Gas Tank Issue for Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Here is Your Fix (with Video)

Learn about the fix for some RAV4 Hybrid gas tanks. A Toyota technician explains it all in our included video.

Some Toyota RAV4 Hybrid owners may have received Customer Support Program notification letters from Toyota in the past couple months.

This specific campaign is for certain 2019-2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles and applies to gas tanks and how much you can fill them up.

One of the key benefits of buying a new 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (or a 2019 or 2020 model) is the very good gas mileage it offers. Posted window sticker fuel estimates for RAV4 Hybrid are 41 in the city / 38 on the highway / 40 combined.

Toyota RAV4 is the best selling small SUV in the country. A big reason for this is sales for RAV4 Hybrid and its mpg ratings. Clearly we need a fix for this gas tank issue.

I will take “What is the Issue?” for $8000 please

An issue with gas tanks on a small number of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may interfere with the amount of fuel you can put into your tank while at the pump.

Some owners have reported they can only fill up with a smaller number of gallons (I have heard a range of 7 to 11 gallons) once their RAV4 multi-information display reads they are in need of refueling.

Fortunately, this is not a safety issue. However, this is more of a convenience / annoyance issue for those owners involved. This affects the total driving range you can travel before hitting the gas station. Plus, owners must find those same gas stations more frequently.

Again, this is a big annoyance. I can see how it would be frustrating.

Time for the good news.

This issue does not apply to all RAV4 Hybrids – just a small amount. And now, Toyota has announced a solution to the problem and has begun contacting owners whose vehicles apply.

Toyota Letter on RAV4 Hybrid Issue

2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gas tank issue

Here is an excerpt from the Toyota letter to RAV4 owners:

“Toyota has received customer reports of certain 2019-2020 model year RAV4 HV vehicle fuel gauges displaying less than full and/or total fuel dispensed is less than expected, when the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off when refueling.

Some customer reports have also noted the “Distance to Empty” shown on the multi-information display is less than expected.

Based on our investigation, Toyota believes these conditions to be primarily related to a variation of fuel tank shape and the potential for the fuel sender gauge to become inclined.

These conditions can cause the fuel level to be read incorrectly and may cause the low fuel light to illuminate with more fuel in the tank than usual.”

Next steps for Toyota RAV4 owners

2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid Blueprint Profile view front end

If your RAV4 does not have any of these symptoms, then you do not need to take further action. More than likely your car is not affected.

For those who are experiencing these warning signs, as I explained before, it is not a safety issue. No need to panic. But you do have a “next step.”

You can contact your local Toyota dealer and ask them to run your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Their database will determine if your vehicle is involved in this campaign or not.

After that, if your vehicle applies, schedule a convenient time for your service appointment with your dealership.

Toyota RAV4 Gas Tank Issue Video

My friend Ali Mohagheghi is a Toyota master diagnostic technician (he has been working on Toyota vehicles for 35 years) and happily offers his time and his knowledge when I need more insight and education. I really appreciate his kindness.

We filmed a video explaining the RAV4 gas tank issue and what simple steps you can take for your fix.

I hope you find it helpful.

Time for your Toyota RAV4 thoughts

2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid Blueprint Profile view

More good news for you. No other Toyota model is involved in the gas tank issue. A couple people have emailed me asking if 2021 Venza might be involved as well. No, Venza is not involved.

On a side note, I absolutely love my new 2021 Toyota Venza Limited. I purchased it late December after a week-long evaluation thanks to Toyota. It is already the best car I have ever owned. I encourage you to test drive one if you think it fits your driving needs and style. You may find your next car this way.

Thanks for reading everyone. I try to write stories that focus on Toyota breaking news, latest developments, reviews and how-to articles. Feel free to bookmark my Torque News / Toyota News column so you can follow along.

Do you own a Toyota RAV4 and have you experienced this issue? What RAV4 Hybrid trim level do you own?

Have you had it fixed yet? If not, do you plan on visiting your dealer soon?

Watch what fans say about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Hybrid and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube channel for daily EV news.