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

The engine on my Rav4 suddenly stopped without any notification while I was driving it on the freeway. I could have been severely injured from the risk of being rear ended by vehicles behind me. I have experienced this twice now, and both times, I have been on a busy highway in the middle of rush hour traffic. While driving, the engine would start sputtering and the vehicle will jolt and shake, eventually causing a warning message to appear that says power steering low, engine shutting off, place vehicle in Park. Then, when I turn the engine off, and try to restart it, it would flash a message that read Not ready to drive. After towing the vehicle to a service department, the vehicle would start up like normal, and the techs could not get vehicle to duplicate the issue. No codes would come up when they place it on a scanner, either. I researched the issue online, and it appears I am not the only one who has experienced this issue with the Rav4. Please reference https://www.rav4world.com/threads/engine-stopped-steering-power-low.323916/ This incident happened twice, once on 3/6 and again on 3/8. I thought the issue was fixed after having my vehicle towed on 3/6 to Freeman Toyota Service where they determined the issue was due to a recall on the fuel pump. However, the incident occurred again on 3/8, and I had to have the vehicle towed as the engine shut off while I was driving on the freeway blocking one lane of traffic on the interchange that connects one freeway to another. I was very fearful of other vehicles crashing into me as some of them were squeezing by between my vehicle and the retaining wall to get around me. It took the wrecker over an hour to get to me due to high traffic time. I have uploaded 2 tow bills I had to pay, and the service invoice for the recall work done. My vehicle is currently at another Toyota Service department where they are telling me they are unable to duplicate the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11511078

Car randomly switches into different driving modes, BSM and anti collision goes off while driving. Seat warmers randomly come on high and can’t be turned off. Dealership identified water damage from leaking roof rack resulting in mold and electrical damage. Possible damage to airbags as water leaking into the pillar at front window. Many instances documented online.

NHTSA ODI 11506760

I was recently driving my 2019 RAV4 when it started switching to mud and sand mode and turns of all my safety features. This would occur at random when I was parked and driving. I was able to find several discussion boards about this issue by searching ‘ 2019 rav4 switching to mud and sand mode.” I took it to the dealership and they discovered that there is a leak from the roof racks that is causing water to get in my car and is now impacting the driving ability and safety features on this car. I was able to find many discussion boards and even YouTube videos on how to fix this issue by searching “2019 rav4 roof rack leak.” It was reported in Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and the US. Many reported they had this issue fixed for free under warranty but now warranty has run out on the car and to fix the roof rack costs approximately $5000. Fixing the roof rack does not cover potential water damage that my airbags may have experienced as well and does not ensure there is not permanent water damage to the driving mode buttons

NHTSA ODI 11504332

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with unknown warning lights illuminated and blinking. The contact stated that the steering wheel became very firm. The contact pulled over on the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that water enter the cabin of the vehicle through the roof rails and caused electrical damages to an unknown wiring harness connector. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed; however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 70,811.

NHTSA ODI 11500529

I have had my RAV 4 since it was brand new. Today while i was driving, the mud and sand screen popped up automatic with traction control light, later i was able to turn it to normal then the light would go off for a while and it comes back again. It all happened while i was driving in I 355 going down to Lemont, IL from Palatine IL. I had the same problem but not with the mud and sand but with snow back in 2019 when it was a brand new, took it to a dealership and they said they have never seen like this before and they just reset the computer and it went off. I am pretty sure when I first bought it, even i push each and every button of either snow, sports or mud, the traction light wouldn’t come off. While driving on i 355 today, my car slide for a while which was the most scary part, first I assume it was raining but after when the rain stopped too, it was skidding while applying the brake. I have the regular maintenance, just did the brakes with rotors, changed tires, oil change every 3-4k miles. I tried to talk to Toyota 800 number but wasn’t able to connect with them.

NHTSA ODI 11500042

We have a 2019 RAV4 the mud and sand mode kept randomly turning on in the highway. The car loses traction when it goes into the mode. Toyota claimed they are not responsible. This is a very danger issue.

