2019 Toyota RAV4: check engine light

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine · PA

My transmission failed, torque converter. My check engine light came on with "AWD malfunction" on the dash on 10/21/26. I had to get it towed to the closest dealership. I was told it is covered under warranty to replace and repair, the following Tuesday 10/27/2 I havd to call and ask what was going on. They then informed me the part is on back order until end of December (they do not have a date) 2026- Leaving me with no vehicle for 2 months, Krause Toyota will not let me drive the car (not state legal with a faulty transmission) and only gave me a rental for 5 days. I am now forced to pay out of pocket for however long they will have my Rav4. I have called the Brand Engagement department and they have not been very helpful. The guys in the service department at Krause are extremely rude and bothered by the fact that I had questions. I did ask about the lawsuit regarding my 2019 Rav4 faulty transmissions and they said they didn't know anything about it. Any help regarding this very frustrating matter would be helpful.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · FL

Component: Engine — Engine Cooling System — Coolant Pump Summary: The electric water pump on my 2019 Toyota RAV4 failed prematurely at 64273 miles. The check engine light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code P26CB (Engine Coolant Pump Performance/Stuck Off). The engine coolant temperature fluctuated rapidly / coolant level dropped. The vehicle required immediate repair to avoid engine damage. This is a recurring failure pattern on 2019–2021 Toyota RAV4 and Camry vehicles equipped with the 2.5L A25A-FKS engine, where the electric water pump seizes due to an apparent defect in its plastic housing and rotor assembly. Failures are routinely reported at 30,000–60,000 miles—far below the expected service life of the component. Loss of coolant circulation creates an overheating hazard and can lead to sudden loss of propulsion and engine damage while driving. Toyota has issued technical service bulletins related to coolant seepage at the pump but has not recalled the component or extended warranty coverage, leaving owners to bear repair costs of $600–$1,300 for a premature defect-driven failure. I request the federal safety agency to evaluate this defect for a safety recall.

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · CO

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 another loss of power, but the faults remained. The next day we were able to get the car to a nearby NAPA store to read the check engine codes, which there were only 2 of the "P0087" code. I had them clear the fault codes in order to be able to safely drive the car (~120 miles) back home. Some quick research shows a known issue and TSB for that in our exact high-altitude and high-temperature situation - Toyota T-SB-0058-22, related to a known design flaw with the ECM and fuel suction tube. Luckily, it did not throw the errors again during our drive home. I made an appointment at our local AutoNation Toyota Arapahoe for the following week. I detailed the issue and provided pictures of the errors - including the code reader display. The dealer claimed to not find any issues and refused to address/execute the TSB, stating that the code must be active and present in order for them to fix it and that my pictures were not sufficient proof. I explained that it was an unacceptable safety risk to have left the car in that state and that the issue is known to only occur in certain conditions (e.g. high-altitude, high-temperature mountain driving). Issue remains un-addressed, which is highly unacceptable and poses a serious on-going safety risk.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Electrical · NC

A coolant leak from the flow shut‑off valve caused the engine maintenance warning light to remain on for an extended period. This issue is covered under Toyota Customer Support Program 24TE04. The warning light is a safety concern because it indicates an active engine‑related malfunction and can mask other warnings. The defect was first diagnosed by a Toyota dealership at approximately 97,000 miles, well within the CSP coverage window. The dealership stated the vehicle “did not meet criteria” and refused to perform the repair, even though the symptoms matched those described in the CSP. The issue continued until a second Toyota dealership later confirmed the same defect and replaced the coolant bypass valve. Because the vehicle had since exceeded 100,000 miles, Toyota refused to cover the repair under the CSP, despite the defect being documented earlier within the coverage period. Multiple attempts to resolve the issue with Toyota corporate have resulted in no returned calls or meaningful response. The defect caused prolonged operation with an illuminated engine warning light, which presents a safety risk and indicates a failure to properly address a known issue covered under Toyota’s Customer Support Program

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Transmission · NY

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 (worse when cold/low speed). No external leaks observed by second shop at that time. Current status: Vehicle continues to show intermittent loss of acceleration/slipping behavior, creating a safety risk in traffic. No current check engine light, but symptoms persist. Codes/records available: Codes: P07457F, P28167F, P088A7F, P27137F, C137BA2, C1241, C1280, U1117, B2227. Location: New York. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 12, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

