Home · 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hv · Complaints

What 870 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hv

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (870)Crash / fire / injury (30)Fuel system (267)Engine (203)Electrical system (100)Body & structure (89)Transmission & drivetrain (80)Airbags (45)Brakes (35)Steering (31)Speed control (30)Visibility & wipers (21)

Newest first · 870 complaints · page 4 of 35

Jul 30, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the driver’s side rear door. An unknown dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11677218

Jul 28, 2025Engine

2019-2023 model year Toyota RAV4s and Toyota Corollas are equipped with defective coolant bypass valves prone to premature failure which can cause coolant to leak out of a vehicle’s closed-loop coolant system, harming its ability to properly regulate engine temperature. This can cause overheating, stalling, increased emissions, and total engine failure and also allows coolant to leak into and damage surrounding engine components, including a vehicle’s electrical system, the complaint relays. The warning message that common appears for this issue is "Engine maintenance required Visit your dealer "

NHTSA ODI 11676682

Jul 23, 2025Engine

The engine maintenance light came on and I took the car to my independent mechanic. The "soft code" indicates that the coolant system valve/hose (engine coolant bypass valve) is showing in the closed position when it should be open. My mechanic has tried to order a replacement part, but is having trouble finding one. After my personal research, I see that there is a Class Action Lawsuit regarding this part from 2024 indicating that it can cause the car to overheat, stall, and potentially severe engine damage. Toyota has no formal recalls on this, but it has been indicated that some owners have received support from Toyota on models built up to 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11675668

Jul 22, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBody & structure

The roof of my SUV is leaking and it’s leaking into my two airbags. There’s a sunroof and the roof rack

NHTSA ODI 11675381

Jul 21, 2025Insert, Padding

Was putting the cover back on after washing, putting the lower sitting piece on and the foam headrest just came right off

NHTSA ODI 11674925

Jul 18, 2025Engine

7/16/2025 Engine Maintenance Required Visit Dealer" message on a 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE came on and will not go off. Upon further research and inspection coolant bypass valve is faulty.

NHTSA ODI 11674417

Jul 18, 2025Electrical systemEngine

I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring issue in the coolant bypass valve of my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium. Although there was no check engine light, the vehicle displayed a persistent warning: “Engine Maintenance Required – Visit Dealership.” This message repeatedly appears on the instrument cluster and blocks critical driving information, including the speedometer, fuel economy, and other key displays. Even when the driver manually cancels the message, it returns within minutes. This creates a constant distraction and obstructs visibility, which poses a safety risk during driving. I took the vehicle to the dealership, where they diagnosed the issue as an internal short circuit in the coolant bypass valve and retrieved diagnostic trouble code P268115. This code relates to a malfunction in the valve’s electrical control system, which affects the engine’s ability to regulate temperature effectively. Toyota currently offers a Customer Support Program (CSP) for the coolant bypass valve, but only if the valve is leaking coolant. However, my vehicle's failure was due to an electrical defect, and Toyota does not cover this under the same program. This creates an unfair burden on owners and fails to address the full scope of the issue, even though the results—loss of proper cooling function—are the same. Many RAV4 owners have reported similar problems online, but no recall or technical service bulletin has been issued for this kind of failure. I believe this defect raises genuine safety concerns, including: Driver distraction due to persistent warning messages Obstruction of critical dashboard information Potential for engine overheating or reduced performance I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety-related defect and determine whether Toyota should be required to expand support or issue a recall for this component, regardless of whether the failure is due to coolant leakage or internal electrical malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11674519

Jul 18, 2025Engine

The water pump failed at 49000 miles left me with a repair of $1500 at Kendall Toyota dealership

NHTSA ODI 11674646

Jul 17, 2025Steering

My car steering wheel is not responding correctly when I drive". Last week a warning light of faulty steering angle sensor keeps showing on and off. I am afraid that I may crash. I called Toyota to let them know and after verifying my VIN # they want to charge me $185.00 because according to them my car is not on their recall all the information can also be found on the website.

NHTSA ODI 11674321

Jul 16, 2025Engine

Scan Report done ! odometer 25266.Engine coolant bypass valve "A" control circuit failed test. Engine Control Module Code P2681-15. Message: factory service require !

NHTSA ODI 11674099

Jul 15, 2025Electrical systemEngine

The vehicle began displaying intermittent warning messages and slipping into "Mud & Sand" mode without cause. Later, multiple dash lights illuminated, including 4WD malfunction, check engine, and coolant system warnings. The vehicle became undrivable due to overheating. Dealership diagnostics indicated a failure in the coolant bypass valve actuator the electronic water pump was receiving a signal but not responding, resulting in loss of coolant circulation and overheating. There may also be a shorted control panel causing related system failures. This problem has been confirmed by a Toyota dealer, and the vehicle remains at the service center pending resolution. The issue appears related to a known Customer Support Program (CSP 24TE04), which covers the coolant bypass valve actuator. There was no prior accident or abuse of the vehicle, and the vehicle only has 52,000 miles. Safety was compromised due to unexpected power loss and overheating while in motion. The issue has not yet been resolved. The vehicle has also experienced prior water intrusion through the roof rails, which may have contributed to electrical damage.

NHTSA ODI 11673814

Jul 3, 2025SteeringElectrical systemEngine

Started normally, but had a message on the screen saying “Check Fuel Cap.” I needed gas anyways, drove about 3 minutes to the gas station, turned engine off, put gas. Turned engine back on and within 3 seconds it shut off. The screen displayed “engine stopped- Power steering low.” I tried a handful of times to start, it did not. After 20 minutes and some rest, it started. With no more messages. Battery and alternator were tested, both were good.

NHTSA ODI 11670971

Jun 20, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while stopping the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal slushing sound coming from the front passenger's side door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the door seals had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11668150

Jun 16, 2025Fuel system

Sudden, unexpected, surprise Surging Idle upon placing the vehicle in Park after driving a 15 minute distance at a top speed of 35mph. Loud Surge up to 2.5 (x1000RPM) Sounds like the Engine Shifted Idle Drops down and immediately begins Surging up again. Idle is high while driving. Some chugging upon acceleration. Immediately drove to Auto Parts store for Diagnostic Test. Started vehicle and showed Technicians what was happening. Diagnostic Test provided: Code P0171 Stored and Permanent System is Too Lean Bank 1 Code P0505 Stored and Pending Idle Control System P117B Stored Fuel Performance/Direct Injector Most Likely Solution: Replace Fuel Pump Primary DTC: System Too Lean Bank 1 Suggested Part: Fuel Pump Operating The Vehicle Could Result in Sudden Shut Down, causing a Collision. Could also Cause Compromised Gas Mileage and Engine Damage. Check Engine Light is On Additional Message states that All Wheel Drive Mode has been disengaged and 2 Wheel Drive Mode is active. No Warning or Any indication that there was any issues prior to the Sudden Idle Surging upon placing the vehicle in Park. I have searched existing recalls for 2019 Toyota Rav-4 and found a Fuel Pump listed. I checked my license plate and VIN only to see the result that there are Zero Unrepaired recalls for both searches. This vehicle is clearly having an internal battle between air and fuel. I find it concerning that 2019-2020 Toyota Rav-4 vehicles had a Fuel Pump recall and yet my search has Provided these results.

NHTSA ODI 11667285

Jun 9, 2025

You get a message that said engine maintenance required contact the dealer, when you do the scan it's shows that there is a problem with engine coolant bypass valve. After checking online it was multiple people with the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11665946

Jun 5, 2025Body & structure

Back doors are completely water logged (full of water) and won't drain .

