IllustrationGRINDING NOISE FROM TRANSFER CASE WHEN ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING AROUND 20-40 MPH. VEHICLES HAS A DRIVELINE LINE DISCONNECT ASSEMBLY THAT SEEMS TO GRIND DUE TO IMPROPER CLEARANCES. WE ARE NOT SURE HOW LONG THIS DEFECTIVE DRIVELINE DISCONNECT WILL HOLD UP.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAV4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
2570–25K
2525–50K
1550–75K
575–100K
7100–150K
0150K+
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
What owners actually said
877 reportsAT THIS TIME THERE AT LEAST 24 COMPLAINT ABOUT A "LURCHING" PROBLEM AT LOW SPEED AND RE ACCELERATION. A VERY SIGNIFICANT "LURCHING" ALMOST"STALLING" IS VERY APPARENT AS THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION STARTS IN 4TH GEAR...NOT 1ST GEAR FROM A DEAD STOP. I WOULD CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. HAS BEEN AN ISSU…
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AT THIS TIME THERE AT LEAST 24 COMPLAINT ABOUT A "LURCHING" PROBLEM AT LOW SPEED AND RE ACCELERATION. A VERY SIGNIFICANT "LURCHING" ALMOST"STALLING" IS VERY APPARENT AS THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION STARTS IN 4TH GEAR...NOT 1ST GEAR FROM A DEAD STOP. I WOULD CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FROM DAY 1 OF CAR PURCHASE. VEHICLE NOW HAS 5600 MILES ON IT.
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 O…
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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.
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.
CLUNKING/THUD IS HEARD FROM THE REAR/UNDER CARRIAGE. TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, IT MUST BE DRIVEN 30-40 MIN SO THAT DIFFERENTIAL OIL IS HOT AND DRIVE UP TO 30 MPH THEN SLOW DOWN TO BELOW 10 MPH TO CONFIRM THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS LIMITED TO 2019 RAV4 (WITH TORQUE VECTORING SYSTEM - ONLY ADVENTURE AND LIMITED TRIMS) NO KNOWN TSB …
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CLUNKING/THUD IS HEARD FROM THE REAR/UNDER CARRIAGE. TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, IT MUST BE DRIVEN 30-40 MIN SO THAT DIFFERENTIAL OIL IS HOT AND DRIVE UP TO 30 MPH THEN SLOW DOWN TO BELOW 10 MPH TO CONFIRM THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS LIMITED TO 2019 RAV4 (WITH TORQUE VECTORING SYSTEM - ONLY ADVENTURE AND LIMITED TRIMS) NO KNOWN TSB TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE SOUND IS MORE LIKE A HEAVY OBJECT (LIKE A BOWLING BALL) IS DROPPED ON A CARPETED FLOOR AND LIKE A MUFFLED SOUND RATHER THAN A SHARP MECHANICAL GEAR ROTATING SOUND. THE NOISE IS MORE LIKE A THUD AND VERY PROMINENT ENOUGH TO DISTRACT DRIVING. IT HAPPENS AFTER AWD IS ENGAGED BY FALLING THE VEHICLE'S SPEED UNDER 20 MPH IN ECO OR NORMAL MODE. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN IN SPORT MODE WHERE AWD IS ENGAGED IN FULL-TIME.
FAULTY BRAKE ASSIST BOOSTER (PLASTIC BRUSH HOLDER MISSHAPEN) CAUSING DEACTIVATION OF VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE RAV4 XSE HYBRID. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DELIVERED FROM THE NEWARK, NEW JERSEY PORT OF ENTRY. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE JULY3, 2019 WITH NO EXPECTED DATE OF DELIVERY.I DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM WHEN GOOGLI…
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FAULTY BRAKE ASSIST BOOSTER (PLASTIC BRUSH HOLDER MISSHAPEN) CAUSING DEACTIVATION OF VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE RAV4 XSE HYBRID. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DELIVERED FROM THE NEWARK, NEW JERSEY PORT OF ENTRY. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE JULY3, 2019 WITH NO EXPECTED DATE OF DELIVERY.I DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM WHEN GOOGLING RECALLS ON THE 2019 RAV4 HYBRID, USING THE VIN # SUPPLIED IN THIS TEXT.
MAKE INTERMITTENT SOFT GRINDING NOISE (THINK RASPBERRY) WHEN MOVING. MAKES NOISE IN ECO AND STANDARD MODE BUT NOT IN SPORT MODE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY COULD REPLACE THE WHOLE DRIVE TRAIN AND IT MIGHT MAKE THE NOISE.
THE ENGINE IS NON-RESPONSIVE WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND & UP HILL TURNS. I CAN DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL THREE TIMES BEFORE THE CAR STARTS TO ACCELERATE. THIS IS DANGEROUS! WHAT IS GOING ON?
PRECOLLISION WARNING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. COMPLAINED TO DEALER BUT NO ACTION DONE. ALMOST HIT A COUPLE TIMES PEDESTRIANS. IT LOOKS LIKE RADAR SENSORS LN FRONT ARE NOT WORKING. FRONT CAMERA IS WORKING.
FUEL TANK DOES NOT PROPERLY FILL, AND OFTEN RESULTS IN GAS SPILLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AS A OWNER IS FORCED TO MANUALLY "TOP OFF" THE VEHICLE TO FILL THE TANK. OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE: HTTPS://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/THREADS/DIFFICULTY-WITH-GETTING-FUEL-TANK-FULL.298909/
Official recalls
720V682000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.