yet had this looked at to learn the full extent of the damage.
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2023
The rear passenger side hinge of my lift gate is cracked on both sides. As a result, the lift gate does not open, close, or seal properly. The cracks were noticed a few weeks ago after multiple issues with the rear lift gate freezing as opening or closing. It has never been in an accident, nor has it ever been hit. The car has exclusively only been serviced at the Toyota dealership where it was bought. The rear liftgate issues have been brought up multiple times with no resolution. I’ve contacted the dealership about the hinges and they’ve told me that I need to take it to a private body shop to have repaired. Having the hinge of the liftgate cracked on both sides impacts the integrity of the rear of the car in a collision and the safety of the user one opening and closing lift gate should break entirely. I’m doing research on this issue online. It seems to be some thing. Other people have experience with the rear liftgate hinge. There’s even a complaint about it on consumer affairs.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 7, 2023
Engine repair light keeps coming on RAV4 HYBRID SMELL OF GASOLINE is present at times NOISES LIKE GRINDING OR SCRAPING from WHAT SOUNDS LIKE UNDER the CAR WHEN BRAKING AND akso WHEN accelerating
Steering, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2023
UNKNOWN
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2023
Many things
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2023
WATER LEAKING FROM LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER LINERS NEAR AIRBAGS ON PILLAR ,. LEFT DRIVER'S GRAB HANDLE . CAR MILES AROUND 17.000 MILES . WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY PLATINUM FOR EXTRA 4 YEARS NO COVER PROBLEM ? LOOKS TOYOTA DESING FOR DRAIN WATER IS NO CORRECT DESING ...
Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2023
I purchased a brand new 2019 Toyota RAV-4 XSE Hybrid on August 13, 2019. In 2020, I noticed my fuel tank would not fill past 10 gallons. I had the Toyota of Hollywood dealership fix the gas tank issue in March 2022. Pre-fix, the tank was only filling 9-10 gallons when the low fuel light turned on. Post-fix, I am getting 11 gallons filled which is much less than I thought it would since the tank should hold more. I had the dealer check the tank capacity just in case, and got 14.8 total capacity. I am wondering if this is a software or fuel gauge issue now. Why would you do a customer support program to “fix” a fuel tank so we only get one more gallon of gas in the tank? You should be fixing it so we get a minimum of 13 gallons in the tank. This significantly reduces the range I can drive, 345 miles, according to the computer. After my fuel tank diagnostic on February 22, 2023, Oscar at Toyota of Hollywood told me my tank is operating normally and my tank will only accept 11 gallons and has 3.5 gallons in reserve? So I can drive 100 miles after the empty light comes on and won’t run out of gas? This is a big safety issue. How do I know when my car will run out of gas? The answer is, I don’t.
Other or unspecified, Apr 10, 2023
Sunroof suddenly shattered as we are just starting up the car. We are not parked under a tree or any structure. We just heard a loud noise of something shattering from the roof. I went outside and saw the roof completely shattered.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2023
The roof rack appears to be leaking and water is coming into the car. The glove box was saturated with water and there was a puddle on the floor. There is water in the headliner. We're concerned about the side impact airbags no longer working and the wiring harness. I'm not sure how long it has been leaking but it was only just discovered yesterday.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Mar 6, 2023
Hatch hinge cracking, bending, and breaking causing hatch door to pull to one side. Hatch door pulling to one side caused the door to rub on the tail light when opening and closing and door doesn’t not seal when shut. This issue was not caused by any foreign objects or accidents. The issue is available for inspection. The issue has been seen by a dealership. The issue has not been inspected by any other entities. The first sign of the issue occurred in January 2023 with visible evidence the door was pulling to one side. The issue has continued to worsen.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2023
On January 17th 2023, I discovered a leak coming from the roof rack on the passenger side. The water leaked onto the passenger seat. When I brought this to the attention of my dealership, I was told that they did not handle these problems and sent me to an independent repair shop, where the roof rack was removed and an adhesive was applied to stop further leaks. I want this problem documented with Toyota, in case any further problems like this develop. I understand from other Toyota owners that this is not an uncommon problem with this model vehicle, and that these leaks can damage wiring and ultimately the airbags.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2023
