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

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.

Some 2019 RAV4 owners have complaints

As you would with any major purchase, take a look as other sources for reviews and testimonials from current owners. In the case of this year’s RAV4, there are a few common complaints that you might need to know.

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 seem to be terribly concerning. There is one complaint, though, that you should probably know about before you sign to buy.

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 the transmission. Owners say they experience a hesitation in shifting.

The lurching at lower speeds may only require a software update or reprogramming of the engine ECU. Carcomplaints.com is showing 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. For now, there is one comment that Toyota indicated this was a normal function, not to be a concern.

Any problem is a bad problem

When you are interested in buying a new or even newer model vehicle, the last thing you expect to deal with is transmission problems. It’s important to point out that while these complaints about the 2019 RAV4 are valid, they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from considering one. In fact, it’s still a competent and reliable SUV with a host of appealing qualities.

More to love about the RAV4

The 2019 RAV4 still 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 FWD or AWD, 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 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.