Two loud redesign launches. Both are buyable — but only with the program work documented.

Two distinct problems. The famous one — low-speed hesitation, harsh downshifts, lurching at stop-and-go speeds — was a software/adaptation issue Toyota addressed by TSB, and mechanics say the gen-5 RAV4 got the updated version of Toyota's troubled 8-speed, so refreshed cars behave. The quieter, costlier one: the federal complaint file now contains a steady stream of outright transmission failures on 2019s at 92k–110k miles, past the 5yr/60k powertrain warranty, with owners paying for full replacements out of pocket. Toyota doesn't call for a fluid service until 120k, which owners in the complaint file find bitter. On a test drive, sustained low-speed lurching that a dealer software update can't cure is a walk-away sign on a high-mileage example.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid · Independent mechanic channel transcripts (5th-gen RAV4, incl. Car Care Nut)

The gen-5 engine uses an electric water pump and a coolant flow-control valve; the valve sticks or seeps, typically around 50–70k miles. Because a stuck coolant valve isn't an emissions fault, it triggers the amber 'Engine Maintenance Required' message rather than a check-engine light — which confuses owners and shops alike. Toyota runs Customer Support Program 24TE04 covering flow shut-off valve coolant leaks on 2019–2021 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid. If that message is on, or the A/C is oddly weak, this valve is the first suspect — and the repair may be free under the CSP.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid · NHTSA manufacturer communications (CSPs 20TE04/05, 22TE09, 24TE04, transfer case, roof rail; recall documents) · Independent mechanic channel transcripts (5th-gen RAV4, incl. Car Care Nut)

The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid's defining complaint: a 14.5-gallon tank that stops accepting fuel at 9–10 gallons, cutting real-world range by a third. Dealers initially shrugged ('operating as designed'), but Toyota later ran Customer Support Programs 20TE04/20TE05 — 'refueling performance' — with remedies ranging from a fuel-gauge recalibration to a new sending unit or complete tank. Mechanics describe the problem as solved history on repaired cars. On any 2019 hybrid, fill it from low during the test-drive window if you can, and check whether the CSP work was performed.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid · NHTSA manufacturer communications (CSPs 20TE04/05, 22TE09, 24TE04, transfer case, roof rail; recall documents) · Independent mechanic channel transcripts (5th-gen RAV4, incl. Car Care Nut)

The fifth-gen engine uses a thermal control valve (also called the engine coolant bypass valve) to manage coolant flow. It fails — owners report the engine stalling, overheating, and throwing codes P26A3 or P2682 along with a cascade of EyeSight, pre-collision and check-engine warnings. It's the single most common serious complaint on the 2019. Crucially, Subaru extended the valve's warranty coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles for 2019–2021 Foresters, and the replacement uses a redesigned valve with a stainless internal shaft and better sensor waterproofing. On any 2019, ask whether the valve has been replaced with the updated part; if the coolant system codes or the engine has stalled, this is the first suspect and the repair should be free under the extension.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 Subaru Forester (true count 831) · NHTSA recalls + manufacturer communications (19V856, 19V065, 21V263; thermal-control-valve 15yr/150k extension)

The 2019 introduced auto engine start/stop, which shuts the engine off at stops to save fuel. The federal file has a heavy, recurring thread of owners reporting the engine failing to restart when they lift off the brake — the car loses power in traffic and has to be shifted to park and restarted, sometimes taking several tries. Some of these overlap with the thermal-valve failures above; others are start/stop behavior on its own. It reads more as a driveability and nuisance concern than a covered defect, but it's persistent enough to test for. On the drive, sit through several stop/start cycles in traffic and confirm the engine restarts cleanly every time; many owners simply disable the feature each drive.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 Subaru Forester (true count 831)

Recall 19V856 (Subaru code WUW-08) covers an aluminum PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve that can separate, letting the broken pieces enter the engine and cause a loss of power while driving. Dealers inspect and replace the valve free — and if the valve has separated and the debris can't be found, they replace the short-block engine free. This is a serious, powertrain-level recall; confirm 19V856 shows completed by VIN.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2019 Subaru Forester (true count 831) · NHTSA recalls + manufacturer communications (19V856, 19V065, 21V263; thermal-control-valve 15yr/150k extension)