Used Toyota RAV4 Buyer's Guide (2019–2024)
Check 2019 to 2020 engine block and control arm recalls, the Hybrid fuel tank program, and the Prime DC-DC converter recall.
Photo: Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A representative example, not a car we inspected.
The fifth generation RAV4 is one of the best selling vehicles in America. Buyers pick it for its reputation, resale value and choice of gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Used prices stay high, so it pays to know what you are buying.
The gas model uses a 2.5L four cylinder with an 8-speed automatic. The RAV4 Hybrid pairs a 2.5L engine with electric motors and standard all wheel drive. The RAV4 Prime, added for 2021, is a plug-in hybrid that can drive on electric power for short trips.
Most of the recalls are small batches, but a few early ones matter: an engine block casting recall and a front control arm recall on some 2019 and 2020 models, and a fuel pump recall. Hybrid owners from 2019 and 2020 had a fuel tank that would not fill all the way, and Toyota set up a special program for it. The Prime has its own recalls, including one that told owners not to charge in cold weather until the fix was done.
- 2.5L 4-cyl (A25A-FKS)
- 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid (RAV4 Hybrid)
- 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid (RAV4 Prime, 2021 on)
Fifth generation (XA50), sold as model years 2019–2024.
| Engine | Years | Transmission | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl gas | 2019–2024 | 8-speed automatic | Front or all wheel drive. The 2019 had a hesitation fix by software update. |
| 2.5L hybrid | 2019–2024 | Electronic CVT | All wheel drive is standard. 2020 and newer get a longer hybrid battery warranty. |
| 2.5L plug-in hybrid (Prime) | 2021–2024 | Electronic CVT | Charges from the wall. Check the DC-DC converter and cold weather stall recalls. |
- LE Base trim, well equipped for the price.
- XLE and XLE Premium The most common trims, with more comfort features.
- Adventure and TRD Off-Road Rugged styled gas trims with all wheel drive.
- Limited Top gas trim with leather and more tech.
- Hybrid SE, XSE and others Hybrid versions follow similar trim levels, with XSE as a sporty top trim.
- Prime SE and XSE The plug-in hybrid trims.
- 2021 After the 2019 and 2020 engine block and control arm recalls, and hybrids get the longer battery warranty. Check the air bag sensor recall.
- 2023 Few large recalls. Check the instrument panel software recall on the VIN.
- 2019 First year. Covered by the engine block, control arm and fuel pump recalls, the Hybrid fuel tank program, and the low speed hesitation bulletin.
- 2021 (Prime) Prime only: first year, with the cold weather stall and DC-DC converter recalls.
Picked from the recalls, bulletins and NHTSA complaint records below, not from a reliability rating. Any single car can be better or worse than its year.
NHTSA recall 20V-064 covers certain 2019 and 2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models with the 2.5L engine. Porosity in the engine casting can crack and leak coolant inside or outside the engine. That can cause overheating, a stall, engine damage and an oil leak fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace the engine, including the block, as needed, free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall, check the coolant level and condition, look for coolant leaks, and watch the temperature on the road test.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-064
NHTSA recall 20V-286 covers certain 2019 and 2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models. The front lower suspension arms may have cracks and could separate from the front wheel assembly, which can cause a loss of control. Dealers replace both arms for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall, look at both front lower control arms, and listen for clunks on the road test.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-286
NHTSA recall 20V-682 covers many Toyota models, including certain 2019 and 2020 RAV4 models. The fuel pump inside the tank may fail and stall the engine while driving. Dealers replace it with an improved pump for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and road test for rough running, hesitation or stalling.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-682
Toyota Customer Support Program 20TE04 covers about 133,400 2019 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrids. Toyota says the fuel gauge may read less than full, or the pump clicks off early, because of the fuel tank and sender shape. If the problem is verified, a dealer replaces the fuel tank and sender unit for free. Coverage runs 8 years from first use or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
WE CHECK We read the records for program 20TE04 work, and ask whether the tank fills to full. If the seller has not had it done, you can ask a Toyota dealer if the VIN is covered.
Toyota bulletin T-SB-0107-19 says some 2019 RAV4s may hesitate when accelerating from a slow roll or rolling stop, at 6 mph or below after a downshift. Toyota's fix is an engine computer update, covered under the federal emission warranty.
WE CHECK We road test from rolling stops to feel for hesitation or a lurch, and read records for the software update.
NHTSA recall 23V-478 covers certain 2021 and 2022 RAV4 Prime models. A part inside the DC-DC converter may have been damaged in production and can short circuit, overheat and cause a fire risk. Until the fix is done, Toyota told owners not to charge when it is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Dealers replace the converter for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and scan the hybrid system for stored codes.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-478
NHTSA recall 23V-041 covers certain 2021 RAV4 Prime models. In some cold weather conditions in EV mode, pressing the gas pedal quickly can make the hybrid system shut down and stall. Dealers update the hybrid control software for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and scan the hybrid system for codes.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-041
NHTSA recall 23V-865 covers certain 2020 and 2021 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models. A short in the passenger seat occupant sensor may stop the front passenger air bag from deploying. Dealers inspect and replace the sensor as needed. Recall 22V-519 covers some 2022 RAV4, Hybrid and Prime models with a seat assembly problem that can confuse the same sensor.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls and check the passenger air bag indicator with the seat empty and occupied.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-865 · NHTSA recall 22V-519
Toyota extended the hybrid battery warranty to 10 years from first use or 150,000 miles for 2020 model year hybrids and plug-ins, and says it covers later owners too. 2019 models had the earlier 8 years or 100,000 miles. Other hybrid parts stay at 8 years or 100,000 miles.
WE CHECK We note the in service date and mileage so you know how much battery coverage is left, and scan the hybrid system for faults.
SOURCE Toyota Newsroom: battery warranty extended for 2020 hybrids
- Check the VIN for open recalls, especially on 2019 and 2020 models and on Primes.
- Check coolant level and look for coolant leaks around the engine.
- Look at the front lower control arms and listen for suspension clunks.
- Road test from rolling stops for hesitation, and at speed for smooth shifts.
- Scan the engine and hybrid system for stored codes.
- Check the passenger air bag indicator.
- On Hybrids, ask whether the tank fills fully and check records for program 20TE04.
- Proof of recall work on 2019 and 2020 models: 20V-064 engine inspection, 20V-286 control arms and 20V-682 fuel pump.
- Fuel tank and sender replacement under program 20TE04 on 2019 and 2020 Hybrids.
- The engine computer update from T-SB-0107-19 on 2019 gas models.
- DC-DC converter replacement under 23V-478 on 2021 and 2022 Primes.
- Regular oil changes and coolant checks.
- Hybrid system and battery service or any hybrid warning lights.
Each year has its own guide. The engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.
Found a Toyota RAV4 you like? A pre purchase inspection checks every trouble spot above on the car you are buying.
What is the RAV4 engine recall?
Why won't my RAV4 Hybrid gas tank fill all the way?
Does the 2019 RAV4 have transmission problems?
Can I charge a RAV4 Prime in cold weather?
How long is the RAV4 Hybrid battery warranty?
Which used RAV4 years are best?
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