KNOWN FAULTS · Toyota
Known faults for the Toyota RAV4 (V).
2019–2026 · Petrol / Hybrid / Plug-in hybrid
Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.
Buying it used?Which engine has the fewest documented faults, which recalls to ask the seller about and what to look for on the test drive.Before you buy
10 known faults with sources
Engines: 2.0 VVT-i (Petrol) · 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid) · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)
Applies if: US bulletin for model years 2019–2023.
Front brake squeal under light braking caused by the anti-squeal shimsBrakes
- Engine / equipment
- RAV4 (V) and RAV4 Hybrid
- Period mentioned
- 2019–2023
- Symptoms
- A high-pitched squeal from the front wheels under light or moderate braking; under hard braking it barely sounds and the car brakes well.
- Possible cause described
- The front pads vibrate. Toyota fixes it by replacing the anti-squeal shim kit on both front sides, with about 50 minutes of labour (bulletin T-SB-0001-22 Rev1, January 2022).
- Check for the garage
- If the car brakes well and only squeals under gentle braking, tell the garage exactly that and ask them to check the front pads' anti-squeal shims before replacing discs. If it also brakes worse, go to the garage now.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines: 2.0 VVT-i (Petrol) · 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid) · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)
Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.
Front arms, brake servo and eCall on the RAV4 VSuspension and steering
- Engine / equipment
- Toyota RAV4 V (petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid)
- Period mentioned
- 2019 onwards
- Symptoms
- Fatigue cracks in the front arms of some cars, a failing brake-servo pump (longer braking distance, warning on the dash) and an eCall left inactive.
- Possible cause described
- Recalls (ADAC): front arms on 524 cars in Germany built on 25/9/2019 and 26/10/2019, the brake servo (over 1,300 cars) and eCall. The guide knows of no other weak points yet.
- Check for the garage
- Check every campaign by VIN.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines: 2.0 VVT-i (Petrol) · 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid) · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)
Toyota RAV4 (V): known faults of the gearbox and transmission according to L'argusGearbox
- Engine / equipment
- Toyota RAV4 (V), all engines
- Period mentioned
- 2019–2026
- Symptoms
- Three clicks when decelerating, 4x4 versions (up to 28/05/2020); Abnormal noises at low speed when switching between 2WD and 4WD (up to 20/08/2019); "4WD system malfunction" light on (up to 15/08/2021)
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Three clicks when decelerating, 4x4 versions (up to 28/05/2020): Rear differential housing to be replaced. 2) Abnormal noises at low speed when switching between 2WD and 4WD (up to 20/08/2019): Transfer box electromagnetic clutch to be replaced. 3) "4WD system malfunction" light on (up to 15/08/2021): Transfer box to be replaced.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines: 2.0 VVT-i (Petrol) · 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid) · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)
Toyota RAV4 (V): known faults of the chassis, steering and brakes according to L'argusSuspension and steering
- Engine / equipment
- Toyota RAV4 (V), all engines
- Period mentioned
- 2019–2026
- Symptoms
- [parking brake] Parking brake light on (up to 29/09/2021); [tank] Low fuel light comes on too early on the PHEV (up to 30/01/2024)
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [parking brake] Parking brake light on (up to 29/09/2021): Reprogramming. 2) [tank] Low fuel light comes on too early on the PHEV (up to 30/01/2024): Tank to be replaced.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines: 2.0 VVT-i (Petrol) · 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid) · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)
Toyota RAV4 (V): known faults of the electronics and interior according to L'argusElectrical and electronic systems
- Engine / equipment
- Toyota RAV4 (V), all engines
- Period mentioned
- 2019–2026
- Symptoms
- [multimedia] Multimedia bugs (slow start-up, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto problems, iPhone or Bluetooth connection issues, flat 12 V battery…); [pedals] Accelerator pedal noise from spring vibration; [climate control] Air conditioning compressor noise on the PHEV (up to 05/10/2021)
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [multimedia] Multimedia bugs (slow start-up, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto problems, iPhone or Bluetooth connection issues, flat 12 V battery…): Reprogramming. 2) [pedals] Accelerator pedal noise from spring vibration: Pedal sensor to be replaced. 3) [climate control] Air conditioning compressor noise on the PHEV (up to 05/10/2021): Control unit reprogramming.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines: 2.0 VVT-i (Petrol) · 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid) · 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)
