general problems of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 - part 1

After driving for 5-10 minutes, the center console screen stated: “a malfunction in the srs airbag system has been detected. Contact your dealer in order to have your vehicle inspected immediately” this continues to happen on subsequent trips. It only happens when somebody is actually sitting in the front passenger seat. There were no warning signs or symptoms prior to this message appearing. It makes me very concerned about passenger and driver safety and that the airbags may not deploy when needed.

I have been experiencing water intrusion with my vehicle, I first noticed it by a mildew smell. Acknowledged under Toyota’s customer support program 22te05. This water leak has led to multiple secondary issues, including: interior water damage clogged a/c drainage system sunroof drainage issues I reported this issue to a Toyota, but they denied repairs under 22te05, claiming the issue was only due to a sunroof leak and clogged drains. [2/14] – took my car to autonation Toyota due to a persistent water leak. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a clogged sunroof leak and clogged drains but did not provide clear documentation that they properly inspected the roof rail gasket. [2/18] – dealership denied repair under 22te05 but then stated they could replace the roof rail gaskets if my insurance paid for it—which contradicts their claim. [2/18] – I escalated my case to Toyota corporate for review, but I am still waiting for a response. My car was left outside in the rain, potentially worsening the water damage. The dealership never provided me with a written repair estimate. Safety concerns & impact on vehicle use: I am worried about driving my car due to potential electrical system failure and airbag malfunctions caused by water damage. According to industry knowledge and Toyota customer experiences, a roof rail leak can directly contribute to all of the issues the dealership claims my car has: clogged a/c drainage system – water leaking from the roof rails can enter the a/c system, causing drainage backup, mold, and excessive moisture buildup. Sunroof leaks & drainage problems – if excess water enters through roof rail failure, it can overwhelm the sunroof drainage system, making it appear clogged when the root cause is actually the failing roof seal. Interior water damage – if the roof rail clips fail, water leaks into the headliner, side pillars, dashboard, and footwells, leading to electrical issues, carpet damage, and excessive moisture inside.

First the problem was the seat belt malfunction and I check it everything was ok do accident or damage and two week later passager side air bag malfunction I took it to Toyota the see the problem they said there are no recall and I have pay out of my pocket to fix manufacture malfunction problem. . After there months later my SUV would not drive faster is move very slow and now it not even 5 years now and my transmission went out I have replace it.

The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 15 mph and making a left turn at night, the contact did not watch the opposite direction and another driver that was driving 40-50 mph crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, between the rear passenger's side door and the rear passenger's side wheel. The vehicle was propelled 2-3 feet in the air and landed 10 feet away from the collision location. The contact stated that the other vehicle was propelled more than 100 feet away. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's wife was occupying the front passenger's side seat while the contact's daughter was in the booster seat in the rear passenger's side seat. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact did not sustain any injury. The contact's wife sustained soreness in the right leg. The contact stated that he was able to take his daughter out of the vehicle; however, the rear passenger's side door was significantly difficult to open. The contact stated that his daughter had hit her forehead against the rear passenger's side window during the incident and was crying significantly. The contact's friend transported the daughter to the hospital, where several tests were performed. The contact was informed that no internal injuries were found and that the pain would subside. The contact stated that his daughter sustained emotional trauma after the incident. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,111.

Water leaking under passenger side visor and near passenger side window near the passenger side airbags.

The vehicle was totaled due to a front end collision. The air bags did not deploy, the seat belt did not lock and the emergency alert when in an accident did not work. The driver was trapped in vehicle and unable to get door open, the vehicle was going about 40-45 mph at the time of the collision and the driver was flung forward causing whiplash and a concussion.

