Oil leaks are more than just a messy driveway issue—they can lead to engine failure, costly repairs, and even safety hazards if left unchecked. That’s why Toyota RAV4 owners have been voicing concerns about leaks in certain models, sparking discussions about potential recalls and manufacturer accountability.
The biggest concern? Toyota has issued a recall for 2019–2020 RAV4 models due to engine block defects, but no official recall exists for oil pan leaks in 2021–2022 models, even though many owners have reported the problem.
Instead, Toyota issued Tech Tip (T-TT-0672-21), instructing dealerships to document these leaks—but without an official repair program, many owners are left footing the bill.
If you’re dealing with an oil leak in your RAV4, it’s important to understand whether your model is affected, what Toyota has done (or hasn’t done), and what steps you can take to address the issue. Let’s break it all down.
1. The Oil Leak Problems Toyota RAV4 Owners Are Dealing With
Oil Pan Leaks in 2021–2022 Models—A Problem Without a Recall
If you drive a 2021 or 2022 RAV4, you might have noticed oil collecting under the engine. Some owners have taken their SUVs in for service only to be told that the No.2 oil pan is leaking due to a sealing issue. In other words, the factory gasket isn’t holding up, and oil is slowly making its way out.
A small leak might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can cause low oil levels, increased engine wear, and potential overheating. And here’s where it gets frustrating—Toyota knows about the issue but hasn’t issued a recall or extended warranty coverage.
Instead, they released Tech Tip (T-TT-0672-21), which tells dealerships to document and report these leaks but doesn’t require them to fix them unless the vehicle is still under warranty.
That means some owners are getting repairs covered, while others are being told it’s on them. If your warranty has expired, you could be looking at a repair bill for something that likely started long before you hit the mileage limit.
2019–2020 Models Got a Recall for a More Serious Issue
If you own a 2019 or 2020 RAV4, the oil leak situation was a lot worse—and Toyota actually did something about it. The problem wasn’t just a leaky gasket but a manufacturing defect in the engine block itself. Some blocks were made with flaws that caused them to develop cracks, which led to oil and coolant leaks.
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Toyota couldn’t ignore this one, so they recalled around 44,000 vehicles and started replacing engines if they found any cracks. If you had an affected model, Toyota covered the entire cost of the replacement—a huge difference from how they’re handling the 2021–2022 oil pan issue.
That’s what has some owners frustrated. The 2019–2020 models got a recall, while the 2021–2022 models are stuck in a gray area, with Toyota only monitoring the problem instead of fixing it outright.
2. How Toyota Has Responded—And Where Owners Are Left Waiting
A Clear-Cut Recall for 2019–2020 Models
When Toyota realized that some 2019 and 2020 RAV4s had engine blocks that could crack, they didn’t wait around. They issued a recall covering about 44,000 vehicles, instructing dealerships to inspect the engine block and replace the entire engine if cracks were found.
For affected owners, this was a serious but straightforward fix—if their vehicle was covered, Toyota took care of it. No back-and-forth, no debating warranty coverage. If the engine had defects, it was replaced under the recall.
No Recall for 2021–2022 Oil Pan Leaks—Just a “Tech Tip”
Now, compare that to how Toyota has handled the 2021–2022 oil pan leaks, and you’ll see why so many owners are frustrated. Instead of issuing a recall, Toyota put out Tech Tip (T-TT-0672-21), which basically tells dealerships to document the issue and report findings back to Toyota.
This isn’t a recall. It’s not even a proper Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), which would at least give mechanics official repair instructions. It’s just a way for Toyota to gather data while leaving affected owners in limbo.
For drivers still under warranty, some dealerships have covered the repairs, but for those outside the coverage period, it’s been hit or miss. Some have been charged for repairs, while others have had to push for goodwill assistance.
Toyota hasn’t said whether they’ll take further action. So right now, if you have a 2021 or 2022 RAV4 with an oil pan leak, you’re on your own unless your dealership agrees to help.
3. Spotting an Oil Leak Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem
The Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
An oil leak doesn’t always start as a puddle on your driveway. Sometimes, the signs are more subtle—until they’re not. If your RAV4 is losing oil, you might notice a burning smell after driving, especially when the engine is warm. That’s oil dripping onto hot components and cooking off before it ever hits the ground.
Another red flag is needing to top off your oil between changes. If you’re consistently low despite regular maintenance, that oil isn’t just disappearing—it’s going somewhere. And if you start seeing dark spots under your vehicle after parking overnight, you’re well past the early warning stage.
Checking for Leaks Yourself
If you suspect an oil leak, pop the hood and take a look around the oil pan and engine block. A fresh leak will leave wet, shiny oil streaks, while an older one might have dried-up residue. If you’re unsure, run a clean rag along the suspected area—if it comes back oily, there’s your answer.
For a more thorough check, park your RAV4 on a clean surface overnight and inspect the ground in the morning. A few drops could mean a slow leak, but a larger stain means you need to act fast before oil levels drop too low.
