Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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. …
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 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 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.
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. …
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. …
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. …
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 ([redacted]). 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. …
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 [redacted] , 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 [redacted] . …
Transmission complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 81 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2019 Toyota RAV4, 9% of the model year's 882 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2019 Toyota RAV4, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2019 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 5,000 miles, and 85% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.