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
879 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2024
Coolant Bypass Valve leaking onto electrical systems. If not fixed, electrical system will fail. Toyota is aware that it's a common problem.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was uncontrollable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 2, 2024
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE with 42000 miles on it. Engine light with message came on. “Malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected”. Toyota dealership said it was Code P0128. Seems like this is prevalent in the RAV4 when checking forums and owner sites. Why is there not a Recall for this matter for my VIN number. Toyota has other “engine coolant” recalls and I believe this one should be included! I am being charge almost 600$ for this repair!
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 28, 2024
The engine maintenance required turned on at55k miles for the coolant bypass. After trying to get it repaired they had 500 on back order. Thousands of Rav 4’s are experiencing this with over $800 quote to repair , this cannot just be a basic issue this is bigger.
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2024
Engine Maintenance Required Alert popped up on my vehicle. It’s a 2019 RAV4 with barely 60k mileage on it that I bought new off the dealership back in 2019. They are charging me $800 to get the coolant bypass valve repaired, but this is a known issue that all RAV4’s are experiencing (regardless if it’s at 20k or 100k miles)
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2024
Engine maintenance light on for coolant by pass valve
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2024
On [XXX], I brought my car in for its 60,000 mile check up. Everything was marked in the green zone including the “coolant.” On [XXX], car brought back in due to message on the car stating “Engine Service Required.” I went to the dealer and the advisor Daniel already had an idea it was the coolant bypass valve was most likely leaking coolant. Per advisor, he stated he has seen this many times before for these types of car bought within this year always has this problem. Upon inspection, the advisor was correct and it was the coolant bypass valve leaking coolant and needing to be repaired. I had to pay $1,278.55 just to fix this in a low mileage car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
Coolant Bypass Valve went out. Causes the car to overheat if coolant leaks from the valve. HVAC system will not properly work if valve is bad. This is a common problem and should be addressed.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "Engine Maintenance Required Please See Dealer" message was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving normally, however the message was intermittent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the failure was associated to DTC code: P26815; and that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,800.
Engine, Mar 2, 2024
"Engine Maintenance Required" message appears on dashboard for this model car is most likely need to replace coolant bypass valve. When researching what could be the problem, people of social media, car forums, etc. were all experiencing the same issue with the car. Coolant leaking in the engine can cause a combustion, overheating or stall in vehicle.
Structure, Feb 29, 2024
The hinges on the rear power lift gate are tearing off of the vehicle. This is the second time they have failed. The first time I was told it was due to a manufacturing defect in the hinges, but now they (the Toyota dealership) are saying it is because the gate struts are not strong enough to support the door. Toyota is refusing to fix the issue calling it "wear and tear". The issue began when my car had around 45,000 miles. It now has 100,000 miles, but I started noticing the symptoms of the issue at 85,000 (the dealership "couldn't reproduce" at that time). The initial symptoms were the door giving a loud, long beep and refusing to open more than 3 inches or to close. Then, it started to thump as it closed. Sometimes it simply wouldn't open or close. Now, the door sits askew, with a large gap on one side as there is a significant tear in one hinge with a smaller tear on the other.. This is a safety issue because the hinges could break, causing the door to collapse on a person or fall off the car while in motion, with items in the rear of the vehicle also potentially flying out. The weak struts could also fail and collapse the door, causing injury. There are hundreds of similar complaints on Reddit and in RAV4 forums.
Engine, Feb 26, 2024
"ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, VISIT YOUR DEALER" Message came up on dash display. Took it to the dealership for diagnostic inspection. They informed me that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. After much research, I found that this is a common occurance on newer model Rav 4s. If the component is not replaced, I was informed that it could cause overheating and other engine problems. Price to replace plus diagnostic check is around $650. I have read other complaints about this same issue on the NHTSA website. Will there be a recall issued on this component?
