Still reliable, but check the fuel tank and coolant valve
The 2019 RAV4 drew about twice the model's average complaints. Most are about a fuel tank that clicks off early and an 'engine maintenance required' warning from a failed coolant valve, which are annoying but not dangerous when fixed. It also has a long recall list, so make sure the work is done.
Updated November 2026 · based on 908 owner complaints and 8 recalls
203 1.8x the RAV4 average
8 free to fix at a dealer
Every RAV4 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2019 RAV4
Top problems and what they cost
Fuel tank will not fill completely
The pump shuts off early, so a 'full' tank holds much less than it should. Hybrids are most affected.
Fix: Toyota service fix or tank replacement, often covered; otherwise $800 to $1,500.
Fuel system
Engine maintenance warning from the coolant bypass valve
An 'engine maintenance required, visit your dealer' message caused by a failing coolant bypass valve.
Fix: Valve replacement $300 to $600.
Engine
Power liftgate and body issues
A smaller number report a liftgate that fails or a cracking roof rack area.
Fix: Liftgate motor $400 to $900.
Body
Recalls
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Show all 8 recalls
If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Confirm every recall shows as repaired at nhtsa.gov/recalls, including the fuel pump (20V682), engine (20V064) and steering (20V373) recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 RAV4 has 8 recalls on record, listed below.
- Ask how many gallons a full tank takes. The gas tank holds about 14.5 gallons.On some models the tank stops filling early or the engine stumbles right after refueling. Filling up on the test drive shows whether this car has the problem.Owners filed 49 complaints about fuel tank will not fill all the way on the 2019 RAV4, one of the worst years for it.
- Check that no 'engine maintenance required' message appears after start.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.104 of the 908 owner complaints about the 2019 RAV4 involve the electrical system (11%).
- Open and close the power liftgate a few times.Doors, liftgates and tailgates use motors, latches and switches that wear. A door that will not latch or shows as open can drain the battery or open while driving.91 of the 908 owner complaints about the 2019 RAV4 involve doors and latches (10%).
Questions
Is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Still reliable, but check the fuel tank and coolant valve. The 2019 RAV4 drew about twice the model's average complaints. Most are about a fuel tank that clicks off early and an 'engine maintenance required' warning from a failed coolant valve, which are annoying but not dangerous when fixed. It also has a long recall list, so make sure the work is done.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have?
8 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Toyota RAV4 problems?
Fuel tank will not fill completely; Engine maintenance warning from the coolant bypass valve; Power liftgate and body issues.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.