2019 Toyota Rav4: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Toyota Rav4? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 855 complaints, with Fuel/Propulsion System as the top reported area.
2019 Toyota Rav4 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2019 Toyota Rav4 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2019 Toyota Rav4 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Toyota Rav4 has 855 owner complaints, 25 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel/Propulsion System. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Rav4
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 855
- Crash-related complaints
- 25
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 34
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Toyota Rav4 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Fuel/Propulsion System, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Toyota Rav4?
The 2019 Toyota Rav4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Toyota Rav4
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the Fuel/Propulsion System for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for Engine and Electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the Fuel/Propulsion System for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for Engine and Electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Toyota Rav4, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 are heavily concentrated in the Fuel/Propulsion System and Engine categories, accounting for a substantial portion of the 855 total reports. The data also shows notable issues with Electrical and Structural components. However, with low confidence, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- The Fuel/Propulsion System received the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Engine Problems are the second most reported issue, with 209 complaints.
- There are 7 recalls associated with this model year, though specific recall details are not provided.
- Fuel/Propulsion System complaints are the most frequent, suggesting potential issues with fuel delivery or propulsion components.
- Engine Problems are a recurring theme, with 209 reports indicating possible performance or reliability concerns.
- Electrical Faults, with 96 complaints, may affect various vehicle systems.
All 2019 Toyota Rav4 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota Rav4. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 254 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 209 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 165 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 96 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 87 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 77 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 44 | 5 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 34 | 5 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 30 | 7 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 16 | 3 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Insert | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Padding | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota Rav4. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Braking while pulling into a parking space. Instead of slowing down the car accelerated and went over the curb. Maintained pressure on the break but it did not slow the car. Instead the car kept accelerating down an embankment, across an empty street and towards a telephone pole.…
Safety Defect: Data Communication Module (DCM) Failure Affecting Hands-Free Microphone and Safety Connect / SOS Emergency System Vehicle: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE The DCM (which controls both the CarPlay/Bluetooth hands-free microphone and the Safety Connect SOS emergency bu…
Tailgate problem since Purchase. Tailgate won't close. Gets stuck open. Dangerous. Known issue. Fixed 3 times at Toyota dealer. Faulty hinge and other real parts problems. Dealer says there is a class action lawsuit about the problem. 1st occurred only during Winters starting 202…
While driving, the moonroof on my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD suddenly exploded with a loud bang and the glass blew outward. There was no impact, debris, or external cause. The sound was similar to a gunshot. The remaining glass appeared to be pushed upward/outward, not inward. This…
At 92,000 miles my transmission went out and Toyota told me I need a brand new one. It goes in for routine services. It’s available for inspection. For the last few years I addressed the issues of jerky shift motion and it was blown off every time. It is only 7 years old. It stal…
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Maintenance Required - Visit the Dealer" was displayed on the screen. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the c…
I have a 2019 Toyota Rav4 and my liftgate hinges are breaking . The welds are breaking and its causing my truck to no close all the way. Also is truck itself had misaligning itself to the driver side and its also breaking my tail light from the truck hitting it. This is a known p…
I have noticed visible rust forming on the roof, specifically the front drivers side adjacent to the inside edge of the roof rail that runs forward to aft on the vehicle. The same stated rust spot is near where the roof meets the windshield. It is available for inspection upon re…
A recall was issued for a roof leak defect that allowed water intrusion into my vehicle. The recall repair was performed at Autonation Toyota of Weston dealership, where the roof was replaced due to water staining. However, water intrusion which led to black mold growth into the …
The rear liftgate began malfunctioning and would intermittently fail to open or close properly. The issue had previously been reported to a Toyota dealership, but the problem could not be reproduced at the time. I noticed recently that the liftgate was not fully closing on the p…
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while seated in the vehicle, while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormally strong plastic burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that a top light was plugged in the trunk, but the light was turned o…
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, indicat…
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 passenge…
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 o…
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 forc…
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 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…
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.
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 decl…
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 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Toyota Rav4.
2019 Toyota Rav4 Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Toyota Rav4. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Toyota Rav4 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Toyota Rav4 reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 855 owner complaints, 25 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Toyota Rav4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Rav4?▾
#1: Fuel/Propulsion System (254 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (209 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (165 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Toyota Rav4?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Toyota Rav4?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Toyota Rav4, NHTSA complaints include 25 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 855 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Toyota Rav4 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Toyota Rav4. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Toyota Rav4?▾
The 2019 Toyota Rav4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Fuel/Propulsion System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Rav4 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Toyota Rav4 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.