2020 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 635 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 17 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 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.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V865000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalNov 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."
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 20V734000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 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.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V682000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemJun 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.
A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower armMay 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.
If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V286000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingFeb 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
193 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 2, 2025
Warning light: Engine Maintenance Required Coolant Bypass Valve
Engine, Mar 21, 2025
Continuous Warning light display : Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer. The OBD diagnostic scanner lists the faulty system as follows: Code P268115. Engine coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open circuit. This appears to be a common fault on certain Toyota RAV4 years.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke and an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 12, 2025
at only 55k miles my 2020 toyota rav4 has shown an “engine maintenance required” sign. not to be mistaken with general maintenance. apparently this is a widely common issue where brand new toyotas are having cooling bypass valve issue. however concerningly so, because there are no recalls for this problem yet seemingly every rav4 has this problem? how is there no recall, everyone is paying out of pocket for essentially poor manufacturing, its outrageous, also considering the part itself is under $100 but some dealers are charging anywhere to $600-$1300. it’s predatory and outright wrong.
Engine, Mar 12, 2025
The coolant bypass valve has been failed prematurely therefor engine heat up and there is a warning on my dashboard that say "engine maintenance required"
Engine, Dec 31, 2024
Check engine light came on and noted a malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or transmission. When taken to the dealer they found code P012807 related to engine cooling and suggested a replacement of the thermostat. This part should have a life of 100k or 8-10 years and car currently has less than 60k miles and 4 years old. Asked the dealership about known recall 20TA04 - for engine cooling recall but they insisted my car was not impacted. This is a safety issue as it could result in overheating of the engine leading to fire hazards.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve B failed. The check engine light comes on and disables All-Wheel-Drive, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and interrupts functionality of the infortainment system. I am also worried that it could have a negative effect on the operation of the engine. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety or the safety of others was not put at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2024
Bypass Coolant Valve malfunctioned resulting in Engine Maintenance Required triggered. Because I do distance driving at high speeds, any potential engine issue poses a risk to safety. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer/service center. The component in question has not been inspected by the manufacturer. The warning sign that states "Engine Maintenance Required" appeared on the dashboard and remains.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 3, 2024
•August 19, 2022: All emergency/error code lights came on the dash while driving on highway. The vehicle was taken to Don McGill Toyota for service. In that time, all error codes came back and went away a few times on their own. Vehicle was taken on 08/20/2022 (please refer to service records) in which it was originally deemed there were no issues with the vehicle. Toyota recommended that if the problem persists, bring the vehicle back in. •August 26, 2022: Vehicle emergency lights came back on while driving on the highway again. The vehicle was taken back to Don McGill Toyota for a service emergency. Was told the Vehicle needed a sensor replaced. Got the vehicle back on September 15, 2022. •September 6, 2023: Vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to Don McGill Toyota. Another part was replaced (please refer to service records) and the vehicle was returned on September 9, 2023. •August 2024: Vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to Don McGill Toyota for a break service as well as getting this emergency lights issue resolved. The vehicle was picked up 5 hours later, however upon driving a little in the dealership parking lot, emergency lights came back on. Immediately went back and brought it up to the service advisor, who then took the car back for another 1 hour and deemed the vehicle needed to be “recalibrated”. This recalibration was completed, then left the dealership. •September 3, 2024: Vehicle emergency lights come back on. This time the vehicle struggled to brake when the lights came on. The vehicle was taken into Don McGill Toyota for immediate service. Breaks were looked at and recalibration was completed. Vehicle returned on September 6, 2024. •September 14, 2024: Vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to Don McGill Toyota for emergency service. Brakes were checked and the vehicle was driven around to bring the lights up. The vehicle was given back on October 1, 2024, after the ser
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 21, 2024
My Toyota 2020 RAV4 has a dangerous design flaw. It rolls when turned off and in drive mode. For example, my driveway is on an incline, and a couple times I have pulled into my driveway, gotten distracted, and I forgot to put the car in Park. When I hit the on/off button, the car rolls backwards, accelerating due to gravity. If you're not quick, you can end up rolling out into traffic, or running someone over that is behind your car. All the other cars I've ever owned didn't roll when the car was turned off unless you were in neutral. I believe this is a design flaw because I've spoken to a few other RAV4 owners that have experienced the same thing, and on one occasion, I tested it on another RAV4 and it was the same. I can see this being very dangerous. If you are standing outside of the car and hit the on/off button while it's in drive, you would get knocked down by the door, and your car would be rolling without you in the car.
