NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10241399: 2019, 2020 Toyota Rav4

Official manufacturer communication context for 2019, 2020 Toyota Rav4, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10241399 summary graphic for 2019, 2020 Toyota Rav4
10241399NHTSA document ID
Warranty program / extensioncommunication type
1affected product rows
1source rows grouped

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

DP: This Customer Support Program provides coverage for a condition involving the front transfer case electro-magnetic clutch in certain 2019 ? 2020 model year RAV4 Adventure and Limited grade AWD vehicles. An abnormal buzz or groan noise from that case can occur with Normal drive mode selected during disconnect/connect timing of the AWD system. This condition typically occurs between 20 and 30 mph when accelerating from a stop, and/or between 20 and 13 mph on deceleration after driving the vehicle for 15 minutes or longer. Although the front transfer case electro-magnetic clutch is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to abnormal buzz/groan noise from the front transfer case.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
ToyotaRav42019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10241399?

DP: This Customer Support Program provides coverage for a condition involving the front transfer case electro-magnetic clutch in certain 2019 ? 2020 model year RAV4 Adventure and Limited grade AWD vehicles. An abnormal buzz or groan noise from that case can occur with Normal drive mode selected during disconnect/connect timing of the AWD system. This condition typically occurs between 20 and 30 mph when.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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