NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota RAV4. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
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.
“Engine maintenance required, see dealer” message appeared on dash. Message cannot be cleared and blocks important information while driving. Diagnostic was performed and no codes were observed. Toyota dealership stated that the message is due to a faulty engine coolant bypass valve.
Engine Maintenance Required Alert popped up on my vehicle. It’s a 2019 RAV4 with barely 60k mileage on it that I bought new off the dealership back in 2019. They are charging me $800 to get the coolant bypass valve repaired, but this is a known issue that all RAV4’s are experiencing (regardless if it’s at 20k or 100k miles)
On [XXX], I brought my car in for its 60,000 mile check up. Everything was marked in the green zone including the “coolant.” On [XXX], car brought back in due to message on the car stating “Engine Service Required.” I went to the dealer and the advisor Daniel already had an idea it was the coolant bypass valve was most likely leaking coolant. Per advisor, he stated he has seen this many times before for these types of car bought within this year always has this problem. Upon inspection, the advisor was correct and it was the coolant bypass valve leaking coolant and needing to be repaired. I had to pay $1,278.55 just to fix this in a low mileage car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Coolant Bypass Valve went out. Causes the car to overheat if coolant leaks from the valve. HVAC system will not properly work if valve is bad. This is a common problem and should be addressed.
Coolant Bypass Valve leaking onto electrical systems. If not fixed, electrical system will fail. Toyota is aware that it's a common problem.
Engine maintenance light on for coolant by pass valve
"Engine Maintenance Required" message appears on dashboard for this model car is most likely need to replace coolant bypass valve. When researching what could be the problem, people of social media, car forums, etc. were all experiencing the same issue with the car. Coolant leaking in the engine can cause a combustion, overheating or stall in vehicle.
-Engine maintenance required light is in and will not clear when the AC unit is running. -The engine coolant bypass valve is the problem. -Not sure if it affects safety if it were to fail. -This has been confirmed with independent service center.
#16260-F0010 B/0 PART COOLANT BY-PASS LOST Vehicle is a 2019 RAV4, odometer reads 37849. I've had a persistent "Engine Maintenance Required" notification on the MID screen for the last 1500 miles or so, literally the day after getting a scheduled service at the dealer. I initially thought it was just the service reminder, so I didn't think much of it, and just ignored it. But eventually it became so annoying that I tried to clear the notification, and couldn't-- and upon further research, it turns out the notification is probably the result of a leaking coolant bypass valve. I haven't noticed any loss in coolant, haven't experienced any abnormal engine temps, and haven't had any CELs. I've also noticed that the notification only comes on now when I have the A/C turned on.
The engine coolant bypass valve has malfunctioned. this is caused a faulty part that toyota knows malfunctions often in their toyota rav4 for multiple years including the 2019. It can cause problems for the engine cooling component, meaning the vehicle overheats, as well as affects the cars internal A/C. It can only be diagnosed at the dealership, not through a normal diagnostic. There is currently a class action lawsuit, and many others owners of multiple years of the toyota rav4 have the same issue.
The hinges on the rear power lift gate are tearing off of the vehicle. This is the second time they have failed. The first time I was told it was due to a manufacturing defect in the hinges, but now they (the Toyota dealership) are saying it is because the gate struts are not strong enough to support the door. Toyota is refusing to fix the issue calling it "wear and tear". The issue began when my car had around 45,000 miles. It now has 100,000 miles, but I started noticing the symptoms of the issue at 85,000 (the dealership "couldn't reproduce" at that time). The initial symptoms were the door giving a loud, long beep and refusing to open more than 3 inches or to close. Then, it started to thump as it closed. Sometimes it simply wouldn't open or close. Now, the door sits askew, with a large gap on one side as there is a significant tear in one hinge with a smaller tear on the other.. This is a safety issue because the hinges could break, causing the door to collapse on a person or fall off the car while in motion, with items in the rear of the vehicle also potentially flying out. The weak struts could also fail and collapse the door, causing injury. There are hundreds of similar complaints on Reddit and in RAV4 forums.
"ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, VISIT YOUR DEALER" Message came up on dash display. Took it to the dealership for diagnostic inspection. They informed me that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. After much research, I found that this is a common occurance on newer model Rav 4s. If the component is not replaced, I was informed that it could cause overheating and other engine problems. Price to replace plus diagnostic check is around $650. I have read other complaints about this same issue on the NHTSA website. Will there be a recall issued on this component?
Engine maintenance light turned on. Found out the engine coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. Many other reported cases for make and model of this car.
