2019
New 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Toyota RAV4 Change Vehicle

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The original Toyota RAV4 pioneered the small, car-based SUV segment in the mid-1990s, and it has continued to set a high standard for the class with each subsequent generation—until now. Today, the RAV4 is no longer among the best in class in our road tests. Toyota changed the RAV4's proportions with the redesign, drawing styling cues from its truck-based vehicles to craft a more rugged appearance.
Alerts
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2019
New 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Toyota RAV4

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2019 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electric System
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-car Electronics
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 420,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2019 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Toyota RAV4 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"When you slow down and then step on the gas nothing happens for a second or two. The trans will hunt for a gear to select and then find it and you take off with a jerk when this happens. Also when you step on the gas a little too much it down shifts and the engine makes too much noise. This is a new transmission for the RAV4, it is a 9 speed trans and I think it has some problems that Toyota needs to find a fix for it."

Wayne P., AZ (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"When slowing to approximately 10 mph or less the vehicle is very slow to down shift so the vehicle lurches and hesitates before being able to accelerate. This happens most often on making turns and when driving in heavy traffic."

Anonymous, TX (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"At low speed, almost stopped it has trouble deciding on what gear to go into, 1st or 2nd and clunks into one or the other with a rough shift."

Anonymous, ON (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The 8-speed transmission shifts up very abruptly at lower speeds. and shifts down very abruptly. The jerking of the vehicle due to rough shifting is so bad that driving in traffic causes nausea. It is undrivable, we are returning it to the dealer."

Alex M., FL (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Taking off from a stop the car will shift many times. A lot of noise."

Anonymous, MD (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission computer

"there is a definite hesitation when turning into traffic. iris very problematic."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"There is NO clear, concise explanation of how to pair Bluetooth phone items with this system, or what that pairing will accomplish for the driver. The owner's manual is over 700 pages long and would take years to read and completely understand. I finally figured it out via trial and error."

Virginia R., ID (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"We have to keep entering saved phone numbers"

Anonymous, NJ (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Radio

"Again, there is lack of clear, concise explanations on very simple items such as how to select and save preferred radio stations. Trial and error over a period of 2 months worked much better than trying to read the owner's manual."

Virginia R., ID (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Routine software updates

"Entune Software Update application will not download"

Sheila W., SC (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"License plate from dealer was rattling. Removes and all good now."

Anonymous, MD (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"sounds like the molding, could be something under the car. it shouldn't squeak or rattle, it's a brand new car."

David F., NJ (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Wind noise

"Road noise and engine noise are higher"

Anonymous, MD (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Exhaust leaks

"The engine is too loud. Sounds like an exhaust leak. Dealer says all cars of this type sound like mine does."

Leonard M., IN (2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"It is great when you have a line on the road on each side of the vehicle. But with the center line only it wants to wander right to find the other line, to the point of almost going into the ditch!"

Anonymous, ON (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Mirrors

"Door mirrors rattle: over certain bumps and closing either door"

John M., ON (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Body control module

"Seat settings (per driver 1 & 2) did not work at delivery and instructions are incorrect. Still awaiting a resolution."

Anonymous, PA (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"This plastic trim piece just disappeared one day , not knowing if it was ever on?"

Larry W., AL (2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Transfer case

"There was a grinding noise from the front of the car, seemed to be coming from near the drivers side front wheel. At first, the mechanics at the dealership couldn’t diagnose it. They could hear it but not sure what it was. An engineer was called in and diagnosed the problem as the transfer case. It was replaced at no charge and I was given a free loaner vehicle for 2 days while the repair was made. No problems since."

Mark W., NY (2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"The system is automatic and it works fine for passengers in the front area, but the system will not provide air or heat to the rear area."

Mary J., IN (2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Compare 2019 Models

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Toyota RAV4
This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Jun 24 2020
A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V373000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 46
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
May 20 2020
If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V286000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 9502
Hide Recall Details
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 06 2020
A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V064000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 44191
Hide Recall Details
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Aug 06 2019
If the backup camera system does not activate and the driver does not check his/her surroundings while reversing, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Due to a damaged electrical connector, the back-up camera may not activate when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the back-up camera system and replace the audio display unit, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0N.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V576000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 14215
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Jun 28 2019
An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V503000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1325
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Mar 27 2019
If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V244000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3634
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