DP: This Customer Support Program provides coverage for a condition involving the front transfer case electro-magnetic clutch in certain 2019 ? 2020 model year RAV4 Adventure and Limited grade AWD vehicles. An abnormal buzz or groan noise from that case can occur with Normal drive mode selected during disconnect/connect timing of the AWD system. This condition typically occurs between 20 and 30 mph when accelerating from a stop, and/or between 20 and 13 mph on deceleration after driving the vehicle for 15 minutes or longer. Although the front transfer case electro-magnetic clutch is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at To
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Toyota RAV4 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have filed 77 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 7,500 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
77
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 RAV4 | 25 |
| 2016 RAV4 | 11 |
| 2017 RAV4 | 14 |
| 2018 RAV4 | 25 |
| 2019 RAV4 (this page) | 77 |
| 2020 RAV4 | 35 |
| 2021 RAV4 | 17 |
| 2022 RAV4 | 10 |
| 2023 RAV4 | 8 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 77 powertrain complaints filed for the 2019 Toyota RAV4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 77.
Owners have filed 77 powertrain 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: Some 2019 ? 2022 model year RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present: ?P0087/P008700 ? Fuel Rail/System Pressure ? Too Low ?P107A2A ? Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor (Low) Signal Stuck in Range This condition may occur when the vehicle is operated at high altitudes and temperatures, typically above 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) and at ambient temperatures above 85°F (30°C). The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) and the fuel suction tube assembly have been improved to reduce the possibility of this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some 2019- 2023 RAV4 HV vehicles may duplicate an abnormal noise (Growl, Humming and/or other) from the Hybrid T/A and/or MGR at various vehicle speeds and normal drive conditions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This condition may occur when the vehicle is operated at high altitude and high temperatures; typically, above 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) and at ambient temperatures above 85°F (30°C). The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) and fuel suction tube assembly have been improved to reduce the possibility of this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2019 ? 2020 model year RAV4 Adventure and Limited grade AWD vehicles may exhibit an abnormal noise from the vehicle?s AWD Dynamic Torque Vectoring Disconnect system from either the transfer assembly or rear differential carrier assembly when accelerating from a stop and/or on deceleration after driving the vehicle for 15 minutes or more. This condition occurs with ?Normal? drive mode selected during disconnect/connect timing of the AWD system
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 RAV4s describe a constellation of powertrain problems that cluster heavily around transmission behavior and hybrid system reliability. The most common complaint is transmission hesitation and lurching when accelerating from a stop or low speed—a condition Toyota has acknowledged with technical service bulletin T-SB-0107-19. Owners report a dangerous lag in power delivery followed by sudden surges, causing near-accidents in traffic and at intersections. Many dealers initially deny knowledge of the issue or downplay it as "normal" vehicle learning behavior, though dealership software updates (reprogramming the electronic control module) sometimes provide temporary relief before symptoms recur.
A separate but related issue involves transmission slipping and loss of acceleration, particularly when cold or at low speed. In one documented case, a dealer quoted $10,000 for transmission replacement without checking fluid level; an independent shop found the fluid critically low (about 1/4 full) and refilled it, though slipping continued intermittently.
Hybrid system failures represent another major category. Owners report sudden hybrid system malfunction warnings accompanied by severe speed limitations (sometimes down to 10 mph), rough running, or total engine failure. Root causes identified include failed electric water pumps (plastic rotors swelling and seizing, causing coolant pressure spikes) and defective coolant bypass valves, leading to engine overheating and coolant intrusion into cylinders. These failures often occur without prior warning lights and can leave owners stranded. Toyota has issued internal technical service bulletins addressing these issues in 2019–2021 models but has not issued a public recall; warranty coverage is inconsistent.
The rear differential on AWD models suffers from a manufacturing defect documented in Toyota TSB 0086-19 (issued in 2019 but never promoted as a recall). The differential drops into two-wheel-drive mode unpredictably, and owners report heavy clunking or thumping from the rear driveline. Replacement costs are substantial (around $4,800), and Toyota has been reluctant to cover the full cost even after acknowledging the defect.