Vehicle has absolutely no safe way to hook up to tow. My wife got the car stuck in the snow and needed a tug out with a tow strap. The owners manual states that only some vehicle of this model are equipped with a towing eye. Mine is not, and from what i hear all subsequent year rav4 are not equipped. I crawled underneath the car front and back and dug snow out to find there is no place to hook to. No holes, frame members, nothing to put a hook on, a clevis around, or a loop of rope to loop to. All plastic and smooth sheet metal. I had to strap around one wheel and drag it fighting the allwheel drive system, against my owners manual instructions. How can this be that there is absolutely no recommended way to tow/recover this vehicle or secure it to a towtruck? I have heard stories of tow companies refusing to tow Rav4’s because of this.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 3, 2023
I have had my RAV 4 since it was brand new. Today while i was driving, the mud and sand screen popped up automatic with traction control light, later i was able to turn it to normal then the light would go off for a while and it comes back again. It all happened while i was driving in I 355 going down to Lemont, IL from Palatine IL. I had the same problem but not with the mud and sand but with snow back in 2019 when it was a brand new, took it to a dealership and they said they have never seen like this before and they just reset the computer and it went off. I am pretty sure when I first bought it, even i push each and every button of either snow, sports or mud, the traction light wouldn’t come off. While driving on i 355 today, my car slide for a while which was the most scary part, first I assume it was raining but after when the rain stopped too, it was skidding while applying the brake. I have the regular maintenance, just did the brakes with rotors, changed tires, oil change every 3-4k miles. I tried to talk to Toyota 800 number but wasn’t able to connect with them.
Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2022, crash
As I was turning into a parking spot my car made a growling noise and suddenly lunged forward and accelerated at high speeds, hitting two cars and only stopping once the car hit a wall. I had no control of the car as it accelerated and the brakes did not work.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2022
We have a 2019 RAV4 the mud and sand mode kept randomly turning on in the highway. The car loses traction when it goes into the mode. Toyota claimed they are not responsible. This is a very danger issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2022
The car is leaking water from the driver side roof rack
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 21, 2022
Brake System A malfunction in the Brake System has been detected. Continuing to drive may be dangerous. Stop in a safe location and contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Pre-Collision System A malfunction in the Pre-Collision System has been detected. Do not rely on this system. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Electronically Controlled Brake System A malfunction in the Electric Control Braking System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Anti-Lock Brake System A malfunction in the Anti-Lock Brake System or brake assist system has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Drive-Start Control System A malfunction in the Drive Start Control System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Blind Spot Monitor A malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor System has been detected. Do not rely on the system for lane changing. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Vehicle Stability Control System A malfunction in the VSC, TRAC, or hill-start assist control system has been detected. Do not rely on these systems. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Secondary Collision Brake System A malfunction in the Secondary Crash Mitigation Support Brake System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2022
I own a 2019 Toyota RAV4 and have experienced water leaking into the interior of the vehicle after rain and/or when taking the car through a car wash. I believe the water leakage is coming in via the small holes in the roof directly above the front driver seat and front passenger seats. The holes are used to align the plastic clips that help hold the roof rails onto the rood. They are leaking and allowing water to drain down into the interior of the car. This then allows the water to come into contact with the electrical wiring that runs along the top of the roof and down the front window pillars and possible the airbag system. Although I have not experienced a true accident or had a side airbag deploy for NO reason, I am extremely nervous about driving a car that could potentially detonate at any time potentially causing me to wreck! I am also extremely nervous about what affect water coming into contact with electric wiring and components might have on the proper functioning of the airbag system in the car. Although not purely safety related, I also wonder if the constant moisture penetrating the interior confines of the car could potentially expose me to BLACK MOLD and its long term dire health affects.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2022
The roof rack leaks, Toyota trying to charge $800 for labor but the car is not even 40000 miles on it and the roof shouldn’t leak because the airbags are going to get wet and not work