Toyota RAV4 (V): known faults of the body according to L'argusBodywork
- Engine / equipment
- Toyota RAV4 (V), all engines
- Period mentioned
- 2019–2026
- Symptoms
- [doors and openings] Panoramic roof creaks when open while driving (up to 17/08/2020); [doors and openings] Boot lid will not open (up to 22/06/2022); [doors and openings] Doors cannot be locked with keyless entry (up to 25/11/2024)
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [doors and openings] Panoramic roof creaks when open while driving (up to 17/08/2020): Side rail replacement. 2) [doors and openings] Boot lid will not open (up to 22/06/2022): Lock to be replaced. 3) [doors and openings] Doors cannot be locked with keyless entry (up to 25/11/2024): Front door handle.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines: 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid)
Clogged hybrid battery cooling fan and filterHigh-voltage battery
- Engine / equipment
- Hybrid battery cooled with cabin air (intake next to the rear seat): Prius, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4, Camry and others
- Period mentioned
- 2003 onwards
- Symptoms
- Hybrid battery cooling maintenance message, warning light with codes P0A80 or P0A7F, a noisy fan and less electric assistance; if ignored, the battery ages faster.
- Possible cause described
- Dust, pet hair or dirt block the filter and fan that cool the battery; so do objects covering the intake. Toyota USA issued bulletin T-SB-0074-20 (2003–2020 Prius and Camry, Corolla, Highlander, RAV4 and Mirai hybrids up to 2020) and recommends cleaning the filter every 5,000 miles (about 8,000 km).
- Check for the garage
- Clean or replace the filter and clean the fan before condemning the battery; keep the intake grille clear. At the garage, read the codes and, if needed, install the software Toyota specifies.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
Toyota technical bulletin T-SB-0074-20 (NHTSA): P0A80/P0A7F due to dust in the battery cooling fan and filterToyota tech tip T-TT-0432-17 (NHTSA): HV battery cooling filter maintenanceTustin Toyota: how often to inspect the hybrid battery air filter
View full entryEngines: 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid)
The RAV4 Hybrid fuel tank does not fill completelyFuel system
- Engine / equipment
- Fifth-generation RAV4 2.5 hybrid
- Period mentioned
- 2019–2020
- Symptoms
- The pump nozzle cuts off early: noticeably fewer litres go in than the advertised 55 l or so (14.5 gallons), and the real range is shorter than shown.
- Possible cause described
- According to the US class action, the tank design prevents filling it to capacity; the case ended in a settlement in 2022.
- Check for the garage
- Fill up to the first click-off and compare the litres with the capacity; ask Toyota by VIN whether there is an update or a revised part.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
CarComplaints: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid fuel tank class actionBerger Montague: Boulom et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales
View full entryEngines: 2.5 Hybrid (Hybrid)
Toyota RAV4 (V) 2.5 Hybrid: known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine
- Engine / equipment
- 2.5 Hybrid in the Toyota RAV4 (V)
- Period mentioned
- 2019–2026
- Symptoms
- Engine malfunction light on (up to 05/11/2019); Will not start and hybrid system lights come on, 4x4 version; Low engine oil level message
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Engine malfunction light on (up to 05/11/2019): Air/fuel ratio sensor to be replaced. 2) Will not start and hybrid system lights come on, 4x4 version: Wiring harness under the rear floor to be replaced. 3) Low engine oil level message: Oil level sensor.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines: 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)
Toyota RAV4 (V) 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid: known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine
- Engine / equipment
- 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid in the Toyota RAV4 (V)
- Period mentioned
- 2019–2026
- Symptoms
- 12 V battery drains and the car will not start
- Possible cause described
- According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) 12 V battery drains and the car will not start: DCM (communication module) fuse.
- Check for the garage
- Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
- Cost cited in the source
- No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryEngines for this model
- 2.0 VVT-iPetrol
- 2.5 HybridHybrid
- 2.5 Plug-in HybridPlug-in hybrid