Why does my 2019 RAV4 hesitate and then lurch from a rolling stop?

Short answer: Many 2019 gas RAV4s hesitate and then lurch when you press the gas after slowing almost to a stop. Toyota's bulletin T-SB-0107-19 is a software update for it. Ask the dealer by bulletin number.

Symptom: You slow down almost to a stop, press the gas, the SUV hesitates, then jumps forward.

What to check first

1. Note whether it happens when you slow almost to a stop and then press the gas.
2. Ask the dealer whether T-SB-0107-19 has been applied to your VIN.
3. After any update, give it a few days of normal driving to relearn.
4. Get codes read if a warning light ever came on.

Likely causes

1. Engine/transmission software. Toyota's bulletin T-SB-0107-19 says some 2019 gas RAV4s hesitate when accelerating from a slow roll, especially after a quick downshift at very low speed. The fix is a software update to the engine computer.
2. Transmission relearn. After the update, the transmission needs some driving to relearn. It can feel different for a while.
3. Normal 8-speed behavior. Some service advisors call a small lurch normal. If it's strong or getting worse, ask specifically about the bulletin.

What it usually costs

The software update is normally free under warranty. Ask about labor charges first if you're out of warranty.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A lurch into an intersection can be dangerous. Leave extra space until the update is done.

DIY or shop?

Not DIY. The update needs Toyota's tools.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 9 recall(s) for the Toyota RAV4 in these years, and none match this problem. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 186 keyword-matched complaints for Toyota RAV4 2019–2021 (of 1916 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-08; keywords: transmission, hesitation, lurch, jerk, shift, acceleration). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In FIX for 2019 gas RAV4 models transmission hesitation and lurching on Reddit r/rav4club, an owner shared the fix for hesitation and lurching on 2019 gas RAV4s, a dealer software update.
• In Anyone else have the jerking forward/uneven acceleration after slowing down with their 2019 gas model? on Reddit r/rav4club, a 2019 gas RAV4 owner described jerking forward and uneven acceleration after slowing down, and said a Toyota service advisor told them it was 'normal.'
• In 2019 RAV4 transmission on Reddit r/rav4club, 2019 RAV4 owners discussed how the new 8-speed transmission behaved.

Quick tip

If the service advisor says it's 'normal,' give them the bulletin number. That usually changes the conversation.

Vehicle focus: Toyota RAV4 fifth generation (2019–2021) with the 2.5L gas engine and 8-speed automatic. Hybrids use a different transmission.

Safety / mechanic note

Unexpected lurching can cause a crash. Verify with a mechanic.