CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Toyota›
  4. RAV4›
  5. 2019›
  6. Complaints

2019 Toyota RAV4 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20265 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2019 Toyota RAV4 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has 1,117 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve fuel/propulsion system and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

3.7/ 10

Based on 1,117 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

251 22.5%

ENGINE

197 17.6%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

161 14.4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

90 8.1%

POWER TRAIN

72 6.4%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, accounting for 22.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 55 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2019 Toyota RAV4

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has 1,117 owner complaints in this dataset. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 22% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (251), ENGINE (197), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (161).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 688 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2019 Toyota RAV4?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 RAV4 complaints2020 RAV4 complaints2017 RAV4 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 17 of 17 systems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

139 Reports56% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN LEAVING A PARKING PLACE OR. FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE ENGINE DOES NOT STOP RUNNING. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED THREE TIMES, BUT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THIS AT THE 5000 MILE INSPECTION AND THERE ARE NO CODES SET NOR DOES IT SET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHEN IT HAPPENS.

5/24/2019

WHEN FILLING MY TANK, AUTO-SHUTOFF HAPPENS WHEN THE TANK IS AT LEAST 2 GALLONS SHY OF BEING FULL. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE MY GAS GAUGE DOES NOT INDICATE FULL AND I AM ABLE TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL 2-2.5 GALLONS TO MY TANK, THOUGH IT TAKES A WHILE BECAUSE I HAVE TO PUSH THROUGH ALL THE AUTO SHUTOFFS. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I FILL UP REGARDLESS OS THE STATION I'M FUELING AT.

6/20/2019

137 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

26 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFTER CAME OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION BOX. THE CONTACT QUICKLY PLACED THE GEAR SHIFTER BACK IN THE TRANSMISSION BOX AND NOTIFIED THE RENTAL FACILITY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT WAS STILL WAITING TO SWITCH OUT THE VEHICLE WITH THE RENTAL COMPANY. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE RENTAL COMPANY NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,218. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

4/30/2019

VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN LEAVING A PARKING PLACE OR. FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE ENGINE DOES NOT STOP RUNNING. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED THREE TIMES, BUT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THIS AT THE 5000 MILE INSPECTION AND THERE ARE NO CODES SET NOR DOES IT SET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHEN IT HAPPENS.

5/24/2019

24 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

25 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE ENGINE OF THIS VEHICLE CAN BE TURNED OFF BY PRESSING THE KEYLESS "OFF" BUTTON ON THE DASH WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION HAVING TO BE IN "PARK". I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE DRIVE POSITION ON A SLIGHT INCLINE IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT I EXITED THE CAR AND IT ROLLED BACKWARDS. I WAS ABLE TO JUMP BACK INTO THE CAR, START THE ENGINE, ROLL FORWARD, PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. HAD THIS BEEN ON A STEEPER INCLINE I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO GET BACK INTO THE CAR AND STOP IT FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS. IT COULD EASILY HAVE HIT OTHER CARS OR PEOPLE WALKING IN THE PARKING LOT. THIS IS A SCARY SITUATION AND COULD BE REMEDIED BY THE MANUFACTURERS BY ENSURING THAT THE ENGINE CAN ONLY BE TURNED OFF WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS WAS A RENTAL CAR FROM THE DALLAS/FORT WORTH AIRPORT.