Additional issues include sudden unintended acceleration (with no diagnostic codes and causes that cannot be reproduced), door lock malfunctions, electrical system dropout, battery discharge, and various transmission grinding and noise complaints. Across all these issues, a consistent pattern emerges: dealers often claim components are operating "as designed," discourage diagnostic investigation, and shift repair costs to owners once warranty expires.
Same Toyota RAV4 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hesitation and lurching from stop or low speed
Vehicle hesitates, jerks, or lurches forward when accelerating from a stop or low speed, particularly after braking. Owners describe delay in power delivery, sudden surges, or uncontrolled jerking motions. Issue occurs regardless of start-stop system state. Multiple owners cite Toyota TSB T-SB-0107-19 (hesitation on acceleration from slow or rolling stop) requiring ECM reprogramming, though dealerships often deny knowledge and charge for diagnosis.
When: From as early as 61 miles; recurring from 2,500 miles onward; persists across mileage range up to 71,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or lag when pressing accelerator after braking; Hard jerking or lurching forward without warning; Uncontrolled or abrupt acceleration; Sudden surge after momentary delay; Transmission appears to start in 4th gear rather than 1st from dead stop; Rocking back and forth when easing off brake; Shift feels like dropping into lower gear unexpectedly; No check engine light or diagnostic codes present
Codes mentioned: U010087 (loss of communication between PCM and ECM)
Repairs/costs cited: TSB T-SB-0107-19 calls for ECM/TCM reprogramming and relearn procedure. Dealership software updates reported to provide temporary improvement (3-4 weeks) before issue recurs. Some owners reported re-running software update required. One owner paid $80 diagnostic fee out of warranty. Transmission fluid level checks and refills mentioned in one case with marginal improvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0107-19; no public recall issued. Dealerships inconsistently acknowledge issue; many downplay as 'normal' operation or vehicle 'learning driving habits' (up to 10K miles claimed). Corporate told some owners 1-2 second delays are normal while computer determines gear shift. Software updates available but not widely advertised to owners.
Transmission slipping and loss of acceleration
Vehicle loses power delivery, transmission revs without engaging (feels like neutral), or fails to respond to throttle input. In some cases, vehicle limited to very low speeds (10 mph) with warning lights. Symptoms particularly acute when cold or at low speed. One case involved extremely low transmission fluid post-service; another involved multiple diagnostic codes suggesting internal transmission failure.
When: Can occur from low mileage (under 5K miles); one case at 116,248 miles ended in total transmission failure requiring replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration or power delivery to wheels; Transmission slip or rev without engaging; Vehicle limited to approximately 10 mph speed with warning light; Engine revs with no corresponding wheel speed increase; Intermittent slipping worse when cold or low speed; Delayed downshift response; Abrupt speed changes alternating between limited and full acceleration
Codes mentioned: P07457F, P28167F, P088A7F, P27137F, C137BA2, C1241, C1280, U1117, B2227
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer quoted approximately $10,000 for transmission replacement without checking fluid level; independent shop found transmission fluid extremely low (approximately 1/4 full) and refilled. In another case, transmission failure at 116,248 miles required full replacement. One owner reports successful reimbursement from Toyota after independent water pump replacement, suggesting warranty claim possible. Fluid level checks and refills did not permanently resolve slipping in the case cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified. Toyota has TSBs addressing similar issues but owners report limited manufacturer support. One case resulted in reimbursement after formal complaint, but repairing out-of-warranty vehicles remains owner's responsibility unless warranty extension applies.
Hybrid system malfunction and engine loss of power
Hybrid system issues ranging from warning light alerts to total loss of motive power. One case involved sudden engine failure at highway speed. Another involved coolant intrusion into engine cylinders due to failed coolant flow control valve. Owners report multiple dashboard warning lights (hybrid system malfunction, check engine, PKSB malfunction) often accompanied by severe speed limitation or complete power loss.
