general problems of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 - part 1

The 8-speed automatic on my 2019 Rav4 (2. 5l 4 cyl) has been shifting super rough at lower speeds, to the point to where downshifts can send the revs into redline territory, but the car really doesn't move. No warning lights, passed state inspection, recently serviced. Purchaced this car in janurary with 50k miles on it and noticed it within a few weeks of driving. I am now at 57k and the issue is signifigantly worse than it was before. Will be taking it to Toyota soon. The safety issues arise when I do not know how the car is going to accelerate or respond to throttle input in traffic. I don't trust the car to handle any fast throttle input if I need to move out of the way quickly.

My 2019 Toyota Rav4 adventure suffered a sudden catastrophic transmission failure while driving on the highway on April 28, 2026, resulting in loss of forward gears and a dangerous situation. On April 28, 2026, while traveling in [xxx] , my 2019 Toyota Rav4 adventure (159,173 miles) experienced a sudden transmission failure with no prior warning symptoms. The vehicle began slipping, made a whining noise, would not properly upshift or hold speed (became stuck in 3rd gear), and eventually lost all forward propulsion, creating a safety hazard on the road. I had the vehicle towed to zanesville Toyota in [xxx] . Their diagnosis (copy of repair order attached) revealed severe internal damage including: torque converter clutch actuator stuck off multiple pressure control solenoids stuck transmission slipping and complete loss of all forward gears fluid full but contaminated with metal debris and clutch material whining noise the dealer quoted approximately $15,000 for a full transmission + torque converter replacement and denied goodwill assistance. This appears to be part of a known issue with the 8-speed automatic transmission (ub80) in 2019+ Toyota Rav4 models. I am concerned this is a safety defect that can cause sudden loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. I have attached the zanesville Toyota repair order dated 04/30/2026 documenting the failure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

At 92,000 miles my transmission went out and Toyota told me I need a brand new one. It goes in for routine services. It’s available for inspection. For the last few years I addressed the issues of jerky shift motion and it was blown off every time. It is only 7 years old. It stalled out in a busy intersection and wouldn’t move forward or backwards. There were no warning lamps before it went out.

My 2019 Toyota Rav4 8 speed transmission has died. There are 105,000 miles on it. I’ve read that my year and model of car have deficient transmissions and multiple class action lawsuits on this issue.

Safety issue: the vehicle experiences intermittent loss of acceleration and transmission “slip/rev” events, especially when cold, from a stop, or at low speed. At times, the vehicle revs as if in neutral, then re-engages. The driver sometimes must press the accelerator fully to gain speed. In one instance, the vehicle was driven slowly for several miles, pulled over, shut off, restarted, and the function temporarily improved. When it started: symptoms began immediately after a routine service visit at a Toyota dealership (11/28). First noted deceleration going uphill with recovery. Next day, multiple warning indicators/messages appeared and vehicle was towed to the same dealership. Dealer response: dealership advised transmission replacement based on diagnostic codes and quoted approximately $10,000, stating fluid check was not necessary. Second opinion: independent shop found transmission fluid level extremely low (reported approx. 1/4 full). They refilled fluid; initially vehicle drove normally, but intermittent slipping/revving continued after pickup (worse when cold/low speed). No external leaks observed by second shop at that time. Current status: vehicle continues to show intermittent loss of acceleration/slipping behavior, creating a safety risk in traffic. No current check engine light, but symptoms persist. Codes/records available: codes: p07457f, p28167f, p088a7f, p27137f, c137ba2, c1241, c1280, u1117, b2227. Location: new york.

My 2019 Toyota Rav4 hybrid (VIN: [xxx] ) suffered sudden engine failure due to coolant intrusion. On Nov 20, 2025, johnstons Toyota in harriman, NY (ro#xxx) diagnosed the issue and recorded dtcs p26ca31 and p26cb, which indicate failure of the coolant flow control/bypass valve. The dealer confirmed heavy white smoke from the exhaust with a strong coolant smell and advised the engine had failed, recommending a replacement. This vehicle is part of the early 2019 japan-built batch widely known for premature electric water pump and coolant-flow system failures. Internal impeller swelling, seal leakage, and bearing seizure can cause coolant pressure spikes and ultimately head-gasket failure with coolant entering the cylinders. This defect has been reported by thousands of Rav4 hybrid owners (2019–2021). Toyota has addressed it quietly through internal tsbs such as xxx and xxx but no public recall has been issued. The safety risk is severe: the engine began emitting thick white smoke and ran roughly, risking sudden power loss, overheating, or engine seizure while driving. A stall at highway speed could easily cause a collision. Toyota USA opened case #xxx but declined assistance despite the defect being well documented. This failure was sudden, with no warning lights prior to the incident. Given the widespread nature of this defect and its clear safety implications, I request that NHTSA open a formal investigation into the electric water pump/coolant system failures in 2019–2021 Toyota Rav4 hybrids and consider requiring a safety recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact managed to push the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unsure if the vehicle could be coasted to the side of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,248.

