Toyota RAV4 Complaints (2019)

906 consumer complaints on file.

#11717558February 12, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
On February 2, 2026, while driving approximately 65 mph on the freeway in Wisconsin, the panoramic sunroof glass on my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium (VIN: [XXX] ) spontaneously exploded. The ambient temperature was approximately 20°F. Crucially, the glass buckled outward, indicating the failure was caused by internal pressure or a structural defect, rather than an external impact (such as a rock). There were no other vehicles immediately ahead of me that could have kicked up debris. Safety Risk: The explosion created a loud, gunshot-like noise that caused severe driver distraction at highway speeds. While no crash occurred and no injuries were sustained this time, the sudden structural failure posed a significant risk of loss of vehicle control. Status: No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle had no prior damage to the roof area. Photos of outward buckling available upon request INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717300February 11, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The hinge has broken from the body, causing the liftgate to fail to close the back trunk area of the vehicle. The defective hinge has caused misalignment of the door and an unsecure compartment which is a violation of NC State Law according to NC GS 20-116. This puts the passenger's and driver of the vehicle and other surrounding vehicles at risk by failing to stay aligned or seal properly. I fear that glass may crack due to the currently misalignment. I have sought out further information from a Vehicle Repair Center, who confirmed there is a current Lawsuit on the Case No.: 5:24-cv-00912ZACH HUGHES, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC., TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION, and TOYOTA MOTOR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715595February 4, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving down a road and my engine just stopped working lights came on saying there were several issues including the engine. I researched online and found there were recalls due to this same problem for the same make, model and year as my Vehicle, but there is no recall on my vehicle. The dealer confirmed the engine was seized up or whatever wording they used. No one has inspected it other than Rodland Toyota. There were no warning lights or messages or symptoms before the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715053February 2, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
The rear trunk door would occasionally fail to open or shut for the last several years. It was inconsistent with this behavior and I was never able to get it to fail when at the dealership servicing department. This weekend when at the store, it failed shutting and I had to force it to shut. While driving home it rattled itself open. I had to pull over to inspect it and could not get it to close. When I looked closer, the hinge of the door had been ripped from the body on the passenger side of the vehicle. I have never been in an accident nor have I ever had any impact on this door.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714421January 30, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Infotainment Center turns on and off, and will not work. Because the screen turns on and off, the camera for back up intermittently works. May 2025 i took it to Karl Malone Toyota in Sandy Utah. They said to buy a 3rd party, after investigation I confirmed that no display has the options to reset maintenance, change clock on the dashboard, and communicate with the car. Yes radio, navigation, carplay, etc work with a 3rd party system, but the functions that talk with the car do not work on any 3rd party system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713988January 28, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the headlights failed to produce adequate lighting at night. While driving at 30 MPH in the dark with the headlights on, making a turn into her subdivision, she crashed into the stop sign, pedestrian crossing sign, and a street sign. There were no reported injuries, fire, or airbag deployment. A police report was filed. The local dealer was contacted, who informed her that the headlights were working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713131January 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My 2019 Toyota RAV4 8 speed transmission has died. There are 105,000 miles on it. I’ve read that my year and model of car have deficient transmissions and multiple class action lawsuits on this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709358January 7, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle consistently accepts only approximately 9–10 gallons of fuel when the fuel gauge indicates empty, resulting in significantly reduced driving range. Issue has been widely reported by other Toyota RAV4 Hybrid owners and appears related to fuel tank design. Manufacturer declined assistance and referred responsibility to selling dealer despite known complaints.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708446January 2, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
I began experiencing intermittent rear liftgate sensor issues on my 2019 Toyota RAV4 in late 2020. The power hatch would stop halfway while opening. On 3/24/2021, while the vehicle was under factory warranty, I brought it to a Toyota dealer for inspection. The dealer stated the issue could not be replicated and advised me to manually push the hatch upward. No repair was made. Over time, the condition worsened. The liftgate began intermittently stopping halfway while closing, using both the key fob and the interior dash button. In 2022, a rattling noise developed in the rear of the vehicle, later determined to be associated with progressive liftgate structural failure. By 2024, the rear liftgate became unsafe and largely inoperable. The hatch shifted significantly to the left, leaving an abnormally large gap at the top and driver’s side. I stopped using the liftgate due to concern it could fail unexpectedly or not close properly. I contacted Toyota Engagement Services multiple times, explaining that this issue is widely reported among 2019 RAV4 owners and presents a safety concern. On 11/18/2025, the vehicle was inspected at Crabtree Toyota. The inspection confirmed rear liftgate hinge failure. The dealer provided video documentation and a written repair estimate. The health inspection also noted a separated and broken passenger-side rear hatch pulse sensor requiring replacement. Toyota closed my case without repairing the defect. Toyota offered a “good faith” credit of approximately 75% of the repair cost that cannot be applied to the liftgate structural or sensor repair and is only usable for unrelated future service. This appears to be a known, progressive defect involving rear liftgate hinges and related sensors on 2019 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. The condition presents a safety risk, as the liftgate may fail to stay open, close unexpectedly, or malfunction electronically. My VIN has been provided. Photos, video, and repair documentation are available upon requ