Air bags, Seat belts, Engine, Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the driver's side seat belt sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to exceed 1,000 RPM while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 14, 2024
Known coolant bypass valve issue dealership declining to cover it although it’s impacting a ton of people.
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
Service engine message coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open code P268115
Engine, Oct 17, 2024
Engine Maintenance Light on. After inspection at dealership, the cause was determined as Coolant By-pass valve stuck closed
Engine, Oct 14, 2024
I have had an "Engine Maintenance Required" warning light on since I purchased the vehicle (used) and have had it checked out by my local mechanic and the Toyota dealer. It is due to the coolant bypass valve malfunctioning. Apparently this is an extremely common issue according to the class action lawsuit and should NOT be put on the customer to pay for this when my odometer has not even hit 60k. A recall needs to be issued for this once and for all.
Power train, Engine, Oct 14, 2024
Broken- Coolant bypass valve My safety was put at risk as the coolant bypass value broke leaking coolant over my cars electrical components and not keeping my engine cool. This could have resulted in my engine, overheating, exploding while operating the car and putting my life at risk. Also “engine maintenance alert” that couldn’t not be dismissed by the driver, obstructed the view of my dashboard. This problem was confirmed by the the Toyota dealership There is currently a class action lawsuit against Toyota for this specific issue.
Engine, Oct 8, 2024
Coolant Bypass Issue. Engine Maintenance and contact dealer on the dash board.
Power train, Engine, Oct 6, 2024
The coolant bypass valve is needing to be replaced. The vehicle only has 52k miles and just happened after warranty.
Engine, Oct 2, 2024
While driving with the air conditioner on a message appears on the instrument panel ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED. From researching this message on the internet it appears this is due to an engine coolant bypass valve problem. From this internet search it appears to be happening to many other peoples Rav4. The cost of having this valve replaced appears to be close to $1000. It appears that this problem is a common thing. Toyota needs to have a recall on this problem. Most people report this happening at various mileage.
Engine, Sep 27, 2024
Premature coolant bypass valve failure. Vehicle has less than 70k miles, but past warranty, "Engine Maintenance Required-See Dealer" light randomly came on one day and would not go off. Scanner pulled no codes as to what the issue would be. Found out it is a known issue as hundreds, if not thousands of Toyota drivers, have experienced this and that specific warning message indicates that it is due to the coolant bypass valve having failed. Clearly this is a known issue.
Power train, Engine, Sep 21, 2024
After only 35k miles the car start showing a failure in the coolant by pass valve that could cause major failure of the engine. It has been reported that it is an ongoing situation with most 2020 rav4. The repair is not covered by warranty and it cost over $700.
Engine, Sep 21, 2024
Maintenance light is keep showing even after the oil change. After the inspection, mechanic found that it is due to Coolant Bypass pipe/hose. I didn't see a recall but I had to get it done before it get worse. It cost around $500 to change the Coolant Bypass pipe/hose with labor. Hence, I reporting to escalate it and requesting for reimbursement. Thanks.
Engine, Sep 20, 2024
I noticed an “engine maintenance required” message on my dash when driving home yesterday. I took the car to the dealership today to have it inspected. I was told I need to “replace the engine coolant bypass valve malfunction” for $738.31. Even though I only have 38,984 miles on the car I was told it was outside of the basic warranty and was not covered by powertrain warranty. When I looked online on several Toyota Forums I noticed other 2019/2020 Toyota RAV4 owners were reporting the same exact issue. I believe this warrants an inspection to see if a nationwide recall is needed and Toyota should cover the cost and refund any and all out of pocket expenses. I’ve driven Toyotas my entire adult life and have never had any issues like this before. It’s very disappointing.
Engine, Sep 14, 2024
Engine Maintenance Light: Dealer found codes 48257 for coolant bypass valve short to open
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant bypass valve failure. The contact was informed that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that coolant bypass valve had been replaced twice. The contact stated that previously in August 2024, the failure had occurred, and the coolant bypass valve was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,793.