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.
2019 Toyota RAV4 body problems
moderate 58 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
58
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 58 body complaints filed for the 2019 Toyota RAV4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 21 model years of Toyota RAV4 we track for body problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 58.
Owners have filed 58 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2019 RAV4 owners report widespread structural failure of the rear liftgate hinges that can render the hatch unsafe and inoperable, along with chronic water intrusion through doors and roof seals that causes mold and rust. Repair costs often reach $2,000+, and Toyota frequently denies warranty coverage, leaving owners to pay out-of-pocket despite evidence these are manufacturing defects, not owner abuse.
The 2019 RAV4 develops serious structural problems that go beyond normal wear. The rear liftgate hinges crack and pull away from the vehicle body, causing the hatch to sit crooked with large gaps and become impossible to close or latch securely. Owners report this starting as intermittent opening or closing failures, then progressing to visible hinge damage and misalignment. Multiple owners say dealers initially cannot replicate the issue, yet service managers privately admit seeing this frequently—even telling owners this is a known problem the dealership will not cover. A body shop manager confirmed she had two customers with identical hinge failures within 48 hours.
Water intrusion is endemic. All four doors fill up with water during rain, and it does not drain. Owners hear water sloshing inside the doors while driving. Roof and roof rail seals leak, allowing water into the headliner and near air bag compartments. Some owners discovered rust spreading inside the roof structure months or years after purchase. Door seals deteriorate or fail, and a TSB exists for drainage issues, but it is not a recall, leaving owners responsible for repairs outside of warranty.
Other reported failures include spontaneous sunroof shattering with no impact or warning, fuel door springs popping out and trapping the vehicle unable to refuel, and driver's side door locks that fail to lock despite functioning latches. One owner's rear suspension control arms lacked adjustment capability, causing excessive tire wear within 11,000 miles; the dealer acknowledged the design flaw but refused to fix it with OE parts. Repair costs for hinge failure alone range $700 to $2,700, with Toyota routinely offering only partial "goodwill" credits that do not cover the full cost or cannot be applied to the actual problem.
Same Toyota RAV4 body reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Rear liftgate hinge failure and misalignment
The hinges connecting the rear power liftgate to the vehicle body crack, separate, and pull away from the body. This causes the liftgate to sit crooked with gaps between the door and frame, preventing proper closure and latching. Owners report the hinge metal welds break and the brackets tear away from the vehicle. The structural failure progresses over time and can render the liftgate unsafe or completely inoperable.
When: Typically starts appearing between 40,000 and 85,000 miles; one owner reported issues within the first year; failures continue to worsen over years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate stops halfway while opening or closing; Intermittent failure to open or close electronically; Loud beeping when liftgate malfunctions; Rattling noise in the rear of the vehicle; Liftgate sits crooked with visible gap on one side; Hinge pulls away from or separates from vehicle body; Hinge metal deformed, bent, or cracked; Liftgate difficult or impossible to close and latch securely; Visual misalignment of liftgate to frame
Repairs/costs cited: Repair estimates range from $700 to $2,700 for hinge replacement and any related structural damage. One owner paid approximately $2,288. Some dealers and collision centers quote higher due to additional damage (e.g., broken tail lamp). Toyota offers limited 'good faith' credits that often do not cover the full repair cost or only apply to unrelated future service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially claim inability to replicate the issue. When hinges fail, some dealers attribute failure to owner abuse or claim it is 'wear and tear' not covered by warranty. A body shop manager indicated this was previously recalled on 2013-2017 RAV4 models but not applied to 2019 model year. Multiple owners cite Toyota refusing coverage. A few owners received partial 'goodwill' financial adjustments after providing evidence of non-accident damage, though coverage remains inconsistent.
Liftgate sensor malfunction and door actuator failure
The rear liftgate sensor, particularly the passenger-side rear hatch pulse sensor, fails intermittently or completely. Electronic door actuators also fail, preventing remote or button-activated opening and closing. These electronic failures often compound the structural hinge issues.
When: Reported starting in late 2020; failures can persist for years without resolution despite multiple dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate sensor issue prevents power operation; Power liftgate fails to respond to key fob commands; Power liftgate fails to respond to interior dash button; Door actuator broken or non-functional; Separated and broken sensor requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor and actuator replacement required; costs not specified in narratives but included in overall hinge/liftgate repair estimates. One owner noted replacement parts needed after hinge failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers often cannot replicate the intermittent sensor issues at service appointments. Toyota has not acknowledged sensor defects as a recall item. One owner documented the issue with video and received a dealer inspection confirming sensor failure, but Toyota closed the case without authorizing repair.
