What 869 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

Significant roof leak driver side front. Took it to a dealer. Wants customers to pay for Toyota’s design flaw.

NHTSA ODI 11423688

Abnormal bussing noises under the car when driving.

NHTSA ODI 11423113

Seat heater turns on automatically and randomly and gets way too hot. I'm afraid it might burn me. I have an appointment with the Toyota dealership however it's my only mode of transportation and I work 3 hours away from home. This puts me at high risk of getting hurt. None of the lights or any indicators came on. There has been no indication that there might be an issue before today. Today is 6-25-2021.

NHTSA ODI 11422371

Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, while driving on the interstate the vehicle began vibrating heavily. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Upon inspection it was noticed that the inner tread of the left rear tire was damaged, worn away and scalloped or cupped. The tire was replaced with a spare, and vehicle driven to the nearest Toyota dealer for service. The damaged tire is available for inspection. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the servicing dealer informed us that the left rear camber was out of manufacturer specification being -1.8 deg. The minimum allowed is -1.7, and the minimum recommended is -1.3. We were informed that to be safe the vehicle required repairs; however, they were unable. We then took the vehicle to the selling dealer who also found the issue and were unable to repair. Two additional service centers also confirmed the rear camber was out of specifications, and posed a safety risk. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the dealer stated that a manufacturer representative from Toyota inspected the vehicle. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Safety was compromised as the damage to the tire was severe and hidden. This damage could have resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle. The vehicle remains in the unsafe condition. It is also important to note that the tires were being rotated every 5,000 miles by a manufacturer service center as recommended.

NHTSA ODI 11421166

Roof rack seals failed, allowing water in above the A-pillar, which damages the headliner and could damage electrical and side airbags, compromising safety. In talking with other 2019 Rav4 owners, many have experienced the same issue as the sealing mechanism is poorly designed.

NHTSA ODI 11419195

The sunroof exploded outward/upward. I was doing 75-80mph north bound on I-15 in Montana, south of mile marker 250. Suddenly there was a loud BOOM like a an explosion! (I was startled and almost lost control of the car.) When I reached Cascade, the nearest town, I checked and saw that the sunroof was bulged outward, with a large hole. See pictures. Condition: around 12:45pm. Outside - Cloudy, temp around 30 degree Farenheit with a dusting of snow. Inside cabin was set to 70 degrees. I do not know the elevation above sea level. I was not near any area that rocks could fall on the roof. The only other vehicle was about 1/4 to 1/2 mile behind me at the time of the incidence. The autobody shop guy checked for any signs of rocks or bullets or anything that could have caused it and he could not even guess at the cause, especially since the glass was bulging outward.

NHTSA ODI 11418101

The 2019 Rav4 models have an issue with the roof rack rails leaking water into the A pillar as well as the C pillar due to a failure in the materials the manufacturer used. Not only does this cause issues with the headliner of the vehicles but this could also endanger the occupants of the entire vehicle due to the leak affecting the airbags located in the A and C pillars. This leak has a potential to affect electrica as well as the main safety component located in the locations stated above. Not addressing the issue could result in death due to airbag failures and could then lead to class action lawsuits.

NHTSA ODI 11417743

MY VEHICLE IS STALLING WHEN AT LOW SPEED AND SOMETIMES HIGH SPEED. IT FAILS TO ACCELERATE. EVERY TIME I CONTACT MY SERVICE PROVIDER THEY PUSH BACK MY SERVICE ANOTHER MONTH.

NHTSA ODI 11416103

THERE IS A WATER LEAK THAT HAPPENS IN THE A PILLAR OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A FAULTY GASKET ON THE ROOF RACK. WATER CAN LEAK INTO THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WHICH CAN COMPROMISE THE SAFTEY OF THE VEHCILE. NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS ONLINE FROM OTHER OWNERS AS WELL. PLEASE GOOGLE RAV4 2019 ROOF LEAK. I NOTIVED THE LEAK AS I WAS DRIVING WHEN IT WAS RAINING, IT WAS LEAKING ON THE A PILLAR IN BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE.