6/18/2019

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2019 RAV4 LIMITED WITH 150 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, NOW HAS ABOUT 460 MILES. A FEW DAYS INTO THE PURCHASE, I NOTICED YELLOW TICK MARKED GLITCHES SHOWING UP ON MY DRIVERS CENTER MAIN CONSOLE. THIS MAIN CONSOLE DISPLAYS MY MPH, SPEED LIMIT, LTA, AND MORE. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT AS IT WENT AWAY FOR A FEW MINUTES WHEN I TURNED ON/OFF MY CAR, BUT IT WOULD SHOW UP AGAIN. AFTER THESE YELLOW TICK MARKS STARTED SHOWING, MY WHOLE MAIN CENTER SCREEN WILL GO BLACK WITH ONLY THE REAR SEAT BELT RED LIGHT, PARK, AND BSM LIGHTS FLASHING. IN ADDITION, MY ANALOG RPM, GAS GAUGE, AND TEMP GAUGE WERE ALL DOWN. I WAS DRIVING BLIND FOR A WHILE, UNTIL I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE HIGHWAY/STREET TO RESTART MY CAR SO THAT I CAN SEE MY MAIN DASH (RPM,MPG,TEMP,GAS,ETC) AGAIN. SOME OF THE PICTURES THAT ARE ATTACHED WITH BLACK SCREEN ARE EXAMPLES OF MYSELF TURNING ON/OFF MY CAR WHILE I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC SO I COULD RESTART/SEE ALL OF MY MAIN DASH CONSOLE GAUGES, RPM,MPG, ETC. WHEN MY SCREEN GOES DARK, I HAVE TO LOOK AT THE OTHER CARS TO MATCH THEIR SPEED BECAUSE I WAS BASICALLY DRIVING BLIND. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN TO MYSELF AND MY FAMILY! I HAVE A VIDEO OF THIS SCARY OCCURRENCE, BUT THE VIDEO FILE IS TOO BIG TO ATTACH. I TOOK THE CAR IN THE DAY OF THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN AND IT CONTINUE TO SIT IN THE DEALERSHIP.

6/29/2019

23 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN LEAVING A PARKING PLACE OR. FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE ENGINE DOES NOT STOP RUNNING. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED THREE TIMES, BUT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THIS AT THE 5000 MILE INSPECTION AND THERE ARE NO CODES SET NOR DOES IT SET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHEN IT HAPPENS.

5/24/2019

VEHICLE MAKES A GRINDING/WINDING/LURCHING NOISE WHILE ACCELERATING, BRAKING AND DURING NORMAL DRIVING. PROBLEM GETS WORSE EVERY DAY.

6/14/2019

12 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN A FEW DAYS, IT WAS PARKED IN OUR ENCLOSED GARAGE. STARTED VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, LET OF BRAKE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. I THEN APPLIED LIGHT THROTTLE AND STILL THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. I COULD FEEL RESISTANCE FROM THE REAR WHEELS. I SHIFTED BACK INTO PARK AND MANUALLY CYCLED THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH. NOTICED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. NO AUDIBLE NOISE OF PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR FUNCTIONING. CYCLING THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH DID NOTHING. I TRIED TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON, THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE SITUATION. SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE AND GENTLY APPLIED LIGHT THROTTLE, THEN SHIFTED INTO REVERS AND APPLIED VERY LIGHT THROTTLE. I REPEATED THIS A FEW TIMES AND WITH A SUDDEN LOUD CLUNK THE E- BRAKE RELEASED AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD. I THEN CYCLED THE E-BRAKE SWITCH A FEW TIMES AND IT APPEARS TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AGAIN. THROUGH OUT THIS NO MESSAGES OR WARNING LIGHTS WERE DISPLAYED INDICATING ANY PROBLEM WITH THE E-BRAKE OR ANY SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE HAS 2,400 MILES ON IT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN SUBJECTED TO ANY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATES THAT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE THIS ISSUE. IT HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD, NO EXPOSURE TO SNOW, MUD, DIRT OR FREEZING TEMPS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD! I HAVE NO IDEA IF OR WHEN THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE MAY FAIL TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THERE SUGGESTION WAS TO WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND HAVE IT TOWED IN. THIS IS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE SO ATTEMPTING TO WINCH IT UP ON A TOW TRUCK WOULD LIKELY FREE THE STUCK BRAKE, OR DAMAGE THE DRIVE TRAIN. THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING.

