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, Jun 21, 2024
Coolant Flow Valve failure at 89,000 miles. It was replaced at Toyota dealership so the faulty valve is not available. My safety was compromised by an impossible to delete dashboard message which obscured the speedometer. The only way to delete the message was to have Toyota dealership fix part and clear code. Other safety concerns would be further engine damage if this part, which is known to be extremely prone to failure, is not repaired. This Coolant Flow Valve failure was indeed confirmed by the Toyota Dealership who also stated it is a very common issue with these 2020 RAV4 models. After completion of the repair the Toyota Dealership did complete a passing inspection of my RAV4 vehicle. The aforementioned warning on the dash appeared around 89,000 miles, no prior problems or symptoms noted.
Engine, Jun 21, 2024
A message light is shown stating "Engine Maintenance Required. Visit your dealer." Upon inspection from the dealer, it is a problem with the coolant bypass valve. The service men expressed concern for the heat regulation of the engine and things related to the coolant. This seems to be an extremely common problem with other Toyota RAV4s after looking it up online. Given the extent of the issue, this seems warranted to issue a recall for this part.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and the engine was overheating. The message "See Dealer for Maintenance" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that an unknown cooling system valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Engine, Jun 10, 2024
Engine coolant valve failed. Known Toyota issue for this model and no recall has been issued.
Engine, Jun 10, 2024
I got the "Engine maintenance required. Visit your dealer" warning. (conveniently after my scheduled oil change 1 week later) My vehicle is a 2020 Rav4. I purchased it 2022. It has UNDER 30k miles. I have researched this warning and found it to be very common. And the price to fix it upwards of $900 ??!! I was even quoted this when I called my dealer. I have found threads going back 1 to 2 years stating this repair. No warranty, no recall. as I said I have UNDER 30k miles too.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2024
1. I had to have Injector Fuel Service due to my vehicle having a sluggish feeling while driving from Stop to Start. The vehicle also had a throttling motion while driving. 2. A message appeared on dashboard after a recent visit to the dealership after normal maintenance service, “Engine Maintenance Required” “Reach out to Dealer.” This message specifically shows while I start up my vehicle and will not disappear if cancelled. “This is a warning for a coolant bypass valve failure”
Engine, May 22, 2024
Engine maintenance required, contact dealer Alert displaying to replace coolant bypass valve. Vehicle has 38,144 miles. Internet search of this issue has been reported by several consumers with vehicles less then 4 years old. Not covered under warranty and quoted at $700- ridiculous!
Engine, May 22, 2024
The vehicle start showing the ( Engine maintenance required) message around 40k miles. The bypass coolant valve needs to be replaced. The dealership did confirm the issue. The issue will result in the engine overheating or seizure. A lot of people who own RAV4 2019-2024 had the same issue.
Engine, May 18, 2024
Engine Maintenance Required
Engine, May 15, 2024
engine maintenance required light, after much research it shows it is a common defect in 2019-2022 models. Coolant Bypass Valve malfunction or failure. This can lead to overheating/fire. Appeared at 70k, all maintenance done by certified toyota dealership
Engine, May 15, 2024
Engine maintenance light comes on this is not the maintenance light this morning light is not in the owner's manual I had to Google the problem to find out the answer it is a faulty coolant bypass valve my car has 47,000 miles other people have reported the same issue Toyota won't acknowledge and won't fix the problem there are complaints from many other people about this
Engine, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the "Engine Maintenance Required to Visit Your Dealer" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The contact was informed that the coolant bypass valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 26,643.
Engine, May 8, 2024
“Engine Maintenance Required” appeared on the screen and immediately took the vehicle to my local dealership. Dealer claims “Engine coolant bypass valve” Has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced. They are charging $697.54 for the repair. After a little research online including nhtsa.gov this seems to be an extremely common issue and needs to be recalled.
Engine, May 7, 2024
2020 rav4 coolant bypass valve problem. This is an issue that is been happening in the 2019 and 2020 models even with less than 55,000 miles on it. My vehicle milage is 52,000 and now I'm having this problem and the dealer is charging $700.00 to fix the issue. I thought that Toyota vehicles were reliable but this is ridiculous.
Engine, May 5, 2024
I just bought my 2020 RAV4 in November with the lifetime powertrain warranty. By April, I had a “Engine Maintenance Required” light that would not go away. I took it to the dealership and it was my coolant bypass valve. $800 later, it’s fixed. Not covered under any warranty. Very common issue that Toyota charges a lot to fix.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 2, 2024
My 2020 Toyota Rav4 was just diagnosed with an engine coolant bypass valve failure. The leak from this valve could cause engine overheating. This seems to be a well known defective engine component that Toyota appears unwilling to address.
Engine, Apr 30, 2024
Coolant bypass valve is faulty, coolant leaks into sensor. Coolant regulation is important for maintaining proper engine temperature and failure with this system can lead to larger engine issues, possibly leading to catastrophic engine failure. Problem verified by independent mechanic and dealer. Issue was inspected by dealer. The message “Engine Maintenance Required // Visit Your Dealer” displays on dash.
Engine, Apr 30, 2024
Engine maintenance required. Found that coolant bypass valve has malfunctioned. Warranty will not cover due to being over 30k miles.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 29, 2024
Coolant bypass value failure 1000$ to replace on a vehicle that’s only a few years old Toyota refuses to fix it
Engine, Apr 22, 2024
Coolant bypass valve error
Engine, Apr 18, 2024
Coolant bypass valve
Engine, Apr 17, 2024
Coolant bypass sensor is faulty
Engine, Apr 17, 2024
1. The coolant bypass valve failed. I had to pay about $950 to get it fixed because it is a safety issue and was not covered under any warranties. 2. Yes they were. The coolant bypass valve is responsible for maintaining optimal engine temperature. With this part broken it, the engine can overheat as the coolant will not circulate through the radiator. 3. Yes. The toyota dealership informed us they see an unreal amount of people with faulty coolant bypass valves. It is an issue with the part. 4. It was inspected by the Toyota dealership in Round Rock. 5. No there was nothing to indicate an issue. I only discovered the problem because I got a "engine maintenance required" warning on my dash.
Engine, Apr 15, 2024
Bypass coolant valve failure
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
Engine maintenance required see dealer