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, Air bags, Structure, Aug 15, 2021
Roof rails water sealing failure - causing water to enter the vehicle on each side of the front A pillars of the vehicle and is reaching the airbag electrical connections which can lead to airbag failure during an accident due to corroded electrical connections. Vehicle taken to Toyota of North Charlotte to show dealership the damage to the headliner and request a resolution be completed. Dealership inspected vehicle - stated they believed it to be clogged sunroof drain lines and stated if it continues to notify them. Have reached back out to them as rain storm same night as service 8/15/2021 revealed that leak continues. No warning lights have appeared but symptoms are shown by the amount of water dripping into the cabin from these defective roof rails and running down the A Pillars into the dashboard.
Engine, Aug 9, 2021
The eco boost made the engine to jump causing the engine Mount to loosing out
Air bags, Aug 8, 2021
leak at junction of windshield and A-pillar. Potential damage to A-Pillar air bag
Steering, Aug 6, 2021, crash
Steering suddenly locked up. Car steered to the right went off the road. Turned over several times and landed upside down. Causing serious injuries to myself and the driver. I was in hospital 3 weeks total with broken ribs , broken vertabrae and dislocated shoulder. Cuts on feet from the glass. Driver had cuts on head and dislocated shoulder. Prior to accident, I had reported (twice) to dealer that steering wheel felt loose. The second time, I had him write it down on report when I came in for oil change. So I have proof that I reported it. They checked steering and said they couldn't find anything wrong; but the problem was it didn't do it all the time. Sometimes it would take quite a few seconds before it would react if I would turn it a little left or right. Eventually, it did lock up and caused the horrible accident. The accident occured on November 26, 2020. I typed that date, but somehow this report changed it to Aug 6 and I can't seem to change it.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2021
The roof rails in my 2019 RAV4 are leaking into my car. Toyota dealership is aware of this issue in my hometown as I’m not the only person to come forward with this however stated that being there isn’t a recall there is nothing they can do. This is a dangerous as the roof holds air bags, electrical components amongst the mold that it’s causing. I have a son who is highly allergic to the mold spores. Toyota used the cheapest parts available to put this car together. This needs attention as people are paying 35-40000 for these vehicles for this to take place and they turn their backs . Please take this serious please
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2021
Roof leaks in heavy rain or car wash. Water stains noted on the A pillars requiring replacement of the headliner. Concern of water damaging the air bags in the pillars. Now leaking through the front ceiling light with heavy rain.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2021
When filling the fuel tank when full fuel spills out until the pump handle finally shuts off. Estimated spillage is about 1/2 to 1 cup of fuel. This has happened more than 6 times
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2021
Unknown component or system While driving on the Interstate during rush hour, traveling 60 miles an hour, another vehicle along side us entered our lane and we had to avoid a collision by aggressive braking and steering. Following this maneuver, our vehicle immediately shut down. An 18 wheel barely missed crashing into our rear. It took us approximately 1 minute to realize we needed to put the car in park, step on the brake, and push the ignition button to restart the vehicle.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2021
Case number started at Toyota Customer service: 210701002045 Requested an unacceptable time to answer of 8 weeks. There was a recall for this vehicle. I wasnt notified and the recall also doesnt show in any website (Not Toyota not in the goverment one). I went on a trip thousands mile aways from home, I was up in the montains, the car got broken in a very bad place where I had to spend almost $2,000 dollars due to Towing, meal and hotel expenses (as the dealer was closed on a weekend). I am trying to solve this with Toyota but they say I have to wait 8 weeks to start looking at my case. It is unacceptable . I need a reimbursement ASAP.
Engine, Jul 9, 2021
vehicle will not accelerate when pushing down on the gas pedal. This can occur when leaving a parking place or from a traffic light.
Structure, Jul 6, 2021
Significant roof leak driver side front. Took it to a dealer. Wants customers to pay for Toyota’s design flaw.
Power train, Jul 1, 2021
Abnormal bussing noises under the car when driving.
Electrical system, Seats, Jun 25, 2021
Seat heater turns on automatically and randomly and gets way too hot. I'm afraid it might burn me. I have an appointment with the Toyota dealership however it's my only mode of transportation and I work 3 hours away from home. This puts me at high risk of getting hurt. None of the lights or any indicators came on. There has been no indication that there might be an issue before today. Today is 6-25-2021.
Suspension, Wheels, Jun 16, 2021
Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, while driving on the interstate the vehicle began vibrating heavily. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Upon inspection it was noticed that the inner tread of the left rear tire was damaged, worn away and scalloped or cupped. The tire was replaced with a spare, and vehicle driven to the nearest Toyota dealer for service. The damaged tire is available for inspection. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the servicing dealer informed us that the left rear camber was out of manufacturer specification being -1.8 deg. The minimum allowed is -1.7, and the minimum recommended is -1.3. We were informed that to be safe the vehicle required repairs; however, they were unable. We then took the vehicle to the selling dealer who also found the issue and were unable to repair. Two additional service centers also confirmed the rear camber was out of specifications, and posed a safety risk. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the dealer stated that a manufacturer representative from Toyota inspected the vehicle. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Safety was compromised as the damage to the tire was severe and hidden. This damage could have resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle. The vehicle remains in the unsafe condition. It is also important to note that the tires were being rotated every 5,000 miles by a manufacturer service center as recommended.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2021
Roof rack seals failed, allowing water in above the A-pillar, which damages the headliner and could damage electrical and side airbags, compromising safety. In talking with other 2019 Rav4 owners, many have experienced the same issue as the sealing mechanism is poorly designed.
Structure, May 21, 2021
The sunroof exploded outward/upward. I was doing 75-80mph north bound on I-15 in Montana, south of mile marker 250. Suddenly there was a loud BOOM like a an explosion! (I was startled and almost lost control of the car.) When I reached Cascade, the nearest town, I checked and saw that the sunroof was bulged outward, with a large hole. See pictures. Condition: around 12:45pm. Outside - Cloudy, temp around 30 degree Farenheit with a dusting of snow. Inside cabin was set to 70 degrees. I do not know the elevation above sea level. I was not near any area that rocks could fall on the roof. The only other vehicle was about 1/4 to 1/2 mile behind me at the time of the incidence. The autobody shop guy checked for any signs of rocks or bullets or anything that could have caused it and he could not even guess at the cause, especially since the glass was bulging outward.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, May 19, 2021
The 2019 Rav4 models have an issue with the roof rack rails leaking water into the A pillar as well as the C pillar due to a failure in the materials the manufacturer used. Not only does this cause issues with the headliner of the vehicles but this could also endanger the occupants of the entire vehicle due to the leak affecting the airbags located in the A and C pillars. This leak has a potential to affect electrica as well as the main safety component located in the locations stated above. Not addressing the issue could result in death due to airbag failures and could then lead to class action lawsuits.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2021
MY VEHICLE IS STALLING WHEN AT LOW SPEED AND SOMETIMES HIGH SPEED. IT FAILS TO ACCELERATE. EVERY TIME I CONTACT MY SERVICE PROVIDER THEY PUSH BACK MY SERVICE ANOTHER MONTH.
Air bags, Apr 30, 2021
THERE IS A WATER LEAK THAT HAPPENS IN THE A PILLAR OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A FAULTY GASKET ON THE ROOF RACK. WATER CAN LEAK INTO THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WHICH CAN COMPROMISE THE SAFTEY OF THE VEHCILE. NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS ONLINE FROM OTHER OWNERS AS WELL. PLEASE GOOGLE RAV4 2019 ROOF LEAK. I NOTIVED THE LEAK AS I WAS DRIVING WHEN IT WAS RAINING, IT WAS LEAKING ON THE A PILLAR IN BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2021
ON APRIL 5, 2021 AT 10:40AM ON A HIGHWAY GOING 50 MPH THERE WAS AN EXTREMELY LOUD BANG. LUCKILY WITHOUT CRASHING I PARKED ON THE SIDE AND SAW THAT THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED WITH THE APPEARANCE OF COMING FROM WITHIN. THE SHADE HAD BEEN CLOSED THEREFORE THE GLASS WAS PREVENTED FROM SCATTERING ON ME. I HAD TOYOTA CHULA VISTA, CA CHECK IT OUT AND THEY DECLINED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THE WEEK AFTERWARDS I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER OF TOYOTA IN YUMA, AZ WHERE I PURCHASED THE AUTOMOBILE WHO ALSO DECLINED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY AND RECOMMENDED TO MAKE A CLAIM WITH MY CAR INSURANCE. I HAVE LEARNED THAT IT IS COMMON FOR SUNROOFS TO EXPLODE IN THIS CAR. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN SETTLED. PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANY FUTURE RECALLS. I WILL UPLOAD PHOTOS.
