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ProblemsByVinFile / 2019-TOYOTA-RAV4NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Toyota
2019 Toyota RAV4 problems
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has 872 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 7 active recall campaigns.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has 872 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 147 complaints, typically surfacing around 62,276 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
7
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2019 RAV4?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 88 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,580–62,000 mi
Steering: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 5,000–45,500 mi
Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average
7 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2019 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2019 Toyota RAV4? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 147 owner reports
· tends to show around 62,276 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 88 owner reports
· tends to show around 35,312 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 77 owner reports
· tends to show around 19,746 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
body — 58 owner reports
· tends to show around 52,628 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 35,312 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 7 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2019 RAV4· body
Roof rack is leaking on both sides of my rav4. I can't get any assistance with getting it fixed. It's a 2019 with 58,000 on it. I have seen several post with the same issue.
Toyota RAV4 5th Gen Power Lift Gate Hinge Issues Unpredictable Failure: If the lift gate or its components fail unexpectedly, it could cause injury to someone loading or unloading items, especially if they are unable to react in time. Obstructed Visibility: If the lift gate…
Rainwater accumulates inside of doors. Drainage holes are easily blocked by dirt debris and unable to drain water from doors. Results in water sloshing around inside of door while driving.
Cruise control and other safety issues randomly go off line. When driving cruise control turn off, as do the electronics. Further, the automatic bright lights are random to the point I have to disable the system. I have pics and video, cannot change format, don't know how.
Had a problem with your 2019 Toyota RAV4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS)
A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles
If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 872 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 88 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,580–62,000 mi; Steering: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 5,000–45,500 mi; Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average; 7 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Toyota RAV4?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 147 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 62,276 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 872 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 62,276 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 147 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 62,276 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 62,276 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota RAV4 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Toyota RAV4?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 872 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Toyota/RAV4.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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