Should you buy the latest Toyota RAV4 2019-2021?

Summary

This video by Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician AMD delves into the common issues of the 2019 and newer Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models. Dispelling myths about engine recalls and addressing concerns over reliability, AMD covers engine noise, transmission quirks, and all-wheel-drive system updates. He also discusses body, electrical, and hybrid-specific problems, offering solutions and emphasizing Toyota's responsiveness in fixing these issues. The video aims to guide potential buyers in making informed decisions about these models.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The 2019 and up Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid have faced some issues, but the presenter believes they are still the best RAV4 made.
• 🔍 There was a recall on the engine due to a potential risk of explosion, affecting 30,500 units, but the presenter has not encountered many cases in practice.
• 🔧 The RAV4's A25A engine has been tested in taxis and other models, showing reliability over hundreds of thousands of miles.
• 📉 Concerns about the engine's oil consumption and longevity are unfounded according to the presenter's experience.
• 🗣️ The engine is loud due to its dual-injection system, which is normal and not indicative of a problem.
• 🚙 All RAV4s except hybrids have an 8-speed transmission, which has been updated to address previous issues and adapts to driving style over time.
• 🔄 The torque vectoring AWD system in certain trims had issues, but Toyota issued a fix and updated parts for affected vehicles.
• 🔨 Some RAV4s experienced mirror shaking at high speeds, which Toyota addressed with a reinforcement kit for the door and mirror.
• 🔋 The DCM (Data Communications Module) has caused various electrical issues, including battery drain, which was resolved with a software update.
• 🔄 The RAV4 Hybrid has had a fuel gauge issue, which Toyota has provided a fix for, either through calibration or part replacement.
• 🚦 The RAV4 Prime has a reported issue with a hybrid warning message and safe mode activation, which is fixed by replacing four bolts on the DC-DC converter.

Q & A

What is the main concern about the 2019 and up Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid?

The main concern is the reported problems and complaints over the internet, which make people wonder if Toyota has compromised the reliability of the RAV4 series.

What is the engine type used in the 2019 and up RAV4 models, including hybrids?

All 2019 and up RAV4 models, including hybrids, use the A25A Dynamic Force engine, which is similar across the board.

What was the nature of the engine recall affecting the 2019 and up RAV4 models?

The engine recall was due to a potential risk of the engine blowing up and causing a fire, affecting a small number of units, specifically 30,500 RAV4s.

How does Toyota address the engine recall issue for the RAV4?

Toyota addresses the engine recall issue by offering a free fix, regardless of the car's mileage, ensuring that the affected engines are replaced or repaired.

What is the common complaint about the RAV4's engine noise?

The common complaint is that the engine is loud during operation, which is attributed to the direct injection and port injection nature of the engine, and is considered a normal characteristic.

What type of transmission does the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime have?

The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime have an ECVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission), which is known to be reliable and has zero issues.

What is the reported issue with the 8-speed transmission in the RAV4?

The 8-speed transmission in the RAV4 has been reported to shift in a way that feels unnatural, with the car constantly hunting for gears, especially during the initial driving period.

What is the solution if the RAV4's transmission is constantly hunting for gears?

The solution is to drive the car for a few hundred miles, allowing the transmission computer to adapt to the driver's style. Alternatively, a Toyota dealership can reset the transmission memory using a scan tool.

What is the reported issue with the RAV4's torque vectoring all-wheel drive system?

The torque vectoring system in the RAV4 has been reported to make a buzz or groan noise, or feel an engagement and disengagement sensation, particularly when coming to a stop or accelerating from around 20-30 mph.

What is the solution for the RAV4's torque vectoring all-wheel drive system issue?

Toyota issued a fix and updated parts for the issue, which was mainly an early build problem. Most affected cars were under a few thousand miles and have been addressed.

What is the common electrical issue reported with the RAV4?

The common electrical issue is the premature battery drain, which was found to be caused by the DCM (Data Communications Module) staying active and not going to sleep mode, leading to a drained battery overnight.

What is the solution for the premature battery drain issue in the RAV4?

The solution is a software update that addresses the issue with the DCM, allowing it to go to sleep mode and preventing battery drain.

What is the reported issue with the RAV4 Hybrid's fuel gauge?

The reported issue is that after filling up the tank, the fuel gauge does not show as full, the distance to empty is incorrect, and the low fuel warning light comes on too early.

What is the solution for the RAV4 Hybrid's fuel gauge issue?

The solution involves either a fuel gauge calibration or replacing the fuel sending unit inside the tank by the fuel pump, or in some cases, replacing the entire fuel tank.

What is the reported issue with the RAV4 Prime?

The reported issue with the RAV4 Prime is a hybrid warning message that may cause the car to go into safe mode and disable many features due to poor ground point contact on the DC-DC converter.

What is the solution for the RAV4 Prime's hybrid warning message issue?

The solution is to replace four bolts on the DC-DC converter to improve the ground point contact, which resolves the issue.