2019 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 32 steering complaints for the 2019 Toyota RAV4, 4% of its 878 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 5,950 miles. A related recall (20V373000) covers water intrusion into the electric power steering gear box.
- Steering complaints
- 32
- 4% of 878
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 5,950 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden steering lockup or seizure while driving, in one case at 40 MPH with a 'Power Steering Malfunction' message and a crash.
- Some drivers describe total loss of steering power on the highway accompanied by a 'Steering Power Loss' warning and the vehicle stalling before restarting.
- A clicking or buzzing noise from the steering wheel during low-speed turns or braking is a recurring complaint, described as something touching inside the steering column.
- Several owners say the Lane Trace Assist (LTA) system fails to keep the car centered, pulling the vehicle left or right even when shown as active.
- Owners also report the steering wheel surface blistering or peeling in areas that heat up.
- One owner linked a 'Check Fuel Cap' message and engine shutdown to a 'Power steering low' warning after refueling.
When 2019 Toyota RAV4 steering complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 15, 2019, latest Aug 22, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2019 Toyota RAV4
- NHTSA 20V373000Jun 24, 2020Steering46 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.
Steering complaints by RAV4 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have?
- NHTSA lists 32 steering complaints for the 2019 RAV4, which is 4% of the 878 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
- Yes. Recall 20V373000, reported June 24, 2020, covers 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles with electric power steering where water can enter the steering gear box cover. Toyota replaces the power steering gear box free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2019 RAV4 steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on the 2019 RAV4 is 5,950 miles.
- Have steering problems caused crashes or injuries on the 2019 RAV4?
- NHTSA data tied to this steering complaint set shows 2 crashes and 4 injuries, with no fires reported.
- Is steering a bigger issue on the 2019 RAV4 than other RAV4 years?
- Steering complaints made up 4% of total complaints for the 2019 RAV4, similar to 2018 and 2020, but lower than the 15-17% share seen in 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024.