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2019 Toyota RAV4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAV4 years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 258.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

309 reports with mileage · 568 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 205 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports2 fire reports16 injury reports

Engine complaints

205 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2024
Engine

Coolant Bypass Valve Defect. Toyota sold me a 2019 RAV 4 knowing there are problems with coolant bypass valve. Toyota RAV4s and Corollas is “insufficiently manufactured and/or designed” as it can crack and leak coolant. Once a leak begins, the coolant comes into contact with an electrical connector near the valve and corrodes an…

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Coolant Bypass Valve Defect. Toyota sold me a 2019 RAV 4 knowing there are problems with coolant bypass valve. Toyota RAV4s and Corollas is “insufficiently manufactured and/or designed” as it can crack and leak coolant. Once a leak begins, the coolant comes into contact with an electrical connector near the valve and corrodes and damages the component, the filing says. Once this occurs, a vehicle’s engine can no longer communicate with the coolant bypass valve during operation, the suit states.

NHTSA ODI #11601043

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2024
Engine

A “Engine Maintenance Required” notification came up on dash boards. When car was taken to dealership and a diagnosis was made they stated that the engine coolant bypass valve was damaged and needed to be replaced. Upon research online it appears that Toyota would be recalling over 44,000 vehicles of the makes RAV4 and Corolla r…

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A “Engine Maintenance Required” notification came up on dash boards. When car was taken to dealership and a diagnosis was made they stated that the engine coolant bypass valve was damaged and needed to be replaced. Upon research online it appears that Toyota would be recalling over 44,000 vehicles of the makes RAV4 and Corolla ranging from the manufacturer years 2019-2023. The issue with these vehicles states that potential of a crack forming in the engine, a result of a manufacturing error. Coolant or oil could leak from the crack, leading to the engine stalling, overheating, or possibly catching fire. This issue can be found within several articles. The dealership is wanting me to pay $787+ tax for an issue that appears to be a manufactured issue which later I may not be refunded.

NHTSA ODI #11600836

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2024
Engine

A message popped up on my dash "Engine Maintenance Required - See Dealer". After further research this is a known issue with the Toyota Rav4s. The coolant bypass valve gets stuck open/closed. I took it into Toyota and before they even looked under my hood, he read the message on the dash and said "I know what it is". After payin…

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A message popped up on my dash "Engine Maintenance Required - See Dealer". After further research this is a known issue with the Toyota Rav4s. The coolant bypass valve gets stuck open/closed. I took it into Toyota and before they even looked under my hood, he read the message on the dash and said "I know what it is". After paying $742.16, it was fixed. My local mechanic was not aware of this issue, so I had to go through Toyota directly. If someone cannot afford $700-$1,000 repair, they risk their engine overheating. Toyota is aware of this issue and they have not recalled this part in their vehicles that is consistently failing.

NHTSA ODI #11600429

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2024
Engine

Toyota RAV4 2019, Coolant Bypass Valve issue. The car began displaying the message “engine maintained required visit dealer”

NHTSA ODI #11597257

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2024
Engine

my Toyota RAV4 2019, At around 44500 miles a messaged started to showing up, message was "Engine Maintenance Required" "Visit your Dealer", the message cannot be disregarded, it blocked important part of the dashboard. No other warning light or failure lights were on. Upon taking the vehicle to the Dealer, agent mentioned it cou…

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my Toyota RAV4 2019, At around 44500 miles a messaged started to showing up, message was "Engine Maintenance Required" "Visit your Dealer", the message cannot be disregarded, it blocked important part of the dashboard. No other warning light or failure lights were on. Upon taking the vehicle to the Dealer, agent mentioned it could be a non reseted counter for the regular 5000 miles next service reminder, however such maintenance wasn't due, after check by additional person, technician and scan, it turned out to be the bypass valve sticking, code found P268115 and suggested repair for around $900, since vehicle is no longer under the limited warranty cost would have to be covered by the client. Agent told has to be done other wise cooling system for the engine could be at fault causing overheating, and ended up on a mayor engine failure by overheating. It doesn't seem to be a normal failure found on the users manual, hence could be a possible manufacturing fault which Toyota is not covering.

NHTSA ODI #11594932

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2024
Engine

Engine maintenance is required sign when AC is on.

NHTSA ODI #11594629

Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2024
Engine

An “Engine Maintenance Required” signal came on my dash and turns out the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. Come to find out almost everyone else with this car has the same problem around 50,000 miles. I bought this car used and have had it for less than a week and the repair is at least $600. Super disappointed.

NHTSA ODI #11593941

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2024
Engine

I got a check engine light p2681 for coolant bypass valve open. I have a scanner and I work for Lithia Dodge of Billings, MT. Upon some research online, many more people all have the same part going bad because of the same defective part going bad. Dealers are charging anywhere between $600-$900 to fix this defect. With so many …

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I got a check engine light p2681 for coolant bypass valve open. I have a scanner and I work for Lithia Dodge of Billings, MT. Upon some research online, many more people all have the same part going bad because of the same defective part going bad. Dealers are charging anywhere between $600-$900 to fix this defect. With so many defective valves going bad across the United States, this should be a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11593485

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2024
Engine

"Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer" warning that would not clear for a defective coolant bypass valve. No way to know that this was the issue without taking the vehicle to the dealer. Car began to overheat presenting a danger when driving distances to myself and other drivers.

NHTSA ODI #11592530

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2024
Engine

Engine maintenance required, visit your local dealer warning light would not turn off. This in itself is a safety issue as it is distracting and disables on screen speed, miles left until empty, and other helpful driving information from being displayed in view. Visited dealer and was told COOLANT BYPASS VALVE was defective and…

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Engine maintenance required, visit your local dealer warning light would not turn off. This in itself is a safety issue as it is distracting and disables on screen speed, miles left until empty, and other helpful driving information from being displayed in view. Visited dealer and was told COOLANT BYPASS VALVE was defective and that continuing to drive the vehicle without replacing could cause blown head gasket and engine failure. Researched issue and came upon numerous threads including several Reddit threads explaining and detailing the severity and widespread issue that this is for regularly maintained RAV4s. This should be a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11591926

Official recalls

7

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2020

Toyota 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

20V373000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Jun 24, 2020

Toyota 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.

20V286000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 20, 2020

Toyota 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms, free of charge. This recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's interim numbers for this recall are 20TB08 / 20TA08.

20V064000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Feb 6, 2020

Toyota 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.

19V576000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Aug 6, 2019

Toyota 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the backup camera system does not activate and the driver does not check his/her surroundings while reversing, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the back-up camera system and replace the audio display unit, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0N.

19V503000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jun 28, 2019

Southeast 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.

19V244000 · Equipment:other:labels

Mar 27, 2019

Gulf 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Toyota RAV4 problems