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708241January 1, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is another complaint with the same issue. Got gas on January 1, 2026, the truck did not how any indication that it was going to have any problems. Engine shut down and wouldn’t turn back on. This has happened twice after getting gas, no dealership knows the problem. This is casing me stress and putting myself and family in danger. Considering it stops out of no where
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707386December 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Toyota RAV4 LE gas pump burst and caught fire leading to total fire damage along with major water damage from the firefighters putting out the fire. The vehicle was idle for hours at the time of explosion of the fuel pump. This was a major safety hazard/risk especially being that myself and two others were minutes away from going out to the vehicle before it all happened as I was getting ready to take a friend home for the night. A claim representative will look into this matter in coming days.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706722December 23, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
my 2019 Toyota 8 speed transmission jerking in stop and go traffic
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706762December 23, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact managed to push the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706878December 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Safety issue: The vehicle experiences intermittent loss of acceleration and transmission “slip/rev” events, especially when cold, from a stop, or at low speed. At times, the vehicle revs as if in neutral, then re-engages. The driver sometimes must press the accelerator fully to gain speed. In one instance, the vehicle was driven slowly for several miles, pulled over, shut off, restarted, and the function temporarily improved. When it started: Symptoms began immediately after a routine service visit at a Toyota dealership ([XXX]). First noted deceleration going uphill with recovery. Next day, multiple warning indicators/messages appeared and vehicle was towed to the same dealership. Dealer response: Dealership advised transmission replacement based on diagnostic codes and quoted approximately $10,000, stating fluid check was not necessary. Second opinion: Independent shop found transmission fluid level extremely low (reported approx. 1/4 full). They refilled fluid; initially vehicle drove normally, but intermittent slipping/revving continued after pickup (worse when cold/low speed). No external leaks observed by second shop at that time. Current status: Vehicle continues to show intermittent loss of acceleration/slipping behavior, creating a safety risk in traffic. No current check engine light, but symptoms persist. Codes/records available: Codes: P07457F, P28167F, P088A7F, P27137F, C137BA2, C1241, C1280, U1117, B2227. Location: New York. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706591December 22, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While traveling back from out of state, the fuel sensor and fuel gauge failed causing me to run out of gas when the fuel gauge stated I had just a tick under a 1/4 tank of gas left and the app read 35 miles left. While driving on freeway at freeway speed, the car sputtered, bogged down and then stalled, placing me in a very dangerous situation broken down on the shoulder of the freeway in the desolate country at night with semi trucks and cars flying by at estimated between 70-80 mph. While stalled and waiting for help, all the lights except the hazard flashers went out. The Sheriff assisted and added 2 gallons of gas that finally got the car restarted and I was able to get to the gas station which was 1 mile ahead of where I had been stranded. I kept filling the gas tank not allowing it to go under 1/2 tank on the fuel gauge the remainder of the trip home. I took the car to Tansky Sawmill Toyota for service, who thought it was a fuel sensor in fuel tank, which had to be dropped, resulting in a tube from the fuel sender being disconnected and not taking fuel from the other side of the tank and corrosion was cleaned out. They had to go through electrical system to check the fuel gauge which had corrosion on the electrical harnesses and sensors not caused by water or rodents - still unknown cause - resulting in $6500.00 to replace both electrical harnesses 82152-0R370 wire FR Door LH and 82141-oRB80 wire Instrument Panel! Known Toyota defect as the 2019 Rav4 Hybrids have already been recalled. Issues of this type with the regular Rav4s are posted all over the online Toyota boards. My platinum extended warranty on my well cared for 2019 RAV4 with 45,131 miles (purchased at 3 year lease end) refused to all of the charges and the dealership did not budge, sticking me with 6 hours of diagnostic fees over what the warranty allowed in the sum of $1014.37. These harnesses need recalled so no one else is stranded in a very dangerous place on the side of the freeway!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706635December 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unsure if the vehicle could be coasted to the side of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,248.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706664December 22, 2025
SEATS
I am reporting a concern regarding the driver’s seat design in my Toyota RAV4. While driving this vehicle, I experience consistent back pain that can begin within approximately 15 minutes of driving and often persists for about two hours after driving has ended. The pain includes sharp discomfort in my mid-to-upper back and occurs despite adjusting the seat position and using aftermarket lumbar and seat supports. I do not experience similar pain when driving other vehicles for comparable durations, including a Toyota Highlander, Toyota Camry, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Rivian truck, or a pickup truck. This strongly suggests the issue is related to the RAV4’s seat ergonomics rather than a preexisting condition. Because of this issue, I have begun avoiding driving my own vehicle when possible. I am submitting this report to document a potential seat design issue that may affect driver comfort and safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706017December 19, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel is making a buzzing noise when you turn the wheel towards the left or right while you’re driving. It will make the noise in park doing the same back and forth. I’m afraid that my power steering will go out while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705876December 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jerks during acceleration. Lurching sensation when acceleration from a stop or after slowing down for a turn. The engine control module (ECM) not communicating effectively with the transmission, leading to searching for gears, rough shifting and low speed hesitation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705340December 16, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong gas smell when the engine is turned on. I started feel this issue about 2 year ago, now the gas smell is more stronger every time engine is turned on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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