2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
89/100
#2 most-complained of 10 RAV4 Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a Complaint Index of 89, the second-worst of 10 model years, with 22 complaints, 3 recalls, and a rank of 2 worst overall. Fuel System issues account for 64% of complaints, giving it an "Avoid" verdict relative to other RAV4 Hybrid years.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 40
- 41 city / 38 hwy
Top 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System14 (64%)
- Brakes4 (18%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Electrical System1 (5%)
- Other1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report the fuel gauge or pump shuts off early during refueling, preventing the tank from filling to its rated capacity.
- Some describe hearing an abnormal noise from the fuel system while topping off the gas tank.
- Owners report the brake pedal failing to respond or requiring excessive force to stop the vehicle, in one case leading to a rear-end collision.
- One owner reported an airbag that failed to deploy during a rear-end collision, resulting in facial injuries.
- An owner found water pooling inside a rear door panel while the vehicle was parked.
- One owner reported a brake fluid leak behind the brake pedal traced to the brake booster pump.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V286000May 20, 2020Suspension, Wheels & Tires9,502 vehicles
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
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.
Risk: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 20V064000Feb 6, 2020Engine44,191 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 19V544000Jul 24, 2019Brakes6,925 vehicles
Service brakes
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 and Lexus owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1L/K0L. Lexus' numbers for this recall are K2F/KLF.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 41 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 40 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other RAV4 Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid reliable?
- Compared to other RAV4 Hybrid model years, the 2019 ranks poorly, with a Complaint Index of 89, the second-highest of 10 years tracked, and an "Avoid" verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid?
- The Fuel System is the top problem area, accounting for 64% of complaints (14 of 22), mostly related to the fuel gauge and tank filling early, with a median mileage at failure of 400.
- Does the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid, covering front suspension arm cracks, engine block replacement, and a brake booster pump issue, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid compare to the 2020 model?
- The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid has a much lower Complaint Index of 22 and a "Best" verdict, versus 89 for the 2019 model, despite the 2020 having more recalls at 5.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid?
- The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid is EPA-rated at 40 mpg combined (41 city / 38 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,600.