6/26/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AND/OR STOPPING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SCRATCHING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ORLAND TOYOTA (8505 W 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487, (708) 336-7288) AND OAK LAWN TOYOTA (4320 95TH ST, OAK LAWN, IL 60453, (708) 423-5200) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.

7/30/2019

9 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2019 RAV4 LIMITED WITH 150 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, NOW HAS ABOUT 460 MILES. A FEW DAYS INTO THE PURCHASE, I NOTICED YELLOW TICK MARKED GLITCHES SHOWING UP ON MY DRIVERS CENTER MAIN CONSOLE. THIS MAIN CONSOLE DISPLAYS MY MPH, SPEED LIMIT, LTA, AND MORE. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT AS IT WENT AWAY FOR A FEW MINUTES WHEN I TURNED ON/OFF MY CAR, BUT IT WOULD SHOW UP AGAIN. AFTER THESE YELLOW TICK MARKS STARTED SHOWING, MY WHOLE MAIN CENTER SCREEN WILL GO BLACK WITH ONLY THE REAR SEAT BELT RED LIGHT, PARK, AND BSM LIGHTS FLASHING. IN ADDITION, MY ANALOG RPM, GAS GAUGE, AND TEMP GAUGE WERE ALL DOWN. I WAS DRIVING BLIND FOR A WHILE, UNTIL I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE HIGHWAY/STREET TO RESTART MY CAR SO THAT I CAN SEE MY MAIN DASH (RPM,MPG,TEMP,GAS,ETC) AGAIN. SOME OF THE PICTURES THAT ARE ATTACHED WITH BLACK SCREEN ARE EXAMPLES OF MYSELF TURNING ON/OFF MY CAR WHILE I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC SO I COULD RESTART/SEE ALL OF MY MAIN DASH CONSOLE GAUGES, RPM,MPG, ETC. WHEN MY SCREEN GOES DARK, I HAVE TO LOOK AT THE OTHER CARS TO MATCH THEIR SPEED BECAUSE I WAS BASICALLY DRIVING BLIND. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN TO MYSELF AND MY FAMILY! I HAVE A VIDEO OF THIS SCARY OCCURRENCE, BUT THE VIDEO FILE IS TOO BIG TO ATTACH. I TOOK THE CAR IN THE DAY OF THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN AND IT CONTINUE TO SIT IN THE DEALERSHIP.

6/29/2019

WHILE DRIVING DOWN I-25 SOUTH OF DENVER, CO IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT 75 MPH, THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY SHUT OFF. I SUDDENLY HAD NO ENGINE POWER, POWER BRAKES OR POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER, BUT CAME CLOSE TO HITTING OR BEING HIT BY SEVERAL VEHICLES. WHEN WE MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES WERE APPEARING ON THE DASH. AFTER LETTING THE CAR SIT A FEW MINUTES I RESTARTED IT, AND IT DID RUN, THOUGH ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. THERE WAS A DEALERSHIP 9 MILES FROM MY LOCATION, SO I SLOWLY MADE MY TO ARAPAHOE TOYOTA. THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID THAT SOMETHING CAUSED THE FUEL TO BE SHUT OFF TO THE ENGINE. THEY DID NOT KNOW WHY, AND COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY SUSPECT IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AS I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK INTERMITTENTLY. SINCE THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND HAD NO LOANER CARS, THEY ESSENTIALLY TOLD ME TO COME BACK THE FOLLOWING MONDAY AND HOPE FOR THE BEST IN THE MEANTIME. SINCE I WAS HEADING TO VACATION THIS IS IMPRACTICAL, SO I WAS STUCK DRIVING A CAR I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE. MY NEXT STEP IS I AM TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP IN FORT COLLINS, CO, AND TELL THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND THAT I WANT THE ISSUE RESOLVED, THE BRAKE LIGHT ELECTRICAL ISSUE FIXED, AND BE ASSURED THAT THE CAR IS SAFE. I'VE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE DIE WHILE DRIVING LIKE THAT, LET ALONE ONE WITH ONLY 4580 MILES. I'M APPREHENSIVE ABOUT DRIVING THE CAR 26 MILES IN THE MOUNTAINS TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP, AND SO FAR TOYOTA HAS BEEN NO HELP.

7/14/2019

6 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I EXPERIENCED SEVERAL NEAR MISSES RELATED TO TWO ADAS FEATURES AS I RENTED THIS NEW RAV4 IN ATLANTA. FIRSTLY, THE LANE-CENTERING FEATURE ACTIVELY TRIED TO GUIDE MY VEHICLE OUT OF ITS LANE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS TYPICALLY OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING ACROSS OVERPASSES WHERE THE PAVEMENT TYPE TRANSITIONED. THE LEFT AND RIGHT LANE MARKINGS WERE PRESENT ON THE PAVEMENT THROUGHOUT THESE EVENTS. THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED WITH FORCE AND SPEED--HAD MY REACTION TIME BEEN HALF A SECOND LONGER, I WOULD HAVE STRUCK VEHICLES NEXT TO ME. SECONDLY, THE VEHICLE'S FULL-RANGE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL BRAKED ABRUPTLY, ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS, ON NEARLY EVERY OCCASION WHERE HIGHWAY/CITY TRAFFIC SLOWED OR STOPPED. I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED DUE TO THE JERKY ACTIONS OF THE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLES IN FRONT BRAKED SMOOTHLY DURING THESE EVENTS--ONLY MY VEHICLE SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES WHEN IT COULD HAVE LIGHTLY APPLIED THEM TO SLOW DOWN SAFELY. IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA MIGHT HAVE MY DATA FROM 3/13/2019, SINCE A STICKER ON THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE STATES: "VEHICLE DATA TRANSMISSION IS ON! YOUR VEHICLE WIRELESSLY TRANSMITS LOCATION, DRIVING AND VEHICLE HEALTH DATA TO DELIVER YOUR SERVICES AND FOR INTERNAL RESEARCH AND DATA ANALYSIS..." I HOPE THAT NHTSA CAN WORK WITH TOYOTA TO EXAMINE THESE RECORDS AND IMPROVE THESE SYSTEMS.

3/15/2019

CAR DOEST NOT MOVE RIGHT AWAY AT A STOP EVEN WHEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR AT 3-4 RPM. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOUR IN THE INTERSECTION WHEN TURNING LEFT OR WHEN CROSSING THE STREET. SEEMS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS

10/17/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SIDE MIRRORS HAVE A VIBRATION THAT AFFECT YOUR DRIVING FOCUS AT THE TIME YOU LOOK AT THEM. GENERATE A BLURRY VISION AND DIZZINESS. THIS WAS NOTIFIED TO THE DEALER AND VERIFIED, BUT THEY SAID IT WAS A DESIGN ISSUE.

8/16/2019

DRIVER SIDE MIRROR PROBLEMS: 1. MIRROR DISTORTION: CAUSES IMAGES IN THE MIRROR TO BE BLURRY. ISSUE IS ESPECIALLY APPARENT IN SUNNY DAYS. 2. THE TRIM, ESPECIALLY THE SILVER ONE, AND THE A/C VENT EXCESSIVELY REFLECTS ONTO THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR. 3. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SLIGHTLY ROUGH DRIVING SURFACES, THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR WOBBLES.

8/26/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I EXPERIENCED SEVERAL NEAR MISSES RELATED TO TWO ADAS FEATURES AS I RENTED THIS NEW RAV4 IN ATLANTA. FIRSTLY, THE LANE-CENTERING FEATURE ACTIVELY TRIED TO GUIDE MY VEHICLE OUT OF ITS LANE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS TYPICALLY OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING ACROSS OVERPASSES WHERE THE PAVEMENT TYPE TRANSITIONED. THE LEFT AND RIGHT LANE MARKINGS WERE PRESENT ON THE PAVEMENT THROUGHOUT THESE EVENTS. THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED WITH FORCE AND SPEED--HAD MY REACTION TIME BEEN HALF A SECOND LONGER, I WOULD HAVE STRUCK VEHICLES NEXT TO ME. SECONDLY, THE VEHICLE'S FULL-RANGE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL BRAKED ABRUPTLY, ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS, ON NEARLY EVERY OCCASION WHERE HIGHWAY/CITY TRAFFIC SLOWED OR STOPPED. I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED DUE TO THE JERKY ACTIONS OF THE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLES IN FRONT BRAKED SMOOTHLY DURING THESE EVENTS--ONLY MY VEHICLE SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES WHEN IT COULD HAVE LIGHTLY APPLIED THEM TO SLOW DOWN SAFELY. IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA MIGHT HAVE MY DATA FROM 3/13/2019, SINCE A STICKER ON THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE STATES: "VEHICLE DATA TRANSMISSION IS ON! YOUR VEHICLE WIRELESSLY TRANSMITS LOCATION, DRIVING AND VEHICLE HEALTH DATA TO DELIVER YOUR SERVICES AND FOR INTERNAL RESEARCH AND DATA ANALYSIS..." I HOPE THAT NHTSA CAN WORK WITH TOYOTA TO EXAMINE THESE RECORDS AND IMPROVE THESE SYSTEMS.

3/15/2019

APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING MY 2019 TOYOTA RVA4, WHILE DRIVING TO WORK DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 1,2019 ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT ALMOST HITTING AN 18 WHEELER WITHOUT ME STEERING IN THAT DIRECTION. IT HAPPENED ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER SWERVING AGAIN TOWARDS THE RIGHT ALMOST HITTING A CAR. DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 5,2019 THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING HOME, THIS TIME THE STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUAL AND IT STATED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY WHICH I DID. ON AUGUST 17TH I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO BE CHECKED. INITIALLY A YOUNG SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. I WAS PERSISTENT IN HAVING MY CAR CHECKED. AFTER THE YOUNG SERVICE MANAGER SPOKE TO A SENIOR SERVICE MANAGER, HE SUGGESTED TO THE YOUNG MANAGER THAT IF I AM BEING PERSISTENT THEN SHE NEEDS TO DO A CODE DIAGNOSTICS ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD AN ISSUE WAS FOUND AND THEY HAD TO KEEP MY CAR. ON AUGUST 21,2019 I RECEIVED A CALL STATING MY CAR WAS READY. I ASKED WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR HAD TO BE RECALIBRATED. THE CAR WAS TESTED FOR 14 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS, BUT I SHOULD KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ANY OTHER STEERING ISSUES. I MUST SAY I AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING A CAR WITH STEERING ISSUES. IT IS STILL SWERVING ON OCCASIONS,BUT NOT AS SEVERE.

8/31/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

BRAND NEW VEHICLE HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVEN 20 MILES AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP, AT LOW SPEED, IN A PARKING LOT, ALARMS BEGAN GOING OFF INDICATING NUMEROUS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS INCLUDING; LOW BRAKE POWER, ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, SECONDARY COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, ULTRASONIC DETECTING & RANGING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION.

9/30/2019

DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 60MPH I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE ARISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A BURNING (ELECTRICAL) SMELL. I CUT OFF THE HEATER AND SEAT WARMERS AS A PRECAUTION, SLOWING THE CAR TO A SPEED OF 30-40MPH. APPROX. 2 MINUTES LATER, MY DASHBOARD LIT UP WITH ABOUT 4 CONSECUTIVE WARNINGS 1. ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HAS MALFUNCTIONED. 2. LANE TRACING ASSIST HAS MALFUNCTIONED. 3. REAR CAMERAS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. 4. PARKING ASSIST WITH AUTOMATED BRAKING (PA W/AB) HAS MALFUNCTIONED. BRAKES CONTINUED TO ENGAGE, BUT FELT STIFF AS THOUGH THEY MAY STOP WORKING. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY TAKE BACK-ROADS TO MY LOCAL DEALER (VANCOUVER MCCORDS TOYOTA) WHERE IT IS STILL UNDERGOING INVESTIGATION.

