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.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Dec 26, 2020
THE TIRES SLEEPS TO THE FRONT WHEN YOU TRY STEERING TO THE SIDES ETHER RIGHT OR LEFT AND THE TIRES MAKE HORRIBLE NOICE AND THE SLIP TO THE FRONT AND IF YOU DON'T BRAKE WHEN THE CAR SLIP TO THE FRONT YOU CAN HIT THE VEHICLE INFRONT OF YOU, LOOKS LIKE THEY MAKE THE STEERING ANGLE TO WIDE OR THE TIRES TURN TOO MUCH THAT INSTEAD OF MAKING A TURN THEY SLEEP TO THE FRONT AND THATS TOO DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Dec 24, 2020
CAR/SUSPENSION SQUEAKS OVER ANY BUMPS, DOWN HILLS, ETC. IT HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE PURCHASED OFF THE LOT. I KNOW 2 OTHER RAV4 OWNERS THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME NOISE AND ISSUE OCCURRING.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2020
RECALL FIX NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE JANUARY POSSIBLY FEB. UNTIL THEN DRIVING WITH A POSSIBLE FUEL TANK FAILURE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2020
HI I LEASED THIS CAR 1 YEAR AGO AND THE RECALL SCARY ME SO MUCH I HAVE KIDS AND I AM WORRIED CAN I USE A LEMON LAW TO GET OUT OF THIS LEASE AND GET ANOTHER ONE PLS HELP THANK YOU
Engine, Dec 17, 2020
MY 2019 RAV4 ADVENTURE HAS A STRONG COOLANT SMELL, I FILLED THE RESERVOIR AND IN A FEW MONTHS GOT LOW LEVEL AGAIN, THE SMELL IS ONLY WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, I DON'T SEE ANY LEAKS. IT'S ALSO MAKE A STRANGE NOISE IN LOW RPM, BETWEEN 1000 AND 2000 RPM
Suspension, Service brakes, Dec 17, 2020
SUSPENSION KNOCKING NOISES: OCCUR AT SLOW SPEEDS OVER IRREGULAR PAVEMENT PARTICULARLY DURING VEHICLE ROLLING, PITCHING AND HEAVING. EMANATE FROM THE VICINITY UNDER AND IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER SEAT AND ARE READILY DISCERNABLE BY BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. BRAKE CLICKING NOISES: OCCUR WHENEVER APPLYING LIGHT BRAKE PRESSURE. CUSTOMER HAS REPLICATED BRAKE CLICKING WHILE TEST DRIVING IDENTICAL RAV4 HYBRIDS.
Power train, Dec 14, 2020
THERE IS A LARGE CHUNK AND GRIND NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN GOING INTO 4TH GEAR. BOTH UP SHIFTING AND DOWN SHIFTING. TOOK THE ISSUE TO TOYOTA, THEY SAID THEY WERE WAITING FOR MORE PEOPLE TO REPORT HE ISSUE BEFORE FIXING THE ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2020
VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH MAY STOP OPERATING. IF THE VEHICLE STALL OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF CRASH
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 10, 2020
MY BOUGHT MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW ON DECEMBER 10, 2019. ON OCTOBER 29, 2020 THE BATTERY STOPPED WORKING WITH ONLY 10K MILES. I CALLED TOYOTA AND TOLD THEM MY BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TOYOTA TOLD ME TO JUMP START THE CAR AND DRIVE THERE TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. I ADVISED MY CAR WAS STUCK IN THE GARAGE AND WE WOULD NEED SOMEONE TO TOW THE CAR. WHEN THE 'TOW' ARRIVED IT WAS ONLY A MAINTENANCE WORKER THAT JUMP STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SAID I WOULD NEED TO DRIVE IT MYSELF THERE. THE WORKER ADVISED ME OF THE DEFECTIVE BATTERIES FOR RAV4 AND OTHER MODELS. ONCE MY CAR WAS TURNED ON AND OUT OF THE GARAGE, I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY POWER STEERING LOCK WARNING SIGNAL FLASHED. I CALLED AND EXPLAINED I WAS AN HOUR FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND NEEDED MY CAR TOWED TO THEM AND THE WARRANTY I PAID FOR SHOULD COVER IT. SUBSEQUENT TO GETTING MY VEHICLE BACK, I RECEIVED PAPERWORK IN THE MAIL WITH A RECALL NOTICE ON 12/9/2020 EXPLAINING THE POSSIBILITY OF MY VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. I PULLED OUT MY PAPERWORK FROM THE TECH AND ON THE BOTTOM NOTES I NOTICED THE TECH WROTE 'INTERIM STATUS' EXPLAINING THAT I WAS ADVISED THERE IS CURRENTLY AN INTERIM RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE, BUT CURRENTLY NO REMEDY. THIS INFORMATION WAS NEVER EXPLAINED OR GIVEN TO ME UNTIL THE RECALL NOTICE VIA MAIL ON 12/9/2020 EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL WAS DEFECT INFO REPORT WAS ISSUED ON MAY 20TH.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 10, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV-4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 10 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED, FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED EASTERN SHORE TOYOTA (29732 FREDERICK BLVD, DAPHNE, AL 36526 (251) 250-0161) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO LOCAL DEALER TO OBTAIN A LOANER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 2, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT INITIALLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH SERRA TOYOTA OF DECATUR (309 BELTLINE PL SW, DECATUR, AL 35601, (256) 340-0330) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER THAT STATED THAT HE COULD PAY OUT POCKET TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND RECEIVE A REIMBURSEMENT WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 30, 2020
THERE HAS BEEN A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS CAR FOR OVER A MONTH NOW WITH NO REMEDY. IF THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL AND CAUSE A HIGHER CHANCE OF A CRASH, WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG TO FIX? IT IS UNSAFE!
