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.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 6, 2022
Car randomly switched the driving modes from normal to mud and sand while a driving on the highway about 55 miles per hour, also said precolision system disable, happened in last 3 days
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2022
Hybrid system malfunction. Repairs include replacement of motor cable #2 and frame wire. Advanced Corrosion was the explanation. Not covered under warranty (either 3yr/36K or platinum addt’l plan). Problem occurred at 36,366 miles (300+ miles just over standard warranty?) In the midst of delayed communicating with Toyota with no response after 3 days. Was told to reference TSB T-TT-0630-20. After researching, this problem is frequently referenced as being an issue. Should just be a recall at this point.
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and making abnormal sounds. Additionally, the vehicle was intermittently unable to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the roof rack sustained water damage, causing an electrical system failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Structure, Engine, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the roof rack clips were fractured and water was leaking into the vehicle, causing the vehicle to shut off intermittently, electrical failures, and air bags malfunction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the headliners were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 19, 2022
Vehicle happens to accelerate involuntarily when driving, especially on highway. You'll be driving, and then suddenly it starts to accelerate faster than usual. Had another family member drove vehicle to work, just to confirm if they had the same issue, and they did confirm that the vehicle was involuntarily accelerating at a higher speed on its own.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2022
Intermittent loss/delay of acceleration power from a stop. When coming out of a stop, pressing the gas pedal warrants no response except the slow creep that occurs just as a result of lifting off the brake. This has happened a handful of times when trying to accelerate from being stopped at a red light. The problem occurs intermittently and I never know when to expect it. The most recent time this problem happened, I pressed the gas pedal all the way to the floor, and still the car did not accelerate. When left in the middle of an intersection, a loss of accelerator power can be deadly. I am a sitting duck as oncoming traffic comes towards me and I just hope they see me. Furthermore, when stalled out at a red light or stop sign, other traffic has to drive around me, risking the safety of other drivers as well. I took it into my Toyota dealership for repair, but since they are unable to replicate the issue, they cannot fix it. I was also met with skepticism; however, searching online has shown that other people have experienced the same problem with the same vehicle. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any others as of now. No engine lights appear when this happens; this is also what led the dealership to believe there wasn't actually a problem.
Visibility, Sep 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, he heard a loud banging sound. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact noticed that the sunroof glass panel had exploded with 40 percent of the shattered glass remaining. The contact stated that the shade guard was closed at the time of the failure. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,300.
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
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2022
Engine maintenance light came on after a routine oil change. I took it to a toyota dealer, they said that it has something to do with the coolant system. The problem is ongoing with several toyota models, including rav4, Tacoma, Tundra, Camry, Sienna models 2018-2022. The problem is that the car can suddenly overheat and shut down on a busy highway, which is very Dangerous. Someone, can get killed, if this is not addressed. I don't know why there is not a recall already. The government should definitely get involved.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 24, 2022
I have a 2019 all-wheel-drive limited and for the last two months it has been slipping into mud and sand mode. It happens when I shift from driving to park or drive to park, and if I’m standing idle it will slip into mud and sand mode and switch off a few minutes later. Dealership says it’s the sensors but I had my sensors checked and there is no issue there.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Aug 19, 2022
There is a known issue with 2019+ Toyoya RAV4 where the Roof Rack Rails seaks leak water into the Driver and Passenger SRS A Pillar, i don't understand why there isn't a TSB for this, im concerned that the water intrusion will damage the Airbags or Electrical components and cause the airbag to deploy or cause improper SRS A pillar airbag operation. I'm also concerned about rust, A Quick google search and youtube will show the issue occuring but toyota is only fixing it under warranty, i don't think this should happen on a car under 3 years old with less than 50,000 miles. I do notice a foul odor in the car which led me to find this related TSB T-SB-0094-21 for a similar issue but none for Roof Rack Seals. Toyota has updated the Seals to thicker ones from the flimsy paper gasket to thicker plastic since 2019 so they know about the issue and have corrected it but only under warranty. i did see complaints on carcomplaints.com also but i'm out of factory warranty.
Structure, Aug 13, 2022
The rear hatch trunk doorr does not operate correctly. The hinges holding the door on could fail leaving the door to fly off the vehicle. Apparently this is a known problem on this make and model of this vehicle and toyota is unwilling to repair the problem
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 12, 2022
Fuel pump was replaced in May 2020 under recall. Recalled part had 12 month warranty. Rav4 was purchased used in May 2022 and in June, engine started stuttering. Contacted Toyota Field Reps at local dealership and they reset codes and suggested running different and better gas. A case was opened. In July, when filling up car, the car would not start at the pump. The car had to be towed on Sunday. Toyota Field Reps made aware that car would crank after banging on the fuel tank. A service call was placed again and before we could get it to the dealership on Thursday, when the car was filled up again at a different gas station, it would not start at the pump again. It was towed a second time to the dealership and Toyota did multiple tests to determine the fuel pump and hose over the saddle tank needed to be replaced. Toyota would not honor that replacement part saying this was the customers responsibility now. We paid for the replacement today 8/11/22 and drove it one hour and filled it up again and it hesitated and would not crank at the pump, finally fired up and then dies at the red light in traffic. It was taken back to the dealership.
