2019 Toyota RAV4 fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V682000Nov 4, 20201,525,742 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

  Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

  Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 23, 2026CODriver Assistance & Safety TechFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving in the mountains on a hot day, the car suddenly reported numerous faults, including check engine, parking brake malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, AWD system malfunction, and secondary collision brake system malfunction. The car lost power and forced us to pull over on the side of a dangerous mountain highway. We powered-off the car for a few minutes and started it again and were able to proceed to our nearby remote mountain destination without…

   NHTSA complaint #11758893 · source
2. Filed Jan 7, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle consistently accepts only approximately 9–10 gallons of fuel when the fuel gauge indicates empty, resulting in significantly reduced driving range. Issue has been widely reported by other Toyota RAV4 Hybrid owners and appears related to fuel tank design. Manufacturer declined assistance and referred responsibility to selling dealer despite known complaints.

   NHTSA complaint #11709358 · source
3. Filed Jan 1, 2026TNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   This is another complaint with the same issue. Got gas on January 1, 2026, the truck did not how any indication that it was going to have any problems. Engine shut down and wouldn’t turn back on. This has happened twice after getting gas, no dealership knows the problem. This is casing me stress and putting myself and family in danger. Considering it stops out of no where

   NHTSA complaint #11708241 · source
4. Filed Dec 28, 2025GAFireElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Toyota RAV4 LE gas pump burst and caught fire leading to total fire damage along with major water damage from the firefighters putting out the fire. The vehicle was idle for hours at the time of explosion of the fuel pump. This was a major safety hazard/risk especially being that myself and two others were minutes away from going out to the vehicle before it all happened as I was getting ready to take a friend home for the night. A claim representative will look into this…

   NHTSA complaint #11707386 · source
5. Filed Dec 22, 2025OHElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While traveling back from out of state, the fuel sensor and fuel gauge failed causing me to run out of gas when the fuel gauge stated I had just a tick under a 1/4 tank of gas left and the app read 35 miles left. While driving on freeway at freeway speed, the car sputtered, bogged down and then stalled, placing me in a very dangerous situation broken down on the shoulder of the freeway in the desolate country at night with semi trucks and cars flying by at estimated between…

   NHTSA complaint #11706591 · source
6. Filed Dec 16, 2025CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Strong gas smell when the engine is turned on. I started feel this issue about 2 year ago, now the gas smell is more stronger every time engine is turned on.

   NHTSA complaint #11705340 · source
7. Filed Nov 21, 2025NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11700834 · source
8. Filed Nov 19, 2025TNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   Stopped for gas on 11/6/2025 immediately after getting gas the truck shook twice, the power steering light and engine shut down light came on and the truck turned off. Waited for a few minutes to turn the engine again it wouldn’t start. Got it towed to my nearest dealership who kept it for a day. Said there was nothing wrong with the truck, there was no code showing and they couldn’t determine the cause of the problem.

   NHTSA complaint #11700238 · source
9. Filed Oct 12, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   I stopped for gas; my car would not start. The power steering fluid light came on. I went inside to purchase some but when I returned to the car, there was no place to pour it. After a few minutes the car started. About a month later, my husband stopped for gas and the car killed right after he left the gas station, about 10 minutes later, it started. Took it to a mechanic, they couldn't find anything wrong with it because the check engine light wasn't on and the car wasn't…

   NHTSA complaint #11692981 · source
10. Filed Jun 16, 2025INFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Sudden, unexpected, surprise Surging Idle upon placing the vehicle in Park after driving a 15 minute distance at a top speed of 35mph. Loud Surge up to 2.5 (x1000RPM) Sounds like the Engine Shifted Idle Drops down and immediately begins Surging up again. Idle is high while driving. Some chugging upon acceleration. Immediately drove to Auto Parts store for Diagnostic Test. Started vehicle and showed Technicians what was happening. Diagnostic Test provided: Code P0171 Stored…

    NHTSA complaint #11667285 · source
11. Filed Dec 16, 2024RIFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11630932 · source
12. Filed Jul 2, 2024FLFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I was told on 6/28/2024 that my car needs a new coolant bypass valve at a cost of 900.00 on researching this I see there is a class action suit against Toyota because there are so many people with this problem and it should be a recall. Not sure where to go from here .

    NHTSA complaint #11598227 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology