NHTSA (USA)Critical
This page covers 8 recalls, 883 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Toyota RAV4.
28–40 mpg combined
5.9–8.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2019 RAV4 complaints centers on the fuel and propulsion system, followed closely by the engine. Owners frequently report rough or erratic transmission behavior, including harsh downshifts, hesitation, and shuddering at lower speeds, sometimes with revs climbing sharply while the vehicle barely moves. A subset of owners reports more severe outcomes, including sudden loss of forward gears with no prior warning, typically at higher mileage. Engine-related complaints round out the second-largest category, though no single symptom dominates as clearly as the transmission behavior. The third notable pattern involves the rear liftgate: a recurring cluster of complaints describes the hatch hinges failing under normal use, leading to door misalignment, automated liftgate malfunctions, and water intrusion into the cargo area. Several owners point specifically to the hinge design struggling with the weight and repetitive motion of the powered gate.
883
Total Complaints
28
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
17
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has 8 recalls, the most serious involving cracked front lower suspension arms that can separate from the wheel assembly and cause a sudden loss of steering control.
Three other recalls carry the same high severity level. Vehicles with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine may develop cracks in the engine block due to porosity in the casting, allowing coolant to leak internally or externally, which can cause the engine to overheat and stall. On RAV4 Hybrid models, the brake booster pump can fail, cutting off braking assist and disabling the stability control system, both of which raise the risk of losing control in an emergency. A separate fuel pump defect, shared across a wide range of Toyota vehicles from this era, can cause the pump to weaken and eventually stop delivering fuel, stalling the engine at highway speeds or in traffic.
On the steering side, the cover of the electric power steering gearbox may not be properly sealed, allowing water to reach and corrode the internal components. If that corrosion progresses far enough, the steering can suddenly require much more physical effort to turn, which is especially disorienting at low speeds in parking lots or intersections. A damaged electrical connector can also prevent the backup camera from activating when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, leaving the driver without the rear view image the system is designed to provide.
Two label recalls round out the list. The load capacity label may become unreadable on some vehicles, and on others distributed through certain regional dealers, the label may display incorrect load figures entirely. Either condition could lead a driver to unknow
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved version at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cover on the electric power steering gearbox may not be securely attached, allowing water to enter and corrode the internal parts, potentially causing loss of power steering assist.
What the fix does
Toyota will mail you instructions to visit a Toyota dealer, who will replace the entire electric power steering gear assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower suspension arms may develop cracks and separate from the front wheel assembly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Tiny holes in engine castings may cause cracks that allow coolant to leak inside or outside the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the entire engine block, including the engine, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A damaged electrical connector prevents the back-up camera from turning on when the vehicle is in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the back-up camera system and replace the audio display unit if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster pump may fail, which disables the Vehicle Stability Control system and reduces braking assist power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake booster pump and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The load carrying capacity label on the vehicle may show incorrect information, which means the vehicle does not meet federal tire and rim safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will provide a corrected label to place over the incorrect one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The load capacity label text on the driver's door jamb may fade or become unreadable, preventing owners from seeing the maximum safe weight their vehicle can carry.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a corrected load capacity label at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
