Should you buy the latest Toyota RAV4 2019-2021?

A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician shares some of the common issues trending with the latest generation 2019-2021 Toyota RAV4 Gasoline, Hybrid and Prime. So Should you buy the latest Toyota RAV4?
Find more information on 4 cylinder engine in the RAV4 here:
• Toyota's New Engine Te...
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In this video I'll go over the trends that I see working on these cars from day 1. I'll go over the following issues:
1- Engine problems including Toyota's new dynamic force engine
2-Drivetrain problems including the 8 speed transmission and the new torque vectoring AWD
3- Body problems including shaking side view mirrors.
4- Electrical issues including inability to lock doors when shifting into park, Seat problems with memory seats and noises from the seat motor on power seats. Also the infamous battery dying problems and remote connect services caused by the DCM.
5- Hybrid models I will go over the fuel tank issues.
6- RAV4 prime the issue with code P1CCC96 concerning the poor ground contact at the DC\DC converter.
And I will also share a tip on remote starting cars equipped with the factory remote.
This applies to 2019 2020 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE SE XLE XSE Hybrid Prime Adventure and Limited
#thecarcarenut #toyotarav4 #2019rav4 #2020rav4 #rav4prime #2021rav4
0:00 Intro
1:12 Engine Issues
4:53 Drivetrain Issues
8:59 Body Issues
10:12 Electrical Issues
18:34 Hybrid Issues
21:42 RAV4 Prime Issues

[@sammyelliott5554]

Toyota needs to send this guy a check…..a big one. He is helping them just as much or more than he is helping all who view his content. I watch all of his videos to the end….his knowledge is unbelievable.

[@Mike_44]

Now this is what you call a thorough review.. I wish there was a review like this for every car out there

[@vincecaruso7503]

I got my daughter a 2019 RAV4 when they first came out. We picked ours up in 11/2019. Today, it has 36,000 miles and it could go back on the showroom floor. I make her watch your videos. Oil change every 5k miles and getting ready for differential service and a transmission fluid change.

[@anthonymiranda5603]

The Car Care Nut is simply the best. Any and all toyota questions, I come to this channel and about 95% of the time they're answered in great detail. Thank you so much good sir!

[@grsu3427]

He's amazing! I emailed him in Feb 2021 about he responded with his thoughts on the gen5 RAV4s. And then a month later, comes out with this great video. Thanks so much!

[@RobertBeedle]

I agree this man is fantastic!

[@dirtybungs]

This deserves a subscribe and like

[@emmanuelandotv]

Knowledgeable guy. Likable too

[@randolphcirilo4800]

Omg.. He is amazing! I love watching him because I am all Toyota and Lexus.. For general car info I subscribe to scotty kilmer channel too.. He used to be my mechanic when he lived in Houston. I was crushed when he moved to TN

[@patrickmaguire7615]

8

[@sqweepsrussell9412]

I appreciate your honesty mate. I'll have to sit this one out and stick with the tried and tested previous generation. Thanks for the good work you have been doing educating blokes like me.

[@redwine1671]

The mirrors shaking, battery dead , and gas tank issues …..problems you just answered for me. Thank you so much!!!!

[@ironmaxima3672]

Stay healthy and well Amd! Your loyal followers need you. You’re the best Toyota master technician I have ever seen.

[@a.a.a.r5238]

Thank you for being honest about these problems

[@ondro727]

My RAV4 HSD 2016 was one of the first sold here in Slovakia and works flawlessly up to this day. Zero issues and I am very, very satisfied with the vehicle (inspite of a few design/ergonomic choices). Currently waiting for a new ordered RAV4 HSD 2021 which should be ready in May/June - great to hear all potential sources of problems. Just it case. Overall I really like the vehicle, that is also the reason why I didn't consider other SUV when ordering a new car :) As for the video - as usual, informative, honest, great!

[@danieltovar6151]

We recently purchased a 2019 limited awd RAV4 with less than 80,000 miles. And it's great. I have seen your videos of the recommendations for a long life. Thank you so much.

[@jaffarbaqi]

Keep up the good work. Honest, precise, and comprehensive, you are a pleasure to listen to.

[@10usausa]

Thank you for taking the time and offering your assistance, as well as for your experience and integrity.

[@NickMcC]

This really helped me feel better about the issues that made me hesitant about buying it. I really appreciate it!

[@vickvega571]

This man is a true gentleman educating us and has such helpful videos . My Prius runs great thanks to his recommendations! Bless you

[@michaelfrancis3512]

I just purchased a certified pre-owned 2020 RAV4 XLE premium. The under-the-hood information you've provided in this video is invaluable insight. Thanks, AMD!

[@ubit123]

While waiting for my new shiny rav4, I can't thank you enough for all this info I get from your videos.

[@jamesmostowik6354]

Hybrid 2021 does not start car remotely with key fob.

[@sparemethedramatics1629]

@@jamesmostowik6354 so then are you saying their shouldn’t be any draining problems since no remote start? Thanks

[@1NATURELOVERJ]

You are a great communicator. You explain things at a simply level, for all of us to understand. Maybe instead of talking to the viewer in the exact same position all the time, maybe point to the problem or show the viewer the problem. Great work.

[@Bloodman123456789]

As a technician myself, its nice to hear the common problems AND their solutions laid out in a honest fashion. No extra drama, Just the complaint, cause and correction. My wife and I switched to Toyota after years of major issues with our GM and Chrysler vehicles. Software and grounds seems better than a transmission in a silverado at 50k miles.... Great video bud!

[@cravingpast494]

This dude really knows what he talks about. Thanks for the great content 👍

[@rustynail7866]

My wife has a 15 and I have a 19. Both have been great.

[@houaxiong3462]

Very convincing and honest review. Toyota should pay you for doing this review.

[@tqnguy88]

that grinding drivetrain issue is what i've been trying to figure out for the last 2 years! and the local toyota dealership can't figure it out after bringing it to them 2 times already. Thank you!

[@gianmariavolonte4315]

A funny thing I saw at our local drag strip. Someone put a Rav4 Prime up against a souped up 1970s Chevy Nova in a ¼ mile drag. The Rav4 Prime beat the Nova. Everybody that laughed at the Rav4 but had nothing bad to say when it trapped a 14 second ¼ mile at 99 mph.

[@riazhassan6570]

Don’t know. I have a 2004 RAV 4 (that’s 2004) which does whatever I ask without complaining. Can’t see any good reason for changing it

[@equteachme]

Maybe it was the the hybrid version, they rate over 300 hp against a poorly tuned Nova? :)

[@IGamingStation]

People laughed because even if it is a Rav4 Prime, it's still a Rav4.

[@Flowmada]

This is why I call my Rav4... The Ravager

[@James-il3tq]

2019 RAV4 hybrid XSE owner, just passed 35,000 miles with zero issues. This is my 3rd RAV4 since 2006, every one has been fantastic durability despite my heavy foot 😊

[@CC-gt3ro]

It is not good if you had to change so many times. I have my pontiac vibe from 2008 and the car can drive another 5-8 years easily. So 17-20 years easily.

[@amadeus999]

The XSE Hybrid is top in my wishlist.

[@drummeralex9198]

@@CC-gt3ro some people just like getting the newest thing. Not the case for me, but some people do like that.

[@junxu7608]

Do you have fuel tank not able to fill up to full as widely affected in hybrid model?

[@CC-gt3ro]

@@drummeralex9198 i am ok with that but they should save some money. The society want them to spend as soon as they get, but it is good to save money. I will change when my car will have a big issue ( not worth to repair) or if the corrosion has become an important issue.

[@BusterKitten]

AMD, you'd make the perfect next door neighbor for anyone who owns a Toyota. One of my nephews has been working as a mechanic for a Toyota dealership for 12 years now. Needless to say, he's my favorite!!!

[@nearlynormal]

Almost 400k subs. You deserve every one of them. Thanks for what you do

[@kenyastud]

Am a Toyota die-hard from 1975, bought brand new 2016 Camry Hybrid SE already have 198,000 miles on it...drives like a dream. My next car soon is the RAV4 Hybrid. With this video I have learnt more than all the hundreds of Toyota reps at 10's of dealerships over 3 years. I knew you know you're tools when you mentioned the Hybrid battery fan filter which I discovered 3 months ago saving me thousands of gallons of gas. Thanks a mil for the upload. Instantly subscribed.

[@foxtayle683]

I have a '98 RAV4 so if the current models are considered the best made, taking in my track record with mine, I totally approve of getting a new one. Never really had any problems with mine until I hit 150K miles.

[@dosvaskosfarms4643]

I really appreciate your honesty

[@davidwollpert5276]

I drive a 2012 Prius plug-in currently. It has 245,000 miles on it, and runs perfectly. When it finally does quit running I’m going to get another Prius or a RAV4 hybrid. So I very much appreciate your helpful videos! Also appreciate your pretty positive tone and attitude. So thank you!

[@morganstegall-griffith1673]

Ordered my 2021 RAV4 XLE Premium today! This video was very helpful to understand how everything works as I’m not very vehicle savvy. Thank you! 🙂

[@ErichGuidi]

There’s no way to come to an AMD video and don’t tap on like as the first thing!! 👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼

[@TheCarCareNut]

Thank you!

[@rfulton5709]

I fully agree. He can take a very difficult subject and make it sound so simple. Love his presentation style. It feels like he is talking to his children. May God richly bless you.

[@AlexBAlixir98]

Totally agree with that. First thing I do is like. I already know it’s going to top notch.

[@natemiller1392]

Thanks and great information as always! It's almost like this video was made just for me!

[@johnthompson3462]

Wow.One of the best,honest and complete evaluations of a car.Thanks for all the info as I am looking to buy one and am now convinced to do so

[@samsacre4304]

As you know we have a 2019 RAV4 hybrid and we had the fuel tank problem! We had an early model and lived with it for almost a year was quite annoying problem but Toyota stood behind their product! Big thumbs up Toyota car care nut! I appreciate you!!

[@TheMongoose87]

Thank you for all the knowledge sharing! Please keep it going .

[@kurtpenner2362]

More Rav4 Prime in future vids please. Great informative vids AMD. No one can accuse you of bias when you lay all the problems out as you do. Keep up the excellent work.

[@e-heads3676]

This guy deserves to have a million up subscribers! Very helpful!

[@stevieboy366]

Love your honesty and knowledge.

[@kevyNova123]

I just had the gas tank replaced on my 2020 Rav4 XSE Hybrid, nice to have a full tank of gas finally. Oh I'm the guy that doesn't notice the mirrors moving... great video!

[@meg3646]

Thank you for letting me know. I’m gonna have my dealer check out these issues to make sure I have all the latest updated materials on my car thank you for letting me know.

[@moreno746]

Very informative. My wife and I bought our first Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE and love it!!

[@redwine1671]

Very honest, straight forward, detailed….. thank you

[@OchoVerde]

Wow..this makes me look forward to my Rav4 Adventure even more!

[@daves1646]

Massive amount of info AMD!! Thank you for sharing from your in-depth level of experience! Sounds like Toyota (like many other makers) has underestimated how much more integration validation is needed when extra levels of computerization are added to a design. Many s/w origin and remedy-able issues. Hope Toyota turns the corner on doing enough integration quality evaluation especially with nearly EVERYTHING in new vehicles riding one or more layers of software. Thanks again!!

[@hectorilicea1352]

Really nice video! I have never had issues with Toyota, which is why I am loyal to the brand. On my 3rd hybrid, a RAV4 Prime and loving it. Super stoked to hear that no major issues have come up in the year it has been in service.

[@flip110119]

I love your channel. Anything I want to learn about Toyota, I always look at your content first!! Keep up the great work!

[@dillinja187]

Absolute gold !, picking up 2021 Black-edition Rav4 in a few weeks so this is great knowledge, cheers !. I subbed

[@veebee3969]

Thank you. Very useful video for the RAV4 owners and prospective buyers.

[@TAG.YoureIt]

Had the gas tank issue - Toyota came out with the fix (or I was notified) late December 2020, it went in for four hours, came back flawless. I still "complain" that you have to drive like a grandmother in perfect conditions to hit the advertised MPG (by the way, thank you for responding to my last message and confirming this for me), but otherwise, LOVE the car, and now that you told me how to fix the memory seat thing, even better, I am about to go to the car and try the fix now! Keep the videos coming, they are fantastic!

[@DD93525]

Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you're providing by making these videos. Keep up the great work.

[@8917bee]

I love these review videos. Keep it up

[@MrOldhoot]

I bought a new RAV4 Excel AWD in September 2019. I'm in the UK and models here seem to vary a little compared to American models. I haven't had any of the problems mentioned, except if you only put a small amount of fuel in the tank it doesn't register on the guage. It's ok however after the next big fill. I like the car, it's an easy drive but there's a fair bit to learn if you use all the features.

[@ugonz84]

Thank you for being the #1 source for accurate info on Toyota products!!!

[@Cleofizoid]

I hope you can include more Lexus info in future videos. Love the channel, thanx!

[@andykapustik1733]

Answered many of the questions on my mind, thank you!

[@mattphillips2844]

I really like how aggressive Toyota is on finding defects and immediately fixing them on the production line and then their follow through with the existing customers. Good for them.

[@JrJ2016]

Defect check shd be done pre-prod. Door dont lock when driving..what a crap.

[@naes6843]

Any product made by man can or will fail at some point. However, my friend, take a very deep breath and assure yourself that Toyota has a multitude of “whizz kids” who’ve were and are hired to anticipate and fix problems. If you still can’t calm yourself, you might try attending church more regularly. Dave in Phoenix Arizona

[@marvingonzalez6345]

It took years and so many people dead before they admited the acceleration problem. And thats not the only problem they have over the years, corrosion and broken frames , sludge because the poor design in the cylinder heads, turbo engines that only lasted one year. They expend too much money advertising the fake quality trying to brain wash people, i havent seen a single camry that doent burn a quart of oil every thousand miles or less, there is no recall for tath after numeruos lawsuits they agree to check it but they didnt fix it.

[@chris2790]

This 180 degrees from my experience with buying a new '19 Rav4 AWD LE. Within the first few days of ownership I noticed shifting issues at low speed when coasting then trying to re-accelerate. The transmission would hesitate then jerk into gear, also jerking occupants. When coming to stop the transmission would also clunk. I took it to the dealership and reproduced the problem. They compared it to other vehicles on the lot that seemed to exhibit the same problem. The dealership wanted to say that there was nothing wrong with it because the other vehicles were the same, but after contacting Toyota customer care they sent a Toyota specialist to the dealership to collect data. They observed the shifting problem and even showed in their data collection what was happening when the issue manifested. In spite of that they insisted that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. It was a big lie. They effectively gaslit me. The service manager at the dealership treated me like crap and Toyota Care refused to do anything about it. 8 months later I found out that Toyota had quietly released in ECM firmware update that was a work around hack to avoid triggering the underlying issue that caused the hesitation and jerking into gear. When I took it back to the dealership to get the patch applied they forced me to reproduce the problem yet again in spite of having service records and the Toyota specialist out for my vehicle already. Toyota, like other manufacturers, will do nothing unless they're forced to because of potential loss of revenue. They don't care about their customers, they care that people think they care about their customers. The '19 is 4th rav4 and I currently own a Corolla along with the '19 Rav. So I'm not a Toyota hater, but truth is that customer satisfaction is third or fourth on their list of priorities.