10/9/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRRORS SHOOK AND RATTLED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, IT LOOKED AS IF TWO VEHICLES WERE SHOWN IN THE MIRRORS EVERY TIME. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REARVIEW MIRROR WAS ESPECIALLY AFFECTED. THE CONTACT'S VISION REMAINED BLURRED WHILE USING THE MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF NORTH SCRANTON (3400 N MAIN AVE, SCRANTON, PA 18508, (570) 489-7584), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BECAUSE THEY STATED THE FAILURE WAS A "MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT". THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,921.

5/6/2019

SUSPENSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

1. TRANSMISSION SUDDEN JERKING/SHIFTING WHEN SLOWING DOWN IN CITY AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS THEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE ANYWHERE FROM 5-10 MPH WILL THEN JERK BACKWARDS THEN FORWARDS MAKING THE CAR JUMP ABOUT 10 INCHES FORWARD. CAN BE REPLICATED AT ANY TIME. 2. CARS FRONT END SUSPENSION SEEMS TO SQUEAK/GROAN WILL PULLING INTO MY BANK OR DRIVE WAY, ALMOST ANY UNLEVELED PAVEMENT. THIS HAPPENS AT LOWER SPEEDS WHEN I CAN HEAR IT WITH VERY LITTLE WIND NOISE. 3. MY SEAT IN THE VEHICLE BROKE AT 7,000 MILES. 4. MY BRAKES SOUND AS IF THE ROTORS ARE BENT WITH SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. 5. NO FIX FOR TRANSMISSION. TODAY THEY ARE REFLASHING THE PCM - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. WE'LL SEE IF THAT WILL FIX THE ISSUE BUT I HIGHLY DOUBT IT FROM THE DAMAGE THAT HAS ALREADY OCCURRED. I AM WORKING WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE WITH THE ISSUE.

8/16/2019

STRUCTURE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OBSTRUCTION REFLECTING OFF THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. CHEROKEE COUNTY TOYOTA (301 LIBERTY BLVD, CANTON, GA 30114, (770) 704-9525) WAS CONTACTED AND SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT TRY TO GET USED TO THE REFLECTION ISSUE. THE DEALER TRIED TO GET THE CONTACT TO SWITCH TO A CAMRY, BUT SHE REFUSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER AND A CASE MANAGER. THE MANUFACTURER PROMISED A CALL BACK AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT, BUT IT WAS NOT KEPT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48. *JS

9/23/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

10/22/2019

SEATS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

10/22/2019

AIR BAGS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE, DROVE OVER A CURB AND SIDEWALK, AND CRASHED INTO A STOREFRONT. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: [XXX] WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND A FIELD MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,100. *PM ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')*JB

11/26/2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED 2019 RAV4 HYBRID 4/2019. ON WINDING ROADS USING LOW BEAMS, LIT UP DISTANCE IS ABRUPTLY AND SEVERELY SHORTENED AS THE ROADWAY DIPS AND TURNS. THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE UNSAFE, IN MY OPINION. SANTA CRUZ,CA HAS MANY SUCH ROADS, INCL. HWY. 17, AND USING HIGH BEAMS IS NOT ALWAYS AN OPTION. IT WAS UNNERVING DRIVING THIS VEHICLE THE FIRST NIGHT THAT I OWNED IT, AND STILL IS.

2/19/2020

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota RAV4?

The most reported complaint category for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, with 251 owner reports. That is about 22% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2019 Toyota RAV4 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 688 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2019 Toyota RAV4?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2019 Toyota RAV4 severe?

688 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota RAV4: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
1,117
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall reportTuning guide

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2019 Toyota RAV4

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved