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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 2, 2024
I was told on 6/28/2024 that my car needs a new coolant bypass valve at a cost of 900.00 on researching this I see there is a class action suit against Toyota because there are so many people with this problem and it should be a recall. Not sure where to go from here .
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2024
My RAV4 does not hold a full tank of gas. It only allows half a tank get full of gasoline. Toyota says they don't know how to fix, as well as two other shops I have brought it to. There are no engine messages or any other signs of issues. Gas will gush out of the tank when filling up if I do not stop at half way.
Engine, Jun 27, 2024
Toyota RAV4 2019, Coolant Bypass Valve issue. The car began displaying the message “engine maintained required visit dealer”
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2024
Engine maintenance light - requiring change of coolant bypass valve
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2024
I own a 2019 Toyota RAV 4. After realizing that my liftgate does not close properly I discovered that the hinges are cracked resulting in issues with opening and closing the tailgate and causing a misalignment when the door finally shuts. In further researching I have discovered there are hundreds of vehicles affected and owners impacted by this manufacturer defect. Toyota fails to take any action despite having an extended warranty. I fully believe this should be a recall issue with full responsibility on the vehicle manufacturer for installing faulty parts.
Engine, Jun 17, 2024
my Toyota RAV4 2019, At around 44500 miles a messaged started to showing up, message was "Engine Maintenance Required" "Visit your Dealer", the message cannot be disregarded, it blocked important part of the dashboard. No other warning light or failure lights were on. Upon taking the vehicle to the Dealer, agent mentioned it could be a non reseted counter for the regular 5000 miles next service reminder, however such maintenance wasn't due, after check by additional person, technician and scan, it turned out to be the bypass valve sticking, code found P268115 and suggested repair for around $900, since vehicle is no longer under the limited warranty cost would have to be covered by the client. Agent told has to be done other wise cooling system for the engine could be at fault causing overheating, and ended up on a mayor engine failure by overheating. It doesn't seem to be a normal failure found on the users manual, hence could be a possible manufacturing fault which Toyota is not covering.
Engine, Jun 16, 2024
Engine maintenance is required sign when AC is on.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2024
My issued started as a persistent warning light that the vehicle needs to be taken to dealer. They informed me that the the Engine Coolant Bypass Valve was malfunctioning. This problem is so common that the service writer was able to diagnose it within 10 seconds of hearing the symptoms. Apparently these parts are used in the RAV4, the corolla and some Camry’s 2019-2021. These aren’t even a question of if they will break but how soon (sometimes as early as 20,000 miles). My car has 38,036 miles on it. It is very low mileage and driven conservatively. The safety issue is that this repair is to put the same faulty part in, which costs just shy of $900, only to have the same issue reoccur in another 20-30k miles. It is tempting to continue to drive the car without making the repair, as it is costly and frustrating, yet it is not safe so the repair must be done. This is such a widespread problem in these cars, that there is no doubt that some drivers just cannot afford the expense and are continuing to operate their vehicles, regardless of safety. I believe this should be a recall or at the least a warranty enhancement to the parts as they become faulty, so that until Toyota has a better fix, it is no fault of the driver and not an unexpected expense to cover to drive their fairly new vehicle, which they didn’t expect to have to need costly repairs so soon. This is an issue inherent in either the poor design or the poor manufacturing which forces the drivers to put safety in competition with their financil
Electrical system, Jun 14, 2024
SUV showed on the display that there was a Hybrid System Malfunction. SUV is in a Toyota dealership shop in Aberdeen, WA. I called the shop immediately when the notification came up. Was advised that it was OK to drive until check engine light came on, which it didn't. I only drove to work amd back after the notification and call to shop. The cruise control would turn off and I'd be notified on the screen. Again was told ok to drive until check engine light came on. Approx a week after calling shop, SUV would not start before going to work. Had to be towed to shop. Potential safety issue if this happened while driving on highway or while in a rural/wooded/off main road area with no cell phone service. I was told my the shop that another SUV had recently had the same issue. Shop says that the wiring harness is exposed to the elements as built by Toyota. Has not been inspected by anyone but the Toyota dealership service dept. No warning ahead of time, just a notification while driving that there was a Hybrid System Malfunction amd then a Cruise Control Malfunction.
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2024
My rear backup camera has intermittently worked for almost 2 years now. I was not included in the recall Toyota K05 / NHTSA campaign number 19V576, but I do believe I should be included as the issue describes the issue I have been having. Dealer advised me I need a new camera but the camera works from time to time. The dealer could not replicate my issue in Oct 2023. I’m still having the issue and it has gotten worse.
Engine, Jun 12, 2024
An “Engine Maintenance Required” signal came on my dash and turns out the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. Come to find out almost everyone else with this car has the same problem around 50,000 miles. I bought this car used and have had it for less than a week and the repair is at least $600. Super disappointed.
Engine, Jun 10, 2024
I got a check engine light p2681 for coolant bypass valve open. I have a scanner and I work for Lithia Dodge of Billings, MT. Upon some research online, many more people all have the same part going bad because of the same defective part going bad. Dealers are charging anywhere between $600-$900 to fix this defect. With so many defective valves going bad across the United States, this should be a recall.
