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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 · Jul 16, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

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 rea…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11425057

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

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,…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11425044

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2021
Engine

vehicle will not accelerate when pushing down on the gas pedal. This can occur when leaving a parking place or from a traffic light.

NHTSA ODI #11424131

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2021
Structure

Significant roof leak driver side front. Took it to a dealer. Wants customers to pay for Toyota’s design flaw.

NHTSA ODI #11423688

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2021
Power Train

Abnormal bussing noises under the car when driving.

NHTSA ODI #11423113

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2021
Electrical SystemSeats

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11422371

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2021
SuspensionWheels

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 notic…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11421166

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2021
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other

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.

NHTSA ODI #11419195

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2021
Structure

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 larg…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11418101

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2021
Air BagsElectrical SystemStructure

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11417743

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