NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Toyota RAV4 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 866 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Seven recall campaigns significantly impacted the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's safety profile, contributing to its defect record score of just 7/20. Despite this, the vehicle achieved strong crash-test results and a perfect score in avoidance technology. The overall NHTSA Safety Index stands at 78/100, positioning it in the Average band.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 ranks 73 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 866 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 73 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid marked the launch of its fifth generation, and its federal safety data show a mixed record. Its overall Safety Index is 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The vehicle earned high marks for crash protection, with a sub-score of 61 out of 70. Its avoidance technology also received a perfect 10 out of 10, confirming standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. However, the defect record sub-score significantly lowered the overall Index, registering only 7 out of 20. This reflects seven recall campaigns issued for the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid. These recalls addressed critical systems such as fuel delivery, electric power-assist steering, and front lower suspension control arms, all potential contributors to loss of vehicle control. A separate recall addressed a damaged electrical connector affecting the backup camera, specific to both the 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid. Owner complaints further underscore these defect trends: 866 reports were filed, with 254 specifically citing fuel and propulsion issues, aligning directly with the fuel system recall. The volume and nature of these recalls and complaints define the safety profile for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Toyota RAV4 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side protection ratings are a particular strength, earning a full 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance received 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model is 16 percent, with dynamic testing showing no tip. All star rating categories for the vehicle are rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14136
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include the fuel pump, electric power-assist steering, front lower suspension control arm, engine and engine cooling, and the backup camera sensing system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied data, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.gov.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V682000
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer
Reported 2020-11-04
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM20V373000
Risk: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.
Reported 2020-06-24
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM20V286000
Risk: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms, free of charge. This recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's interim numbers for this recall are 20TB08 / 20TA08.
Reported 2020-05-20
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING20V064000
Risk: A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
Reported 2020-02-06
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V576000
Risk: If the backup camera system does not activate and the driver does not check his/her surroundings while reversing, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the back-up camera system and replace the audio display unit, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0N.
Reported 2019-08-06
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS19V503000
Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
Reported 2019-06-28
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS19V244000
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Reported 2019-03-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
Owners have filed 866 unverified complaints with NHTSA, alleging 25 crashes and 21 injuries. The most heavily reported components are the Fuel/Propulsion System (254 allegations), Engine (203), and Electrical System (100). All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
866 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
Seven recalls have been issued for the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid, a significant figure that prospective owners should note. Of particular concern are unaddressed federal safety actions related to the steering, suspension, and fuel pump. Before purchase, it is advisable to verify through NHTSA.gov that all outstanding recall campaigns for any specific vehicle have been completed.
- Seven recall campaigns were issued against the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid specifically, covering the fuel pump, electric power-assist steering, front lower suspension control arm, engine cooling, and backup camera connector - making recall verification by VIN essential for any used-market purchase.
- The defect record sub-score of 7 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 78/100 Safety Index; the crash-protection and avoidance-tech sub-scores are substantially stronger at 61/70 and 10/10 respectively.
- Owner complaints total 866 unverified allegations filed with NHTSA, with Fuel/Propulsion System (254) and Engine (203) as the top two reported components - a pattern that mirrors the fuel-pump recall campaign active on this model year.
- The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid carries a rollover risk measurement of 16 percent and a dynamic tip result of No Tip, with NHTSA awarding 4 out of 5 stars in the rollover category - the same star level as the frontal rating, making rollover and frontal the two categories below the vehicle's top side-crash score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Toyota RAV4 places
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Toyota RAV4 safety questions
Was the 2019 Toyota RAV4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Toyota RAV4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Toyota RAV4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Toyota RAV4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Toyota RAV4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Toyota RAV4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 866 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Toyota RAV4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RAV4 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14136), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota RAV4 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 73 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.