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2019 Toyota RAV4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAV4 years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 258.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

309 reports with mileage · 568 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 205 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports2 fire reports16 injury reports

What owners actually said

877 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2025
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeats

I have been experiencing water intrusion with my vehicle, I first noticed it by a mildew smell. Acknowledged under Toyota’s Customer Support Program 22TE05. This water leak has led to multiple secondary issues, including: Interior water damage Clogged A/C drainage system Sunroof drainage issues I reported this issue to a Toyota…

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I have been experiencing water intrusion with my vehicle, I first noticed it by a mildew smell. Acknowledged under Toyota’s Customer Support Program 22TE05. This water leak has led to multiple secondary issues, including: Interior water damage Clogged A/C drainage system Sunroof drainage issues I reported this issue to a Toyota, but they denied repairs under 22TE05, claiming the issue was only due to a sunroof leak and clogged drains. [2/14] – Took my car to AutoNation Toyota due to a persistent water leak. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a clogged sunroof leak and clogged drains but did not provide clear documentation that they properly inspected the roof rail gasket. [2/18] – Dealership denied repair under 22TE05 but then stated they could replace the roof rail gaskets if my insurance paid for it—which contradicts their claim. [2/18] – I escalated my case to Toyota Corporate for review, but I am still waiting for a response. My car was left outside in the rain, potentially worsening the water damage. The dealership never provided me with a written repair estimate. Safety Concerns & Impact on Vehicle Use: I am worried about driving my car due to potential electrical system failure and airbag malfunctions caused by water damage. According to industry knowledge and Toyota customer experiences, a roof rail leak can directly contribute to all of the issues the dealership claims my car has: Clogged A/C Drainage System – Water leaking from the roof rails can enter the A/C system, causing drainage backup, mold, and excessive moisture buildup. Sunroof Leaks & Drainage Problems – If excess water enters through roof rail failure, it can overwhelm the sunroof drainage system, making it appear clogged when the root cause is actually the failing roof seal. Interior Water Damage – If the roof rail clips fail, water leaks into the headliner, side pillars, dashboard, and footwells, leading to electrical issues, carpet damage, and excessive moisture inside

NHTSA ODI #11645962

Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI #11645492

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2025
Steering

The electronic power steering light intermittently illuminates, particularly when the start-stop system is engaged. I recently brought my vehicle to the Toyota dealership where a diagnostic test was performed. However, no fault codes or issues were identified at that time. Despite this, the warning light continues to appear.

NHTSA ODI #11641885

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

On 01/29/2025 at around 5:30pm I was driving home from work when suddenly the car stalled. I was going about 45 mph on a secondary to Lane Highway that was completely black because there are no street lights in that area. There were all kinds of warning lights flashing on the dash. I let my car drift to the shoulder was able to …

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On 01/29/2025 at around 5:30pm I was driving home from work when suddenly the car stalled. I was going about 45 mph on a secondary to Lane Highway that was completely black because there are no street lights in that area. There were all kinds of warning lights flashing on the dash. I let my car drift to the shoulder was able to break and put it in park. I tried turning the vehicle back on but it would not start. My cell phone showed no Wi-Fi connection but I know the area very well and I knew I could walk several feet to a connection. Therefore spite concerns for my safety I had to leave my vehicle in order to call for help. I walked about 30 ft in the pitch black on this highway dressed in dark clothing on a shoulder that was very narrow. There was a pickup truck coming my way who flashed his high beams in my face but did not stop to see if he could help. Actually I was grateful for this because it's a pretty secluded area and I was very frightened for my safety. I was able to get a connection about 30 ft away from the vehicle and called my husband who said he would be on his way. I walked back to the vehicle got in and tried to start it. It would not start but all the warning lights were flashing on the dash. I decided I should take pictures of the warning lights in case we needed that for the dealer. After a couple of minutes I decided to try to start the car again and it did start. I was able to drive down the road to a Wi-Fi connection called my husband to let him know I was on my way. Once I got home the car seemed to be in order but there was one warning light telling us to take it to the dealer because there was something wrong with the hybrid system. We made an appointment to go in on January 31st. They inspected the vehicle to the tune of almost $200 and diagnosed the problem as follows: hybrid EV battery voltage system isolation internal internal electronic failure rear motor corrosion on both hybrid harnesses. Cost to repair $5,500.00

NHTSA ODI #11641560

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2025
Unknown Or Other

A warning message "Engine Maintenance Require Visit Your Dealer" appeared on my vehicle dashboard screen on approximately May 22, 2024. I googled and looked up on Facebook group and many other owners shared their experiences who encountered the exact issue with the Engine coolant bypass valve, and it requires a replacement, or e…

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A warning message "Engine Maintenance Require Visit Your Dealer" appeared on my vehicle dashboard screen on approximately May 22, 2024. I googled and looked up on Facebook group and many other owners shared their experiences who encountered the exact issue with the Engine coolant bypass valve, and it requires a replacement, or else it could overheat and cause damages to the engine. Those owners who got it replaced and shared it costs about $1,000 or more at the dealership. I went to a local mechanic shop, and they diagnosed the exact issue as expected, and they were able to replace the part at a much lower cost than the dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11638627