NHTSA ODI 11414595

ON APRIL 5, 2021 AT 10:40AM ON A HIGHWAY GOING 50 MPH THERE WAS AN EXTREMELY LOUD BANG. LUCKILY WITHOUT CRASHING I PARKED ON THE SIDE AND SAW THAT THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED WITH THE APPEARANCE OF COMING FROM WITHIN. THE SHADE HAD BEEN CLOSED THEREFORE THE GLASS WAS PREVENTED FROM SCATTERING ON ME. I HAD TOYOTA CHULA VISTA, CA CHECK IT OUT AND THEY DECLINED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THE WEEK AFTERWARDS I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER OF TOYOTA IN YUMA, AZ WHERE I PURCHASED THE AUTOMOBILE WHO ALSO DECLINED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY AND RECOMMENDED TO MAKE A CLAIM WITH MY CAR INSURANCE. I HAVE LEARNED THAT IT IS COMMON FOR SUNROOFS TO EXPLODE IN THIS CAR. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN SETTLED. PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANY FUTURE RECALLS. I WILL UPLOAD PHOTOS.

NHTSA ODI 11413306

ACCIDENTALLY TURNED ON LKA. AT FREEWAY SPEEDS UP TO 70MPH STEERING PULLED TO RIGHT. HAD TO KEEP TENSION ON STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP VEHICLE CENTERED IN LANE. THEN STEERING WOULD QUIT PULLING AND VEHICLE WOULD GO TO LEFT. HAD TO KEEP FIGHTING STEERING TO KEEP VEHICLE CENTERED IN LANE. LKA WARNING KEPT BEEPING. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON LINE. LOOKED IN OWNERS MANUAL AND MADE SURE LKA WAS TURNED OFF. THIS WAS A BIG ANNOYANCE FOR ME BUT I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS COULD BE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR SOMEONE ELSE, THOUGH.

NHTSA ODI 11408250

TOYOTA HAS NOT PROVIDED THE PARTS TO REMEDY A KNOWN RECALL. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER20TA02 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V682 THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY LEASED VEHICLE FOR OVER 5 MONTHS AND HAS YET TO PROVIDE A DATE THAT THEY WILL HAVE IT REPAIRED AND DRIVABLE. WHILE THEY HAVE PROVIDED ME A LOANER FROM A SECOND RATE RENTAL COMPANY, I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED THAT I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR I AM REQUIRED TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON. DUE TO MY AGE, THE RENTAL COMPANY CHARGES MORE FOR A COMPARABLE VEHICLE, SO I AM FORCED TO DRIVE A GREATLY INFERIOR CAR TO THAT WHICH I AM PAYING FOR. ADDITIONALLY, AT THE END OF MY LEASE, THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY FEWER MILES THAT MY LEASE AGREEMENT ALLOWS (SINCE IT HAS BEEN PARKED ON THEIR LOT FOR SO LONG, WHICH WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE FOR THEIR RESALE. I HAVE ASKED THEM TO BUY BACK MY VEHICLE, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNWILLING TO WORK WITH ME, AS THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO PER MY CONTRACT. ULTIMATELY, I AM PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT I AM NOT RECEIVING AND AM SPENDING EVEN MORE MONEY DUE TO THE FUEL INEFFICIENCY OF THE LOANER. I FEEL LIKE I PAID FOR A STEAK DINNER AND GOT A MCDONALDS HAPPY MEAL WITHOUT THE TOY. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED WITH AT LEAST HALF OF MY MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR THE AMOUNT OF TIME THEY HAVE THE CAR I AM PAYING FOR SITTING ON THEIR LOT BEING UNUSED. THAT WOULD CURRENTLY BE $687.

NHTSA ODI 11407170

AFTER RECEIVING THE RAV4HYBRID FUEL TANK FIX FROM TOYOTA IN MARCH OF 2021, MY VEHICLE STILL ONLY HAS A FUEL CAPACITY OF 12.5 GALS. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THIS IS BY DESIGN TO ALLOW ROOM FOR SPLASH BACK. 12.5GALS DOES NOT ALLOW FOR THE TOYOTA ADVERTISED RANGE OF 550MILES PER TANK. I AM GETTING ~470MILES PER TANK, 80 MILES SHORT OF THE TOYOTA ADVERTISED. THE FIX FROM TOYOTA TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK AND ASCENDING UNIT HAD NO CHANGE TO MY FUEL GAUGE READING, DISTANCE TO EMPTY OR FUEL FILLING CAPACITY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK IN AGAIN, THE INFORMED ME I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO PUT MORE THEN 12.5 GALS OF FUEL IN MY VEHICLE AND WILL ONLY GET ~470MILES PER TANK; THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE AN ANSWER TO THE CONTRADICTION OF WHAT THEY WERE ADVERTISING THE RANGE OF MY VEHICLE SHOWN AT 550MILES PER THE TOYOTA DOCUMENTATION. PICTURE SHOW IS AFTER FILLING THE TANK. 466 MILES TILL EMPTY AND AVG OF 38.3 MPG. IF I HAD 12.5 GALS AND AVG OF 38.5 THAT WOULD BE 478.75MILE TILL EMPTY. AT 14.5 GALS, THE TOYOTA ADVERTISED AND 38.5 AVG MPG IT WOULD BE 555.35MILES TILL EMPTY. THE ONLY WAY 12.5 GALS GETS TO THE ADVERTISED RANGE OF 550MILE ON ONE TANK IS IF THE VEHICLE EXCEDED THE TOYOTA ADVERTISE MPG OF 41 CITY / 38 HIGHWAY. IT WOULD REQUIRE AND AVERAGE MPG OF 44MPG

NHTSA ODI 11407188

RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF RECALL FROM TOYOTA IN JANUARY OF 2021. NOTICE STATED THAT PART TO REPAIR CONDITION WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN LATE MARCH. LATEST INFORMATION IS THAT PART WILL NOW BE AVAILABLE IN LATE APRIL. DEALERSHIP HAS PROVIDED FREE LOANER VEHICLE, BUT WE WANT OUR RAV4 BACK.

NHTSA ODI 11407003

THIS IS ABOUT OUTDOOR THERMOMETERS ON CARS. IF THEY AREN'T ACCURATE, WHAT GOOD ARE THEY. THEY CAUSE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. HERE'S WHY. ON A COLD DAY WITH PRECIPITATION, IF IT ISN'T ACCURATE PEOPLE COULD GET A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. MINE IN PARTICULAR IS THIS. MINE READS 4 DEGREES TOO WARM. THE PROBLEM. IF IT'S RAINING AND IT READS 34 DEGREES, I'M 2 DEGREES ABOVE FREEZING I THINK, I'M SAFE, NO ICE WHEN IN FACT IT'S 30, 2 DEGREES BELOW FREEZING. DO YOU GET MY POINT. IF A CAR IS WARM, IT'S A WARM DAY, THERE IS AMBIENT HEAT ON THE ROAD. I DON'T EXPECT IT TO READ ACCURATELY. IF IT'S COLD, CLOUDY, RAINING, THERE IS NO AMBIENT HEAT. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THIS AND THEY JUST AREN'T THAT ACCURATE ANYWAY. IF THEY AREN'T ACCURATE, THEY SHOULD NEVER BE ON A CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE. THIS COULD KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE. AUTO MAKERS SHOULD BE HELD TO AN EXACTING STANDARD ON THESE THINGS OR DON'T INSTALL THEM AT ALL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11407095

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11406091

UNABLE TO FILL GAS TANK SO THAT THE GAUGE REFLECTS "FULL". TANK ONLY SHOWS ABOUT 7/8 OF A TANK.