NHTSA ODI 11499248

This vehicle has continued to have issues. The most recent and dangerous issue is the electrical problems due to water leakage. Water getting into the vehicle's interior can be hazardous with all the solenoids, modules, and wires. The roof rack leaking is a common issue for these vehicles. It does not become an issue until they have been exposed to rainy environments or washed. The water in our vehicle leaked down the driver-side A-pillar, behind the steering wheel, and into the floorboard. This caused a shortage in wiring for the mud/sand terrain modes and the safety systems for the vehicle. This would happen at random times, including down the freeway at 70mph. The adaptive cruise control would shut off and emergency braking would be defective if needed. The water does flow across the airbag in the A-pillar which could cause a more serious issue. Now, there is a possibility of the airbag not deploying in the case of a collision. The racks leaking is something Toyota should be recalling or publishing a TSB.

NHTSA ODI 11498501

The vehicle enters mud/sand mode spontaneously, causing the ABS, traction control, and forward collision warning to turn off. I cannot enter mud/sand mode myself when pressing the button. Must turn on normal or eco mode to get out of mud/sand mode once it activates. It has happened over a dozen times in a week.

NHTSA ODI 11497817

Brake System A malfunction in the Brake System has been detected. Continuing to drive may be dangerous. Stop in a safe location and contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Pre-Collision System A malfunction in the Pre-Collision System has been detected. Do not rely on this system. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Electronically Controlled Brake System A malfunction in the Electric Control Braking System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Anti-Lock Brake System A malfunction in the Anti-Lock Brake System or brake assist system has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Drive-Start Control System A malfunction in the Drive Start Control System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Blind Spot Monitor A malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor System has been detected. Do not rely on the system for lane changing. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Vehicle Stability Control System A malfunction in the VSC, TRAC, or hill-start assist control system has been detected. Do not rely on these systems. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022 Secondary Collision Brake System A malfunction in the Secondary Crash Mitigation Support Brake System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected. 10/20/2022

NHTSA ODI 11490323

This as well as many many other 2019, 2020, & 2021 Rav4s develop water leaks in the roof (due to inadequate gaskets in the rood rails) which result in water entering in vehicle very close to the side curtain airbags. Toyota updated the parts on the current model year but refuses to issue a recall. This is dangerous due to the strong possibility of water contacting the airbags and or the electrical connections.

NHTSA ODI 11488744

Hybrid system malfunction. Repairs include replacement of motor cable #2 and frame wire. Advanced Corrosion was the explanation. Not covered under warranty (either 3yr/36K or platinum addt’l plan). Problem occurred at 36,366 miles (300+ miles just over standard warranty?) In the midst of delayed communicating with Toyota with no response after 3 days. Was told to reference TSB T-TT-0630-20. After researching, this problem is frequently referenced as being an issue. Should just be a recall at this point.

NHTSA ODI 11487121

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and making abnormal sounds. Additionally, the vehicle was intermittently unable to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the roof rack sustained water damage, causing an electrical system failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11486659

Engine maintenance light came on after a routine oil change. I took it to a toyota dealer, they said that it has something to do with the coolant system. The problem is ongoing with several toyota models, including rav4, Tacoma, Tundra, Camry, Sienna models 2018-2022. The problem is that the car can suddenly overheat and shut down on a busy highway, which is very Dangerous. Someone, can get killed, if this is not addressed. I don't know why there is not a recall already. The government should definitely get involved.

NHTSA ODI 11482759

I have a 2019 all-wheel-drive limited and for the last two months it has been slipping into mud and sand mode. It happens when I shift from driving to park or drive to park, and if I’m standing idle it will slip into mud and sand mode and switch off a few minutes later. Dealership says it’s the sensors but I had my sensors checked and there is no issue there.