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2024
StructureUnknown Or Other

Toyota RAV4 5th Gen Power Lift Gate Hinge Issues Unpredictable Failure: If the lift gate or its components fail unexpectedly, it could cause injury to someone loading or unloading items, especially if they are unable to react in time. Obstructed Visibility: If the lift gate detaches while in motion, it could obstruct the driv…

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Toyota RAV4 5th Gen Power Lift Gate Hinge Issues Unpredictable Failure: If the lift gate or its components fail unexpectedly, it could cause injury to someone loading or unloading items, especially if they are unable to react in time. Obstructed Visibility: If the lift gate detaches while in motion, it could obstruct the driver’s rear visibility, increasing the risk of an accident. Risk to Other Road Users: A detached lift gate or related debris could pose significant danger to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles on the road. Vehicle Stability and Control: A sudden failure or detachment of the lift gate components could destabilize the vehicle, especially at high speeds. Damage to Emergency Equipment: If the lift gate collapses or detaches, it could damage essential safety or emergency equipment stored in the trunk, leaving occupants unprepared in an actual emergency. Child and Pet Safety Concerns: Families frequently use RAV4s as family vehicles. A collapsing or failing lift gate could pose a serious risk to children or pets while loading or unloading. Potential for Escalating Damage: The failure of hinges or struts could result in cascading damage to other parts of the vehicle, such as electrical systems or the rear windshield, creating additional safety hazards. Delayed Emergency Response: If the lift gate malfunctions or becomes stuck in a partially open or closed position, it could impede access to the cargo area in emergencies, such as retrieving a first aid kit.

NHTSA ODI #11632935

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2024
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or OtherFire

The vehicle suddenly started to smoke and burn by itself when driving on the super crowded highway. I immediately stopped the vehicle and found that the burning site was the bottom of the front-left head of the vehicle (please see the images attached). The mechanician I visited after judged that the fire may due to failed electr…

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The vehicle suddenly started to smoke and burn by itself when driving on the super crowded highway. I immediately stopped the vehicle and found that the burning site was the bottom of the front-left head of the vehicle (please see the images attached). The mechanician I visited after judged that the fire may due to failed electrical parts or system. He suggested to visit a Toyota dealer for recall. However, the Toyota dealer (Crown Toyota, 1201 Kettering Dr, Ontario, CA91761) declined my request with the reason that my vehicle has passed warranty time. The vehicle was just inspected in the Toyota dealer a few days ago. The dealer's inspection report shows that the vehicle does not have any problems besides suggesting to replace tires and front brakes.

NHTSA ODI #11632904

70,000 miles · Dec 23, 2024
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to approximately 45 MPH unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the brake pedal, and the accelerator pedal felt stuck, causing the front of the v…

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The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to approximately 45 MPH unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the brake pedal, and the accelerator pedal felt stuck, causing the front of the vehicle to crash into a building. There was no property damage. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags deployed. The contact was able to exit the vehicle. The contact sustained bruising and a fractured rim on the right hand. The emergency units transported the contact to the hospital, where the contact underwent surgery. A police report was filed but the contact did not have the police report information available. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would have the vehicle inspected. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11632084

Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The Data Communication Module has failed in my vehicle. This causes several major distractions and increases the risk of an accident. The media screen in the center of the dashboard will send an alert message every 15 seconds saying that ‘the connected device is not compatible’. At night, this alert message is especially bright …

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The Data Communication Module has failed in my vehicle. This causes several major distractions and increases the risk of an accident. The media screen in the center of the dashboard will send an alert message every 15 seconds saying that ‘the connected device is not compatible’. At night, this alert message is especially bright and distracting. The lights on the SOS button are constantly blinking. More significantly, the SOS button does not work anymore. The only known solution to this problem is either to disconnect the DCM, or to pay more than $1300 to replace it.

NHTSA ODI #11631969

Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2024
Air BagsSeat BeltsUnknown Or Other

First the problem was the seat belt malfunction and I check it everything was ok do accident or damage and two week later passager side air bag malfunction I took it to toyota the see the problem they said there are no recall and i have pay out of my pocket to fix manufacture malfunction problem.. after there months later my suv…

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First the problem was the seat belt malfunction and I check it everything was ok do accident or damage and two week later passager side air bag malfunction I took it to toyota the see the problem they said there are no recall and i have pay out of my pocket to fix manufacture malfunction problem.. after there months later my suv would not drive faster is move very slow and now it not even 5 years now and my transmission went out I have replace it

NHTSA ODI #11631815

Official recalls

7

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V373000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V286000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V064000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

19V576000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Aug 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

19V503000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jun 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

19V244000 · Equipment:other:labels

Mar 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Toyota RAV4 problems