Do Rav4 2019 to 2021 Models Have a Roof Leak Problem in Australia?

Lfeelhappyeveryday on 12/04/2021 - 22:53
Last edited 12/04/2021 - 23:23 by 1 other user

Dear Rav4 owners

I am really interested in getting a Rav4 AWD Hybrid (2020 or 2021) this month, but are troubled by reports coming out from several countries (Taiwan, Japan, USA) indicating that Rav4 (2019, 2020, 2021) have a roof leak problem (water leak during car wash or heavy rain).

It got so bad in Taiwan that a press conference was called with politicians and journalists involved as the Toyota dealers there were not really resolving the issue in a satisfactory manner. Do any 2019 - 2021 Rav4 owners here in Australia have this problem ? I am inclined to think that the roof and roof rack design is the same globally.

Hoping to get some answers on this matter so that I can go ahead and buy it soon.

Thanks.

Automotive Car SUV Toyota

Comments

  • songsong on 12/04/2021 - 23:13

    Own a 2020 RAV4 and drove through heavy rain with no signs of obvious leakage - though I'm not sure where I'd even look

  • vince088 on 12/04/2021 - 23:13

    I have a 2019 rav4 hybrid(lucky to buy one in stock before the long delivery times it has now), no problems in car wash or heavy rain.

    My only problem is used to show 1000KM+ per full tank of fuel, now its showing 800KM+, maybe I'm just too heavy footed :/

  • spackbace on 12/04/2021 - 23:21

    Been selling a whole lot of these since they came out. No owners have mentioned anything about it

    • mbck on 12/04/2021 - 23:29

      I was at a toyota dealership and they mention these have crazy waiting lists. 6 months or so.

      Wasn't considering it anyways but I didn't know it was in such high demand

      • spackbace on 12/04/2021 - 23:45

        We're looking around 4-5 months for AWD, 5-6 months for 2wd.

        But then most cars have waiting times right now!

        • techno2000 on 13/04/2021 - 11:21

          Yeah almost every car you have to wait for a couple of months at least.

    • feelhappyeveryday on 12/04/2021 - 23:50

      Really glad to hear the replies here that Rav4 do not seem to have roof/roof rack leaking water !

    • Slippery Fish on 13/04/2021 - 09:00

      Oi spacky, In the ballpark for a new or used car, want a suv mid size. Any reccomendations? Had considered just buying a haval or something and selling in 4-5 years… but would like good advice.

      • spackbace on 13/04/2021 - 11:29

        Depends how soon you want it. Honestly, the RAV4 Hybrid 2wd (in any variant) is a good car, just that it has wait times. 1-2yo used cars just don't represent good value for money right now, so I'd certainly be looking at new cars

  • tsunamisurfer on 12/04/2021 - 23:23
    +7

    Toyota only guarantee the roof is leak proof if you have the roof rack for the GX model.

    • feelhappyeveryday on 12/04/2021 - 23:54

      The water leak problem is not confined to just the roof, it also comes from the black plastic strips that Toyota install on both sides of the car (seems like the water sealing weren't done properly or the plastic "rivets" or o-rings deteriorate after prolonged exposure to sun and rain).

      • JDMcarfan on 13/04/2021 - 11:00

        Tsunamisurfer and Brendanm's comments are jokes in reference to an earlier thread, don't take it srsly. Can't be arsed getting the link for you sorry.

    • brendanm on 13/04/2021 - 06:46
      +4

      It would have to be leak proof if you're transporting kayaks.

  • pegaxs on 13/04/2021 - 00:00
    +2

    You did put the canoe on the roof racks outside the car and not inside the car with you because there were no roof racks… asking for a friend…

  • Kaz0551 on 13/04/2021 - 06:56

    My 2020 RAV4 Hybrid collects water in the boot. Getting serviced/fixed in 2 weeks.

    • feelhappyeveryday on 13/04/2021 - 08:57

      Would you be able to share how the water gets in? ie. from the roof, or sunroof, or the black plastic strips on its' sides, or from the back door? Thanks.

    • feelhappyeveryday on 13/04/2021 - 09:02

      did you also check the inner walls for water marks/stains ? (as water collected between the walls can pose a safety issue with electrical wiring and components running all over).

      • Kaz0551 on 13/04/2021 - 20:45

        Didn't see any water stains on the walls, and the cover/material in the back wasn't wet. The service dept says they'll be checking the vacuum seals/plugs on the bottom of the chassis which may be causing water from underneath? I also think it may be draining from the rear door/boot latch. Booked in for service 26th April. We're drained the water and it got more… so issue wasn't a one off.

      • Kaz0551 on 13/04/2021 - 20:46
        +1

        They told me the loan car would be $50 for the day. LOL. Covered by the sales team now.

        Car was new in Aug/Sept… tool pack in the boot was rusty from the water.

  • MondaySleeper on 13/04/2021 - 08:37
    +2

    Wow… 50K car and leaking. :(

    • EightImmortals on 13/04/2021 - 08:59
      +1

      Hope not, I've got one on order.

  • Porker on 13/04/2021 - 09:25
    -1

    If you cast the net wide enough, you're likely to find some owners that have this or another type of water issue with their car. You won't know what percentage of all these cars that number equates to though.

    I have the AWD cruiser and it was parked outside for about the first 6 months (however over Spring and Summer) of its life without any water issues. It does live in the garage now though.

    • feelhappyeveryday on 13/04/2021 - 17:46

      Thank you for this great info. I am hoping Ben0551 will be able to shed some light on his water issue after he got it fixed.

  • JIMB0 on 13/04/2021 - 09:32

    Maybe they fitted their own roof racks and drilled a few too many holes.

  • The GM on 13/04/2021 - 10:08

    Own a 2020 2WD Cruiser Hybrid and installed Rhyno Roof Racks - no issues whatsoever driving in the heavy rain a few weeks back in Sydney.

    • techno2000 on 13/04/2021 - 11:24

      Do you regret not ordering the AWD?.I have also ordered 2WD Cruiser Hybrid.Not planning to go off road.

      • The GM on 13/04/2021 - 15:13
        +1

        No, for that exact reason. AWD =/= 4WD. Slightly cheaper and I didn't need the additional towing capacity. I have taken it on unsealed roads and it has handled it just fine as a 2WD - still has great clearance, just don't drive it too fast and you're OK. I have also fully loaded the interior (camping gear, additional passenger, 2 dogs in a cage in the boot, double-swag & steel marquee on the roof racks) and was able to drive it with no issues.

  • JimmyF on 13/04/2021 - 10:54
    +1

    Hoping to get some answers on this matter so that I can go ahead and buy it soon.

    Based on all your comments, you seem to know the issue, the cause etc. So not sure what your real question is?

    • [Deactivated] on 13/04/2021 - 12:14

      Do Australian models suffer from this problem?

      I think that is likely the question… To which the answer is probably yes?

      • JimmyF on 13/04/2021 - 15:53
        -1

        I think that is likely the question… To which the answer is probably yes?

        Well the OP also answered that too

        I am inclined to think that the roof and roof rack design is the same globally.

        Of course the roof design is the same globally.

        • feelhappyeveryday on 13/04/2021 - 17:43
          +1

          As the roof design is probably the same globally, Australian Rav4 models (2019-2021) should also face the same issue of roof leaking water. I had searched the internet and forums, but couldn't discover any Oz Rav4 owners with this issue (except for Ben0551 in this thread), which puzzles me, so, I am in 2 minds on whether to get the 2020/2021 Rav4 soon.

  • uggugg on 14/04/2021 - 08:38
    +2

    I’m a member of an Australian RAV4 Facebook group with close to 5k members. Not one person has posted to the group with such issues.

    • EightImmortals on 14/04/2021 - 08:48

      Awesome, thanks. :)

    • feelhappyeveryday on 14/04/2021 - 14:23

      That's very comforting to know, thank you! I guess I'll just place my deposit and hope for the best! :-)

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join