The car transmission hesitates to accelerate at slow speeds and jerks or lurches forwards in a uncontrollable way. Dangerous at stop signs or on slow or hilly roads. Dealership does not directly acknowledge this issue, despite mechanic mentioning very clearly it is related to t-sb-0107-19 which Toyota dealerships charge to repair. No warning messages. Issue has existed as long as I have owned the vehicle 1. 5 years from 61,000 miles to 71,000 miles.

Engine stopped power steering low, notification. When in reverse. Car shuts off and I coast backwards. Have to put it in park and then restart the car.

I’m reporting a safety issue with my 2019 Toyota Rav4 that has recently started and is getting worse. The problem seems related to the start-stop system or something in the powertrain. When I come to a stop—at a stop sign, red light, or roundabout—the car doesn’t always respond normally when I try to start moving again. Sometimes there’s a hesitation, and other times it lurches forward unexpectedly when I lightly press the gas pedal, like you normally would. It feels like a jolt, almost like whiplash. It’s especially dangerous in roundabouts or tight traffic situations because I can’t predict how the car will respond. I’m worried I could accidentally hit another car, or get rear-ended myself because the car doesn’t move smoothly or reliably when restarting from a stop. Even when I turn off the start-stop system, the issue still happens. It feels like a hesitation followed by a sudden surge. The rpms don’t change, but the car still lurches. Yesterday, for the first time, I noticed the car slightly accelerated on its own after stopping, which was very concerning. I found out through Toyota’s official website that there is a technical service bulletin about this issue that came out before we owned the vehicle. But because it’s not a full recall, the dealership said they wouldn’t fix it unless we paid the $80 diagnostic fee. We’re now just out of warranty. We’re making $580 monthly payments on a car that I don’t currently feel is safe to drive. There are no warning lights or messages on the dash. I’ll be taking it to le mieux Toyota in ashwaubenon, wisconsin, in two weeks to have it inspected, but I wanted to report this because I believe it’s a safety issue that should be looked into. I have two small kids and I’m genuinely worried about getting into an accident, especially when merging onto highways or driving in busy intersections. I’ve seen people say this system can be recalibrated, but the fact that this is happening without any dashboard warning and is worse.

The roof of my SUV is leaking and it’s leaking into my two airbags. There’s a sunroof and the roof rack.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the messages "parking brake malfunction", "secondary brake system malfunction”, “4wd malfunction", "lane assist malfunction", "pre-collision malfunction" and messages indicating malfunctions of the electrical system, the engine throttle, and the transmission were displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a spark plug and ignition coil were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that all the spark plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced prior to the final diagnostic test. The vehicle was not completely diagnosed and was taken back to the mechanic, where a specialist used a camera to diagnose that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4, due to a fractured cylinder head. The mechanic related to the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v064000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided because the vehicle was not covered under warranty and the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 87,230.

The rear differential stopped working in January, 2025 and went into two wheel drive only. The message lit up on the dash board saying the vehicle was driving in two wheel drive only. We were driving home and the roads were slippery. We brought it to mountain states Toyota and they confirmed there was a technical service bulletin (0086-19) issued in 2019, due to a Toyota manufacturing problem. It was issued three months after we bought the new vehicle. We were never notified and a recall was never issued in 2019 when Toyota knew about it. I contacted Toyota brand engagement and they agreed to pay for half of the $4,800 cost to replace the entire rear differential even though they acknowledged it was a Toyota manufacturing problem and possible safety issue. We don't understand why we were not notified about the known manufacturing problem that affected the drive train of an all wheel drive vehicle. We also don't understand why they won't cover the entire cost of the required repair to make the all wheel drive operational when they acknowledge it is a known Toyota manufacturing problem. We believe it is also a safety issue. Thank you! Toyota repair invoices #1178424, #1169684.

Toyota Rav4 2019 xle - engine coolant pump performance/stuck off error code p26cb milage 56,920 Toyota says this is not covered by the 5 year power train warranty. For years Toyota has manufactured this water pump that freezes up due to manufacturing defect that allows the magnetic base housing to rupture. Dealers want to replace entire pump (or at least charge for it) verses replacing the frozen plastic rotor. Dealer claims this is not covered under 5 year power train warranty. Why not? my car temp started climbing and took me hours to get home (10 miles) as I kept stopping for hours waiting for engine cool and sprinkling water from bottles over the engine and trans housing where it butts against the engine (silver brading). (this was late in weekend night - repair shops not open. I do see a recall investigation started (no recall yet) and just wanted to add my complaint to the issue. At first the temp gauge read normal but later started climbing. The engine light did come on the the db2 said p26cb.

