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.
Structure, May 28, 2025
1st: veh purchased Jan 2023 with new set of tires. Within 11k miles, about 9months: Rear tires unable to be aligned properly due to no camber adjustment. Rear tires have excessive inner rear (belts showing) with 11k miles on tires. Took veh to dealership and was told I just need a set of tires and an alignment. When the tech was questioned if it was an accurate alignment, we were told it would be off a couple degrees because the OE rear control arms did not have any adjustment. This was repaired by an independent shop using aftermarket set of rear control arms, a proper alignment and 2 new rear tires ($1200)--because Toyota dealer would not own any accountability of an error nor do the PROPER requested repair since proper repair did not involve OE Toyota parts. This was repaired, case closed and tires have 20k miles on them with beautiful, even wear. 2nd: Rear door hatch will not close electronically. 2 incidences of bent (left) hinge from forcing the tailgate closed and damaged rear taillamp from mis-alignment. Post hinges replaced: re-sets have been done, disabling door and re-enabling, and disconnected battery. Still will not close electronically. This had been occurring over a year and no one knows the fix. I will not be going back to my local stealership and the next one is 30 miles away.
Engine, May 20, 2025
Faulty coolant bypass valve at 115,000 miles. Seems to be a repeat issue for many Toyota owners. Not covered by the powertrain warranty, but a known issue by the manufacturer.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2025
While driving at interstate speed and cruise control set, the cruise control stopped working and Cruise Control Malfunction errors, as well as Hybrid System Malfunction errors appeared. With other cars driving so closely behind me, the quick deceleration caught me off-guard and could have easily been hit from behind. I took the car to Toyota Dealership and appears there's already a known issue for a corroded traction cable and since not under warranty (due to mileage >120,000 miles) will cost $4668 to fix. Why is this not a recall if the problem is known?
Electrical system, Lane departure, May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started swaying in and out the lane. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact linked the failure to the lane keep assist feature. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and the vehicle violently jerked, forcing the contact to pull over. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was accelerating unintendedly upon releasing the accelerator pedal. The contact immediately pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact turned off the lane assist feature and proceeded to drive the vehicle at a slow speed. The contact stated that while accelerating above 35 MPH, the abnormal jerking returned. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine, May 18, 2025
The Engine Maintenance required light comes on when I use the air conditioner. I suspect the coolant bypass hose is not working properly.
Structure, May 16, 2025
I bought my Rav4 in 2019 brand new. For years, anytime there is a hard rain, the doors fill up with water. Water does not drain properly. I brought my car into Toyota a couple of years back. They told me that there was no fix and that when that happens, just to lift up the weather stripping on all four doors, to let the water drain. They acted like this is completely normal. Just last week, I brought my car in again to Toyota to see if they had a fix for it. They ended up charging me about $700 to replace all of the weather stripping on the doors. This is very clearly a manufacturing default and the customer should not be charged for what is a common issue with this car! If this is a well known issue at this point, why has this not been recalled? Again, the doors have had issue draining the water properly since day one and the car was brand new! Anytime the doors fill with water, you can literally hear the water splashing around in the doors while driving! I am not a happy customer. Toyota never takes responsibility!
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 12, 2025
There is a water accumulation problem in the doors. This could potentially cause some rot from the inside out causing electrical to fail or metal to rust and cause the affected door(s) to not open correctly. No warning lights came on or anything on the dashboard.
Engine, May 11, 2025
Check engine light came on and code P268115 was shown for coolant bypass valve internal failure. Valve was replaced by dealership and I was told it would not be covered under the Toyota Customer Support Program because that only covers valves that leak externally, not internal failures.
Structure, May 6, 2025
Rear passenger door keeps flooding after rain. Bottom door seal needs to be physically lifted to the side for water to drain out of the door.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 29, 2025
While driving or stopped at a light, car will switch drivings modes to “mud and sand” turning off the vehicle stability control and pre-collision system warning light will illuminate. After pressing desired mode, car will switch back to “mud and sand” at varying intervals resulting in me pressing the desired mode constantly while driving.
Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2025
Faulty coolant valve and Toyota says that it is not covered/part of a recall. However, many vehicles are experiencing this issue so this seems like a widespread problem that Toyota is not taking responsibility for.
Engine, Apr 25, 2025, crash
Coolant bypass failure
Steering, Power train, Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and several unknown messages were displayed. The contact stated that the transmission and steering wheel seized during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that unknown parts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened during the cold months. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 24, 2025
A Hybrid System Malfunction warning appeared about 1 week ago. The car was taken to the Toyota dealer who said that the car was safe to drive and that they would need to order a part and it will probably be weeks before they get it because so many other cars have the same problem. Three days later the car will not start with several errors including Brake Power low, PKSB Malfunction, and Precolllision System Malfunction. Toyota is not providing any coverage for any of our repair, car rental or now the need to tow the car.
Service brakes, Apr 21, 2025
Well, making my research it shows that the RAV4 2020 will have a recall with the brake booster that my car the 2019 is having the same issues and it’s a very expensive fix. My car only has 40,000 miles is still brand new and I don’t understand why am I having this issues with the brake booster RAV4 2020 has a recall for that same part so I would like them to honor the 2019 brake booster and fix it as well
Engine, Apr 18, 2025
An error code titled “Engine Maintenance Required. Visited your dealer” appeared on my dash screen. The error code was unable to be removed. I attempted have the car diagnosed by a private auto shop, however no faulty codes pop up. After research online, the problem was determined to be the engine coolant valve, which are faulty on many Rav4s. I eventually get a letter from Toyota for a Customer Support Program regarding the Engine Coolant Valve. When brought in for maintenance, Toyota pulled the error code “P268115” which is for an internal failure of the engine coolant valve. However, Toyota will not replace the part due to their Customer Support Program (24TE04) only covering the part for “small engine coolant leak[s]”. Essentially, Toyota will replace the part for being faulty if it had small leaks, but not if the part itself is faulty. When I asked the service member I was working with stated that this is a known problem and “[Toyota] should have just replaced the whole part, but they only do it for small leaks.” Currently, litigation is proceeding regarding the engine coolant valve, alleging Toyota knowingly put faulty parts in their Rav4s. I urge you to investigate this claim.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 15, 2025
Door lock actuator has failed prematurely on all four doors, this prevents me from entering my vehicle in a quick and timely manner if there were to be an emergency
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the overheating, parking brake, cruise control, maintenance required, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2, and that coolant was leaking into the engine. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 11, 2025
Engine Maintenance Required warning came on. Took car to dealership, diagnostic informed the issue was the coolant bypass valve. Repair cost is $781.28 + diagnostic $160.
Engine, Apr 7, 2025
The engine coolant bypass valve has malfunctioned. this is caused a faulty part that toyota knows malfunctions often in their toyota rav4 for multiple years including the 2019. It can cause problems for the engine cooling component, meaning the vehicle overheats, as well as affects the cars internal A/C. It can only be diagnosed at the dealership, not through a normal diagnostic. There is currently a class action lawsuit, and many others owners of multiple years of the toyota rav4 have the same issue.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2025
The trunk door has been having major issues, where the hatch hinges and power liftgate strut are not operating correctly. The door is unable to close without manual assistance. Ghettel Toyota of Bradenton's service center has inspected and confirmed the malfunction. There were no warning messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure; it first appeared in December 2024, and this car is a 2019 model with 37,000 miles on it. A second opinion was provided by a local body shop, prompting me to report this issue, as they informed me that this has been happening to multiple RAV4 vehicles.
Structure, Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the liftgate hinge had fractured into two pieces, causing the liftgate to fail to operate as designed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2025
Engine coolant bypass valve not working vehicle has 53000 miles was charged 783.00 dollars to replace at the dealership I understand there is pending lawsuit against toyota for not doing a recall in regards to this problem with all 2019 to 2023 rav4
Structure, Apr 1, 2025
The rear hatch hinges cracked almost all the way through and had to be replaced. We were afraid to drive the vehicle because we didn’t want the hatch back to fall off while driving and create an accident.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
The Engine Maintenance Required message is constantly on. The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve needs to be replaced.