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2019 Toyota RAV4: common problems and reliability
One of the worst RAV4 years.
One of the Toyota RAV4 years to avoid. All RAV4 years
900 owner complaints, most about fuel/propulsion system. 8 recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 RAV4?The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has 900 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel/propulsion system and engine. Owners most often flag high-voltage cable corrosion ("cablegate") on 2019-2021 hybrid models: major corrosion issue leading to failure, subject to warranty extension programs and a class-action lawsuit in canada.
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Toyota RAV4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other RAV4 years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the RAV4?
Across the 30 RAV4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 41 (2000) to 1,110 (2002). With 900 complaints, the 2019 RAV4 sits above the model's median of 304.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2019 RAV4
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 20V682000Toyota 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.
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 20V064000Toyota 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.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 20V373000Toyota 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.
suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Campaign 20V286000Toyota 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.
Show 4 more recalls
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 19V503000Southeast 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."
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 19V576000Toyota 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."
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 19V244000Gulf 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."
electronic stability control (esc)
Campaign 19V544000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low maintenance costs, and high resale value.
- Very frequentHigh-voltage cable corrosion ("Cablegate") on 2019-2021 Hybrid models
Major corrosion issue leading to failure, subject to warranty extension programs and a class-action lawsuit in Canada.
- Recurrent8-speed automatic transmission concerns
Described as problematic, with unique shifting behavior in lower gears; noted as a reason to avoid certain gas models (2019+ RAV4, 2017+ Highlander). Concerns about it being a "sealed" unit with no dipstick or scheduled service.
Owner insights cover all generations of the RAV4. See the full RAV4 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used RAV4 listings typically run $14,998–$29,181.
Other RAV4 model years
Compare every RAV4 year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the RAV4 against its rivals
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