When to Get a Mechanic Involved
If you’re spotting leaks or constantly running low on oil, don’t wait until it turns into an engine problem. Even a slow leak can lead to oil starvation, which spells disaster for internal components. Getting an inspection now can save you from a much bigger repair bill later.
If your RAV4 is under warranty, head straight to a Toyota dealership—especially if you have a 2021–2022 model. Some owners have managed to get repairs covered, but you’ll need to push for it since there’s no official recall.
4. Fixing the Problem—What Are Your Options?
Toyota’s Official Repairs (Or Lack of Them)
If you’re dealing with an oil leak on a 2019 or 2020 RAV4, there’s good news—Toyota issued a recall for engine block defects, and if your vehicle was part of it, the fix was simple: a full engine replacement at no cost to you.
For 2021–2022 models, it’s a different story. Toyota hasn’t issued a recall or even a formal repair program. If your No.2 oil pan is leaking, the response from dealerships varies. Some owners have had the repair covered under warranty, while others were told they’d have to pay out of pocket.
Toyota’s Tech Tip (T-TT-0672-21) tells mechanics to document leaks and report findings but doesn’t require them to actually fix the problem unless it falls under warranty. That leaves many owners paying for a repair that Toyota knows is a widespread issue.
Repair Costs for Out-of-Warranty Vehicles
If your warranty has expired, the cost of fixing an oil pan leak will depend on the severity of the leak and the dealership’s policy. Some mechanics have resealed the oil pan for a few hundred dollars, while others charged over $1,000 for a full reseal and labor.
If your RAV4 is out of warranty, it’s worth pushing Toyota for goodwill assistance, especially if the leak started early in ownership. Some owners have had luck getting Toyota to cover part of the repair cost, but it often requires persistence.
✔ Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guides – Covers maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures with detailed instructions.
✔ Vehicle-Specific Coverage – Designed for your exact make and model, ensuring accurate and relevant information.
✔ Includes Diagrams & Photos – Easy-to-follow illustrations and exploded views help simplify complex repairs.
✔ Perfect for DIYers & Professionals – Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mechanic, get the insights you need to fix your vehicle with confidence.
Preventing More Expensive Repairs
Ignoring an oil leak is never a good idea, especially if it’s more than just a minor seep. If oil levels drop too low, engine damage isn’t far behind. If you’re not ready for an immediate repair, at least keep an eye on your oil levels and top off as needed to avoid running the engine dry.
For now, the best move is to press Toyota for an official fix. If more owners report the issue, there’s a chance Toyota will escalate the response.
5. What You Can Do If Your RAV4 Has an Oil Leak
Check for Recalls and Service Bulletins
The first step is to see if Toyota has listed your vehicle under any active recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). Toyota’s recall lookup tool allows you to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and check for any open service campaigns.
For 2019–2020 models, if your engine block is affected by the casting defect, the recall should still be active, meaning Toyota will replace your engine at no cost.
For 2021–2022 models, there’s no recall—just the Tech Tip (T-TT-0672-21), which means dealerships are aware of the issue but aren’t required to fix it unless the vehicle is still under warranty.
Schedule an Inspection With a Dealership
If you suspect an oil leak, set up an appointment with a Toyota dealership as soon as possible. Even if you’re past the warranty period, some dealerships have covered repairs under goodwill assistance, especially if the leak developed early.
When you go in, be clear about what you’ve noticed—whether it’s oil spots under the vehicle, a burning smell, or frequent oil loss. If the dealership tells you the leak isn’t serious or tries to downplay it, insist on a thorough inspection. Some owners have had to push for proper documentation before getting Toyota to take action.
Report the Issue If You’re Denied Coverage
If your dealership refuses to cover the repair and you believe it’s a manufacturer defect, you can file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If enough reports come in, Toyota may be forced to issue a recall.
You can also try reaching out to Toyota’s customer support to request assistance. Some owners have managed to get partial reimbursement for repairs by escalating the issue directly with Toyota.
Right now, Toyota hasn’t committed to fixing the 2021–2022 oil pan leak problem, but if more owners come forward, that could change.
Final Thoughts—What RAV4 Owners Need to Know
Toyota has taken two very different approaches to these oil leak issues. 2019–2020 models with engine block defects got a full recall, with Toyota replacing entire engines where necessary.
However, for 2021–2022 models with oil pan leaks, owners are left dealing with the issue on a case-by-case basis, with no official recall or extended warranty in place.
If you’re driving a 2019 or 2020 RAV4, check if your vehicle was part of the recall—if it was, Toyota should still cover the repair. If you own a 2021 or 2022 model, keep an eye on your oil levels and push your dealership for assistance if you notice leaks. Some owners have managed to get repairs covered, but it often depends on warranty status and dealership discretion.
At this point, Toyota hasn’t announced a permanent fix for the oil pan issue, but if enough owners report the problem, that could change. If you’re affected, filing a complaint with the NHTSA and pressuring Toyota for action may be the best way to push for a resolution.