Toyota’s RAV4 was the best-selling compact SUV of 2019 thanks to its capable AWD system and fuel-efficient, reliable engines. But it’s had some problems with odd shifting behavior and a fuel pump that’s prone to failure.
Key Points
- Early-2019 Toyota RAV4s reportedly experienced engine noise, coolant leaks, and transmission problems that looked to doom Toyota’s reputation for reliability and quality. However, the automaker worked quickly to resolve these and other problems with the 2019 RAV4.
- Only one of the 2019 model’s seven recalls is particularly concerning. Toyota has reportedly managed to remedy around 50-60% of the affected RAV4s.
- In addition to the seven recalls, the 2019 RAV4 has 168 related Technical Service Bulletins. Fortunately, most issues are low in volume, and every common issue has a documented fix.
Fuel Pump Issues Have Left Select 2019 RAV4 Engines Starving for Fuel, and Some Models Have Had Their Suspensions Separate
To date, Toyota has issued seven recalls for the 2019 RAV4. Most of the recalls are not too serious, but issues like a faulty fuel pump and potential suspension separation could prove extremely dangerous.
Less serious recalls include those for a possible electric power steering assist failure, labeling with incorrect load information, and labels that may easily fade and become illegible.
As of July 2021, over half of the 1.53 million Toyota and Lexus models involved in the fuel pump recall have been remedied. RAV4s equipped with a faulty fuel pump face an increased likelihood of engine failure. Many owners report their vehicle stalling, failing to accelerate, or losing power while climbing a steep grade.
A recall over an issue with the front lower suspension arm notes that some vehicles could experience the suspension arm separating from the wheel hub, which is a clear danger. There was also a recall over potential coolant leaks that can lead to total engine failure. Affected engines were produced with excessive porosity in the block, allowing for a greater likelihood of coolant leaks.
Lastly, a small number of RAV4s came with a faulty electrical connector that could cause the backup camera to fail to operate when in reverse. Thus, the vehicle would fail to meet federal safety standards.
Recalled 2019 RAV4s May Have Powertrain Problems that Include Engines Stalling, Gears Grinding, and a Testy Transmission
The 2019 RAV4 has over 400 consumer complaints, and nearly 50 are serious reports about powertrain problems. Owners have reported experiencing engine failure, battery drain, and hearing strange noises and grinding when shifting from AWD to FWD at low speeds.
“If you are stopping and then go to push the gas again, you will lurch forward,” reports one RAV4 owner, whose complaint is echoed almost verbatim in a number of similar complaints. “Also if you ease off the break, it will rock back and forth.”
Toyota’s 2019 RAV4 has also experienced transmission problems. Currently, there are 36 complaints listed on Car Complaints detailing vehicles lurching and the transmission “gear hunting.” To fix the problem, Toyota issued a TSB detailing how dealers can reprogram the ECU.
2019 RAV4 Has a Failure-prone Instrument Cluster, but Toyota Has Extended the Warranties on Some Vehicles
Over half of the 410 reported NHTSA complaints are related to the fuel system. Besides the previously mentioned fuel pump recall, 2019 RAV4 Hybrids are leaving owners unable to completely fill their tank.
Furthermore, many reports detail the gas gauge failing to accurately reflect gas levels and the “Miles to Empty” feature being inaccurate as well.
As one Washington-based driver wrote, “This leads to a situation where you have trickle fill to get it close to full… and do that again and again… it’s easy to overfill and easy to spill gas onto the ground while doing so,” Another owner shares “When I fill up my gas tank it’s never full according to the fuel gauge. [The] cluster shows 350 miles til empty.”
Countless drivers are left unsure of exactly how much gas is in their tank. As a result, driving in an affected RAV4 becomes anxiety-inducing, costly, and potentially dangerous.
Toyota issued a TSB addressing RAV4 Hybrid refueling issues, however. Fixes include either recalibration of the fuel gauge, fuel sending gauge replacement, or fuel tank replacement. At the end of the day, Toyota is footing the bill and extending the warranty out to eight years/100,000 miles for affected vehicles.
2019 RAV4 has a Few Other Minor Issues that Still Don’t Have an Available Fix, Like Leaky Roof Rack Seals
Many complaints about engine issues, such as stalling and lurching, are actually fuel pump or transmission-related problems in the 2019 RAV4. Additionally, some owners have experienced memory-seat issues, leaking roof rack seals, overnight battery drain, and unusual engine noise. There’s an excellent video by The Car Care Nut that covers these issues along with some other minor problems.
Leaking roof rack seals are problematic and can cause water damage to the headliner and the A-pillar airbags. There’s currently no TSB fix listed for the issue.
There are also reports of loud engine noises deriving from the direct-injection system, but it’s not a sign of major trouble. Additionally, there were problems with the rear-differential system in AWD Limiteds and Adventure trims making a strange buzzing sound, which was due to a manufacturing issue. It does not appear to present any safety or drivability issues, nevertheless, Toyota is covering repairs under warranty.
Toyota’s Prompt Remedy of the 2019 RAV4’s Issues Make it a Highly Recommended SUV
Overall, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a well-rounded compact SUV that gets the job done and is reliable. A vast majority of recalled vehicles have already been remedied. As for the other mechanical issues, Toyota seems to have worked out the kinks with their TSBs including the issues affecting the hybrid trim fuel systems. There’s no real reason to avoid this vehicle or worry about excessive out-of-pocket maintenance.
Photos: Toyota