When: One incident at approximately 22,000 miles; another at 49,743 miles; engine failure cases reported with no prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid system malfunction warning light illuminated; Check engine light; PKSB (parking brake system) malfunction warning; Severe speed limitation (approximately 10-15 mph); Vehicle unable to exceed 10 mph despite full throttle; Multiple warning lights simultaneously; Abrupt speed changes and unsafe driving conditions; Total loss of motive power while driving at highway speed; Heavy white smoke from exhaust with strong coolant smell; Rough engine running
Codes mentioned: U010087 (loss of communication between PCM and ECM), P26CA31 (coolant flow control/bypass valve failure), P26CB (electric water pump performance/stuck off)
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved system update and code clearing at dealership; vehicle operated normally after. Another case resulted in dealer recommendation for complete engine replacement due to coolant intrusion. Water pump failures (plastic rotor swelling, seal leakage, bearing seizure) reported as widespread defect in early 2019 Japan-built hybrids. Owners cite internal TSBs addressing issue but no public recall. Powertrain warranty coverage inconsistent; some dealers refuse coverage claiming not powertrain-related.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota has issued internal TSBs addressing water pump and coolant system failures in 2019-2021 RAV4 Hybrids but no public recall. One owner reports Toyota opened case but declined assistance outside warranty. Dealership responses vary from denial of warranty coverage to system updates. NHTSA investigation reportedly initiated but no recall issued yet.
Sudden unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without driver input, particularly when braking or coming to a stop. In most cases, no error codes present and causes cannot be reproduced. One documented case involved EDR data showing both gasoline engine and hybrid motor reaching high RPMs simultaneously during intended braking, resulting in vehicle collision.
When: Multiple incidents reported across mileage range; one totaled vehicle at low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected forward lurch or acceleration during braking; Vehicle accelerates while brake pedal depressed; Uncontrolled forward motion at low speed (parking lot speeds); No dashboard warning lights present; Unable to stop vehicle despite brake application; Vehicle performs unintended maneuvers (backward semi-circle when driver attempted reverse)
Repairs/costs cited: Cases involving sudden unintended acceleration generally not repaired because issue cannot be reproduced and no diagnostic codes present. One case documented with Event Data Recorder (EDR) showing gasoline engine at 2200 RPM and hybrid motor at 2300 RPM during collision; vehicle totaled; airbags did not deploy despite two impacts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers refuse to acknowledge issue when codes cannot be reproduced. One owner requested NHTSA reminder to public about danger of sudden unintended acceleration despite inability to diagnose.
Rear differential defect and AWD malfunction
Rear differential malfunction causing vehicle to drop into two-wheel drive mode. Toyota TSB 0086-19 issued in 2019 for manufacturing defect but was never made public as recall or owner notification. Owners report differential failure and loss of AWD functionality, presenting safety risk in slippery road conditions. One owner cites widespread defect affecting 2019-2021 models; another reports severe differential clunking and potential for seizure causing loss of control.
When: TSB issued 3 months after vehicle purchase (2019); failure reported in January 2025; clunking reported after extended driving periods to warm differential oil
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drops into two-wheel drive only mode; Dashboard message indicating two-wheel drive only operation; Heavy clunking or thud noise from rear undercarriage; Muffled heavy object impact sound from rear; Clunking occurs after differential oil warmed (30-40 min driving); Noise triggered by speed reduction below 10-20 mph; Potential for differential seizure and loss of control
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential replacement required; one owner cited $4,800 cost for complete rear differential replacement. Toyota paid half cost after owner escalation, acknowledging known manufacturing problem. Defect part number identified as 41110-42050 (superseded by 41110-42054). Owner reports Toyota refusing full coverage despite acknowledging manufacturing defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued TSB 0086-19 in 2019 but did not issue public recall or owner notifications. Owners discovered issue through forums and independent research. Toyota acknowledges manufacturing problem in some cases but denies warranty coverage or offers partial reimbursement. No formal recall campaign initiated despite widespread reports.
Electric water pump failure and coolant system defects
Electric water pump failure due to manufacturing defect affecting early 2019 Japan-built RAV4 Hybrids. Plastic rotor swells and seizes, causing coolant system failure, engine overheating, and potential engine shutdown. No warning lights in some cases until severe damage occurs. Owners cite widespread defect reported by thousands of RAV4 Hybrid owners (2019-2021) but addressed only through internal TSBs without public recall.