Vehicle is displaying Engine Maintenance Required. Dealership stated that it’s a Coolant Bypass Malfunction.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "Engine Maintenance Required Please See Dealer" message was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving normally, however the message was intermittent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the failure was associated to DTC code: P26815; and that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,800.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the two brackets that connect the rear automatic door cracked three-quarters of the way horizontally. The contact stated that the door was jiggled in place to remain closed. The vehicle was taken to a body shop where it was determined that both rear hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Coolant bypass valve
Engine cooling issues can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall. The vehicle displays "Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer" when the AC is turned on, and has been confirmed by Arlington Toyota (Jacksonville, FL) dealer as a known issue to the coolant bypass valve with potential safety risks at 2:22pm Eastern on [XXX]. The service department stated that this is common, and the valve is either stuck open or closed, and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The DCM failed. On 2/11/2024, a speaker was no longer working. On 2/15/2024, it was confirmed that the vehicle's microphone was not working. The vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealership on 2/16/2024. They confirmed that the speaker/microphone were not working. They identified a Toyota Service Bulletin for this issue, requiring DCM replacement at the cost of the consumer. Since there is a Toyota Service Bulletin, it seems that this is a known issue. Safety is at risk as the vehicle is no longer hands-free for communication. There were no warning signs of this failure.
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.
Coolant bypass valve is faulty. Everyone is having this issue, please please recall!
The back hatch was misaligned and over time became unusable. Upon inspection from the body shop the hinge the keeps the hatch attached to the vehicle at the top had pulled lose- the power hatch had essentially pulled away from the frame causing the misalignment. The manager at the body shop did some investigation and found that this was an issue that resulted in a recall for the same RAV 4 for the 2013-2017 models but had yet to be applied to our model year. After contacting the toyota dealership it was confirmed that this has been an issue that they are seeing- in fact, after paying for the repairs (since toyota refused to do so)- the body shop manager said she has had another customer with the same problem in the last 48 hours. This is absolutely not related to any accident of any kind- there wasn't one- this is clearly a manufacturer's problem.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was uncontrollable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.
When it rains, I have a puddle of water in the footboard of my backseats in the car.
Have had issues with the power gate to the hatchback since the first year of ownership. Dealer could not replicate after numerous complaints. On Jan 1, 2024 the hatch would only ho partially up or down and would not close. Upon looking, the hinges holding the hatch were pulling away from the vehicle. No accident, no abuse, nothing done other than using the electronic open/shut. Googled for info and found MANY similar/same complaints. Body shop estimate to replace hinges around $700 plus more for a rental. Toyota says it's not warranteed but I intend this is a definite structural problem with the vehicle. In the meantime the issue of the problems with electronic hatch lift cant be addressed due to hinge issue. Im concerned driving car --will hatch fall off in traffic??Recall should be issued imo.
The coolant bypass vavle is going bad and needs to be replaced. If it goes bad then it could cause significant damage to my engine. The car Toyota car dealership stated that it is an a common issue with this year, make, and model.
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.
Rainwater accumulates inside of doors. Drainage holes are easily blocked by dirt debris and unable to drain water from doors. Results in water sloshing around inside of door while driving.
Sunroof shattered while driving down the interstate. A chunk of glass was missing & small pieces of glass fell into the car into my hair & into my clothes. Safety put at risk due to shock of event occurring while driving. It caught me off guard & I could not just stop on the highway to inspect what happened as cars were on the side & behind me. Increased anxiety while driving. Insurance claim filed with $500 deductible & without a car for an unknown period of time until glass is repaired. Car inspected by collision shop upon arrival.
sounds caused by the steering wheel when traveling at 40 to 60 mph. It gets louder as you turn the steering wheel.
Tailgate hinges ripping and tailgate will not close properly. no accident no abuse, this is something that is happening to a lot of Rav4's.
The available component that failed would be the liftgate hinge. My safety is put at risk because the powerlift gate is leaning toward the left side heavily and limiting away from the frame of the vehicle. Although this is latched down, others are a risk because if the liftgate detached from the vehicle, others could be seriously injured. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle has been reviewed by the dealer, as well as, a body shop. There were no warning lamps or messages for this problem. The problem was initially noticed when the trunk was gapping on one side and rubbing aggressively on the opposite side. The dealer said that it was with the hinge after I brought it to their attention. Toyota is not covering cost to have it repaired because they deemed it a “wear and tear” and a body shop deemed it a manufacturing issue. I am paying for said repair out of my own pocket which is not morally correct for a manufacturer issue.
Engine maintenace required sign coming up on dashboard.
The vehicle does not get anywhere near the advertised fuel tank capacity. The fuel tank size IS 14.5, but when fueling it gets >10. Causing the vehicle to get nowhere near the maximum mileage until empty.