[@korndawggy1801]

@@chris2790 your dealership tried screwing you over just like so many others do every day.

[@Godfirst381]

2020 RAV4 Hybrid XSE ...2 yrs old with 132,000 miles... still gets 40mpg love it!

[@davidanastasovski1188]

We need more honest master mechanic like you dear Sir, respect ! ( love your "10-15-200-300 000 miles" expressions, lol )

[@kevint6656]

Awesome video. I'm about to get one of these and this is a huge help for what to look for while buying

[@fugazi5150]

This is the best informative channel ever from a toyota mechanic 🤙🏼

[@johnjohnson9125]

Kopp

[@ieatcake33]

Super helpful video for a prospective buyer. I don’t normally take the time to like and subscribe to channels but you earned one.

[@johnmason2701]

I have a 2019 Rav4 Hybrid that had the gas tank issue. I recently had it fixed with the tank and sending unit replaced. Life is good. But I also had the cold weather affect a relay in the hybrid system and would let me start the car. Thank goodness for the internet that got me running again and to the dealer for a replacement. Other than those things I love the car.

[@atomicorecp]

Thanks, this is the video I was waiting for!

[@columbiars]

This is by very far, THE MOST INFORMATIVE Toyota RAV4 video. It gave me a lot of confidence to make a good decision.

[@margaretgaal937]

I don’t own a toyota but i listen to Car Care Nut for education. When looking for my next car I will seriously consider Toyota. I do appreciate this gentleman and his honest assessment of a car. Many thanks.

[@LookingForPartyy]

Best video I have ever seen so far. Keep up the good work! Now I want this car even more❤

[@Serrano46571]

I bought new 2019 Totoyta Rav4 3 years ago and not one problem to this day. It's a fantastic car and is nice to drive.

[@Christian-xc9bh]

2020 premium 0 problems

[@mikebrzoska9741]

Excellent channel. Yes, I would never buy the first year of a new generation of any make or model. I would certainly give it time for the company to work out the problems first as minor as they may be.

[@sulaiman5789]

I wish everyone was honest like you.

[@robertrobinson5711]

AMD was my go-to source while researching my first Toyota. I just took delivery and with his free expertise I’m confident it will surpass my expectations.

[@DaddyBear1971]

Thanks for the honest talk. I wanted to buy a 2020 RAV4, but it was too noisy. You explained why, now I understand. I just wish more sound insulation. I drove my 2004 RAV4 for 16 years and loved it but it was noisy more noise from a new one was no good. So I bought 2020 Forester. It is good but I miss Toyota.

[@kenty6973]

Thank you, AMD , for your honest review. The RAV4 you demonstrated was made in North America by looking at the front bumper. However my JT RAV4 has the similar issues. But I got used to the flimsy side mirrors a few days later. Interior rattling happened in the first month I bought it, it is gone now without doing anything.

[@saraaronzon4562]

Wish the Venza was not a hybrid.

[@return.of.the.nac18]

We bought a brand new 2021 Rav4 XLE and the mirror does vibrate like you mentioned. Glad to hear there is a fix!!

[@dds2899]

Great video as always 👍👍👍

[@ench671]

What an awesome video super informative and very genuine.

[@drutgat2]

Thanks very much for this video - it was very useful for me. I have to say that I balk completely at the idea of having to disconnect the battery for a few minutes in order to solve a problem that should not occur in the first place, and that some of the other problems are even worse. I think this has helped me cross the 2019 RAV4 off my list of potential cars to buy.

[@justgenius3754]

Excellent video same as all your other videos. I am in UK and I have this 12v battery problem. The dealers keep telling me there is no problem. This video explains what causes it and how to fix it by a simple software update. Thank you very much.

[@michaelnash2202]

Hi AMD, Awesome video like always, but this time I think you should be rewarded by Toyota!!