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2019 Toyota Rav4, which I believe poses a significant safety concern. The check engine light on my vehicle frequently illuminates, resulting in the disablement of the all-wheel drive (awd) system. I initially brought my vehicle to a Toyota dealership, where they replaced the charcoal canister (evap) three times based on the diagnostic code. Despite these repeated repairs, the problem persists. Suspecting that the issue might be related to the dealership's service, I sought a second opinion from another Toyota dealership. Unfortunately, they provided the same diagnosis and solution, which again failed to resolve the issue. Given that the awd system is a critical safety feature, especially in adverse driving conditions, I believe this issue should be considered a safety concern and potentially covered by a recall. Further given that the evap system is directly tied to the fuel it also should be considered a safety concerns. The repeated failure to address the root cause of the problem not only undermines the reliability of the vehicle but also compromises the safety of its occupants. I kindly request that the NHTSA investigate this matter and consider issuing a recall to address this widespread issue. Your attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated, as it would ensure the safety and satisfaction of Toyota Rav4 owners. Thank you for your time and consideration. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and several unknown messages were displayed. The contact stated that the transmission and steering wheel seized during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that unknown parts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened during the cold months. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

I have the 2019 Toyota Rav4 adventure that was manufactured with a defective differential, per t-sb-0067-20, Toyota has acknowledged that the differential were defective and that affected thousands of 2019-2020 Rav4 adventure and limited trim models. The defective part number is 41110-42050 and the new, superceded part number is 41110-42054. I reached out to Toyota numerous times to rectify the issue has the differential clunks and could seize causing loss of control. My vehicle was deemed a "total loss" due to hail damage and Toyota refuses to assist because of the total loss, but the vehicle was manufactured with the defective part and my vehicle suffers the very same issue as that a non-total loss vehicle suffers. The title status is irrelevant as the defective differential was installed before the total loss, so the title status is inconsequential. This is a safety concern because the differential could fail due to seizure, shatter, explode resulting in a loss of control and injury to me the driver and others on the road. I've expressed this numerous times with Toyota.

Defective coolant bypass valve. Defective valve can cause total engine failure and mechanical failure leading to accident or injury up to and including death. Has been confirmed by service center. Engine service required light is on and will not go off there was no warnings of any issues prior to the light turning on. This is an expensive out of pocket fix in upwards of $1000. 00.

Have experienced transmission problems when stopping, such as the vehicle lurching forward when the gas is pressed again. 69000k miles on car.

2019 Toyota Rav4 hybrid xse with 42000 miles on it. Engine light with message came on. “malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected”. Toyota dealership said it was code p0128. Seems like this is prevalent in the Rav4 when checking forums and owner sites. Why is there not a recall for this matter for my VIN number. Toyota has other “engine coolant” recalls and I believe this one should be included! I am being charge almost 600$ for this repair!.

Faulty coolant bypass valve. Toyota dealership told me it is the 20th one this week.

Car stalled. Towed to dealer. Dealer diagnosed failed electric water pump. Refused to repair under powertrain warranty. I took car to local mechanic for replacement. Upon investigation the rotor in the water pump swelled up causing it to seize, upon reading blogs it appears to be a common problem caused by the antifreeze and material they use to manufacture the rotor in the water pump. I did submit formal complaint to toyoya corp and was reimbursed because they agreed it was a powertrain issue. However, I think it possibly should be a recall.

Sudden unintended acceleration. . . . Once again! I was pulling into a parking stall of a shopping center at about 2-3 mph. I started to apply the brakes. Simultaneously, the car lurched forward hitting a retention pole. In an attempt to stop the car from going any further, I continued to press down on the brake pedal and shifted into reverse. The edr shows that the gasoline engine reached 2200 rpms, while the hybrid electric motor reached 2300 rpms. The car performed a backward semi circle maneuver, eventually hitting a cement wall and coming to a stop. Even though there were two (2) impacts (one going forward and one going backward) no air bags were deployed. If there had been people in the area, they easily could have been killed. The damage to the car was extensive and the car was "totaled". The car manufacturer inspected the car and downloaded the event data records. Sudden unintended acceleration can't be reproduced!! there were/are no error codes and all car manufacturers, including my automobile's, refuse to acknowledge the issue. At the very least, could NHTSA please remind the public that this is a serious, albeit infrequent, danger?.

