Owners have reported 27 crashes, 2 fires and 21 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota RAV4. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints224
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the fuel system, particularly an inability to fill the fuel tank to its advertised capacity, often only accepting 8 to 10 gallons despite a 14.5-gallon tank. This results in a reduced driving range and inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Some complaints also describe strong gas odors upon starting the engine and stalling issues, which are sometimes attributed to fuel pump malfunctions. These problems are often noted to persist even after recall repairs, and some owners mention safety concerns such as engine stalling at high speeds. The issues appear to affect vehicles regardless of mileage, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase.
Owner complaints137
ENGINE
Owners report frequent issues with the coolant bypass valve in the 2019 Toyota RAV4, often leading to overheating, stalling, and engine failure. Symptoms typically include the "Engine Maintenance Required" warning, engine stalling, and overheating, particularly when the air conditioning is in use. Complaints frequently mention the issue occurring at various mileages, with some reports as early as 25,000 miles and others well over 100,000 miles. There is one reported crash related to this issue. Used car buyers should be aware of potential repair costs associated with this known problem, as it is not covered by a recall and may require significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints120
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues related to the engine coolant bypass valve, with symptoms including persistent "Engine Maintenance Required" messages and vehicle overheating. These problems often emerge around 37,000 to 53,000 miles, with some owners noting repair costs exceeding $1,000. Another common complaint involves transmission jerking and rough shifting, particularly during acceleration or in stop-and-go traffic. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of a crash involving brake failure, resulting in one injury. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly the potential for costly repairs and safety implications.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints81
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 report frequent issues with the electrical system, particularly involving corrosion on electrical harnesses and components such as the battery cable and ABS sensors. Symptoms commonly described include unexpected stalling, loss of power, and warning lights for various system malfunctions. Several complaints note incidents of fire and smoke, specifically linked to electrical failures, with two resulting in fires. These issues often occur at mileage ranges around 45,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and loss of control due to sudden power loss, making this a critical consideration for potential buyers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 2 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints73
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the powertrain, particularly involving transmission failures and coolant system problems. Common symptoms include loss of motive power, transmission slipping or revving, and unexpected acceleration or hesitation when starting from a stop. These issues are often reported at mileages ranging from 56,920 to 130,000 miles. Some complaints highlight safety concerns, such as the potential for stalling or loss of control, with one incident involving a crash. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially in vehicles with higher mileage or those from early production batches.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints51
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the rear liftgate, particularly concerning the hinges and electronic components. Complaints often describe the liftgate failing to open or close properly, becoming misaligned, and the hinges pulling away from the vehicle body, with some reports of the liftgate not securing properly or rattling while driving. These problems typically emerge between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, with some owners noting progressive worsening over time. Safety implications are noted, including the risk of the liftgate detaching or failing unexpectedly, which could potentially lead to injury or accidents. Additionally, several owners mention water accumulation in the doors, causing concerns about potential rust and electrical issues.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints29
STEERING
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the steering system, with symptoms including a buzzing noise when turning the wheel, intermittent steering wheel seizure, and power steering warnings. Several complaints describe incidents where the steering wheel becomes unresponsive or locks up, sometimes accompanied by warning lights or messages indicating power steering malfunction. These issues often occur around 40,000 to 70,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes, resulting in four injuries, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these steering-related problems and the possibility of unresolved recalls affecting vehicle safety.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports
Owner complaints29
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with six incidents involving crashes and eight injuries noted. Complaints often describe the airbag warning light illuminating, and some mention water leaks from the roof rails potentially affecting the airbag system. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some incidents occurring around 34,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, as multiple crashes report airbags failing to deploy, which could pose a risk for potential buyers concerned about crash safety.
Severity signals: 6 crash, 0 fire, 8 injury reports
Owner complaints24
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the service brakes, including brake booster problems and caliper malfunctions. Complaints commonly mention squealing or chirping noises at low speeds and difficulties with brake pressure, often at mileage under 10,000. Some owners describe brake failures leading to crashes, with one incident resulting in an injury, highlighting potential safety risks. Additionally, issues with the electronic parking brake are noted, with reports of it failing to engage or disengage. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential brake-related concerns, especially in vehicles with lower mileage.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with unintended acceleration and loss of vehicle control. Common symptoms include sudden acceleration while driving or braking, the vehicle lunging forward from a stop, and the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive. These issues are often reported at various mileage points, with some incidents occurring as early as 4,000 miles and others at higher mileages such as 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as four complaints involve crashes, and two of these incidents resulted in injuries. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they suggest potential safety risks associated with the vehicle's speed control functions.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