Steering, Aug 5, 2022
LTA NOT WORKING EVEN IF IT SHOWS ITS ON. IF ITS ON IT WILL NOT STAY IN LANE IF NO MARKERS ON ROAD ARE SHOWN WILL PULL TO RIGHT OR LEFT TO FIND CENTER OF LANE. WHICH IS A HAZARD. FROM LOOKING FOR ANSWERS ON WEB IT SHOWS TOYOTA HAS NO FIX FOR NONE WORKING OF LTA. FROM LOOKING AT FOURM OF THIS PROBLEM IT SEEMS THAT IF THEY DO TAKE INTERST THERE'S A LOT OF CAR AND SUV AND TRUCKS WITH THIS PROBLEM ON ROAD TODAY. SO TOYOTA WILL HAVE FORK OVER BIG CASH TO FIX PROBLEM OF THE NONE WORK LTA ON THIS VEHICLES.
Seats, Aug 3, 2022
hi, the driver lower seat frame being detached, the right slide is seized /stuck on the rail track and inoperable causing risk for unsafe driving equipment. I have a child and cannot drive with a broken seat - I don't reach it is a liability for safety! thanks, very respectfully [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Air bags, Jul 28, 2022
The 2019 Toyota Rav4 has a problem with Water leakage. Check the Internet for very specific details. Water is leaking from the roof mounted roof rails. This leak is causing water to enter the car and drip significant amounts of water down both A-Pillars. The A-Pillars support & Hold Airbags. The concern is that the water intrusion can cause damage to the airbags and/or the wiring to the airbags. This water damage could either prevent the airbags from deploying or cause the airbags to prematurely deploy. Toyota has yet to acknowledge the issue. They claim the water is coming from clogged sunroof drains. While this can be a cause it is NOT the sole cause. I had my vehicle into the dealer on 6/22/22 and they claimed the problem was the clogged sunroof drains. Last night was the 1st significant rain in the area since the visit. This morning BOTH A-pillars had significant water damage. So this means 1 of 2 things. If the leak is from the sunroof drains, they have a design issue as these were just cleared by Totyota. OR, as Many other owners of 2019 Rav4's have discovered there is a flaw in the roof rail design. Both issues need to be resolved ASAP, before there is a failure in the airbag system. Additionally, this water leak is causing a potential buildup of toxic mold
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2022
About a year ago, I was unable to make or receive calls through my vehicle. I could hear the other side talking, but they could not hear me. Additionally, I could not make voice commands through my vehicle. The microphone was not working at all. I advised my dealer and they indicated they did have a service bulletin regarding this issue, but everything they tried did not fix it. the dealer indicated to me that it was going to cost me almost $2,000 to have it fixed. I don't have an extra $2,000 laying around to fix this problem, so I've just been using my phone to my ear normally. It's much safer to have handsfree talking and commands, don't you think? I have 64,000 miles on my vehicle, so its out of manufacturer warranty. Shouldn't this be some type of recall? Thank you.
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2022
I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF A MALFUNCTION IN THE INTELLIGENT CLEARANCE SONAR SYSTEM AND A MALFUNCTION IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER BUT ON THE MORNING OF THE APPOINTMENT THE CAR WAS NON-OPERATIONAL IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CORROSION OF THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ON RAV4 HYBRID FORUMS AND APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE IN REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY WITH SNOW/SALT ROAD TREATMENTS. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION.
Air bags, Jul 20, 2022
Myself and others, in online forums, have experienced roof water leaks. This has been traced by some to faulty roof rail seals. The safety concern here is that when it rains or I wash my vehicle I get rain soaking into my A pillars near the airbags. I've attached a photo showing rain water dripping out of one of my A pillars near the airbag as described.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 14, 2022
My vehicle 2019 Toyota Rav 4 Limited has transmission and engine issues as well as a roof rack leak. I have reported this to Toyota via 1-800-331-4331, which was not helpful. Israel stated that there is nothing that Toyota Cooperate can do about this issue. Both the transmission and engine had been previously repaired at Toyota of Laredo to no avail. Currently my vehicle is awaiting repair at Cavander Toyota in San Antonio. No loaner was provided despite me being a home health therapist who needs her vehicle to work.
Engine, Jul 3, 2022
I got a “Engine Maintenance Required” warning message. I check with the dealer, the dealer inspected and told about a faulty coolant bypass valve which the dealership told us a common problem for Toyota RAV4 model year 2019,2020,2021. The dealer told to always check if the engine temperature is shooting. They asked me to order the part and it took close to a week to get the part and then to replace it. A faulty coolant bypass valve risked my vehicle of a failure of the cooling system and so the engine. I had to pay $126.25 for the part and $658.08 labor charge to replace the part. Since it is a common problem the manufacturer has to recall and replace the faulty part and pay the cost of the part and labor for replacing the faulty part.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2022
When you are yielding and not having to make a complete stop by pressing the brake and then return to the gas the vehicle makes a loud bang noise like the engine is going to stall and then the car lunges forward with a big jerk. This is very scary when you have a lot of vehicles coming toward you. We are also having a problem with the roof rack leaking and could be hazardous if the air bag is getting wet if you look on line many people are complaining of these problems with the Rav4 2019 XLE. I purchased this car for my daughter when she graduated high school for safety and now it scares me for her to drive it. We did have a mechanic inspect it and informed us it did happen to him but could not find where it was coming from. He did inform us others with this model were having the same issues. No warning lamp or messages came on.
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
Maintenance requires message appeared. Coolant bypass valve/tube needs replacement. 2 Days from the end of factory warranty.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2022
Roof rail leak known to Toyota leading to potential compromise of SRS airbags and any other electrical wiring within anterior pillars. Long term water damage can lead to corrosion of components within that area. Toyota assessed and confirmed water intrusion due to roof rail leak. Leak became visible to owner due to water marks on headliner. Of note, Toyota refuses to accept blame for water intrusion and provide remedy.