Driving home from work on 3/25/23 at 9:15 pm my dash lights starting going on and off flicking. “power steering malfunction. Steering power low visit your dealer” “abs” also multiple dash lights came on at the same time. Brake light steering light. Got home and took video while parked to safely show the issue.

The vehicle enters mud/sand mode spontaneously, causing the abs, traction control, and forward collision warning to turn off. I cannot enter mud/sand mode myself when pressing the button. Must turn on normal or eco mode to get out of mud/sand mode once it activates. It has happened over a dozen times in a week.

Car randomly switched the driving modes from normal to mud and sand while a driving on the highway about 55 miles per hour, also said precolision system disable, happened in last 3 days.

My vehicle 2019 Toyota rav 4 limited has transmission and engine issues as well as a roof rack leak. I have reported this to Toyota via 1-800-331-4331, which was not helpful. Israel stated that there is nothing that Toyota cooperate can do about this issue. Both the transmission and engine had been previously repaired at Toyota of laredo to no avail. Currently my vehicle is awaiting repair at cavander Toyota in san antonio. No loaner was provided despite me being a home health therapist who needs her vehicle to work.

Abnormal buzz/groan noise at 20 - 30 mph: the vehicles exhibits (again, as in 7/2020) an abnormal buzz/groan (rear) noise at 20 – 30 mph when accelerating from a stop, and/or at 13 – 20 mph on deceleration after driving the vehicle for 15 – 20 minutes or more. And also a "clunk" noise. This occurs with “normal” drive mode selected. I am very worry, this very same problem as in 2020 keeps happening!! this is not a 5 star Toyota vehicle for sure, very worry!.

On 12-April, I filed report #11460592 regarding stuttering and uncontrollable acceleration of Toyota Rav4, 2019 model year, <22000 miles, incident occurred 11-April. Vehicle was taken to Toyota dealership service department on 12-April, returned that day as described in previous report. On 13-April, one day after repair, exact same issue occurred. Family (with 2 children) driving on road, 45mph speed limit. Hybrid system malfunction alert occurred again. Speed limited drastically to approximately 15mph, with occasional reaccelerating uncontrollably. Vehicle exited as safely as possible and returned home. Vehicle then taken back to dealership for service. Full text of report #114605 (11-April incident): driving on 35mph limit road. Vehicle began to stutter. Vehicle began to communicate warning lights - "pksb malfunction" and "hybrid system malfunction" and "check engine" and alerted to visit dealer. After stopping at red-light, received warning to pull over and stop driving. Vehicle could not exceed ~10mph no matter how much accelerator was depressed and received warning that vehicle had ~2. 5 miles until it would cease being able to be driven. For rest of trip to home (approximately 2 miles), vehicle would alternate between 10mph limited state and returning to full acceleration which led to very unsafe driving conditions and abrupt changes in speed. Reached home and parked in drive way. After a few hours, returned to vehicle to take to dealer for service. All 3 error messages remained but no further limitation to 10mph or abrupt speed changes. Dropped off for service at dealership. Dealer notes: "hybrid system malfunction, check engine light - scan for codes, found u010087 loss of communication between pcw and ecm / clear codes, update system, operating as designed. " upon receipt from dealer, no further issues and drove home safely. Vehicle is a 2019 Toyota Rav4 hybrid limited, bought new in Jan. 2020. Approximately 23000 miles, no previous issues.

Hesitation on acceleration from slow or rolling stop. When I step on the gas it takes a while to respond also when you slow down and accelerate again it hesitates to go . This has been an ongoing issue. It started around 2500 miles. Vehicle only has around 4000 miles total.

A warning notice came on the dashboard stating hybrid system malfunction, see dealer at 49,743 miles. The warning notice stayed on and we called the dealer who instructed us to bring the car in for service and not to drive it until serviced. Toyota service said the hybrid harness wires had rusted which caused the malfunction.

After a recall repair order was issued, the repairs were made and now accelerating under load or uphill, the vehicle will accelerate and then bogs down or chokes (the vehicle then loses speed and no longer accelates). The issue has occurred several times while accelerating to freeway speeds on freeway on-ramps (it’s a safety hazard). 1st attempt to repair by the dealer was made on 11/22/2021. 2nd attempt by the same dealership is pending for today 12/08/2021 at 1:30pm.

Abnormal bussing noises under the car when driving.

Car lost power twice, going up a steep grade. �hybrid system malfunction� warning came on the screen, gas pedal did not work at all. I was unable to get to a safe place with children in the car, both times on the interstate. Driving up a steep mountain, about 50f weather.