Last updated: 2026-03-04

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
2019 Toyota RAV4

2019 Toyota RAV4 Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 10 recalls and 864 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2019 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (XA50).

Recalls

10

Complaints

864

Complaint Rate

19.3

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$429

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

10%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
53/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
60/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
76/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (224)ENGINE (137)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (120)

10 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2019 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (XA50).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
  • Refreshed in 2022.
  • 5th generation RAV4 (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2019 pricing and recall counts against 2020+ before deciding.

Fifth generation (XA50)

2019selected
2020
2021
2022refresh
2023
2024
2025

Should You Buy the 2019 Toyota RAV4?

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 scores 66/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

With 864 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to fuel propulsion system (224). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 Toyota RAV4, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2018 Toyota RAV4 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $92 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (10%)

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues reported (224 complaints)
  • ENGINE issues reported (137 complaints)

Compare 2019 Toyota RAV4 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 10 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (224)
  • ENGINE (137)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (120)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (81)
  • POWER TRAIN (73)
  • STRUCTURE (51)
  • STEERING (29)
  • AIR BAGS (29)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (24)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (17)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (15)
  • SUSPENSION (13)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (11)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (8)
  • VISIBILITY (7)
  • SEATS (6)
  • SEAT BELTS (5)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (2)
  • Insert (1)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (1)
  • Carry Handle (1)
  • WHEELS (1)
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

10

recalls on record

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

19.3

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 20.3

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

27

Fires

2

Injuries

21

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Recall Details

10 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Toyota RAV4. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

20V6820002020-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

20V3730002020-06-24

STEERING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

20V2860002020-05-20

SUSPENSION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. The front lower suspension arms may have cracks, which may result in the suspension arm separating from the front wheel assembly.

Consequence

If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

2019 Toyota RAV4 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota RAV4 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$429

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

10%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

RAV4
$429
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Toyota RAV4

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect coolant bypass valve for leaks or failure
  • Check transmission for hesitation or shuddering during acceleration
  • Examine electrical harnesses for signs of corrosion
  • Test rear liftgate for proper electronic operation and alignment
  • Verify fuel gauge accuracy and tank filling capacity
  • Inspect for water leaks near roof rails and doors

Check Any 2019 Toyota RAV4's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 RAV4 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota RAV4 with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Common Problems by Component

864 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

224
137
120
120
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (224)ENGINE (137)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (120)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (81)POWER TRAIN (73)STRUCTURE (51)STEERING (29)AIR BAGS (29)Other (120)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

224 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the fuel system, particularly an inability to fill the fuel tank to its advertised capacity, often only accepting 8 to 10 gallons despite a 14.5-gallon tank. This results in a reduced driving range and inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Some complaints also describe strong gas odors upon starting the engine and stalling issues, which are sometimes attributed to fuel pump malfunctions. These problems are often noted to persist even after recall repairs, and some owners mention safety concerns such as engine stalling at high speeds. The issues appear to affect vehicles regardless of mileage, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase.

224 complaints total

ENGINE

137 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the coolant bypass valve in the 2019 Toyota RAV4, often leading to overheating, stalling, and engine failure. Symptoms typically include the "Engine Maintenance Required" warning, engine stalling, and overheating, particularly when the air conditioning is in use. Complaints frequently mention the issue occurring at various mileages, with some reports as early as 25,000 miles and others well over 100,000 miles. There is one reported crash related to this issue. Used car buyers should be aware of potential repair costs associated with this known problem, as it is not covered by a recall and may require significant out-of-pocket expenses.

137 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

120 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues related to the engine coolant bypass valve, with symptoms including persistent "Engine Maintenance Required" messages and vehicle overheating. These problems often emerge around 37,000 to 53,000 miles, with some owners noting repair costs exceeding $1,000. Another common complaint involves transmission jerking and rough shifting, particularly during acceleration or in stop-and-go traffic. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of a crash involving brake failure, resulting in one injury. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly the potential for costly repairs and safety implications.

120 complaints total4 crashes3 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (81 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

81 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 report frequent issues with the electrical system, particularly involving corrosion on electrical harnesses and components such as the battery cable and ABS sensors. Symptoms commonly described include unexpected stalling, loss of power, and warning lights for various system malfunctions. Several complaints note incidents of fire and smoke, specifically linked to electrical failures, with two resulting in fires. These issues often occur at mileage ranges around 45,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and loss of control due to sudden power loss, making this a critical consideration for potential buyers.

