2019 TOYOTA RAV4 Power Train Problems

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.

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.

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 ([XXX]). 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...

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.

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...

There is a known TSB out for 2019 toyota rav4 and some select other years. The issue is a slow speed transmission issue. It is due to a programming issue. At slow speeds, if you try to go from the brake pedal to the gas pedal too quickly, there is a serious lag before power is delivered to the wheels. Which is very dangerous when making specific turns. An example is what happened to my wife and myself the other day. We were in a median turning lane, cars were coming, as we were coming to almost a stop, my wife went to apply the gas. There was a serious lag before power was delivered and it almost resulted in a T bone collision. My wife went to apply gas, there was no power for several seconds, which caused her to panic and hit the brakes again. In that process,...

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...

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, 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.

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...

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 of NHTSA Campaign Number:...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Faulty Coolant Bypass Valve. Toyota dealership told me it is the 20th one this week.

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!

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...

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

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.

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...

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.

Car hesitates when pulling out from a stop. The natural reaction is to depress accelerator more causing a shift feels like a lower gear and the car pulls out abruptly . This happens very often and I contribute it to lower gas mileage then car is rated at along with accelerated tire wear. I feel it is a safety issue when merging into traffic and causing a possible accident. I've taken my concerns to dealership on numerous occasions with complete disregard of condition calling it a " characteristic" of the vehicle. I feel there needs to be a recall to correct this issue.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND LUNGED FORWARD WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOORS WOULD LOCK RANDOMLY LEAVING HIM LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWNS TOYOTA OF GLEN BURNIE (7167 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KOONS ANNAPOLIS TOYOTA (1107 WEST ST, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401) TO GET A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT, TRANSMISSION, TCM, TRANSFER CLUTCH, AND THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,349. *JS

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.

ABNORMAL BUZZ OR GROAN NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT TRANSFER CASE WHEN SLOWING OR ACCELERATING AROUND 15-20 MPH. TOYOTA TSB IDENTIFIES PROBLEM AS ELECTRO-MAGNETIC CLUTCH SHIFTING FROM 2WD TO 4WD ON CERTAIN MODELS. TOYOTA SAYS NOT A RECALL BUT WILL REPAIR WHICH REQUIRES OPENING THE TRANSFER CASE. BRAND NEW CAR AND TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE ENTIRE TRANSFER CASE INSTEAD OF REPAIRING IT. DEALER ORDERED PARTS 3 WEEKS AGO AND STILL NOT DELIVERED. DEALER HAS NOT OFFERED LOANER CAR IN INTERIM.

BATTERY GOES DEAD AND REQUIRES A JUMP START AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK.ENERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT ALWAYS RELEASE FIRST TIME.TRANSMISSION CLUNKS AND GRINDS WHEN SHIFTING.HAS BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERS WHO TELL ME EVERYTHING IS FINE AND I DON'T DRIVE IT ENOUGH.BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2019 AND IT NOW HAS 2901 MILES ON IT.

CRUISE CONTROL AND OTHER SAFETY ISSUES RANDOMLY GO OFF LINE. WHEN DRIVING CRUISE CONTROL TURN OFF, AS DO THE ELECTRONICS. FURTHER, THE AUTOMATIC BRIGHT LIGHTS ARE RANDOM TO THE POINT I HAVE TO DISABLE THE SYSTEM. I HAVE PICS AND VIDEO, CANNOT CHANGE FORMAT, DON'T KNOW HOW.

THERE IS A LARGE CHUNK AND GRIND NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN GOING INTO 4TH GEAR. BOTH UP SHIFTING AND DOWN SHIFTING. TOOK THE ISSUE TO TOYOTA, THEY SAID THEY WERE WAITING FOR MORE PEOPLE TO REPORT HE ISSUE BEFORE FIXING THE ISSUE.

SOUND HEARD WHEN GOING FROM ALL WHEEL DRIVE TO FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AT LOW SPEEDS. ALSO WHEN STOPPING WHEN WHEN THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE REENGAGES.

DURING A SLOW ROLL, THE VEHICLE JERKS PRETTY BAD. COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE RAV4S THAT TOYOTA HASN'T ADDRESSED.

AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS DOWN TO FIRST GEAR, WITHOUT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AS ONE ACCELERATES THE VEHICLE MAKES AN ABRUPT FORWARD MOVEMENT. STRONG ENOUGH TO MOVE A PASSENGER BACKWARDS. I HAVE ONLY NOTICE THIS AT LOW SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC. DOES NOT HAPPEN AFTER COMPLETE STOP. I WILL RAKE CAR TO DEALER TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION THIS IS NOT NORMAL ON AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

MY 2019 MY 2019 ADVENTURE IS MAKING A GROANING SOUND WHEN I ACCELERATE CONSERVATIVELY BETWEEN 20-30 MPH. THIS HAPPENS PROBABLY 50% OF THE TIME. SEEMS TO BE THE AWD SYSTEM. THERE IS A BULLETIN REGARDING IT: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2019/MC-10169438-9999.PDF . IT'S AN ONGOING PROBLEM. SEEMS LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.

MOANING, BUZZING NOISE OF FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WHEN ACCELERATION TO 35MPH, ALSO UPON DECELERATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN CAR IS HOT.

VEHICLE JERKS AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A "ROLLING STOP." IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE - THERE SEEMS TO BE A DELAY WITH GOING, SO THE CAR JERKS TO KICK INTO THE SPEED IT SHOULD BE. I'VE TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3 TIMES TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, BUT THEY ALWAYS SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

AS I DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND COME TO A STOP AND RE-ACCELERATE IT JERKS VIOLENTLY! IT FEELS LIKE IT DOES THIS AS IT'S ACCELERATING IN FIRST GEAR ONLY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION ISSUE, BUT I'M NOT COMPLETELY SURE. *TR

I RECEIVED 2 SPEEDING CAMERA TICKETS DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION NOTICED TIME TO TIME, FRONT SUSPENSIONS ARE NOT EVEN AND ROUGH, TRANSMISSION IS NOT SMOOTH WHEN CHANGING GEARS AND/OR STOPPING VEHICLE. *TR

ADVENTURE TRIM OF 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 MAKES AN ABNORMAL GROANING/BUZZING SOUND WHEN ACCELERATING. SOUND OCCURS BETWEEN 20-30 MPH WHEN AWD SYSTEM DISCONNECTS REAR WHEELS. A VIDEO RECORDING HAS CAPTURED THIS SOUNDS ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS.

TWICE THIS VEHICLE HAS STUMBLED WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC, APPLYING GAS FROM A NEAR DEAD STOP. BOTH TIMES WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT IF OTHER DRIVER WAS NOT DRIVING DEFENSIVELY. THIS RAV 4 IS UNSAFE! LESS THAN 5,000 MILES SINCE WE BOUGHT IT NEW.

1ST INCIDENT: SITTING AT STOP LIGHT FOR A FEW MINS AS NORMAL. WHEN TIME TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STARTED LURCHING FORWARD IN A HARD JERKING MOTION. 2ND INCIDENT: SLOWER TRAFFIC. WHEN DRIVING IN SLOWER TRAFFIC OR AT SLOWER SPEEDS, ~20-35MPH THE VEHICLE WILL START LURCHING JERKING FORWARD. TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, THERE WERE NO ISSUES FOUND. DEALERSHIP RESET INTERNAL COMPUTER, STATING THAT "VEHICLE IS OPERATING NORMALLY". NEITHER HAS ISSUE HAS YET TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITH ANY OTHER DRIVERS AT THIS TIME. I DO TRAVEL WITH DOGS WHO ARE HARNESSED AND SEAT-BELTED IN THE BACKSEAT, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN THROWN TO FLOOR OF CAR IF NOT SEAT-BELTED. FOR MYSELF, I GET TOSSED FORWARD SEVERAL INCHES AND HEAD THROWN FORWARD. WHEN DRIVING IN SLOWER TRAFFIC AND/OR STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE CAR LURCHING/HARD JERKING FORWARD WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALL INCIDENTS HAVE HAPPEN ON DRY CITY STREETS. I...