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 giving any problem codes. About two weeks ago, I stopped for gas, the car wouldn't start. Finally got it started, and the check engine light came on. However, it's still not reading any codes.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Driver assistance · FL

My check engine light is on due to O2 sensor being dirty. While this light is on some features in the car are disabled like cruise control. It might also be that the ABS braking system is turned off! I am not sure but once when the car in front of me abruptly stopped I was surprised my emergency braking did not kick in.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Engine · VA

Cooling System over Temperature. Message kept displaying and check engine lit up again since the first service was done by Tech at the dealership on July 15, 2025.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NY

I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring issue in the coolant bypass valve of my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium. Although there was no check engine light, the vehicle displayed a persistent warning: “Engine Maintenance Required – Visit Dealership.” This message repeatedly appears on the instrument cluster and blocks critical driving information, including the speedometer, fuel economy, and other key displays. Even when the driver manually cancels the message, it returns within minutes. This creates a constant distraction and obstructs visibility, which poses a safety risk during driving. I took the vehicle to the dealership, where they diagnosed the issue as an internal short circuit in the coolant bypass valve and retrieved diagnostic trouble code P268115. This code relates to a malfunction in the valve’s electrical control system, which affects the engine’s ability to regulate temperature effectively. Toyota currently offers a Customer Support Program (CSP) for the coolant bypass valve, but only if the valve is leaking coolant. However, my vehicle's failure was due to an electrical defect, and Toyota does not cover this under the same program. This creates an unfair burden on owners and fails to address the full scope of the issue, even though the results—loss of proper cooling function—are the same. Many RAV4 owners have reported similar problems online, but no recall or technical service bulletin has been issued for this kind of failure. I believe this defect raises genuine safety concerns, including: Driver distraction due to persistent warning messages Obstruction of critical dashboard information Potential for engine overheating or reduced performance I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue as a potential safety-related defect and determine whether Toyota should be required to expand support or issue a recall for this component, regardless of whether the failure is due to coolant leakage or internal electrical malfunction.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · PA

The vehicle began displaying intermittent warning messages and slipping into "Mud & Sand" mode without cause. Later, multiple dash lights illuminated, including 4WD malfunction, check engine, and coolant system warnings. The vehicle became undrivable due to overheating. Dealership diagnostics indicated a failure in the coolant bypass valve actuator the electronic water pump was receiving a signal but not responding, resulting in loss of coolant circulation and overheating. There may also be a shorted control panel causing related system failures. This problem has been confirmed by a Toyota dealer, and the vehicle remains at the service center pending resolution. The issue appears related to a known Customer Support Program (CSP 24TE04), which covers the coolant bypass valve actuator. There was no prior accident or abuse of the vehicle, and the vehicle only has 52,000 miles. Safety was compromised due to unexpected power loss and overheating while in motion. The issue has not yet been resolved. The vehicle has also experienced prior water intrusion through the roof rails, which may have contributed to electrical damage.

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Fuel system · IN

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 and Permanent System is Too Lean Bank 1 Code P0505 Stored and Pending Idle Control System P117B Stored Fuel Performance/Direct Injector Most Likely Solution: Replace Fuel Pump Primary DTC: System Too Lean Bank 1 Suggested Part: Fuel Pump Operating The Vehicle Could Result in Sudden Shut Down, causing a Collision. Could also Cause Compromised Gas Mileage and Engine Damage. Check Engine Light is On Additional Message states that All Wheel Drive Mode has been disengaged and 2 Wheel Drive Mode is active. No Warning or Any indication that there was any issues prior to the Sudden Idle Surging upon placing the vehicle in Park. I have searched existing recalls for 2019 Toyota Rav-4 and found a Fuel Pump listed. I checked my license plate and VIN only to see the result that there are Zero Unrepaired recalls for both searches. This vehicle is clearly having an internal battle between air and fuel. I find it concerning that 2019-2020 Toyota Rav-4 vehicles had a Fuel Pump recall and yet my search has Provided these results.

Filed May 11, 2025 · Engine · AZ

Check engine light came on and code P268115 was shown for coolant bypass valve internal failure. Valve was replaced by dealership and I was told it would not be covered under the Toyota Customer Support Program because that only covers valves that leak externally, not internal failures.