NHTSA ODI 11480975

There is a known issue with 2019+ Toyoya RAV4 where the Roof Rack Rails seaks leak water into the Driver and Passenger SRS A Pillar, i don't understand why there isn't a TSB for this, im concerned that the water intrusion will damage the Airbags or Electrical components and cause the airbag to deploy or cause improper SRS A pillar airbag operation. I'm also concerned about rust, A Quick google search and youtube will show the issue occuring but toyota is only fixing it under warranty, i don't think this should happen on a car under 3 years old with less than 50,000 miles. I do notice a foul odor in the car which led me to find this related TSB T-SB-0094-21 for a similar issue but none for Roof Rack Seals. Toyota has updated the Seals to thicker ones from the flimsy paper gasket to thicker plastic since 2019 so they know about the issue and have corrected it but only under warranty. i did see complaints on carcomplaints.com also but i'm out of factory warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11480241

I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF A MALFUNCTION IN THE INTELLIGENT CLEARANCE SONAR SYSTEM AND A MALFUNCTION IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER BUT ON THE MORNING OF THE APPOINTMENT THE CAR WAS NON-OPERATIONAL IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CORROSION OF THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ON RAV4 HYBRID FORUMS AND APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE IN REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY WITH SNOW/SALT ROAD TREATMENTS. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION.

NHTSA ODI 11474983

Roof rail leak known to Toyota leading to potential compromise of SRS airbags and any other electrical wiring within anterior pillars. Long term water damage can lead to corrosion of components within that area. Toyota assessed and confirmed water intrusion due to roof rail leak. Leak became visible to owner due to water marks on headliner. Of note, Toyota refuses to accept blame for water intrusion and provide remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11470402

There is a leak coming from the top rails on the 2019 Toyota Rav4. Any time it rains the water runs down the side arm/airbag area which has gone into the electrical system and corroded the wires. In addition the corrosion, the water has caused organic growth to occur underneath the carpets. When it rains, the vehicle will not open without the physical key. Upon opening the door, the radio and all service lights are on. The speedometer goes awry, saying I'm at 9mph while I'm stopped at a red light. The acceleration of the vehicle tugs and takes awhile to get up to speed, which is dangerous. When I get out of the car, the car will not lock. It beeps as if I have left my key in the car. This is also dangerous at night time or in other areas that my car can easily be broken into. This issue occurs when it rains. I have taken it to a local toyota dealership and after numerous tests, figured out the problem is with the guide rails/racks on the tops of the car. They did this by running the car through the car wash. The estimated damage for a manufacturer defect is over 7K. The carpets need replaced due to organic growth and still water. The entire electrical system and board needs replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11468674

The terrain selection feature automatically engages "mud & sand" mode while driving. This feature turns off many safety features including, but not limited to traction control and parking collision system. It is very intermittent, and the Toyota dealership was unable to find the problem. The terrain selection features stops working after being turned on to normal again, until the vehicle is turned off for quite some time.

NHTSA ODI 11465463

As noted by many other 2019 thru 2021 Toyota Rav4 owners, there is significant water leakage intruding into the vehicle passenger compartment. I can confirm that the water intrusion that my vehicle has sustained is leaking through inadequately sealed holes for clips that are part of the Roof-rack side rails. And that this severe water intrusion is likely damaging the electrical system connectors associated with the vehicles Side Impact Air Bags and possibly the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) connectors in the side body pillar areas. Our local Toyota Dealership Service Center is aware of this problem. They tell me that our standard and extended warranty will not cover the repairs, and that we should contact our auto insurance provider. I feel that should not be the case, and that this leak issue is going to cause severe injury or death due to the water leaks incapacitating the Side Impact Air Bag System and possibly other safety systems with electrical connection affected by the water intrusion.

NHTSA ODI 11461647

On 12-April, I filed Report #11460592 regarding stuttering and uncontrollable acceleration of Toyota RAV4, 2019 model year, <22000 miles, incident occurred 11-April. Vehicle was taken to Toyota dealership service department on 12-April, returned that day as described in previous report. On 13-April, one day after repair, exact same issue occurred. Family (with 2 children) driving on road, 45MPH speed limit. Hybrid system malfunction alert occurred again. Speed limited drastically to approximately 15mph, with occasional reaccelerating uncontrollably. Vehicle exited as safely as possible and returned home. Vehicle then taken back to dealership for service. Full text of Report #114605 (11-April incident): Driving on 35MPH limit road. Vehicle began to stutter. Vehicle began to communicate warning lights - "PKSB Malfunction" and "Hybrid System Malfunction" and "Check Engine" and alerted to visit dealer. After stopping at red-light, received warning to pull over and stop driving. Vehicle could not exceed ~10mph no matter how much accelerator was depressed and received warning that vehicle had ~2.5 miles until it would cease being able to be driven. For rest of trip to home (approximately 2 miles), vehicle would alternate between 10mph limited state and returning to full acceleration which led to very unsafe driving conditions and abrupt changes in speed. Reached home and parked in drive way. After a few hours, returned to vehicle to take to dealer for service. All 3 error messages remained but no further limitation to 10mph or abrupt speed changes. Dropped off for service at dealership. Dealer notes: "Hybrid system malfunction, check engine light - SCAN FOR CODES, FOUND U010087 LOSS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PCW AND ECM / CLEAR CODES, UPDATE SYSTEM, OPERATING AS DESIGNED." Upon receipt from dealer, no further issues and drove home safely. Vehicle is a 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, bought new in Jan. 2020. Approximately 23000 miles, no previous issues.

NHTSA ODI 11460696

Driving on 35MPH limit road. Vehicle began to stutter. Vehicle began to communicate warning lights - "PKSB Malfunction" and "Hybrid System Malfunction" and "Check Engine" and alerted to visit dealer. After stopping at red-light, received warning to pull over and stop driving. Vehicle could not exceed ~10mph no matter how much accelerator was depressed and received warning that vehicle had ~2.5 miles until it would cease being able to be driven. For rest of trip to home (approximately 2 miles), vehicle would alternate between 10mph limited state and returning to full acceleration which led to very unsafe driving conditions and abrupt changes in speed. Reached home and parked in drive way. After a few hours, returned to vehicle to take to dealer for service. All 3 error messages remained but no further limitation to 10mph or abrupt speed changes. Dropped off for service at dealership. Dealer notes: "Hybrid system malfunction, check engine light - SCAN FOR CODES, FOUND U010087 LOSS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PCW AND ECM / CLEAR CODES, UPDATE SYSTEM, OPERATING AS DESIGNED." Upon receipt from dealer, no further issues and drove home safely. Vehicle is a 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, bought new in Jan. 2020. Approximately 23000 miles, no previous issues. Has been maintained regularly (oil changes, etc. via Toyota Care).

NHTSA ODI 11460592

I bought my vehicle new in August 2019, it currently has approximately 30,500 miles. A few months ago I noticed a water stain by the roof, right on the A pillar on the passenger side. I took it to Toyota and they determined it was from the sunroof, according to them one of the drains was clogged with leaves and dirt (prior to this I had NEVER opened/used the sunroof, not sure if leaves are able to get in there without ever opening the roof). They cleaned the water stain and sent me on my way, without checking for water damage. After doing some research online found out this was happening to quite a few frustrated people and seemed to happen in the 2019-2021 RAV4 vehicles, most people were told it was the sunroof but further research revealed the possibility that it was the roof rail that contained bad seals. The water is now pooling on both A pillars right where the airbags are housed. I feel there is a good possibility those airbags will not deploy properly in case of an accident. In addition, multiple customers have complaint of this issues causing electrical problems as well.

NHTSA ODI 11447931

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that there was an unknown blinking red light on the instrument cluster. 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 the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

NHTSA ODI 11447283

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated that an error electrical system warning message was displayed. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11446955