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a manufacturing defect in my vehicle and the refusal by Toyota to honor its responsibilities for repair despite clear acknowledgment of the issue. In October 2024, I discovered a small water leak from the roof of my vehicle. I attempted to schedule an appointment with the nearest Toyota dealer, but the timing of their available appointments conflicted with my work schedule, and it was not possible for me to get a timely appointment. In an effort to mitigate the leak, I tried to fix it myself until I could get the vehicle to the dealership. Upon visiting the dealership, I was informed that the issue was a manufacturing defect, but they refused to repair my vehicle because I had attempted to fix the issue myself. This worsened the leak, as they did not return my vehicle to its original condition. I was then informed that I would have to bear the full cost of repairs. I had no prior knowledge of any recall associated with my vehicle. After conducting my own research, I discovered that Toyota had acknowledged the manufacturing defect affecting my vehicle model but had not notified me or issued a recall. I reached out to Toyota’s customer service, and they assured me that they would approve the repair through the dealership. However, after approximately a month of waiting, Toyota informed me that they would not cover the costs of the repair, and they declined to take any further responsibility.

Vehicle take to dealer to diagnose seatbelt warning buzzer and srs inoperative light illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a defective coolant bypass valve. This seems to be a rather common diagnosis. With the air bag system inoperative, I feel insecure driving the car without this important safety system.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that while the vehicle was idling, he heard a beeping sound coming from the front driver’s seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

Roof rack design and grommet failure allows for water to flow into cabin headliner and down a-pillars and other areas where curtain airbag and other electrical components are housed. This can cause malfunction and/or failure of the vehicles crucial functions at any given moment. A class action lawsuit is filed on this. You need to step in and make it a recall and hold Toyota responsible.

Outside water (rain, carwash, etc) is leaking through the roof into the a-pillar and c-pillar areas and into the interior. Water is likely entering the air bag components in the front a-pillars on both sides, potentially causing a safety issue. Also concerned that water could be entering the electrical components in the dashboard. When researching the issue, found multiple complaints of this issue and also at least one class action lawsuit. Dealer is pushing back on covering this under the "certified pre-owned comprehensive warranty". . Read more...

The roof rack appears to be leaking and water is coming into the car. The glove box was saturated with water and there was a puddle on the floor. There is water in the headliner. We're concerned about the side impact airbags no longer working and the wiring harness. I'm not sure how long it has been leaking but it was only just discovered yesterday.

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.

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.

I own a 2019 Toyota Rav4 and have experienced water leaking into the interior of the vehicle after rain and/or when taking the car through a car wash. I believe the water leakage is coming in via the small holes in the roof directly above the front driver seat and front passenger seats. The holes are used to align the plastic clips that help hold the roof rails onto the rood. They are leaking and allowing water to drain down into the interior of the car. This then allows the water to come into contact with the electrical wiring that runs along the top of the roof and down the front window pillars and possible the airbag system. Although I have not experienced a true accident or had a side airbag deploy for no reason, I am extremely nervous about driving a car that could potentially detonate at any time potentially causing me to wreck! I am also extremely nervous about what affect water coming into contact with electric wiring and components might have on the proper functioning of the airbag system in the car. Although not purely safety related, I also wonder if the constant moisture penetrating the interior confines of the car could potentially expose me to black mold and its long term dire health affects.

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.

The 2019 Toyota Rav4 has a problem with water leakage. Check the internet for very specific details. Water is leaking from the roof mounted roof rails. This leak is causing water to enter the car and drip significant amounts of water down both a-pillars. The a-pillars support & hold airbags. The concern is that the water intrusion can cause damage to the airbags and/or the wiring to the airbags. This water damage could either prevent the airbags from deploying or cause the airbags to prematurely deploy. Toyota has yet to acknowledge the issue. They claim the water is coming from clogged sunroof drains. While this can be a cause it is not the sole cause. I had my vehicle into the dealer on 6/22/22 and they claimed the problem was the clogged sunroof drains. Last night was the 1st significant rain in the area since the visit. This morning both a-pillars had significant water damage. So this means 1 of 2 things. If the leak is from the sunroof drains, they have a design issue as these were just cleared by totyota. Or, as many other owners of 2019 Rav4's have discovered there is a flaw in the roof rail design. Both issues need to be resolved ASAP, before there is a failure in the airbag system. Additionally, this water leak is causing a potential buildup of toxic mold.

Myself and others, in online forums, have experienced roof water leaks. This has been traced by some to faulty roof rail seals. The safety concern here is that when it rains or I wash my vehicle I get rain soaking into my a pillars near the airbags. I've attached a photo showing rain water dripping out of one of my a pillars near the airbag as described.

