Illustration1.OCCASIONALLY STEERING ISSUES, CAR WANTING TO VEER LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING MAINLY NOTICE ON HIGHWAY. 2. SECOND INCIDENT WHERE BATTERY DEAD AFTER NOT DRIVING CAR FOR THREE DAYS.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RAV4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1600–25K
1725–50K
850–75K
175–100K
7100–150K
2150K+
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 reportsTHE TOYOTA ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL KEEPS A SAFE DISTANCE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT, SLOWING AND ACCELERATING PROPERLY TO KEEP A SET DISTANCE EVEN DOWN TO A FULL STOP. HOWEVER, WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND ANOTHER CAR ENTERS MY LANE IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE THE SYSTEM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE NEW VEHICLE AND HOW CLOSE IT…
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THE TOYOTA ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL KEEPS A SAFE DISTANCE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT, SLOWING AND ACCELERATING PROPERLY TO KEEP A SET DISTANCE EVEN DOWN TO A FULL STOP. HOWEVER, WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND ANOTHER CAR ENTERS MY LANE IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE THE SYSTEM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE NEW VEHICLE AND HOW CLOSE IT IS TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT SLOW AT ALL EVEN IF THE DISTANCE TO THE INTRUDER IS ONLY A CAR LENGTH OR LESS. I HAVE TO MANUALLY BRAKE QUICKLY TO PREVENT FOLLOWING TO CLOSE AND CAUSING A POSSIBLE REAR END COLLISION. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME A CAR SQUEEZES IN FROM OF ME WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUSE ON AND IS VERY REPEATABLE. I'VE EXPERIENCED IT IN ANOTHER NEW RAV 4 TOO. THIS HAS BEEN REPEATABLY GOING ON SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW ON JAN, 2020
TOYOTA STATES THE RAV4 HYBRID HAS A 14.5 GAL GAS TANK. WHEN GAS GAUGE SHOWED 27 MI LEFT, I WAS ONLY ABLE TO PUT 11.8 GAL IN TANK. DEALER TOLD ME TO JUST ASSUME I HAD MORE GAS LEFT. THIS WAS AFTER THEY HAD REPAIRED THE RECALL ON THE TANK APPROVED BY TOYOTA. NO WAY TO KNOW HOW FAR I COULD GO. THE RECALL DIDN'T WORK
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AND HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND SAW GLASS FLYING. STOPPED AND LOOKED AT TOP OF CAR AND SUNROOF HAD A LARGE PART OF IT MISSING. THERE WERE NO OVERPASSES NOR DID I SEE ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE IT. TOYOTA'S STATEMENT WHEN I TOOK IT THERE WAS, "IT HAPPENS." I DO NOT KNOW HOW IT WOULD HAPPEN. IT MAKES ME THINK …
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DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AND HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND SAW GLASS FLYING. STOPPED AND LOOKED AT TOP OF CAR AND SUNROOF HAD A LARGE PART OF IT MISSING. THERE WERE NO OVERPASSES NOR DID I SEE ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE IT. TOYOTA'S STATEMENT WHEN I TOOK IT THERE WAS, "IT HAPPENS." I DO NOT KNOW HOW IT WOULD HAPPEN. IT MAKES ME THINK IT WAS A MANUFACTURING ERROR. IF I DID NOT HAVE THE SUNSHADE CLOSED, I WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED IN GLASS.
FUEL-TANK CAPACITY IS LISTED AT 14.5 GALLONS THE TANK WON'T ACCEPT MORE THAN 9 OR 10 GALLONS.
CAR BATTERY COMPLETELY DRAINED AFTER NOT BEING DRIVEN FOR 24 HOURS LEAVING ME STRANDED. CAR WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE CAUSING QUICK AND SIGNIFICANT BATTERY DRAIN. CAR WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2020 AND HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES.
VEHICLE GAS TANK WILL NOT FILL TO CAPACITY.. I AM STOPING AT GAS STATIONS ALL THE TIME BECAUSE I AM FLYING THROUGH GAS ..AND IT'S A HYBRID ..WON'T FILL MORE THAN 9 OR 10 GALS .. THE VEHICLE HAS NO RANGE FOR A HYBRID WHICH IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT THEY SAY WHEN THEY'RE TRYING TO SELL YOU ONE.. HAD I KNOWN I WOULD BE AT A GAS…
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VEHICLE GAS TANK WILL NOT FILL TO CAPACITY.. I AM STOPING AT GAS STATIONS ALL THE TIME BECAUSE I AM FLYING THROUGH GAS ..AND IT'S A HYBRID ..WON'T FILL MORE THAN 9 OR 10 GALS .. THE VEHICLE HAS NO RANGE FOR A HYBRID WHICH IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT THEY SAY WHEN THEY'RE TRYING TO SELL YOU ONE.. HAD I KNOWN I WOULD BE AT A GAS STATION EVERY 3 DAY'S WITH A HYBRID I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT
WITHIN A WEEK FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE ,THE VEHICLE DID NOT START , HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, DEALER SAYS THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY THE PROBLEM DID NOT DUPLICATE AT THEIR END. NO FAULT DETECTED. 9 MONTHS LATER WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD A MILEAGE OF 6066 AGAIN IT FAILED TO START, HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, DEAL…
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WITHIN A WEEK FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE ,THE VEHICLE DID NOT START , HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, DEALER SAYS THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY THE PROBLEM DID NOT DUPLICATE AT THEIR END. NO FAULT DETECTED. 9 MONTHS LATER WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD A MILEAGE OF 6066 AGAIN IT FAILED TO START, HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, DEALER AGAIN STARTED THE VEHICLE NORMALLY NO FAULT WAS DETECTED, LATER WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD THE MILEAGE OF 7079 THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE IN QUE IN A GAS STATION. FLASHING NOTIFICATION IN THE DASH BOARD INDICATED "DIRT IN THE ENGINE" THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE THIRD TIME IN A YEAR NEXT DAY DEALER SAYS THEY DID NOT FIND ANY ISSUE IN THE VEHICLE. MY CONCERN IS NOT ONCE BUT THRICE THE VEHICLE STOPED WORKING BUT THE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT JUST COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I AM FRUSTRATED - 3 BREAKDOWNS IN THE 1ST YERAR OF THE PERFORMANCE WITHIN 7100 MILEAGE. I THINK THE MECHANICS OF THIS DEALER"S SERVICE DEPARTMENT ARE NOT EXPERIENCED TO DETECT THE PROBLEM IN A NEW VEHICLE. HELP
TETHER ANCHORS ARE MISSING OR NOT VISIBLE. THE LABELS ARE MISSING AS WELL. I'M TRYING TO USE A CARSEAT FORWARD FACING AND NEED TO USE THE TETHER ANCHORS. COULDN'T UPLOAD THE PICTURES.
AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING TWICE, FIRST TIME REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE AND NOW IT'S OUT AGAIN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER. REPAIR WAS 1500.00 FIRST TIME. SECOND CONTINUES TO RATTLE FROM MIRRORS, FRONT END AND CARRYING RACK. MY RIGHT FRONT FOG LIGHT OUT AND SERVICE SAID FRONT END WAS VERY LOOSE.
Official recalls
623V865000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.