NHTSA ODI 11665188

May 28, 2025Body & structure

1st: veh purchased Jan 2023 with new set of tires. Within 11k miles, about 9months: Rear tires unable to be aligned properly due to no camber adjustment. Rear tires have excessive inner rear (belts showing) with 11k miles on tires. Took veh to dealership and was told I just need a set of tires and an alignment. When the tech was questioned if it was an accurate alignment, we were told it would be off a couple degrees because the OE rear control arms did not have any adjustment. This was repaired by an independent shop using aftermarket set of rear control arms, a proper alignment and 2 new rear tires ($1200)--because Toyota dealer would not own any accountability of an error nor do the PROPER requested repair since proper repair did not involve OE Toyota parts. This was repaired, case closed and tires have 20k miles on them with beautiful, even wear. 2nd: Rear door hatch will not close electronically. 2 incidences of bent (left) hinge from forcing the tailgate closed and damaged rear taillamp from mis-alignment. Post hinges replaced: re-sets have been done, disabling door and re-enabling, and disconnected battery. Still will not close electronically. This had been occurring over a year and no one knows the fix. I will not be going back to my local stealership and the next one is 30 miles away.

NHTSA ODI 11663561

May 20, 2025

While driving at interstate speed and cruise control set, the cruise control stopped working and Cruise Control Malfunction errors, as well as Hybrid System Malfunction errors appeared. With other cars driving so closely behind me, the quick deceleration caught me off-guard and could have easily been hit from behind. I took the car to Toyota Dealership and appears there's already a known issue for a corroded traction cable and since not under warranty (due to mileage >120,000 miles) will cost $4668 to fix. Why is this not a recall if the problem is known?

NHTSA ODI 11662098

May 20, 2025Engine

Faulty coolant bypass valve at 115,000 miles. Seems to be a repeat issue for many Toyota owners. Not covered by the powertrain warranty, but a known issue by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11662167

May 19, 2025Electrical systemLane Departure

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started swaying in and out the lane. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact linked the failure to the lane keep assist feature. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and the vehicle violently jerked, forcing the contact to pull over. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was accelerating unintendedly upon releasing the accelerator pedal. The contact immediately pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact turned off the lane assist feature and proceeded to drive the vehicle at a slow speed. The contact stated that while accelerating above 35 MPH, the abnormal jerking returned. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11661798

May 18, 2025Engine

The Engine Maintenance required light comes on when I use the air conditioner. I suspect the coolant bypass hose is not working properly.

NHTSA ODI 11661674

May 16, 2025Body & structure

I bought my Rav4 in 2019 brand new. For years, anytime there is a hard rain, the doors fill up with water. Water does not drain properly. I brought my car into Toyota a couple of years back. They told me that there was no fix and that when that happens, just to lift up the weather stripping on all four doors, to let the water drain. They acted like this is completely normal. Just last week, I brought my car in again to Toyota to see if they had a fix for it. They ended up charging me about $700 to replace all of the weather stripping on the doors. This is very clearly a manufacturing default and the customer should not be charged for what is a common issue with this car! If this is a well known issue at this point, why has this not been recalled? Again, the doors have had issue draining the water properly since day one and the car was brand new! Anytime the doors fill with water, you can literally hear the water splashing around in the doors while driving! I am not a happy customer. Toyota never takes responsibility!

NHTSA ODI 11661564

May 12, 2025Body & structure

There is a water accumulation problem in the doors. This could potentially cause some rot from the inside out causing electrical to fail or metal to rust and cause the affected door(s) to not open correctly. No warning lights came on or anything on the dashboard.

NHTSA ODI 11660359

May 11, 2025Engine

Check engine light came on and code P268115 was shown for coolant bypass valve internal failure. Valve was replaced by dealership and I was told it would not be covered under the Toyota Customer Support Program because that only covers valves that leak externally, not internal failures.

NHTSA ODI 11660223

May 6, 2025Body & structure

Rear passenger door keeps flooding after rain. Bottom door seal needs to be physically lifted to the side for water to drain out of the door.

NHTSA ODI 11659192

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Working with the data? Download all 870 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hv verdict →