When: Failures reported from 56,920 miles onward; sudden failures with no prior warning lights in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature climbing rapidly; Engine light or engine service required light illuminated; Coolant pump performance error (code P26CB indicates stuck-off condition); Seized or frozen plastic rotor in water pump; Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders; Heavy white smoke from exhaust with strong coolant smell; Rough engine running; Vehicle stalling or loss of power
Codes mentioned: P26CB (engine coolant pump performance/stuck off), P26CA31 (coolant flow control/bypass valve failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement required; dealers often quote entire pump replacement (300+ dollars) rather than rotor replacement. Rotor swelling caused by antifreeze and pump manufacturing materials interaction. One owner paid local mechanic for replacement after dealer refused warranty coverage; subsequently reimbursed by Toyota. Another owner charged nearly $600 for diagnostic and repair outside warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota has addressed issue quietly through internal TSBs but no public recall issued. Warranty coverage inconsistent; some dealers refuse coverage claiming not powertrain-related, while other cases result in reimbursement after formal complaint. No proactive owner notification system in place.
Coolant bypass valve failure
Defective coolant bypass/flow control valve allows coolant pressure spikes, leading to head-gasket failure and coolant intrusion into engine cylinders. Manifests as engine damage requiring replacement. Can cause total engine failure, mechanical failure, and potential loss of control on roadway.
When: Failures reported with no prior warning; one case at approximately 87,230 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine service required light illuminated; Heavy white smoke from exhaust with strong coolant smell; Engine running roughly; Engine failure diagnosis at dealership; Coolant intrusion in engine cylinders detected via camera inspection
Codes mentioned: P26CA31 (coolant flow control/bypass valve failure), P26CB
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement recommended or required; costs exceed $1,000+. Internal impeller swelling, seal leakage, and bearing seizure identified as root causes. One owner used independent mechanic with camera diagnosis to identify coolant intrusion in cylinder head before dealer completed diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota not providing assistance when vehicle out of warranty. No recall issued despite documented widespread defect in 2019-2021 RAV4 Hybrids. NHTSA investigation reportedly initiated.
Transmission clunking, grinding, and driveline disconnect issues
Clunking, grinding, or thumping noises from transmission and rear driveline, particularly during stop-and-go driving or when rear driveline disconnect feature engages/disengages (AWD vehicles). Noise described as heavy thumping or thud from rear undercarriage. Owners report issue related to torque vectoring system and rear driveline disconnect feature. Grinding noise occurs when accelerating past 20-30 mph and again during deceleration below that speed.
When: Issue reported from as early as 3,000 miles; recurring in vehicles driven in city or traffic conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy thumping or clunking from rear driveline during stop-and-go driving; Vehicle lurches forward as if hit from behind; Grinding noise when accelerating past 20-30 mph; Grinding noise during deceleration below 20-30 mph; Buzz or groan noise from front transfer case when slowing or accelerating 15-20 mph; Noise from rear driveline when coming to near stop; Delayed downshift response before lurch forward; Noise more prominent in Normal or Eco mode; does not occur in Sport mode; Noise audible and felt by vehicle occupants
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission clunking may relate to transmission fluid level or shift quality. One case of extremely low transmission fluid (1/4 full) after dealership service. Driveline clunking attributed to unintended coupling/uncoupling of rear driveline wheels related to mileage rating and wear. Transfer case repairs mentioned (parts ordered 3 weeks ago, not yet delivered). TSB identifies electromagnetic clutch shifting issue between 2WD and 4WD.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota TSB issued identifying issue as electromagnetic clutch shifting from 2WD to 4WD but marked as non-recall. Dealerships state will repair issue but require opening transfer case. No loaner vehicles offered in some cases during extended repair waits. Dealers downplay issue despite acknowledgment in TSB.
Transmission starting in incorrect gear
Transmission starts in 4th gear instead of 1st gear from dead stop, causing jerky acceleration and power delivery issues. Multiple owners report this as baseline behavior causing safety concerns during merge and intersection maneuvers.
When: Issue present from early ownership; one case from 61 miles; recurring at 5,600 and 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission starts in 4th gear from dead stop instead of 1st gear; Jerky acceleration when starting from stop; Lurching or stalling-like sensation; Delayed response before power delivery
Repairs/costs cited: No repair action noted; owners consider this a design flaw rather than repairable defect. Dealerships claim vehicle is 'operating normally.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships indicate this is normal transmission behavior and operation as designed. No TSB or recall addressing this issue.
Parking brake and secondary brake system malfunction warnings
Dashboard warning lights for parking brake malfunction, secondary brake system malfunction, and related brake system issues. In one case, warnings accompanied by multiple other system malfunctions (4WD, lane assist, pre-collision, throttle, transmission). Causes varied; one case involved coolant intrusion in cylinder head after failed water pump.
When: Warning lights illuminated at approximately 87,230 miles; in another case from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake malfunction warning; Secondary brake system malfunction warning; Multiple simultaneous warning lights (4WD, lane assist, pre-collision, electrical system, engine throttle, transmission); Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: P26CA31 (coolant intrusion related)
Repairs/costs cited: In one case, spark plugs and ignition coils replaced, then all spark plugs and ignition coils required replacement per dealer. Root cause identified as coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 due to fractured cylinder head. In another case, vehicle not completely diagnosed at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnostic capacity varied. One vehicle not covered under recall (20V064000) due to VIN not included in recall scope and vehicle out of warranty.
Check engine light and EVAP charcoal canister failures
Check engine light illuminates frequently, disabling AWD system. Owners report multiple charcoal canister (EVAP system) replacements by dealerships without resolving issue. Root cause not identified despite repeated repairs at two different dealerships.
When: Issue ongoing; owner made multiple service visits without resolution
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light frequently illuminates; AWD system disables when check engine light triggered; No specific symptoms described beyond warning light and AWD disable
Repairs/costs cited: Charcoal canister (EVAP system) replaced three times at first dealership and same diagnosis repeated at second dealership without resolution. Root cause not identified. Owner concerned about repeated failures and safety implications.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Both dealerships provided same diagnosis and solution without investigating root cause.
Pre-collision system malfunction and spontaneous emergency braking
Pre-collision system (radar cruise control) malfunctions, causing sudden braking at highway speeds or failure to brake. Vehicle spontaneously enters mud/sand mode multiple times weekly, turning off ABS, traction control, and forward collision warning. Vehicle cannot be manually placed in mud/sand mode; requires manual reset to Normal or Eco mode.
When: Occurring multiple times per week; ongoing condition
Symptoms owners cite: Pre-collision system malfunction with any visibility reduction; Sudden braking at highway speeds; Failure to brake with radar cruise active; Spontaneous mud/sand mode activation (12+ times in one week); ABS, traction control, and forward collision warning disabled during mud/sand mode; Manual mud/sand mode button does not activate feature; Requires manual intervention to exit mud/sand mode
Repairs/costs cited: No repair action noted in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Transmission failure and stalling
Complete transmission failure at mileage where replacement is required. Vehicle stalls or loses ability to move forward or backward. Occurs without prior warning lights in some cases.
When: One case at 116,248 miles; another case at unspecified higher mileage with jerky shift complaints over years
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; Loss of forward or reverse movement capability; Multiple warning lights illuminated; No warning lights prior to failure (in some cases); Years of jerky shift motion before complete failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required at both documented cases. Dealership covered repair in one case; transmission failure at 116,248 miles exceeded warranty coverage in another case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance noted for out-of-warranty failures.
Gear shifter detachment from transmission
Gear shifter comes loose from transmission during shifting operation, creating inability to control gear selection.
When: Reported at 5,218 miles on rental vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter comes out of transmission box when attempting to shift into reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Driver was able to manually reseat shifter back into transmission box and drive vehicle home. No formal repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown whether rental company notified dealership or manufacturer.
Vehicle door locks malfunction
Vehicle doors lock randomly, trapping occupants inside.
When: Occurring concurrently with sudden unintended acceleration at approximately 10,349 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks engage randomly; Occupants locked inside vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple electrical system components required replacement: engine, driver's seat, transmission, TCM, transfer clutch, and brakes. After repairs, issue recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not informed of failure.
Electrical system malfunctions and dashboard warning lights
Multiple electrical system issues including random power loss, cruise control and safety systems going offline, random automatic headlight operation, and miscellaneous warning light illuminations.
When: Reported by owners across mileage ranges; ongoing issues in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Dash lights flicking on and off; Power steering malfunction warning light; Steering power low warning; ABS warning light; Cruise control turns off unexpectedly; Electronics randomly go offline; Automatic bright lights malfunction and are random; Hybrid harness wires rusted causing malfunction warning
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as rusted hybrid harness wires; no repair details provided in other cases. Videos captured but format could not be changed for submission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership instructed owner not to drive vehicle until serviced when hybrid system malfunction detected. No proactive manufacturer notification of wiring issues.
Battery discharge and emergency brake malfunction
Battery goes dead frequently requiring jump starts multiple times per week. Emergency parking brake fails to release on first attempt.
When: Occurring in vehicle with 2,901 miles on odometer (purchased new in 2019)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead and requires jump start at least twice weekly; Emergency brake does not release on first attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has taken vehicle to two different Toyota dealerships; both claim everything is fine and suggest owner does not drive vehicle enough.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships dismiss owner concerns citing insufficient driving frequency despite twice-weekly jump start need.
Unusual transmission noise and shifting characteristics
Abnormal noise from transmission during shifting in lower gears at slow speeds and during acceleration/braking. Noise is uncharacteristic and can be felt in driver's feet. Dealership claims this is characteristic of vehicle design, not a defect.
When: Issue present from early ownership (first three months); ongoing across mileage ranges
Symptoms owners cite: Unusual transmission noise during shifting in lower gears at slow speeds; Noise during acceleration and braking at slow speeds; Sound can be felt through driver's seat/feet; Noise uncharacteristic compared to other vehicles owner has driven
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service claims this is characteristic of the engine/transmission design, not a defect. No repair offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims this is normal characteristic of vehicle. Multiple owners report hearing similar complaints from dealership customers.
Poor fuel economy and accelerated tire wear
Vehicle achieves poor fuel economy (as low as 24 mpg for entire tank while driving conservatively) and accelerated tire wear, potentially related to transmission hesitation and jerky shift behavior creating excessive strain on drivetrain.
When: Ongoing issue contributing to increased operating costs
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel economy well below EPA rating; Accelerated tire wear
Repairs/costs cited: Owner attributes to transmission hesitation and jerky behavior but no formal diagnostic performed to confirm root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships dismiss concerns and call transmission behavior 'characteristic' of vehicle.
Boggy acceleration after recall repair
After recall repair was performed, vehicle loses power during acceleration under load or uphill, vehicle bogs down or chokes, losing speed and acceleration capability.
When: Condition appeared post-repair (after 11/22/2021 repair); recurred before second repair attempt scheduled
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates then bogs down or chokes; Loss of speed during acceleration; No acceleration capability while accelerating to freeway speeds; Occurs during uphill acceleration and under load
Repairs/costs cited: First repair attempt made 11/22/2021; second repair attempt scheduled 12/08/2021. No resolution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership aware of issue and scheduling additional repair attempts.
Loss of motive power while driving
Vehicle loses all motive power while driving at highway speed with no warning light illumination. Driver able to coast to shoulder but vehicle required towing. Local dealer contacted but vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
When: Occurred at approximately 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power while driving at 70 mph; No warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; owner managed to coast to shoulder and have vehicle towed to residence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Local dealer contacted but did not diagnose or repair. Manufacturer not made aware of failure.
Synthesized from 77 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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 powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 77 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 3,000 and 15,000 miles, with the median around 7,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,000; a quarter make it past 15,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.