Door water intrusion and drainage failure
All four doors on the vehicle accumulate and retain water during rain or car washing. Water does not drain properly through door drain holes, which become blocked by wax, debris, or manufacturing defect. Standing water leads to mold growth, staining, and potential electrical or corrosion damage.
When: Issues present from day one of ownership for some owners; reported at 37,000 to 64,000 miles when owners bring vehicle in for service
Symptoms owners cite: Water fills up inside all four doors during rain; Water does not drain from doors; Slushing sound of water moving inside doors while driving; Water leaks from doors into interior ceiling and side panels; Black mold growth on interior fabrics; Staining of interior headliner and carpeting; Musty or burning smell inside cabin; Door seals failed or deteriorated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced weather stripping on all four doors (approximately $700 for one owner). TSB exists for this issue (mentioned in one narrative) but is not a recall. Drain hole cleaning or clearing blockages mentioned but not detailed. One narrative mentions replacement of door seals.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer told owner that water accumulation is 'completely normal' and suggested manually lifting weather stripping to drain water. A TSB is available but not mandatory under warranty, leaving owners responsible for out-of-pocket repairs if the issue occurs outside the standard warranty period. Toyota has not issued a recall despite multiple reports of this as a known manufacturing issue.
Roof and roof rail water leaks
Water intrusion through the roof, roof rails, and roof rail gaskets causes water to enter the vehicle interior, headliner, and areas near air bags. Leaks may be slow enough to go undetected until moisture and rust damage accumulate, or they may cause immediate interior water damage and electrical hazards.
When: Reported between 28,000 and 89,000 miles; some owners discover rust or water damage several years after purchase; one owner links issue to CSP #22TE05 and T-SB-0016-23 related to roof rail gasket leaks
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking from roof rack into vehicle; Water entering through headliner; Water staining on headliner and roof interior; Rust forming on roof, especially near driver's side roof rail at windshield; Visible water residue buildup on headliner (visible under UV light); Water intrusion near air bag compartment area; Electrical failures related to water exposure; Air bag malfunction or warning lights; Mold and mildew smell inside cabin
Repairs/costs cited: A recall repair involved roof replacement at dealership. One owner's roof was replaced due to water staining but mold growth in carpeting and floorboard remained unresolved. Roof rail gasket replacement or service likely required but specific costs not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A recall (CSP #22TE05 and T-SB-0016-23) addresses roof rail gasket leaks following the Fishkind v. Toyota lawsuit (Case 2:23-cv-02279). However, one owner was denied coverage under this CSP despite evidence of water damage, and dealership refused to perform roof rail clip inspection when rust was already visible. One dealership stated remaining water intrusion after recall repair was from 'another source' and refused to provide documentation of repair procedure completion.
Sunroof/moonroof spontaneous shattering
The sunroof or moonroof glass suddenly explodes outward or bulges outward with no external impact, debris, or warning. The glass ruptures violently while the vehicle is in motion or parked, creating safety hazards from shattered glass, driver distraction, and potential for glass or debris to enter the cabin.
When: Reported at various mileages; one incident occurred after moonroof had been functioning normally just the week prior
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosion or gunshot-like sound; Sunroof/moonroof glass suddenly shatters; Glass bulges or explodes outward, not inward; Glass pieces fall into cabin; No prior cracks, damage, or warning signs; No external debris or impact visible; Whistling sound followed by glass falling
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost covered through insurance in one case after deductible. Specific part replacement and labor costs not detailed in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota claims there is no safety issue and states that a crack or nick must have been present, despite owners' clear evidence that the glass was intact. Multiple owners report finding lists of other Toyota owners with identical spontaneous sunroof/moonroof shattering incidents. Owners report Toyota takes no action and does not acknowledge a defect.
Roof rust formation
Rust forms on the roof, particularly on the driver's side near the roof rail and windshield junction. The rust appears to result from slow roof rail gasket leaks that allow moisture to penetrate into clips and structural areas, causing corrosion that spreads over time.
When: Rust visible on relatively new vehicles; one owner with 2019 RAV4 discovered rust and noted multiple other 5th generation RAV4 owners online report the same issue
Symptoms owners cite: Visible rust on roof near driver's side roof rail; Rust near windshield/roof junction; Water residue buildup on headliner (detected by UV light); Rust forming despite no obvious water leaking into cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Specific repair costs not provided; one owner attempted to access CSP coverage but was denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota denied CSP inspection and coverage (CSP #22TE05 and T-SB-0016-23) despite evidence of water damage. One dealership witnessed the rust but refused to perform roof rail clip inspection, citing the existing rust as reason not to inspect further.
Fuel door spring failure
The spring mechanism in the fuel door fails, causing the spring to pop out when the fuel door is opened. Once the spring fails, the fuel door cannot be reopened, trapping the vehicle unable to refuel.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Spring pops out when fuel door is opened; Fuel door cannot be reopened after spring failure; Driver unable to refuel vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Repair details not specified; implies fuel door assembly replacement or spring component replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned in narrative.
Door lock failure
The driver's side front door lock mechanism fails, preventing the door from locking via internal controls, remote fob, or manual key. The door will latch (close) but cannot be locked, creating a security vulnerability.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage; failure occurred on 2019 RAV4
Symptoms owners cite: Door lock unresponsive to internal lock controls; Door lock unresponsive to remote fob; Door lock unresponsive to manual key; Door latches but does not lock; Door can be opened from inside or outside whether parked or running; Lock mechanism rapidly cycles from locked to unlocked with harsh rattle noise when attempting to lock
Repairs/costs cited: Repair not performed or detailed; door actuator or lock mechanism replacement likely needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned in narrative.
Rear suspension and alignment defect
The rear suspension control arms lack camber adjustment, causing excessive and uneven tire wear. Tires wear excessively on the inner edge with belts showing after minimal miles. Dealers acknowledge the design limitation but refuse responsibility for repairs using original equipment parts.
When: Reported within 11,000 miles of new vehicle purchase (9 months after purchase in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear tires unable to achieve proper alignment; Excessive inner rear tire wear (belts showing); Uneven tire wear within 11,000 miles; Alignment off by a couple of degrees due to OE rear control arm design lacking adjustment capability
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired by independent shop using aftermarket rear control arms and alignment, plus two new rear tires ($1,200). Toyota dealer would not perform repair using OE parts or take accountability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota dealer acknowledged the lack of camber adjustment in OE rear control arms but refused to perform the proper repair because proper repair required aftermarket parts instead of OE Toyota parts. Toyota did not take accountability for the design defect.
Weak rear liftgate struts
The electric power struts supporting the rear liftgate are undersized or fail, unable to properly support the weight of the heavy liftgate door. This contributes to hinge stress and failure, and can cause the liftgate to close unexpectedly or collapse.
When: Issues develop over time as hinges deteriorate; strut weakness becomes apparent when hinges fail
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate does not stay open without manual support; Liftgate closes unexpectedly or too quickly; Electric struts fail to support liftgate weight properly; Struts may collapse causing liftgate to drop
Repairs/costs cited: Strut replacement required; one body shop estimate included replacing lift cylinders and re-checking electronic connections. Costs not detailed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers attribute hinge failure to owner forcing the liftgate closed when struts fail, suggesting owner responsibility rather than design defect. One owner notes that hinge cracking appears consistent with progressive metal fatigue rather than single-impact forced closure.
Liftgate misalignment and stuck hinges
The power liftgate becomes misaligned with the frame, causing the door to sit crooked with uneven gaps and rubbing. The liftgate may become stuck, difficult to open, or stuck open. Electronic mechanisms fail to open or close the door despite repeated attempts.
When: Can occur early in ownership or develop over time; one owner reported issues in peak winters
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate stuck open or closed; Liftgate difficult to close; Liftgate crooked or misaligned to the frame; Large gap on one side between liftgate and body; Liftgate rubs aggressively on frame on one side; Liftgate won't close electronically despite multiple attempts; Prolonged beeping while liftgate is stuck open
Repairs/costs cited: Hinge replacement and realignment required; repair estimates range $700-$2,700 depending on extent of damage to related components (e.g., rear tail lamp damage from misalignment).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate intermittent issues during service appointments. Repeated dealer visits may fail to resolve the problem; one owner reported visiting dealership multiple times since March 2026 with no resolution as of March 24, 2026.
Liftgate lift cylinder timing failure
The lift cylinders (struts) of the power liftgate operate at different times, causing the liftgate to twist rather than open and close evenly. This asymmetric operation stresses the hinges and causes them to crack and separate.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Lift cylinders operate at different times; Liftgate twists during opening or closing; Liftgate fails to open and close automatically; Prolonged beeping while liftgate is open; Hinges bend and crack apart from body
Repairs/costs cited: Independent body shop inspection and quote included replacing hinges, lift cylinders, and re-checking electronic connections. Specific cost not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned in narrative.
Synthesized from 58 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 detaches while in motion, it could obstruct the driver’s rear visibility, increasing the risk of an accident. Risk to…
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.
Had body trouble with your 2019 Toyota RAV4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 58 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 37,000 and 64,000 miles, with the median around 57,650. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 64,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Toyota/RAV4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.