81 complaints total2 crashes2 fires1 injury
POWER TRAIN (73 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

73 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the powertrain, particularly involving transmission failures and coolant system problems. Common symptoms include loss of motive power, transmission slipping or revving, and unexpected acceleration or hesitation when starting from a stop. These issues are often reported at mileages ranging from 56,920 to 130,000 miles. Some complaints highlight safety concerns, such as the potential for stalling or loss of control, with one incident involving a crash. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially in vehicles with higher mileage or those from early production batches.

73 complaints total1 crash
STRUCTURE (51 complaints)

STRUCTURE

51 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the rear liftgate, particularly concerning the hinges and electronic components. Complaints often describe the liftgate failing to open or close properly, becoming misaligned, and the hinges pulling away from the vehicle body, with some reports of the liftgate not securing properly or rattling while driving. These problems typically emerge between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, with some owners noting progressive worsening over time. Safety implications are noted, including the risk of the liftgate detaching or failing unexpectedly, which could potentially lead to injury or accidents. Additionally, several owners mention water accumulation in the doors, causing concerns about potential rust and electrical issues.

51 complaints total1 crash1 injury
STEERING (29 complaints)

STEERING

29 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the steering system, with symptoms including a buzzing noise when turning the wheel, intermittent steering wheel seizure, and power steering warnings. Several complaints describe incidents where the steering wheel becomes unresponsive or locks up, sometimes accompanied by warning lights or messages indicating power steering malfunction. These issues often occur around 40,000 to 70,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes, resulting in four injuries, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these steering-related problems and the possibility of unresolved recalls affecting vehicle safety.

29 complaints total2 crashes4 injuries
AIR BAGS (29 complaints)

AIR BAGS

29 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with six incidents involving crashes and eight injuries noted. Complaints often describe the airbag warning light illuminating, and some mention water leaks from the roof rails potentially affecting the airbag system. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some incidents occurring around 34,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, as multiple crashes report airbags failing to deploy, which could pose a risk for potential buyers concerned about crash safety.

29 complaints total6 crashes8 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (24 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

24 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with the service brakes, including brake booster problems and caliper malfunctions. Complaints commonly mention squealing or chirping noises at low speeds and difficulties with brake pressure, often at mileage under 10,000. Some owners describe brake failures leading to crashes, with one incident resulting in an injury, highlighting potential safety risks. Additionally, issues with the electronic parking brake are noted, with reports of it failing to engage or disengage. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential brake-related concerns, especially in vehicles with lower mileage.

24 complaints total3 crashes1 injury
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (15 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 frequently report issues with unintended acceleration and loss of vehicle control. Common symptoms include sudden acceleration while driving or braking, the vehicle lunging forward from a stop, and the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive. These issues are often reported at various mileage points, with some incidents occurring as early as 4,000 miles and others at higher mileages such as 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as four complaints involve crashes, and two of these incidents resulted in injuries. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they suggest potential safety risks associated with the vehicle's speed control functions.

15 complaints total4 crashes2 injuries

When Do 2019 Toyota RAV4 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

23,000–73,000 milesCoolant bypass valve failure
56,000–105,000 milesTransmission issues
45,000–100,000 milesElectrical system corrosion

Best & Worst Toyota RAV4 Years

Toyota RAV4 Years to Avoid

The worst Toyota RAV4 year is 2019 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to fuel propulsion system (224) issues.

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2019(this page)

10 recalls · 864 complaints

See full Toyota RAV4 years-to-avoid analysis →

Toyota RAV4 Reliability Score Trend

Toyota RAV4 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 81/100 compared to 71/100 for older years.

avg 76
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota RAV4 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201876/100Good
201966/100Good
202070/100Good
202173/100Good
202280/100Excellent
202380/100Excellent
202480/100Excellent
202584/100Excellent

Toyota RAV4 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202584/100+4Excellent549
202480/1000Excellent6150
202380/1000Excellent6147
202280/100+7Excellent6133
202173/100+3Good6450
202070/100+4Good11611
2019(selected)66/100-10Good10864
201876/100Good3330

2019 Toyota RAV4 Reliability by Powertrain

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas8427265 out of 5
HEV22335 out of 5
Total8641029

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 66/100. It is reasonably reliable with 10 recalls and 864 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Toyota RAV4 include: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (224 complaints), ENGINE (137 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (120 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (81 complaints), POWER TRAIN (73 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has 10 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has estimated annual repair costs of $429/year, which is $92 less than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 66/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue