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Toyota has a long-running history of building quality reliable vehicles. Many Toyota enthusiasts brag about how many miles they have on their rides. The RAV4 is no exception and has a following of its own. If you’re considering a 2019 RAV4, you’ll appreciate the complete redesign. While most reviews of the RAV4 are favorable, there are a few complaints you want to consider before you decide on getting one.

2019 Toyota RAV4 complaints

A 2019 Toyota RAV4 small SUV is parked.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

A select few owners have reported issues with exterior cosmetics while others encountered engine and drivetrain complications. But, those numbers are significantly low, as in less than 200 overall complaints.

We uncovered a few sentiments on Reddit from RAV4 owners complaining about idle noise. The engine noise is reported to be much quieter on the highway. So, while there are some inconveniences, none of them are terribly concerning. There is one complaint, though, that you should probably know about before you sign any contracts

The most common concerns about the 2019 RAV4

According to claims via Carcomplaints.com, the 2019 Toyota RAV4’s most commonly reported issues are with its transmission. Owners say they experience hesitation in shifting gears.

The lurching at lower speeds may only require a software update or reprogramming of the engine ECU. Carcomplaints.com displays 31 transmission complaints for the 2019 model and rates it as a “fairly significant concern.”

No data is available yet in terms of average repair costs. As we head into the first full year of ownership for most of these consumers, more information may become available. Overall, based on the thousands of 2019 RAV4s sold, the transmission issue isn’t widespread enough to deter consumers from getting the small SUV.

Toyota RAV4: An award-winning, top seller

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a strong contender in the SUV market. It handles well, has plenty of room for people and things, and gets amazing gas mileage.

It even received some attention as a finalist for the 2019 Best Compact SUV for Families. The RAV4 won the 2019 Best New Cars for Teens award, based on its fuel efficiency and above-average safety ratings. Toyota’s small SUV is a staple in its segment for a reason. It’s the epitome of practicality and convenience for American drivers.

More to love about the RAV4

A white 2019 Toyota RAV4 small SUV is driving on the road.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

The 2019 RAV4 has a menu of available options. Finding the right SUV for you or your family is easy with six available trim levels. You can opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, or even upgrade to the TRD Off-Road trim for a boost in torque and capability.

The plushier XLE Premium can add luxury to your ride. But, the base-level LE still has plenty of standard bells and whistles, including a 7-inch touch screen, driver safety assistance features, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.

Overall, the Toyota RAV4 is a safe and reliable SUV. Even with the transmission hesitation complaints for this year’s model, it’s definitely worth a test drive to see what you think. After all, if you’re buying new, you’ll have the 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for peace of mind.

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