# Toyota RAV4 check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 123 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (37) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 123 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Toyota RAV4 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (37). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Toyota RAV4 check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 4 | 305 | 1% | | 2016 | 6 | 256 | 2% | | 2017 | 6 | 321 | 2% | | 2018 | 7 | 348 | 2% | | 2019 | 37 | 907 | 4% | | 2020 | 14 | 652 | 2% | | 2021 | 12 | 510 | 2% | | 2022 | 11 | 177 | 6% | | 2023 | 15 | 238 | 6% | | 2024 | 6 | 208 | 3% | | 2025 | 5 | 99 | 5% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota RAV4 recalls related to the check engine light **[20V682000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2020-11-04): 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... Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota RAV4 owners report - "At the same time, Check Engine, battery warning, steering warning, and 'Not Ready to Drive' all appeared simultaneously with no prior warning. I brought it to a Toyota dealer the next morning and they found no fault. The vehicle is available for inspection." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota RAV4, complaint filed 2026 - "Whole engine cut off and check engine light came on with "engine stopped - power steering low". Would act like it wanted to start again but shut back off every time. After about 30 minutes it started back up without any check engine lights or messages. This is the 3rd time its happened. Always in the rain." -- owner of a 2024 Toyota RAV4, complaint filed 2025 - "After the crash, a local Toyota dealer called and said that they were notified that the check engine light was on and there was a problem with the hybrid system, along with other warnings." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota RAV4, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota RAV4 check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (20V682000) covering 2019-2020 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota RAV4 years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2019, 2020 and 2023 RAV4 model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 37 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota RAV4 with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Toyota RAV4 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota RAV4 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-rav4): 19 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-rav4): 41 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/toyota-rav4): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-rav4): 63 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-rav4): 92 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-rav4): 129 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/toyota-rav4): 17 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-rav4): 46 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Toyota RAV4 - [Toyota RAV4 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-rav4) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-rav4 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.