In line at a restaurant drive through around 2pm, raining, wipers on. engine cut off and power steering low message displayed. Car would not restart for several (30 minutes) Cause unknown. All battery, starter, alternator test came back fine.
The car's hesitation when I try to accelerate from a slow roll or lower gear. Resulting in lurches when I try to speed up. We got this car for my daughter she is a new driver and the hesitating and lurching is a problem.
My car ran a message of “ Maintenance engine required” and it turns out the COOLANT BYPASS VALVE has gone bad. When turning the AC on the message appears, but went off the message doesn’t appear.
I bought this car last year on October 4th from carmax (mileage was 62k at the time of purchase). I started to have problems the next month on November 6th with the brakes which was rusted and had to replace the pads. That was very dangerous and could have hurt myself driving around the heavy rain at the time. I was scared for my safety and others wellbeing so I took the car to the dealership. Their mechanic checked the car and told me that this wasn't fixed or checked since April 2023 before I bought the car in october 2023. I had problems with the infotainment system. the map navigation for my android and iPhone doesnt work anymore. the mechanic at the dealership fixed the rear break pads and discs but couldnt fix the infotainment system even after updating the system. He issued me a 250 dollar refund and was charged 680 dollars for the rest of the job. Another issue happened on March 2024 for the front barring needed to be replaced from a carmax mechanic shop. Paid 380 to fix. This month I got a message saying " engine maintenance required, go to dealership". I took the car to the mechanic and explained that the computer code error message means the coolant valve is defective. I'm thinking of going to the dealer tomorrow up until I found out the car never got the recall repaired from this website. Could this be the reason why I'm having this may problems? The car hasn't been inspected by police or insurance, only the toyota manufacturer on November 6th who told me about the car not getting fixed since April 2023. I have the invoice of all these repairs done. The latest mechanic that told me about the coolant valve being defective thought I needed to change my oil. He did change the oil and charged me 189 dollars. I'm planning on taking the mechanic to fix that problem since the toyota dealership was gonna charge me to fix the transmission fluid which isn't the problem. I will upload the receipt for the oil change job.
Coolant bypass valve failure - risk of engine overheating
Engine Maintenance Required light on due to a faulty Coolant Bypass Valve. After doing research online, there are many 2019 and 2020 RAV4 that have been having this problem. The dealer said the same thing. Would like to put this on the record in hopes that a recall will happen in the future.
I have 2019 Toyota RAV4. 69,000 miles. I had issue this week when I was driving and park. The gas given by it self after I park the vehicle. and today all of the sudden stop on the road. The dash board shows me EPS light, Battery sign.
Pre-Collision System (PCS) failed. My daughter during sunset (sun glare) struck the vehicle in front of her, that suddenly braked due to sun glare. Toyota hasn't look at PCS system yet and the car is at the repair shop, but I did open a case with Toyota to investigate failure and access onboard data. Auto repair shop will check the system, but no malfunction warning on the car's warning display. There were no warning present prior to accident or post-accident.
Engine light came on for the engine Coolant bypass valve. Common problem. Toyota wants 800$ to repair.
My car frame floods every time it rains. This flooding includes my sunroof drain clogging. As a result of the water retention in my car’s frame, my cars safety system controller units are being corroded and thus I DO NOT have any reliable safety monitoring system. I have looked into this and this a COMMON complaint for Toyota 2019-2021 Rav4 sunroof cars. I have had the sunroof drain cleared multiple times but the issue remains. So far it has impacted my tire pressure safety monitoring systems. This is a MAJOR safety issue as the electrical safety monitoring system controller units are NOT properly functioning as a result of poor water drainage.
The engine maintenance required turned on at55k miles for the coolant bypass. After trying to get it repaired they had 500 on back order. Thousands of Rav 4’s are experiencing this with over $800 quote to repair , this cannot just be a basic issue this is bigger.
Engine maintenance repair light came on and it ended up needing the coolant valve replaced. Cost over $700 out of pocket when part alone is less than $100. After research, this seems to be happening to many newer models of RAV4 when warranty is expired.
2019 RAV4 experienced a check engine light and was overheating due to a faulty Coolant Bypass Valve made by Toyota. If unchecked and not replaced it could cause catastrophic failure to engine due to overheating. Toyota charges between $600-1100 for replacement and it is not covered under warranty because Toyota claims it is not part of power train. Had to be replaced at dealer who explained that it is a common issue with this vehicle .
Vehicle accelerated uncontrollably in reverse at 50-60 mph and crashed into a wall, almost killing me. I could not stop the vehicle. Braking did not stop it.