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.
Engine, Jun 11, 2023
On May 13, 2023, ‘Engine Maintenance Required-Visit Your Dealer’ warning appeared on my console. I immediately brought the vehicle to the Toyota dealer. I was told the Coolant Bypass Valve went bad. This was at roughly 45,000 miles. I had previously purchased a ‘No deductible extended warranty’ from this same Toyota dealer. Now they tell me this ‘Valve’ is not covered under warranty. I was charged $887.99 for repair of this ‘Valve’. As this could cause the engine to overheat, causing additional damage, it most certainly is a safety issue.
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
Engine, Jun 7, 2023
Engine Bypass Coolant Valve. Issue could cause coolant leak and cause car to overheat. Issue confirmed by Toyota dealership. Also many individuals confirming the same issue. Component inspected by dealership. No issues until component failed and now a constant engine repair message.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, it was discovered that the interior latch to open the fuel door had malfunctioned, and the fuel door failed to open. The contact was unable to refuel the vehicle due to the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 27,900.
Air bags, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that while the vehicle was idling, he heard a beeping sound coming from the front driver’s seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Steering, May 24, 2023
My power steering fails due to low voltage, even while I'm traveling at high rates of speed.
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?
Engine, May 17, 2023
2019 Toyota Rav4 Premium Engine Maintenance light visit dealer popped up on the vehicle. Researching online apparently the coolant bypass valve malfunctioning is a recurring issue with the 2019 Toyota Rav4, not sure why a recall has not been done yet for this vehicle. Went to the dealer to have the vehicle looked at, before having it diagnosed the service person stated it is probably the coolant bypass valve and that the part is on back order, vehicle was put on the machine to have it diagnosed and confirmed that the Coolant Bypass Valve will need to be replaced. The only warning light that it gave me was Engine Maintenance light came on. The service advisor said the vehicle is perfectly fine to drive till they get the part in, which still concerns me because of the engine. I am having to pay out of pocket to get it repaired but after talking to the service people and researching online from other people, there really should be a recall for the Coolant Bypass Valve.
Engine, May 11, 2023
We have a 2019 Toyota Rav4, win VIN JTMK1RFV8KD******, about a week ago this message appeared: "ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED. VISIT YOUR DEALER." The Mileage was still 74,104. After a week, I took it to a mechanic shop; I had the oil changed and discovered that the message cannot be removed. I had the vehicle system scanned and one of the items that came up is "Engine and engine cooling". My mechanic went on line to find out if there's a RECALL issue on my vehicle with its VIN. There are 8 Recall issues on the KELLY BLUE BOOK website but not on the Toyota website. We called the dealership and they confirmed that my VIN is not included in the list. Toyota is charging $180 or more just to Diagnose. WHY do we have to pay for the Manufacturer's defects?
Engine, May 8, 2023
The Coolant Bypass Valve went bad, and apparently it’s been happening frequently to a lot of peoples Toyotas. Also unsafe because I have to wait for the part, which is on back order, because so many of them are faulty. This need to me recalled!
Structure, May 8, 2023
Roof Rails are leaking and is a known issue. Water stains in the headliner and close to the side air bags. Smell of mildew causing health issues with my Asthma. Love the vehicle, but I do not trust that the air bags could or might not deploy or other electrical issues due to this.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Back over prevention, May 7, 2023
Received multiple malfunction alerts. BSM & RCTW. Other safety features also inop. Dealership told me it was due to non-factory installed Cross Bars, faulty gasket allowed water into vehicle and flowed down onto the Engine Control Module. There was no way the amount of water said to have been in vehicle could have come from that 1 gasket, over 1" above roof. After $825+ and removal of cross bars water still leaking into car. Concerned issue will re-occur making safety features worthless, as well as damage side air-bags. These issues would all need to be corrected via out-of-pocket expense. Believe the issue is design flaw from Toyota.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2023
UNKNOWN
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2023
Many things
Visibility/wiper, Apr 27, 2023
I have now had two spontaneous, large cracks form in my windshield without any impact of debris.
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 ...
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Engine Maintenance Required, Take to Dealer" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The contact wants to cancel this complaint.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 19, 2023
Vehicle stalled while driving 60mph , vehicle overheated upon restarting
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Apr 7, 2023
Roof rack design and grommet failure allows for water to flow into cabin headliner and down a-pillars and other areas where curtain airbag and other electrical components are housed. This can cause malfunction and/or failure of the vehicles crucial functions at any given moment. A class action lawsuit is filed on this. You need to step in and make it a recall and hold toyota responsible.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Apr 6, 2023
Outside water (rain, carwash, etc) is leaking through the roof into the A-pillar and C-pillar areas and into the interior. Water is likely entering the air bag components in the front A-pillars on both sides, potentially causing a safety issue. Also concerned that water could be entering the electrical components in the dashboard. When researching the issue, found multiple complaints of this issue and also at least one class action lawsuit. Dealer is pushing back on covering this under the "Certified Pre-owned Comprehensive Warranty". https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2023/toyota-rav4-roof-rail-leaks-class-action-lawsuit.shtml https://www.classaction.org/toyota-rav4-leaking-lawsuit https://www.motorbiscuit.com/lawsuit-alert-toyota-rav4-roof-leak-causes-water-damage-electronics-airbags/
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
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.
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2023
DCM unit failed. It controls Toyota safety connect and all communication to Toyota. If I were to be in an accident the SOS button to get help is inoperable. This has been reported to Toyota. This is a problem for nearly all the DCM units across the entire Toyota platform. Toyota is only willing to fix these defective DCM units under a 3 year 36k mile warranty. Considering the extent of the failure of these units across all their vehicles I believe Toyota should fix this systemic problem with their safety system outside their traditional warranty. Thanks