RoadVitals

2019 Toyota RAV4

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
878
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Nov 4, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
27
21 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 878 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Toyota RAV4, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and electrical categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 303 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Nov 4, 2020
1,525,742 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 20TA02, 20LA01View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Jun 24, 2020
46 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 20TB11 / 20TA11View on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

May 20, 2020
9,502 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 20TB08 / 20TA08View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Visibility
Filed Sep 23, 2026

The wipers started acting up a few months ago, the low setting would cycle 7 times then stop randomly, the high setting would cycle 11 times then stop randomly. I could reset it by turning off, then on. On 9/22/2026 I was driving home when it started to down pour. The wipers at first did as previous. But at a critical moment they completely stopped and would not cycle again. I had to pull over to the side while in traffic and not being able to see. I have replaced the wiper motor and switch but to no avail.

NHTSA ID
11766456
Incident
Sep 22, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2026

Component: Engine — Engine Cooling System — Coolant Pump Summary: The electric water pump on my 2019 Toyota RAV4 failed prematurely at 64273 miles. The check engine light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code P26CB (Engine Coolant Pump Performance/Stuck Off). The engine coolant temperature fluctuated rapidly / coolant level dropped. The vehicle required immediate repair to avoid engine damage. This is a recurring failure pattern on 2019–2021 Toyota RAV4 and Camry vehicles equipped with the 2.5L A25A-FKS engine, where the electric water pump seizes due to an apparent defect in its plastic housing and rotor assembly. Failures are routinely reported at 30,000–60,000 miles—far below the expected service life of the component. Loss of coolant circulation creates an overheating hazard and can lead to sudden loss of propulsion and engine damage while driving. Toyota has issued technical service bulletins related to coolant seepage at the pump but has not recalled the component or extended warranty coverage, leaving owners to bear repair costs of $600–$1,300 for a premature defect-driven failure. I request NHTSA to evaluate this defect for a safety recall.

NHTSA ID
11764531
Incident
Sep 9, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 9, 2026

As soon as my vehicle hit 100K mileages and there's "AWD System malfunction" sign showed up on dash. Got it done replaced it cost roughly more than $500. After 2 days later another problem shows up on dash this time it was "engine maintenance required" show on dash again. Heard people had the same issue to whoever own 2019 RAV4 and they all had the same for those 2 issues. Toyota company should pay attention for these kind of problems or like some of of recall.

NHTSA ID
11763036
Incident
Sep 5, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Aug 23, 2026

While driving in the mountains on a hot day, the car suddenly reported numerous faults, including check engine, parking brake malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, AWD system malfunction, and secondary collision brake system malfunction. The car lost power and forced us to pull over on the side of a dangerous mountain highway. We powered-off the car for a few minutes and started it again and were able to proceed to our nearby remote mountain destination without another loss of power, but the faults remained. The next day we were able to get the car to a nearby NAPA store to read the check engine codes, which there were only 2 of the "P0087" code. I had them clear the fault codes in order to be able to safely drive the car (~120 miles) back home. Some quick research shows a known issue and TSB for that in our exact high-altitude and high-temperature situation - Toyota T-SB-0058-22, related to a known design flaw with the ECM and fuel suction tube. Luckily, it did not throw the errors again during our drive home. I made an appointment at our local AutoNation Toyota Arapahoe for the following week. I detailed the issue and provided pictures of the errors - including the code reader display. The dealer claimed to not find any issues and refused to address/execute the TSB, stating that the code must be active and present in order for them to fix it and that my pictures were not sufficient proof. I explained that it was an unacceptable safety risk to have left the car in that state and that the issue is known to only occur in certain conditions (e.g. high-altitude, high-temperature mountain driving). Issue remains un-addressed, which is highly unacceptable and poses a serious on-going safety risk.

NHTSA ID
11758893
Incident
Aug 7, 2026
Steering
Filed Aug 22, 2026

We were driving down the highway passing another vehicle when we lost steering and the dash said "Steering Power Loss". We pulled to the side of the road where the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Probably 10-15 minutes later the vehicle started and we eventually made it to our destination. It was quite scary trying to get to the side of the road, in heavy traffic, and pulling over where there really was no shoulder, and not knowing whether the car would eventually restart or what. Although 2019 Toyota Rav4's have been recalled for this very issue, for some reason our VIN is not listed.

NHTSA ID
11758739
Incident
Aug 21, 2026
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle started shaking, jerking, and vibrating abnormally before stopping. Additionally, the exterior door handles on the front passenger’s side door, rear passenger’s side door, and rear driver’s side door had detached from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,053.

NHTSA ID
11754027
Incident
Jun 1, 2025
Mileage
69,053 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 30, 2026

Display of RAV4 Hybrid is malfunctioning as it randomly turns on and off at frequent intervals, the screen turns on an off in a similar manner, the display controls are not operative even if displayed. This occurred right after the Dealer (355 Toyota of Rockville, [XXX] ) conducted a recall procedure on a wire harness. Immediately after these repairs, it was noticed that the display started to malfunction. It has never malfunctioned before. I went back to the Dealership and the manager said that the display problem was unrelated to the recall maintenance. So I am reporting it here. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11753863
Incident
Jul 30, 2026
Filed Jul 28, 2026

While driving down a county road at approx 40mph, the glass of the sunroof of my 2019 RAV4 suddenly cracked, with shards falling down into the vehicle. There was no apparent cause or impact. After moving to a safe location to further inspect, I noticed the following details; - the rectangular glass of the sunroof is cracked through at multiple points along the edges of the pane, and a "web" pattern of partially shattered glass extends across the whole pane. - there is no pattern that I would associate with an impact spot and no evidence of impact from any falling object. At the time, I was driving under open skies in a rural area, not under any trees, overpasses, etc. - the glass appears to be buckled outwards, as though internal cabin pressure was a factor - the car had been parked outside my office all day, the day was overcast with a high in the 80s. There was no rain/hail/etc. Overall, the lack of apparent impact and outward-buckling pattern raise concern for a material or manufacturing defect. While no one was hurt in this incident, a similar failure could have been a significant problem if it occurred on an interstate or other location the operator could not pull over, or during adverse weather. The vehicle is being taken for inspection at Stapp interstate Toyota, Frederick CO on 29 July 2026.

NHTSA ID
11753279
Incident
Jul 27, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

24TE04

ENGINE

Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak.

T-SB-0104-21 Rev2

ENGINE

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.

T-SB-0106-22 Rev2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.

T-SB-0001-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.

T-TT-0797-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some RAV4 vehicles power seat where the automatic seat adjustment by the memory function does not work.

T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota RAV4 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025873060.2
20241743062.8
20231553061.6
20221451052.0
20213861053.5
20206346051.3
2019Viewing8787052.6
20183313164.0
20173073163.4
20162393162.4
20153044166.7
20141974169.8
20132572161.8
20122605056.6
201128711163.9
201040014161.9
200932715367.0
200857514462.8
20071,00414462.6
200670411256.3
20051415056.7
20041542053.2
20033140141.1
20025270038.3
20013090036.1
2000303058.9
1999615058.6
1998775057.7
1997541046.2
1996471046.0
1995100—
1994400—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.