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.

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.

Water is entering vehicle from roof rack over the driver side a-pillar. The headliner is getting wet, and the side curtain airbags are located in this area. The concern is that the water will affect airbags, along with issues with mold and rust.

My wife was traveling 45 miles per hour and hit a deer and the airbag did not deploy. After review, the air bag is supposed to deploy at 20 miles per hour. I am especially worried because Toyota has issued technical service bulletin, noting that the rail line leaks and can cause air bag failure. I have brought this to Toyota corporate and legal's attention and they have completely denied responsibility and implied that this isn't a serious issue. I asked to have the airbag inspected and they refused, saying we could only do that before repairs had been completed. However, the airbag did not have any work done on it and should be in the same condition as it was during the accident.

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.

Lots of people including me are having issues with 2019 or newer Toyota Rav4 the roof guard rails seals start letting water in on both the driver side and passenger side near the airbag. This a youtube link that explained it well. Https://youtu. Be/dbkhflti2sc . I am worried my air bags will not function since they might be getting wet.

The factory installed bike rack is not sealed properly and leaking water when rains,etc… into the srs airbag on passenger and driver side.

The issue is the stock roof rack that comes with the vehicles. The clips that clip on to the body of the car have gaskets that deteriorate. Water leaks in through those holes and into the headliner of the car. The front srs airbags are compromised and potentially rendered useless. The wiring that attaches to the airbags is also compromised because the water will eventually corrode it.

The roof rack rails have begun leaking due to failed weather sealants around them. Water is seeping through when it rains, getting water on the airbags, headliner, and moves along the top frame. I’m scared the electrical components will become damaged. Issue began happening right around 45,000 miles when I noticed. I have only owned vehicle for 2. 5 years.

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.

Roof headliner leak due to poor design and/or water proofing materials on the clips of the roof top bar. This causes concerns about potential damage to the side air bags and electricals.

My Rav4 has factory roof rails and the seals on the rails for drivers and passengers sides have begun leaking which caused water to get inside the liner of the roof and travel down the a pillars to the side curtain airbags. I had the vehicle inspected at Toyota of terre haute indiana. And they confirmed where the leak was at and stated that they have no reports of this issue happening. However there are a lot of people reporting the same issues online.

Roof rails water sealing failure - causing water to enter the vehicle on each side of the front a pillars of the vehicle and is reaching the airbag electrical connections which can lead to airbag failure during an accident due to corroded electrical connections. Vehicle taken to Toyota of north charlotte to show dealership the damage to the headliner and request a resolution be completed. Dealership inspected vehicle - stated they believed it to be clogged sunroof drain lines and stated if it continues to notify them. Have reached back out to them as rain storm same night as service 8/15/2021 revealed that leak continues. No warning lights have appeared but symptoms are shown by the amount of water dripping into the cabin from these defective roof rails and running down the a pillars into the dashboard.

Leak at junction of windshield and a-pillar. Potential damage to a-pillar air bag.

The roof rails allow water to enter the vehicle along the a pillar where the side curtain airbags and connectors reside. Moisture was found inside the connectors, which will lead to corrosion over time and would cause a failure of the airbags to deploy.

My roof rack rail assembly is leaking water down my a and c pillars, and into the inside of my vehicle. When it leaks into my car it also leaks down into my side curtain airbags to the point if I were to get into an accident where the side curtain airbags needed to deploy because of my windshield, they would not which could cause me to lose my life. I have asked my dealership about it and they told me they had numerous roof racks replaced because of the leaking but because my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I have to pay to have the roof racks replaced. I have tried to reseal my roof racks but did not work. The Toyota dealership told me that if resealing didn't work, the only other option was to replace. I cannot drive in the rain, even when it is just sprinkling or wash my car because any sort of water will leak into my vehicle. Toyota will not send a recall out for this issue but is known to be a safety issue with the Toyota dealership and numerous people that own a 2019-2021 Toyota Rav4.

Roof rack seals failed, allowing water in above the a-pillar, which damages the headliner and could damage electrical and side airbags, compromising safety. In talking with other 2019 Rav4 owners, many have experienced the same issue as the sealing mechanism is poorly designed.