2019 Toyota RAV4 Electrical Problems

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

Door locks failed to lock or unlock via the key fob, intermittent problem

NHTSA ID

11742987

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

Was in a front driver side T-bone @ 35 miles and hour accident and no Airbags deployed

NHTSA ID

11740007

Incident

May 5, 2026

The rear hatch hinges are undersized causing them to fail and undue stress on the motor.

NHTSA ID

11736148

Incident

May 3, 2026

A coolant leak from the flow shut‑off valve caused the engine maintenance warning light to remain on for an extended period. This issue is covered under Toyota Customer Support Program 24TE04. The warning light is a safety concern because it indicates an active engine‑related malfunction and can mask other warnings. The defect was first diagnosed by a Toyota dealership at approximately 97,000 miles, well within the CSP coverage window. The dealership stated the vehicle “did not meet criteria” and refused to perform the repair, even though the symptoms matched those described in the CSP. The issue continued until a second Toyota dealership later confirmed the same defect and replaced the coolant bypass valve. Because the vehicle had since exceeded 100,000 miles, Toyota refused to cover the repair under the CSP, despite the defect being documented earlier within the coverage period. Multiple attempts to resolve the issue with Toyota corporate have resulted in no returned calls or meaningful response. The defect caused prolonged operation with an illuminated engine warning light, which presents a safety risk and indicates a failure to properly address a known issue covered under Toyota’s Customer Support Program

NHTSA ID

11735467

Incident

Aug 27, 2025

Braking while pulling into a parking space. Instead of slowing down the car accelerated and went over the curb. Maintained pressure on the break but it did not slow the car. Instead the car kept accelerating down an embankment, across an empty street and towards a telephone pole. Turning the steering wheel to the left to avoid the telephone pole the car further descended into a ditch. The car had to be towed and is now deemed to be totaled. The brake- pads had been inspected during a routine maintenance check the day before this accident occurred and they were good. No other vehicle was involved. My personal injury was an abrasion and bruise where my seat belt did it's job. My muscles are sore. The side airbags did deploy after the car stopped. The floor mats were locked in place.

NHTSA ID

11734121

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

Safety Defect: Data Communication Module (DCM) Failure Affecting Hands-Free Microphone and Safety Connect / SOS Emergency System Vehicle: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE The DCM (which controls both the CarPlay/Bluetooth hands-free microphone and the Safety Connect SOS emergency button) suddenly failed without any warning or accident. Symptoms: - No one can hear me during CarPlay or Bluetooth calls (microphone inoperative). - Safety Connect / SOS light became intermittent or inoperative (directly impacts emergency calling, crash notification, and roadside assistance). This is a known recurring issue documented in Toyota TSBs T-SB-0112-20 and T-SB-0089-21. Toyota of Hackensack diagnosed it and quoted $1,300 for DCM replacement/update while charging me $200 for diagnosis. They did not disclose during the multipoint inspection that this is a documented safety-related DCM fault. I performed the manufacturer-recommended 12V battery disconnect reset (standard TSB procedure), which fully restored the microphone and returned the SOS light to solid green. However, this is only a temporary fix for a known defect. This failure compromises hands-free calling while driving and the emergency SOS system — both critical safety features. I request NHTSA investigation and urge Toyota to issue a recall or service campaign for all affected 2019–2025 RAV4 Hybrids.

NHTSA ID

11733750

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while seated in the vehicle, while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormally strong plastic burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that a top light was plugged in the trunk, but the light was turned off. After opening the trunk, the contact became aware that the wiring in the trunk had overheated and burned the laundry that was inside the vehicle and the rear passenger's side seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

NHTSA ID

11719185

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

Mileage

129,000 mi

Toyota RAV4 LE gas pump burst and caught fire leading to total fire damage along with major water damage from the firefighters putting out the fire. The vehicle was idle for hours at the time of explosion of the fuel pump. This was a major safety hazard/risk especially being that myself and two others were minutes away from going out to the vehicle before it all happened as I was getting ready to take a friend home for the night. A claim representative will look into this matter in coming days.

NHTSA ID

11707386

Incident

Dec 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact managed to push the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11706762

Incident

Nov 18, 2025

Mileage

130,000 mi

While traveling back from out of state, the fuel sensor and fuel gauge failed causing me to run out of gas when the fuel gauge stated I had just a tick under a 1/4 tank of gas left and the app read 35 miles left. While driving on freeway at freeway speed, the car sputtered, bogged down and then stalled, placing me in a very dangerous situation broken down on the shoulder of the freeway in the desolate country at night with semi trucks and cars flying by at estimated between 70-80 mph. While stalled and waiting for help, all the lights except the hazard flashers went out. The Sheriff assisted and added 2 gallons of gas that finally got the car restarted and I was able to get to the gas station which was 1 mile ahead of where I had been stranded. I kept filling the gas tank not allowing it to go under 1/2 tank on the fuel gauge the remainder of the trip home. I took the car to Tansky Sawmill Toyota for service, who thought it was a fuel sensor in fuel tank, which had to be dropped, resulting in a tube from the fuel sender being disconnected and not taking fuel from the other side of the tank and corrosion was cleaned out. They had to go through electrical system to check the fuel gauge which had corrosion on the electrical harnesses and sensors not caused by water or rodents - still unknown cause - resulting in $6500.00 to replace both electrical harnesses 82152-0R370 wire FR Door LH and 82141-oRB80 wire Instrument Panel! Known Toyota defect as the 2019 Rav4 Hybrids have already been recalled. Issues of this type with the regular Rav4s are posted all over the online Toyota boards. My platinum extended warranty on my well cared for 2019 RAV4 with 45,131 miles (purchased at 3 year lease end) refused to all of the charges and the dealership did not budge, sticking me with 6 hours of diagnostic fees over what the warranty allowed in the sum of $1014.37. These harnesses need recalled so no one else is stranded in a very dangerous place on the side of the freeway!

NHTSA ID

11706591

Incident

Nov 29, 2025

My 2019 Toyota RAV4 experienced a dangerous electrical and transmission failure that ultimately caused the vehicle to stall while driving and made me lose control. For several weeks before the incident, the vehicle showed subtle hesitation when accelerating but no warning lights. After the car stalled and spun out coming off the Ben Franklin Bridge onto I-76 near downtown Camden, police responded, confirmed the vehicle had unexpectedly shut off, and verified there was no crash damage. I later brought the car to the Toyota dealership, where they discovered corrosion on the battery cable, failed ABS sensors, and a weak battery. I paid $668 for a new battery, new cable, and ABS sensor repairs. At that time, the dealership did not inform me of any transmission issues and released the vehicle back to me. I made it only a short distance up the road before realizing the vehicle could not accelerate past 40 mph and was still malfunctioning, so I immediately returned it. The next day, the dealership initially claimed there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, but after I insisted they re-evaluate the car, they then informed me that the transmission was failing and needed replacement. This sequence of electrical instability, combined with the transmission malfunction, ultimately led to the earlier stall where I lost all power steering and braking assist and spun out into the median. The vehicle, diagnostic records, and replaced components are available for inspection. The sudden loss of power and control created a major safety risk to me and other drivers in a high-traffic area.

NHTSA ID

11704387

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

One week ago one section of the heated steering wheel was very hot. So much so that I could not touch that area. I took it to the Anderson Toyota dealership in Rockford today. On the way there, I turned on the heated steering wheel, and it started smoking. They said they couldn’t find what was wrong with it, and to replace it would be $1800 because it isn’t in warranty. They suggested I not use it.

NHTSA ID

11699789

Incident

Nov 17, 2025

Vehicle states engine maintenance required. Is a consistent reoccurring problem according to dealer. System failure due to manufacturer always puts the user at risk.

NHTSA ID

11689636

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

Got a "Hybrid System Malfunction" notification on my dash and took it to the dealer. I was notified that my high voltage hybrid cable is corroded, and that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I understand that customer support program 22TE09 exists for this problem, but because my vehicle has over 100,000 miles, it is not covered. If this is a safety issue that Toyota has acknowledged and admitted is an issue, there should be a complete recall. I was FORCED to get the work done at a dealer because Toyota has a hold on the part. I attempted to get an independent garage to do the work, but they were not authorized to even purchase the parts necessary. Ultimately I had no choice but to spend almost $5000 for a safety repair on a 2019 vehicle that Toyota themselves have admitted to the engineering mistake, while also making it impossible to fix outside of a dealer. This is completely unacceptable. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11688687

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

The DCM is nonfunctional, which renders the safety connect features of the car inoperable. Additionally, the Bluetooth microphone is powered by the DCM causing the driver to have to switch the call output on their phone manually taking their focus off the road. This seems to be a widespread issue with many reporting this on online threads and Toyota offering many internal service bulletins. To me this is a major safety concern that is extremely costly to repair.

NHTSA ID

11678909

Incident

Aug 6, 2025

I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring issue in the coolant bypass valve of my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium. Although there was no check engine light, the vehicle displayed a persistent warning: “Engine Maintenance Required – Visit Dealership.” This message repeatedly appears on the instrument cluster and blocks critical driving information, including the speedometer, fuel economy, and other key displays. Even when the driver manually cancels the message, it returns within minutes. This creates a constant distraction and obstructs visibility, which poses a safety risk during driving. I took the vehicle to the dealership, where they diagnosed the issue as an internal short circuit in the coolant bypass valve and retrieved diagnostic trouble code P268115. This code relates to a malfunction in the valve’s electrical control system, which affects the engine’s ability to regulate temperature effectively. Toyota currently offers a Customer Support Program (CSP) for the coolant bypass valve, but only if the valve is leaking coolant. However, my vehicle's failure was due to an electrical defect, and Toyota does not cover this under the same program. This creates an unfair burden on owners and fails to address the full scope of the issue, even though the results—loss of proper cooling function—are the same. Many RAV4 owners have reported similar problems online, but no recall or technical service bulletin has been issued for this kind of failure. I believe this defect raises genuine safety concerns, including: Driver distraction due to persistent warning messages Obstruction of critical dashboard information Potential for engine overheating or reduced performance I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety-related defect and determine whether Toyota should be required to expand support or issue a recall for this component, regardless of whether the failure is due to coolant leakage or internal electrical malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11674519

Incident

Jul 12, 2025

The vehicle began displaying intermittent warning messages and slipping into "Mud & Sand" mode without cause. Later, multiple dash lights illuminated, including 4WD malfunction, check engine, and coolant system warnings. The vehicle became undrivable due to overheating. Dealership diagnostics indicated a failure in the coolant bypass valve actuator the electronic water pump was receiving a signal but not responding, resulting in loss of coolant circulation and overheating. There may also be a shorted control panel causing related system failures. This problem has been confirmed by a Toyota dealer, and the vehicle remains at the service center pending resolution. The issue appears related to a known Customer Support Program (CSP 24TE04), which covers the coolant bypass valve actuator. There was no prior accident or abuse of the vehicle, and the vehicle only has 52,000 miles. Safety was compromised due to unexpected power loss and overheating while in motion. The issue has not yet been resolved. The vehicle has also experienced prior water intrusion through the roof rails, which may have contributed to electrical damage.

NHTSA ID

11673814

Incident

Jul 13, 2025

Started normally, but had a message on the screen saying “Check Fuel Cap.” I needed gas anyways, drove about 3 minutes to the gas station, turned engine off, put gas. Turned engine back on and within 3 seconds it shut off. The screen displayed “engine stopped- Power steering low.” I tried a handful of times to start, it did not. After 20 minutes and some rest, it started. With no more messages. Battery and alternator were tested, both were good.

NHTSA ID

11670971

Incident

Jul 3, 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.

NHTSA ID

11661798

Incident

May 18, 2025

Mileage

62,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11657593

Incident

Apr 29, 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.

NHTSA ID

11656662

Incident

Apr 24, 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.

NHTSA ID

11654799

Incident

Feb 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the messages "Parking Brake Malfunction", "Secondary Brake system Malfunction”, “4WD Malfunction", "Lane Assist Malfunction", "Pre-collision Malfunction" and messages indicating malfunctions of the electrical system, the engine throttle, and the transmission were displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a spark plug and ignition coil were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that all the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced prior to the final diagnostic test. The vehicle was not completely diagnosed and was taken back to the mechanic, where a specialist used a camera to diagnose that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, due to a fractured cylinder head. The mechanic related to the failure of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided because the vehicle was not covered under warranty and the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 87,230.

NHTSA ID

11646029

Incident

Feb 16, 2025

Mileage

87,230 mi

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 ID

11645962

Incident

Feb 13, 2025