[@agostinodibella9939]

Great video as always AMD! I was wondering in the future, if you would do a video covering the “unintended acceleration” issues that happened some years ago?

[@TheCarCareNut]

Thank you for watching my video and your video suggestion! I will cover a bit on this when in my series on how engine control work in the part of throttle by wire.

[@bobjuniel8683]

Very informative, I guest many people do not realise car manufacturers do have design and manufacturing problems. Most manufacturers do not like publicly revealing them. It is good to know Toyota honours its guarantee and customer obligations.

[@ralphfalco1818]

Love the content!!! This guy is a total professional

[@DANGERGUST]

I bought a 2021 RAV4 XLE premium and I have none of these issues at all. It runs perfect and never dies on me. The app works flawlessly. It had 15kms when I bought it and I put the 6000kms it has now. And I’m still 100% happy with my purchase!

[@domdrty]

Every vehicle should have no issues at 15kms....

[@afrprincess07]

Still happy?!

[@DANGERGUST]

@@afrprincess07 yea still very happy, I recommend it

[@afrprincess07]

@@DANGERGUST nice!

[@fishingguy8911]

Thanks for the summary!

[@suntzuwarsword1964]

Thank you from queensland Australia..love the channel 💯💯💯

[@susie9893]

Always find your videos so helpful and informative mate

[@MrJestr1234]

Excellent review but it failed to touch on other specific issues current owners are experiencing. I bought a new 2019 RAV4 with 55 miles on it with no issues until Feb 2022. I had my headliner replaced due to a sunroof drainage/mold issue. Good thing it was under warranty - issue fixed after the car spent 4 days at Toyota dealer. Just recently (March 2022) the right side passenger door started collecting rain water - so much water that you can hear it slushing inside the door when stopping and accelerating. Found out the door's drain holes will eventually clog and need to be serviced. Also, the roof rack clips are lined with a cheap thin gasket and water will start leaking inside the car causing a mold build-up in the headliner. The fuel pump was replaced due to a recall soon after. I'm mentioning all this because the car only has 9,000 miles. This shouldn't happen to a 3 year old car. Toyota needs come clean and possibly extend the owner's warranty at no additional charge. Thanks for the video!

[@shequoiahearn5148]

Same issues for my 2019

[@DJKHOTTA]

To be honest, the fewer problems one might face when buying a second hand first year 5th gen Rav 4, are not a big deal or they have easy solutions, the car is pretty good where it truly matters.

[@EverydayJ1786]

My 2021 RAV4 LE AWD is arriving from the factory next week ! Super excited !

[@AP-yt4oo]

People just want to find a reason to complain. Toyotas are bulletproof and they have a reputation to protect. It might have taken them a while but they fixed it. As compared to some manufacturers who sweep issues under the rug and silence critics

[@bevilsiz]

Great as usual my friend!!

[@elizabethalvarez4275]

Think you my brother God-bless you and keep you🙏

[@glennfields8121]

Thank you AMD for the best "educational" videos regarding Toyota and Lexus products.

[@juliecats812]

What a great and honest review!

[@Justacogg]

Thank you for the fantastic information!

[@Illankid]

thank you sir, my dealer just ordered the mirror fix

[@carolb9422]

Thanks for the info. The door drains on my 2019 japan-built XLE are quite large and have no signs of clogging. There was a lot of confusion at the dealership about the oil service interval. One dealership said 10K independent of time, while another said 12 months independent of mileage. Now you recommend 6 months! As I have researched the condensation problem in these engines in cold environments, now I understand your proposal. For my Chicago brother with a '20 hybrid, I told him to keep watching the oil for milkiness, and get the cable connector checked. He said the dealership reduced the fuel tank problem on his car; now when the fuel light comes on it takes 12 gallons vs less than 10 before the fix. But overall he loves the car, and gets about 35 mpg in the City.

[@Develish31]

Great job on covering the issues.

[@dbsantanapr]

Terrific video by the way.