← New search

2020 Toyota RAV4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAV4 years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 258.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

195 reports with mileage · 439 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 180 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 90 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports5 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

634 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2023
Unknown Or Other

A known issue that has been occurring to many people with the coolant bypass valve system going out very soon after purchasing. I bought a 2020 Toyota rav4 and my bypass coolant valve has malfunctioned and needs replaced and of course is outside of the warranty. Per many google searches this is a common issue and should be addre…

Read full complaint

A known issue that has been occurring to many people with the coolant bypass valve system going out very soon after purchasing. I bought a 2020 Toyota rav4 and my bypass coolant valve has malfunctioned and needs replaced and of course is outside of the warranty. Per many google searches this is a common issue and should be addressed.

NHTSA ODI #11537932

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2023
Engine

The engine maintenance required light came on at 56,000 miles and would not reset even after a scheduled oil change. The Toyota dealership neglected to evaluate this light when I brought my car in for servicing. After getting a diagnostic, it was found that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced which was at least $600. …

Read full complaint

The engine maintenance required light came on at 56,000 miles and would not reset even after a scheduled oil change. The Toyota dealership neglected to evaluate this light when I brought my car in for servicing. After getting a diagnostic, it was found that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced which was at least $600. I was advised that the vehicle was to not be driven long distances as it could result in more damage to the car. This is my 4th expensive repair on this 3 year old car in 1 year. This is my very first Toyota, & I am extremely disappointed. I bought a Toyota anticipating a low maintenance, high quality vehicle and have had nothing but issues.

NHTSA ODI #11537532

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2023
Engine

The Engine Maintenance Required Visit your Dealer came on and wouldn’t go away. I took it into Toyota and they charge $166 dollars to run a diagnostic. Plus what ever it cost to fix it. Turns out that 2020 Toyota RAV 4 Have an issue with the coolant by pass it’s a pipe if left unfixed it can make the car over heat and it’s part…

Read full complaint

The Engine Maintenance Required Visit your Dealer came on and wouldn’t go away. I took it into Toyota and they charge $166 dollars to run a diagnostic. Plus what ever it cost to fix it. Turns out that 2020 Toyota RAV 4 Have an issue with the coolant by pass it’s a pipe if left unfixed it can make the car over heat and it’s part of the radiator can cost $700 to fix at the dealership. My car is only 3 years old it shouldn’t have this issues and be costing my hundreds of dollars to fix.

NHTSA ODI #11537498

Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2023
Engine

There is a known issue with the coolant bypass valve failing. Dealerships are charging over $600 to fix and many people are having the same issue. The engine maintenance required message is persistent, and will not allow you to bypass it.

NHTSA ODI #11536679

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Coolant bypass valve just gave out on car was informed by dealership that this is an ongoing problem with my make of car.

NHTSA ODI #11536047

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2023
Engine

The vehicle has a message engine maintenance required. The Toyota dealership diagnostic was that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The dealer told us they are getting at least 6 Rav4 a week coming in with the same issue. The part replacement isn't covered manufacturer under warranty. This needs to be a recalled par…

Read full complaint

The vehicle has a message engine maintenance required. The Toyota dealership diagnostic was that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The dealer told us they are getting at least 6 Rav4 a week coming in with the same issue. The part replacement isn't covered manufacturer under warranty. This needs to be a recalled part.

NHTSA ODI #11535175

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2023
Engine

Coolant Bypass Valve failure/malfunction. Frequently reported issue for model/year.

NHTSA ODI #11535103

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2023
Air BagsCrashInjury

I was traveling at approximately 40mph when a car ran a light and came across in front of me at an intersection. I T-boned the other persons car which totaled my vehicle. The airbags in my vehicle did not deploy and I feel they should have. I was injured and have been to a doctor.

NHTSA ODI #11534669

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2023
Engine

The coolant bypass valve is defective on a 3 year old single owner, well maintained under 50,000 miles vehicle. This is a wide spread and known issue for Toyota which can result in engine overheating, causing potentially unsafe situations to occur for the driver. This can also severely damage the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11534608

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2023
EnginePower Train

The Coolant flow control valve is malfunctioning. This was diagnosed by a Toyota dealer. My car is 3 years old and has 56k miles. Upon doing more research, a lot of people have complained that the same things are happening to their vehicles as well. To my understanding, this is not something typical for a car as young as mine.

NHTSA ODI #11534433

Official recalls

6

23V865000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Dec 20, 2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

20V734000 · Air Bags:frontal; Steering:column

Nov 25, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

Steering:column

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

20V373000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Jun 24, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.

20V286000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 20, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. The front lower suspension arms may have cracks, which may result in the suspension arm separating from the front wheel assembly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms, free of charge. This recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's interim numbers for this recall are 20TB08 / 20TA08.

20V064000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Feb 6, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Toyota RAV4 problems