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2024
Vehicle has been releasing a chemical odor when engine is started. At 36,000 miles the Engine Maintenance Requird light alerted driver to have vehicle checked. Diagnostic indicated the Coolant Bypass Valve was needing replacement. Cost for repair $760 + tax. Part for repair is priced at less than $100 at local car parts store but repair must be done at dealership to maintain powertrain warranty. POV: Excessive price for a part that should not be failing at 36,000 miles. Driver advised to not drive vehicle for safety reasons.
Engine, Jun 4, 2024
"Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer" warning that would not clear for a defective coolant bypass valve. No way to know that this was the issue without taking the vehicle to the dealer. Car began to overheat presenting a danger when driving distances to myself and other drivers.
Structure, Jun 3, 2024
For a long time, lift gate was not functioning correctly, when trying to close the liftgate does not close. In peak winters it was a lot of frustration to close the lift gate. Showed it dealership many times, later that issue worsened to hinge tear. Now it shows like falling apart. Requested to Toyota to repairs, repair is not done yet. Assistance in this regards would be highly appreciated.
Engine, Jun 1, 2024
Engine maintenance required, visit your local dealer warning light would not turn off. This in itself is a safety issue as it is distracting and disables on screen speed, miles left until empty, and other helpful driving information from being displayed in view. Visited dealer and was told COOLANT BYPASS VALVE was defective and that continuing to drive the vehicle without replacing could cause blown head gasket and engine failure. Researched issue and came upon numerous threads including several Reddit threads explaining and detailing the severity and widespread issue that this is for regularly maintained RAV4s. This should be a recall.
Engine, May 29, 2024
Engine maintenace required sign coming up on dashboard.
Engine, May 29, 2024
"Engine maintenance required" warning light came on and unable to bypass at all, leaving driver unable to read odometer or speedometer while driving. Had to go to the dealership 2 days in a row before they finally addressed the warning. Service staff informed this is indicating the coolant bypass valve is damaged or has failed. Also informed that this is a very common issue regardless of location, mileage, or usage of vehicle and will happen to all RAV4 owners of certain years eventually. A quick google search will show this is an extremely common issue and a result of using inferior quality parts in manufacturing. Toyota should recall this issue asap and reimburse drivers as many people have had the same problem. Had to pay over $600 at dealership to address issue that Toyota's manufacturing caused and to be able to have full usage of vehicle again. This is a dangerous issue if drivers without financial means to address this problem are driving without being able to use their vehicle display tools among other issues regarding the engine.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 27, 2024
Engine coolant valve by-pass issues. Engine coolant bypass hose fails.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2024
"Engine Maintenance Required See Dealer" message keeps appearing on my bashboard took it to my local Toyota dealer and they confirmed the problem is the coolant bypass valve/hose $150 to find the find the problem and $700 to fix apparently this is common in 2019-2022 RAV4s. Now my car won't drive for long without over heating I have only had my car for a year and a half and drive less than 5,000 a year.
Electrical system, Engine, May 23, 2024
“Engine maintenance required” maintenance light on dashboard. Very common issue within RAV4s. This message blocks the odometer on the dashboard when visible. It shows warning lights on the display as well. The part that needs replacing is a “coolant bypass valve”. My dealer wanted nearly $1000 to replace this part, and told me this part was on back order nationwide. My car begins to overheat after 1.5 hours of driving. The dealer said to pull over when operating my vehicle and it begins to overheat. This problem is an inconvenience as I commute to work in a busy city. This problem was first presented last week after my scheduled oil change with my local dealer. The next day (5/17/2024) the light came on my dashboard—unable to be removed. I first brought it into the dealer for a diagnostic on 5/20/2024, this is when they diagnosed a coolant bypass valve. I brought it back to the dealer today (5/23/2024) to have the part replaced, and was told it was on back order. I am afraid to operate my vehicle for long periods of time due to this issue. It has become a major inconvenience in my personal life this week, causing me to call out of work twice. This needs to be addressed by Toyota immediately.
Engine, May 22, 2024
Engine maintenance required warning notice came on. Researched showed this to be a failure of the coolant bypass valve. It is a well known and documented problem with can lead to the engine overheating and seizing. Called dealership and they were well aware of issue and wanted $1,100. to repair. My car only has 46K miles on it. Toyota should issue a recall.
Engine, May 20, 2024
A warning notice displayed on my vehicle indicating that "engine maintenance required" "visit your dealer". The warning message will not clear from the display. A certified auto mechanic downloaded the code which indicated that the issue was a failed Coolant Bypass Valve. This part is a known and frequent issue with Toyota's and there is such a high demand for this part that it is on backorder nationwide. The earliest that this part is available may be July or later. TSB #TTT069922 has been issued regarding this prevalent issue. This problem directly impacts air conditioning performance. Due to the long wait for the part, air conditioning will not cool to the level needed for the long hot summer ahead. Toyota should consider issuing a recall for this problem.
Steering, May 20, 2024
Steering wheel is blistering/ peeling in the areas that heat up. I have asked Toyota to address the issue and the refuse to do so.
Engine, May 16, 2024
At 73,000 miles the "engine maintenance required" warning light came on indicating the coolant bypass valve is damaged or has failed. A quick google search will show this is an extremely common issue and a result of using inferior quality parts in manufacturing. Toyota should recall this issue asap as many people have had the same problem.