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.
Air bags, Oct 9, 2023, crash
My wife was traveling 45 miles per hour and hit a deer and the airbag did not deploy. After review, the air bag is supposed to deploy at 20 miles per hour. I am especially worried because Toyota has issued Technical Service Bulletin, noting that the rail line leaks and can cause air bag failure. I have brought this to Toyota Corporate and Legal's attention and they have completely denied responsibility and implied that this isn't a serious issue. I asked to have the airbag inspected and they refused, saying we could only do that before repairs had been completed. However, the airbag did not have any work done on it and should be in the same condition as it was during the accident.
Engine, Oct 8, 2023
Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Got Bad At Only 38k Miles.Toyota asked 750$ for 15min repair.And it common issue with 2019 Toyota’s.That part should be recalled and replaced for free!
Engine, Oct 6, 2023
RAV4 2019- Engine maintenance required visit dealership alert. Toyota dealership said it was the coolant valve. As I’ve seen online most 2019 rav4 are having the same issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2023
Back driver's door panel retaining water. Water swishes back and forth. Replaced roof clips on top already. Just realized today that it was not my gas tank making the sound.
Structure, Oct 4, 2023
While driving on Highway 52 on a Saturday morning at approximately 8:40am (9/23/2023), I heard a loud sound like a gunshot. There was not anything on either side of the highway and no accidents around me. Then I noticed a weird whistling sound and heard little bits of something falling down in the front passenger, driver seat and front middle console. Upon looking up, I saw a gaping hole in the middle of my moonroof and pieces of the glass were coming down inside the car. I looked for any large object that could have possibly come down to hit the moonroof but there were only pieces of glass. Upon parking the car, I saw that the moonroof glass has exploded OUTWARDS toward the sky, not inward, indicating that there was not anything that dropped down through it. There was no other sign outside of the shattered moonroof and pieces. No rock, no nothing. No warning signs, nothing to indicate anything was at all wrong with the moonroof, which actually had worked fine just the prior week, opening and closing as always with no grating sounds or unusual sounds, just the usual smooth open/close for both the 2 opening functions. Upon doing a Google search, we saw that there is a entire list of Toyota owners who have reported this problem but have had Toyota claim that there is nothing they can do and it is NOT a safety issue; Toyota also claims that there had to have been a crack or nick in the moonroof glass of all vehicles that have had this happen but my moonroof had absolutely nothing wrong with it nor did it have any kind of prior damage to this incident happening. Research shows it may be a possible manufacturing error on the glass maker. I am taking the car in to my Toyota dealership to have it repaired. I did call my insurance company but they did not ask me to take it for inspection. They merely gave me the parameters for which they were wiling to pay for part of the repair cost after my deductible. I took ample photos of the damage as soon as it happened.
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2023
As I opened up the fuel door - a spring popped out - after I finished fueling- I tried to reopen the fuel door but could not - this can strand a driver when gas gets low as unable to refill the gas tank due to inability to open the door
Engine, Sep 29, 2023
My car has been maintenanced and cared for routinely yet an engine maintenance light has come on. When I took it to the dealership I was told that I needed to spend $600 to replace the engine coolant bypass valve. After researching how to change that and what the parts consisted of I found that HUNDREDS of not thousands of people who have 2019-2020 Toyota RAV4’s have also experienced this problem. My car only has 90,000 miles on it and this is happening to other RAV4 owners who don’t have near as many miles. I would happily pay this if it was just something that happened but after researching and finding out so so many others are experiencing the same problem in the same year model car it is frustrating that there isn’t a recall on this part. If over 500 people are experiencing the same issue in the same type of car, that is 100% means for a recall. Thank you.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2023
The fuel system will not fill up the full tank. When the tank is half full it signals for the pump to stop and that is all that will go in the tank.
Engine, Sep 23, 2023
Coolant Bypass Valve is faulty and is a common problem that is breaking for me.
Engine, Sep 18, 2023
At 46K miles it pop up out of no where and for no aparent reason engine maintanance required. Took the dealer it was the engine coolant bypass malfunctioning. Car has all maintanance up to date by toyota dealer.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2023
Unintended acceleration.