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 30, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OAK LAWN TOYOTA (4320 95TH ST, OAK LAWN, IL 60453) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC FOUND NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Nov 30, 2020
2019 TOYOTA RAV 4 HYBRID. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EMERGENCY BRAKE SWITCH. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SWITCH WAS POORLY PLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS PLACED TOO CLOSE TO THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE INSET STORAGE AREA. THE CONSUMER ACCIDENTALLY ACTIVATED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHIE DRIVING 65 MPH. DUE TO THIS, THE CONSUMER BURNED THE RUBBER OFF THE TIRES AND HAD TO PURCHASE NEW ONES. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2020
EL VEHCULO HACE UN RUIDO EN AMBOS LADOS DE LAS PUERTAS DEL CONDUCTOR Y PASAJERO, ENTRE LAS PUERTAS, DASH Y GUARDALODOS. EL RUIDO ES COMO UN RESTRILLAR CUANDO EL VEHCULO CAE EN UN HOYO, TOMA UN BADN O HACE FRICCIN AL FRENAR.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2020
I AM UNABLE TO LOCK THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR. INTERNAL CONTROLS, REMOTE CONTROLS, AND THE MANUAL KEY FAIL. IT WILL OPEN AND CLOSE (LATCH), BUT CAN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, WHETHER PARKED OR RUNNING. I HAVE NOT TRIED TO OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE WHEN IN MOTION. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK, THE MECHANICAL INDICATOR BY THE DOOR HANDLE MOVES FROM UNLOCKED TO LOCKED TO UNLOCKED TO LOCKED RAPIDLY AND WITH A HARSH RATTLE NOISE.
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2020
BATTERY KEEPS DRAINING AFTER NOT DRIVING THE CAR FOR AS LITTLE AS 14 HOURS, ALTHOUGH MOST OFTEN 4-5 DAYS. PER PHONE COMMUNICATIONS WITH TOYOTA (THEY HAVE REPEATEDLY REFUSED TO COMMUNICATE VIA EMAIL), THIS IS NORMAL WITH NEW CARS AND IS BECAUSE THE CAR ISN'T DRIVEN ENOUGH. THEY HAVE SPECIFICALLY STATED THAT NOT DRIVING THE CAR FOR 4-5 DAYS IS NOT ENOUGH AND EVEN THAT THE TIME IT HAPPENED AFTER NOT DRIVING IT FOR 14 HOURS IT WAS DUE TO NOT DRIVING IT ENOUGH. THIS WAS NOT COMMUNICATED AT THE TIME OF BUYING THE CAR AND THE OWNER'S MANUAL ONLY SPECIFIES THAT THE CAR NEEDS TO BE DRIVEN AT LEAST EVERY FEW MONTHS TO KEEP THE BATTERY FROM DRAINING.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2020
ONLY ABLE TO PUT 9 OR 10 GALLONS INTO THE GAS TANK WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INDICATING EMPTY. THE TANK IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A 14.5-GALLON CAPACITY. FACTORY REFUSES TO OFFER ANY CONSIDERATION FOR THIS ANNOYING ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2020
MTE, GALLONS TO FILL UP, DON'T EQUAL THE MILES TO GO AFTER A FILL UP. HAVE HAD CAR A YEAR, HAVE ONLY FILLED UP ONCE MORE THAN 10 OR SO GALS, DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY MILES TO EMPTY SHOW ON GAUGES. DON'T GET ANYWHER NEAR THE MILES DRIVEN THAT WAS TOLD TO ME. I FILL UP, USUALLY TAKES ABOUT 9-10 GLS. WILL HAVE LESS THAN 500 MILES TO DRIVE ON THAT TANK OF GAS.DRIVING LOCAL AND ON HIGHWAY.
Air bags, Nov 7, 2020
WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ONLINE WHICH I HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE. THE REMODELED 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A COMMON WATER LEAK WHERE THE HEADLINER MEETS THE SAFETY AIRBAGS. THIS IS A RESULT OF THE PLASTIC PINS HOLDING THE ROOF RAIL RACKS ON BEING CRUSHED BY THE FACTORY DURING INSTALLATION. *LN' CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO SERVICE BULLETIN WHEN VEHICLE WAS SOLD, EVEN THOUGH FAILURE WAS KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURER.*JB
Structure, Nov 7, 2020
SIDE MIRRORS VIBRATE MAKING THEM VERY BLURRY DURING DRIVING. THERE HAS BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS YET NO FIX. MOTOR - VEHICLE JOLTS FORWARD AFTER MAKING A STOP AND THEN ACCELERATING. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, YET THEY REFUSE TO FIX EITHER ISSUE EVEN WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FOR BOTH ISSUES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 2, 2020
I AM UNABLE TO GET THE 14.5 GALLONS WHEN FILLING UP. MOST OF THE TIME, I GET ABOUT 10 GALLONS. THIS DROPS THE RANGE FROM THE ADVERTISE 600 TO ABOUT 520 MILES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 30, 2020
THE FUEL TANK WILL ONLY TAKE ABOUT 12 GALLONS OF GAS INSTEAD OF IT'S 14.5 GALLON CAPACITY. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE AND I WAS TOLD TOYOTA WAS WORKING ON A FIX AND WOULD CONTACT ME WHEN IT WAS SOLVED. CAN THIS PROBLEM CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE.?
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2020
WHEN I FILL UP MY GAS TANK IT'S NEVER FULL ACCORDING TO THE FUEL GAUGE. CLUSTER SHOWS 350 MILES TIL EMPTY
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 28, 2020
NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 20V012 RECALL DATE: JANUARY 13, 2020 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 20TB02 STILL NO CONTACT FROM DEALER ON WHEN REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP WILL BE AVAILABLE. 11 MONTHS SEEMS EXCESSIVE.