Engine, Feb 26, 2024
Engine maintenance light turned on. Found out the engine coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. Many other reported cases for make and model of this car.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the two brackets that connect the rear automatic door cracked three-quarters of the way horizontally. The contact stated that the door was jiggled in place to remain closed. The vehicle was taken to a body shop where it was determined that both rear hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Structure, Feb 22, 2024
The back hatch was misaligned and over time became unusable. Upon inspection from the body shop the hinge the keeps the hatch attached to the vehicle at the top had pulled lose- the power hatch had essentially pulled away from the frame causing the misalignment. The manager at the body shop did some investigation and found that this was an issue that resulted in a recall for the same RAV 4 for the 2013-2017 models but had yet to be applied to our model year. After contacting the toyota dealership it was confirmed that this has been an issue that they are seeing- in fact, after paying for the repairs (since toyota refused to do so)- the body shop manager said she has had another customer with the same problem in the last 48 hours. This is absolutely not related to any accident of any kind- there wasn't one- this is clearly a manufacturer's problem.
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2024
The DCM failed. On 2/11/2024, a speaker was no longer working. On 2/15/2024, it was confirmed that the vehicle's microphone was not working. The vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealership on 2/16/2024. They confirmed that the speaker/microphone were not working. They identified a Toyota Service Bulletin for this issue, requiring DCM replacement at the cost of the consumer. Since there is a Toyota Service Bulletin, it seems that this is a known issue. Safety is at risk as the vehicle is no longer hands-free for communication. There were no warning signs of this failure.
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
Coolant bypass valve
Engine, Feb 13, 2024
Engine cooling issues can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall. The vehicle displays "Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer" when the AC is turned on, and has been confirmed by Arlington Toyota (Jacksonville, FL) dealer as a known issue to the coolant bypass valve with potential safety risks at 2:22pm Eastern on [XXX]. The service department stated that this is common, and the valve is either stuck open or closed, and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Feb 12, 2024
When it rains, I have a puddle of water in the footboard of my backseats in the car.
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2024, crash
The vehicle was totaled due to a front end collision. The air bags did not deploy, the seat belt did not lock and the emergency alert when in an accident did not work. The driver was trapped in vehicle and unable to get door open, the vehicle was going about 40-45 mph at the time of the collision and the driver was flung forward causing whiplash and a concussion.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 9, 2024
Coolant bypass valve is faulty. Everyone is having this issue, please please recall!
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2024
Major insurance companies have been refusing to insure my car because my car was affected by the natural disasters before I purchased the car. This information was fraudulently withheld by the dealership at the time of my purchase. Thus, I would like to have full refunds equal to my purchase price and repair costs.
Structure, Jan 4, 2024
Have had issues with the power gate to the hatchback since the first year of ownership. Dealer could not replicate after numerous complaints. On Jan 1, 2024 the hatch would only ho partially up or down and would not close. Upon looking, the hinges holding the hatch were pulling away from the vehicle. No accident, no abuse, nothing done other than using the electronic open/shut. Googled for info and found MANY similar/same complaints. Body shop estimate to replace hinges around $700 plus more for a rental. Toyota says it's not warranteed but I intend this is a definite structural problem with the vehicle. In the meantime the issue of the problems with electronic hatch lift cant be addressed due to hinge issue. Im concerned driving car --will hatch fall off in traffic??Recall should be issued imo.
Structure, Dec 29, 2023
Rainwater accumulates inside of doors. Drainage holes are easily blocked by dirt debris and unable to drain water from doors. Results in water sloshing around inside of door while driving.
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2023
Sunroof shattered while driving down the interstate. A chunk of glass was missing & small pieces of glass fell into the car into my hair & into my clothes. Safety put at risk due to shock of event occurring while driving. It caught me off guard & I could not just stop on the highway to inspect what happened as cars were on the side & behind me. Increased anxiety while driving. Insurance claim filed with $500 deductible & without a car for an unknown period of time until glass is repaired. Car inspected by collision shop upon arrival.