[Tmiller321]

Curious to hear how many people with 2019 RAV4’s have experienced damage to the A/C condenser due to debris being kicked up into the front grill. Happened to me today, not covered by warranty, two dealerships say, “yea, we’re seeing that a lot”. Cost to customer is around $700 for Toyota poor design.

 

[rdgrimes]

Its made of paper-thin alloy, not surprising. Could be an insurance claim if you wanted it to be, but blaming Toyota seems a bit off the mark.

 

[JuneBug]

I would figure out a way to put a screen of some sort behind the grille to protect the condensor coils. My other car is a Chevy Volt and a clever guy designed the VoltScreen to protect the condensor from flying rocks and debris. It attaches with zip ties. Maybe you could fashion something like that:

https://voltshelf.weebly.com/voltscreen.html

 

[Danno001]

I lost my condenser on a new KIA Sorento with less than 500 miles on due to road debris thrown into it. The dealer covered it under warranty. Zip tied some gutter guard mesh into the lower radiator bumper opening. Looks stock and so far so good after 3 years. $10 fix.

 

[fengfu]

I'm also curios to know how we can prevent this from happening if it is a common issue. Can anyone post a picture of the area that needs to be protected? Thanks!

 

[sam999]

Is it this part (directly behind the grill), the AC condenser? : https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota__RAV4/CONDENSER-ASSEMBLY---COOLER/77706011/884A033010.html

 

[BlackOpsy]

Its made of paper-thin alloy, not surprising. Could be an insurance claim if you wanted it to be, but blaming Toyota seems a bit off the mark.

They made a flaw in this all new design. They put a paper thin condenser in a major area that gets debres. How is that off the mark? Dealers are seeing this as a common issue.

 

[SM05]

They made a flaw in this all new design. They put a paper thin condenser in a major area that gets debres. How is that off the mark? Dealers are seeing this as a common issue.

Exactly.

 

[Colonel]

uggg....

 

[Stefank]

I just mailed Steve from voltshelf about a shelf for the RAV4. Here is his answer:

 

[rdgrimes]

^^^
Be aware that the Rav4 Hybrid has active dampers in the lower grill, which shouldn't be messed with. I'd also wonder if it really needs any extra protection beyond what the dampers provide.

 

[sam999]

I see, the lower front bumper grill need to have a mesh of something to screen more.

So, part 53113E...

I did not know it's so soft, my other car is inches from the ground and there is no grill at all. 12 years and still running.

 

[JFox562]

^^^
Be aware that the Rav4 Hybrid has active dampers in the lower grill, which shouldn't be messed with. I'd also wonder if it really needs any extra protection beyond what the dampers provide.

I don't believe the active damper is exclusive to the hybrid. I believe my gas version has it too in the lower section.

 

[Colonel]

^^^
Be aware that the Rav4 Hybrid has active dampers in the lower grill, which shouldn't be messed with. I'd also wonder if it really needs any extra protection beyond what the dampers provide.

When the motor gets hot...they open. I have AD on my Fusion. Rav4 should do the whole area as AD. That being said I do have additional screen to help.

I dont understand car manufacturers that test in such a sterile environment that they cant detect real world issues.....

 

[JFox562]

i found on the 2019 RAV4 Product Information sheet dated 11/30/18 that the "Active grille shutters" are standard on the Adventure and Limited:

 

[MrMichael]

Don't different trims have different grills as well?

 

[rvs007]

Are we talking about the area highlighted in red? Or are we talking about protecting the top grill as well?

 

[Stefank]

Red highlighted aérea online.

 

[arm77]

i found on the 2019 RAV4 Product Information sheet dated 11/30/18 that the "Active grille shutters" are standard on the Adventure and Limited:

View attachment 144061

The grille shutters are standard on all Hybrid trims. Any anti-rock solution will have to be in front of the lower grill if you have the shutters.

 

[Quickdtoo]

I'm considering using this expanded aluminum product by MD Building, it's also available at Home Depot for the same price, but not available in store here, there's enough to do both upper and lower grill openings, zip tied inside the grill, grill openings on mine are 7" x 24" and 2¾" x 31". I've had rock chips on the hood of my previous Rav4s, so there's no reason not to protect the upper grill as well, the condenser is vulnerable there too.

M-D Building Products 57398 2-Feet by 4-Feet EM-2 Expanded Aluminum - Hardboard Sheets - Amazon.com

M-D Building Products 57398 2-Feet by 4-Feet EM-2 Expanded Aluminum - Hardboard Sheets - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com