NHTSA ODI 11405905

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA OF RALEIGH (9101 GLENWOOD AVE, RALEIGH, NC 27617, (919) 890-3686) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11405946

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED TOYOTA OF NEW BERN (5010 US-70, NEW BERN, NC 28560, (252)637-7200) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11405950

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GERMAIN TOYOTA OF NAPLES LOCATED AT 13315 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES, FL 34110, (239) 301-3313) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRM PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11406017

AFTER PERIODS OF RAIN, SNOWMELTING ON THE CAR, OR GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH, WATER ENTERS VIA THE ROOF RACK AREA,POTENTIALLY EXPOSING THE AIRBAGS TO WATER. THE WATER CAUSED STAINING ON THE HEADLINER ALL OVER (A. B, C PILLARS). THE CURTAIN AIRBAGS FOR THE FRONT AND BACK SEAT WERE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE AREA SATURATED BY WATER. I TOOKTHE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT, AND THEY REPLACED THE HEADLINER AND ROOF RACK HARDWARE AFTER CONFIRMING THERE WAS A LEAK (3/4/21). AFTER THE REPAIR WAS DONE, A FEW WEEKS PASSED WHERE THERE WAS LITTLE TO NO RAIN TO VERIFY THE LEAKWAS ACTUALLY FIXED. YESTERDAY, (3/26/21) IT RAINED. I WENT TO INSPECT THE HEADLINER, AND THE PASSENGER CURTAIN AIRBAG ON THE A PILLARWAS SURROUNDED BY WETNESS. THIS POSES A RISK TO THE INTEGRITY OF THE AIRBAGS. PLEASE NOTE, NO MODIFICATIONS WERE MADE TO THE CAR- THE ROOF RACKS ARE THE OEM TOYOTA LOW PROFILE (FACTORY INSTALLED). THIS OCCURS (FROM WHAT I CAN TELL) WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY. IN THIS CASE, MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ODI 11405162

UP TO MARCH 17, 2021 WHEN I WOULD DRIVE BY SIGN WITH A POSTED SPEED LIMIT THE CAR WOULD 'READ' THE SIGN AND DISPLAY THE SPEED ON DASH FOR APPROX. 30 SECONDS THEN THE SPEED LIMIT SIGN WOULD DISAPPEAR. ON MARCH 18, 2021 THINGS CHANGED' 'WHEN I GOT ON INTERSTATE -75 AND PASSED THE SIGN WITH THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT 70MPH THE DIGITAL SIGN ON THE DASHBOARD READ 75 MPH. (PHOTO A) 'A SECOND CHANGE WAS THE DISPLAY DID NOT VANISH AFTER 30 SECONDS BUT REMINED DISPLAYED. 'AS I PASSED SEVERAL OTHER 70MPH SIGNS THE DISPLAY IN THE CAR STILL READ 75MPH. I THEN CANCELLED RADAR TRACKING TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY AND IT DID NOT (PHOTO B). 'I THOUGHT MAYBE IF I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE 75MPH WOULD DISAPPEAR; IT DID NOT (PHOTO C) 'FINALLY, WHEN I PASSED A POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 45 MPH THE DASHBOARD SPEED LIMIT UPDATED. (PHOTO D). MY GUESS AS TO WHAT IS GOING ON '. ON THE NIGHT OF MARCH 17, 2021 TOYOTA UPDATED THE SOFTWARE TO ALL CARS, SO THE DASHBOARD SPEED LIMIT SIGN WOULD NOT DISAPPEAR. INADVERTENTLY, TOYOTA SOMEHOW MADE A 2ND UNINTENTIONALLY CHANGE SO THE WHEN THE CAR'S COMPUTER SEES A 70MPH SIGN IT READS IT AS 75MPH.

NHTSA ODI 11404019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11403641

ROOF RAILS LEAKING WATER INTO CAR. HEADLINERS NEAR THE A PILLAR ARE WET AND WATER LEAKING DOWN THE A PILLAR AND ONTO CARPET IN INTERIOR. A PILLAR HAS AIRBAGS THAT MAY NOW BE EXPOSED TO WATER. ANYTIME IT RAINS IN GA WATER GETS IN THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11403561

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED DOWNEAST TOYOTA (652 WILSON ST, BREWER, ME 04412, (866) 620-9023) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11403028