2019 Toyota RAV4 Interior & seats Problems

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

A recall was issued for a roof leak defect that allowed water intrusion into my vehicle. The recall repair was performed at Autonation Toyota of Weston dealership, where the roof was replaced due to water staining. However, water intrusion which led to black mold growth into the interior carpeting and floor board remained after the repair. The dealership stated that the remaining water intrusion affecting the carpeting was caused by another source. Documentation showing that the recall repair procedure was completed according to the manufacturer’s requirements was requested but has not been provided. The defect involving water entering the vehicle interior remains unresolved. I was last told by the General Manager that my requests and concerns were forwarded to legal, but I have not heard back from October of 2025.

NHTSA ID

11724421

Incident

Jun 19, 2023

I am reporting a concern regarding the driver’s seat design in my Toyota RAV4. While driving this vehicle, I experience consistent back pain that can begin within approximately 15 minutes of driving and often persists for about two hours after driving has ended. The pain includes sharp discomfort in my mid-to-upper back and occurs despite adjusting the seat position and using aftermarket lumbar and seat supports. I do not experience similar pain when driving other vehicles for comparable durations, including a Toyota Highlander, Toyota Camry, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Rivian truck, or a pickup truck. This strongly suggests the issue is related to the RAV4’s seat ergonomics rather than a preexisting condition. Because of this issue, I have begun avoiding driving my own vehicle when possible. I am submitting this report to document a potential seat design issue that may affect driver comfort and safety.

NHTSA ID

11706664

Incident

Jun 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the rear hatch door failed to remain securely closed. The contact stated that the failure intermittently occurred and became more frequent over time. Additionally, the front driver’s side seat belt buckle and rear passenger’s side seat belt buckle failed to buckle and lock securely. They also stated that the front driver's side electronic reclining seat made grinding sounds while operating. The contact also stated that water was leaking into the vehicle from the rear passenger’s side quarter panel. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11704726

Incident

Dec 12, 2024

Mileage

32,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while attempting to open the fuel door, the latch failed to unlock as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the spring in the latch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,900.

NHTSA ID

11690379

Incident

Sep 11, 2025

Mileage

54,900 mi

Door lock actuator has failed prematurely on all four doors, this prevents me from entering my vehicle in a quick and timely manner if there were to be an emergency

NHTSA ID

11654857

Incident

Sep 14, 2022

After driving for 5-10 minutes, the center console screen stated: “A malfunction in the SRS Airbag System has been detected. Contact your dealer in order to have your vehicle inspected immediately” This continues to happen on subsequent trips. It only happens when somebody is actually sitting in the front passenger seat. There were no warning signs or symptoms prior to this message appearing. It makes me very concerned about passenger and driver safety and that the airbags may not deploy when needed.

NHTSA ID

11650014

Incident

Mar 22, 2025

The seat warmer/heater burned a hole through my driver's side seat and my coat. Luckily, I was not injured but I have severe concerns about this problem also occurring in the passenger seat where my children sit. This problem causes me worry about my own safety and that of my children. I am disappointed to be unable to use a feature that I specifically purchased this vehicle to use and enjoy. I currently have my vehicle at a Toyota dealership for diagnosis and evaluation.

NHTSA ID

11646937

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

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

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the two brackets that connect the rear automatic door cracked three-quarters of the way horizontally. The contact stated that the door was jiggled in place to remain closed. The vehicle was taken to a body shop where it was determined that both rear hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11573339

Incident

Feb 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to adjust the front driver's side seat when the seat adjuster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat track assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11534074

Incident

Jul 22, 2023

Mileage

35,000 mi

Car randomly switches into different driving modes, BSM and anti collision goes off while driving. Seat warmers randomly come on high and can’t be turned off. Dealership identified water damage from leaking roof rack resulting in mold and electrical damage. Possible damage to airbags as water leaking into the pillar at front window. Many instances documented online.

NHTSA ID

11506760

Incident

Feb 10, 2023

hi, the driver lower seat frame being detached, the right slide is seized /stuck on the rail track and inoperable causing risk for unsafe driving equipment. I have a child and cannot drive with a broken seat - I don't reach it is a liability for safety! thanks, very respectfully [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11477462

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

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 ID

11422371

Incident

Jun 25, 2021

PASSENGER SEAT HEAT WARMER ISN'T WORKING CORRECTLY ON LOW OR HIGH THE SEAT STAYS COLD AND I TIRED KEEPING IT ON FROM 15-45 MINUTES AND IT STAYS COLD.

NHTSA ID

11342735

Incident

Aug 1, 2020

RENTAL VEHICLE AFTER 10/15/MINUTES OF DRIVING -YOU HAD TO USE BOTH HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL VEHICLE WANTED TO DRIFT IN AND OUT OF LANE OF TRAVEL-VERY HARD TO STEER OFTEN REFERD TO AS WHITE KNUCKLE DRIVING INTERSTATE SPEEDS 70MPH-PASSENGER SEAT WAS NOT LOCKING -SEAT WAS TRAVELING BACK AND FORTH.WE WERE HIT FROM THE REAR.ALL TRAFFIC HAD STOPPED- IT WAS THEN DISCOVERED THAT PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SEAT BELTS WERE NOT WORKING THEY WERE NOT ENGAGING LOCKING DEVICE

NHTSA ID

11270194

Incident

Jul 3, 2019