YearToAvoid

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.

2019 Toyota RAV4 steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Mar 2019May 2020Mar 2021Apr 2023May 2024Jul 2025Jul 2026
32 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2019 to Aug 2026; peak Oct 2019 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2019 Toyota RAV4

  1. 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.

  1. 20059 (6%)
  2. 2006230 (33%)
  3. 2007271 (27%)
  4. 200873 (13%)
  5. 200926 (8%)
  6. 201018 (5%)
  7. 201115 (5%)
  8. 20129 (3%)
  9. 201311 (4%)
  10. 201421 (11%)
  11. 201546 (15%)
  12. 201610 (4%)
  13. 201712 (4%)
  14. 201811 (3%)
  15. 201932 (4%)
  16. 202027 (4%)
  17. 202121 (5%)
  18. 202220 (14%)
  19. 202326 (17%)
  20. 202427 (16%)
  21. 20255 (6%)

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.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.