Engine, Sep 16, 2023
Wide spread issue with "engine coolant bypass valve". This has been going on for a long time and a lot of Toyota rav4 drivers are affected. Engine maintenance required pops up in the middle of the screen unexpectedly while driving which is distracting and a safety issue. Toyota refuses to take accountability for their faulty valves and issue a recall. Please help with this issue. If you google this, it will show there are so many people affected by this.
Engine, Sep 14, 2023
Toyota said the water coolant valve needs replacing and that it’s a common problem with RAV4s. They’re charging over 900 USD to fix this. It is a faulty part that comes with the Toyota.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2023
engine light would not reset. I'm told that i have FAULTY HEATER BYPASS VALVE. I will also need a flush on my coolant. Total repairs just under $1000.00. The light came on around 69,000 miles.
Engine, Sep 11, 2023
Engine coolant bypass. Apparently this is a MAJOR, common and CONSISTENT issue that is extremely dangerous! I’m not sure why this hasn’t been recalled yet. please please PLEASE provide us with some information
Engine, Sep 8, 2023
Just received Engine maintenance required message that can not be cleared. I pulled in to my local firestone who looked up the error code p268115. This turns out to be the need to replace a coolant bypass valve and seems to be a pretty common issue with RAV4s but has yet to be on a recall. This can cause the vehicle to stall in traffic and overheat causing a major safety issue. the car is at about 24,000 miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The contact stopped at a traffic light and the vehicle became inoperable. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine, Sep 1, 2023
COOLANT BYPASS VALVE FAILED. APPARENTLY IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 31, 2023
Hybrid Harness Malfunction. As reported on FaceBook by my wife to [XXX] of LIA Toyota: "Well my husband's RAV 4 wasn't safe and you knew it. And corporate knew it. You are in the business of saving lives by informing your customers when you find a defect in your cars. This faulty harness is dangerous. And the repair is costly and there aren't many of these parts available to make the repair. You put my husband and countless others in danger. Shame on you." Not only has the problem been confirmed: On May 11th, I received a letter from TOYOTA Motor Sales, USA, Inc. entitled, Certain 2019-2022 Model Year Rav4 Hybrid Vehicle (AWD Only) Coverage for High Voltage Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable Corrosion CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 22TE09 NOTIFICATION... There was a YouTube Video made by [XXX] about this problem A YEAR AGO entitled, "CableGate," AND an article at TorqueNews. (I have links if needed) The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by LIA Toyota in Rockland County. OVER $5,500 that I'm looking to get a FULL refund. LIA gave me back $1,000 for over-charging me. I want the FULL refund from Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. A warning lamp/message appeared on May 6. I have emails, reports to corporate & screenshots of conversations with LIA service...all lasting almost 2 months. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. and LIA Toyota BOTH new of this problem a year ago BEFORE they sent out the letter. The letter states they would repair it for free if under 100,000 miles. I had 114,000, BUT...if I knew a year ago, I would have brought it in...UNDER the 100,000 miles, and got a FREE repair. Thank you for helping me get a full refund and for helping others with this same problem. USA Toyota owners NEED TO KNOW THIS! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Aug 28, 2023
“Engine Maintenance Required, Visit Your Dealer” warning message pop up on 2019 Toyota Rav4. Then the vehicle was taken to Toyota Dealer which they diagnosed as Coolant Bypass Valve failure. The dealer charged an outrageous amount to replace that valve with hose assembly. After researching online, this is a widespread issue in 2019 and newer Toyota Rav4.
Engine, Aug 28, 2023
Engine warning that cannot be cleared - "Engine Maintenance Required" displays on Multi-information display. Coolant Bypass Valve is the problem according to Toyota, and they want $1000 to fix it. Happens to many right after warranty expires.
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2023
Engine Maintenance Required light came on. Got it checked out by Toyota Dealer and the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. It seems to be a common problem with RAV4s.
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.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 9, 2023
Vehicle take to dealer to diagnose seatbelt warning buzzer and SRS inoperative light illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a defective coolant bypass valve. This seems to be a rather common diagnosis. With the air bag system inoperative, I feel insecure driving the car without this important safety system.