Steering, Lane departure, Apr 15, 2021
ACCIDENTALLY TURNED ON LKA. AT FREEWAY SPEEDS UP TO 70MPH STEERING PULLED TO RIGHT. HAD TO KEEP TENSION ON STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP VEHICLE CENTERED IN LANE. THEN STEERING WOULD QUIT PULLING AND VEHICLE WOULD GO TO LEFT. HAD TO KEEP FIGHTING STEERING TO KEEP VEHICLE CENTERED IN LANE. LKA WARNING KEPT BEEPING. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON LINE. LOOKED IN OWNERS MANUAL AND MADE SURE LKA WAS TURNED OFF. THIS WAS A BIG ANNOYANCE FOR ME BUT I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS COULD BE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR SOMEONE ELSE, THOUGH.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 9, 2021
AFTER RECEIVING THE RAV4HYBRID FUEL TANK FIX FROM TOYOTA IN MARCH OF 2021, MY VEHICLE STILL ONLY HAS A FUEL CAPACITY OF 12.5 GALS. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THIS IS BY DESIGN TO ALLOW ROOM FOR SPLASH BACK. 12.5GALS DOES NOT ALLOW FOR THE TOYOTA ADVERTISED RANGE OF 550MILES PER TANK. I AM GETTING ~470MILES PER TANK, 80 MILES SHORT OF THE TOYOTA ADVERTISED. THE FIX FROM TOYOTA TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK AND ASCENDING UNIT HAD NO CHANGE TO MY FUEL GAUGE READING, DISTANCE TO EMPTY OR FUEL FILLING CAPACITY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK IN AGAIN, THE INFORMED ME I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO PUT MORE THEN 12.5 GALS OF FUEL IN MY VEHICLE AND WILL ONLY GET ~470MILES PER TANK; THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE AN ANSWER TO THE CONTRADICTION OF WHAT THEY WERE ADVERTISING THE RANGE OF MY VEHICLE SHOWN AT 550MILES PER THE TOYOTA DOCUMENTATION. PICTURE SHOW IS AFTER FILLING THE TANK. 466 MILES TILL EMPTY AND AVG OF 38.3 MPG. IF I HAD 12.5 GALS AND AVG OF 38.5 THAT WOULD BE 478.75MILE TILL EMPTY. AT 14.5 GALS, THE TOYOTA ADVERTISED AND 38.5 AVG MPG IT WOULD BE 555.35MILES TILL EMPTY. THE ONLY WAY 12.5 GALS GETS TO THE ADVERTISED RANGE OF 550MILE ON ONE TANK IS IF THE VEHICLE EXCEDED THE TOYOTA ADVERTISE MPG OF 41 CITY / 38 HIGHWAY. IT WOULD REQUIRE AND AVERAGE MPG OF 44MPG
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 9, 2021
TOYOTA HAS NOT PROVIDED THE PARTS TO REMEDY A KNOWN RECALL. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER20TA02 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V682 THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY LEASED VEHICLE FOR OVER 5 MONTHS AND HAS YET TO PROVIDE A DATE THAT THEY WILL HAVE IT REPAIRED AND DRIVABLE. WHILE THEY HAVE PROVIDED ME A LOANER FROM A SECOND RATE RENTAL COMPANY, I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED THAT I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR I AM REQUIRED TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON. DUE TO MY AGE, THE RENTAL COMPANY CHARGES MORE FOR A COMPARABLE VEHICLE, SO I AM FORCED TO DRIVE A GREATLY INFERIOR CAR TO THAT WHICH I AM PAYING FOR. ADDITIONALLY, AT THE END OF MY LEASE, THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY FEWER MILES THAT MY LEASE AGREEMENT ALLOWS (SINCE IT HAS BEEN PARKED ON THEIR LOT FOR SO LONG, WHICH WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE FOR THEIR RESALE. I HAVE ASKED THEM TO BUY BACK MY VEHICLE, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNWILLING TO WORK WITH ME, AS THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO PER MY CONTRACT. ULTIMATELY, I AM PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT I AM NOT RECEIVING AND AM SPENDING EVEN MORE MONEY DUE TO THE FUEL INEFFICIENCY OF THE LOANER. I FEEL LIKE I PAID FOR A STEAK DINNER AND GOT A MCDONALDS HAPPY MEAL WITHOUT THE TOY. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED WITH AT LEAST HALF OF MY MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR THE AMOUNT OF TIME THEY HAVE THE CAR I AM PAYING FOR SITTING ON THEIR LOT BEING UNUSED. THAT WOULD CURRENTLY BE $687.
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2021
THIS IS ABOUT OUTDOOR THERMOMETERS ON CARS. IF THEY AREN'T ACCURATE, WHAT GOOD ARE THEY. THEY CAUSE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. HERE'S WHY. ON A COLD DAY WITH PRECIPITATION, IF IT ISN'T ACCURATE PEOPLE COULD GET A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. MINE IN PARTICULAR IS THIS. MINE READS 4 DEGREES TOO WARM. THE PROBLEM. IF IT'S RAINING AND IT READS 34 DEGREES, I'M 2 DEGREES ABOVE FREEZING I THINK, I'M SAFE, NO ICE WHEN IN FACT IT'S 30, 2 DEGREES BELOW FREEZING. DO YOU GET MY POINT. IF A CAR IS WARM, IT'S A WARM DAY, THERE IS AMBIENT HEAT ON THE ROAD. I DON'T EXPECT IT TO READ ACCURATELY. IF IT'S COLD, CLOUDY, RAINING, THERE IS NO AMBIENT HEAT. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THIS AND THEY JUST AREN'T THAT ACCURATE ANYWAY. IF THEY AREN'T ACCURATE, THEY SHOULD NEVER BE ON A CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE. THIS COULD KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE. AUTO MAKERS SHOULD BE HELD TO AN EXACTING STANDARD ON THESE THINGS OR DON'T INSTALL THEM AT ALL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2021
RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF RECALL FROM TOYOTA IN JANUARY OF 2021. NOTICE STATED THAT PART TO REPAIR CONDITION WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN LATE MARCH. LATEST INFORMATION IS THAT PART WILL NOW BE AVAILABLE IN LATE APRIL. DEALERSHIP HAS PROVIDED FREE LOANER VEHICLE, BUT WE WANT OUR RAV4 BACK.