Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 avgEst. Annual Cost
$429
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
10%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
10 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2019 GMC Terrain
Score: 68/100
2019 Subaru Forester
Score: 63/100
2019 Honda CR-V
Score: 69/100
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 65/100
2019 Kia Sportage
Score: 74/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 20.3
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Toyota RAV4 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
224 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE
137 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
120 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (81 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
81 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (73 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
73 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STRUCTURE (51 complaints)
STRUCTURE
51 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STEERING (29 complaints)
STEERING
29 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (29 complaints)
AIR BAGS
29 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (24 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
24 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (15 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2019 Toyota RAV4 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota RAV4 Years
Best Toyota RAV4 Years to Buy
The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (80/100) and 2023 (80/100).
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.
2019(this page)
10 recalls · 864 complaints
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.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 84/100 | Excellent |
Toyota RAV4 Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 Toyota RAV4 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 842 | 7 | 26 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 22 | 3 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 864 | 10 | 29 |
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?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have?
Is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 expensive to maintain?
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Browse More Toyota Models
Browse More 2019 Vehicles
2019 Lexus RX
Score: 82/100
2019 Lexus IS
Score: 79/100
2019 Lexus GX
Score: 78/100
2019 Chevrolet Colorado
Score: 78/100
2019 Mazda 3
Score: 78/100
2019 Hyundai Elantra
Score: 78/100
2019 Lexus UX
Score: 77/100
2019 Lexus NX
Score: 77/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue