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 and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle briefly lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the coolant temperature sensor, requiring that the coolant temperature sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 25, 2024
A week prior to this incident, the 2020 RAV4 was taken to Toyota for its maintenance check where everything was checked, replaced and changed. However, the last two days an incessant message keeps popping up on the dash stating “engine maintenance required… Visit your dealer” taking up the entirety of the middle screen inhibiting my ability from seeing my speed, mileage, distance to empty , time, lane assist and other car information that I normally rely on. I have pressed the “arrow back” or “back” button numerous times but three seconds later the message pops again inhibiting me from being able to use necessary car controls to stay safe. The engine on the 2020 RAV4 needs to be recalled as my car only has 55,000 miles on it. I have talked to numerous professionals within the motor industry in which they state these engines have lower stability and life expectancy than PREVIOUS engines used in older RAV4 models. Not only the engine, but the messaging system within the RAV4 needs to be fixed immediately as the communication of maintenance WHILE driving is a hazard. If I cannot look at texts to even just simply read it, why is there is message bright and in the middle of my dashboard popping every 3 seconds with a bright red triangle stating that I need “engine maintenance required,visit a dealer”. This is a safety issue and one in which almost nearly cost me my life.
Engine, Mar 20, 2024
I kept getting an engine maintenance message. The coolant bypass assembly failed.
Engine, Mar 18, 2024
Code P268115... Every time you start the vehicle a message will display a "Engine Maintenance Required" and it will never go away, I was driving off road and the message would get in the way of seeing how my AWD is performing.
Engine, Mar 16, 2024
I having the engine maintenance like tons of other people and it seems is a 800$ fix..... to many people having the same issue and it seems is the return valve hose for everyone
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
Check engine warning came on, dealer immediately knew it was coolant bypass valve since this is a very common incident with Rav4s recently. My valve was defective and leaking coolant so I had to get it replaced.
Engine, Mar 13, 2024
The engine coolant bypass valve has shorted and needs to be replaced. The dealer has confirmed the issue. First noticed when a message on the dash that said to see the dealer for an engine issue
Engine, Mar 7, 2024
p/a engine coolant bypass valve and coolant, and connector with pigtail, pins are full of corrosion inside connector. Items need to be replaced
Engine, Feb 28, 2024
Coolant bypass valve on all newer 2019 and up Rav4 models are known to cause issues or break at early mileage usually before 50k miles. It’s a known problem with Rav4 owners and is backed by many claims on social media websites and internet forums. The cost for diagnostic of “engine maintenance required” message on cars dash can range up to $150 and up for diagnostic fees only at Toyota Dealerships. Other independent mechanics cannot diagnose the problem message. Repair and replacement of $800 for parts and labor is ridiculous.
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
There seems to be a lot of folks online wanting a resolution from Toyota regarding a Coolant Bypass Valve that fails around 30k-60k miles on their 2020 Toyota Rav4's and other models. My Rav 4 just recently had the Engine Maintenance Required pop up on mine & I'm between 30k-40k. Some people had their issue a couple years ago and still nothing has been done about it. Toyota is charging close to $1000 for total repairs with labor for most of these instances. The community wants & needs a recall.
Engine, Feb 21, 2024
My vehicle that's only 4 years old stopped moving forward or backwards when putting the car in gear. The car turns on perfectly fine never gave us a warning or driving issues until the day it stopped moving on a highway. I got the vehicle towed to Avondale Toyota in Arizona and they told me not a single professional technician was able to find anything wrong with the transmission. I think to myself "not one of these professionals can find an issue with a car that's 4 years old? That's odd to me. But they advised me they could fix the vehicle with a brand new transmission for $8,000 but that's my only option at this point. I live paycheck to paycheck and this isn't something that could have happened to me at a worst time expecting a child in the summer. Im hoping it could be just a solinod or something like a misfire. Please help. Sincerely a father in need.
Engine, Feb 19, 2024
The coolant bypass valve failed on my RAV4 at 67,757 miles. There are multiple similar complaints online and I would like to bring it to the attention to the NHTSA. The engine service light cut on and the dealership replaced the valve to make it go away.
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
2020 Rav4 engine bypass coolant valve is faulty. It could lead to overheating and possible engine damage. This is a known issue and just google to see how many people have been screwed over by this faulty equipment.
Engine, Feb 3, 2024
Engine coolant bypass valve failure @40k miles. Could cause engine to overheat possibly be stranded.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 16, 2024
Car operating as normal in the morning, few hours later went to start up car again and had message saying “hybrid system malfunction”. Drove it around for a few minutes then other lights started flashing, lane departure, traction control, crash detection. They all went away and except the hybrid malfunction warning.
Engine, Jan 4, 2024
Vehicle displayed Engine Maintenance Required light at 54,000 miles. As issue was described from dealer, "Engine code was P268115 for an engine coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open. Found Coolant valve intermittently sticking." Was told by technician that if the part was not replaced, the issue could lead to engine overheating and that after they made the fix, they were going to check to see if a gasket was possible blown from the issue resulting from overheating that may have gone overlooked.
Engine, Dec 30, 2023
Engine bypass coolant valve… Engine maintenance required pops up intermittently. Per dealer there is a short circuit in valve/ bypass part. The dealer had already known this was issue prior to car being diagnosed. They stated they are aware and this is a known issue.
Engine, Dec 19, 2023
2020 RAV4 with 47,589 miles. The engine maintenance light came on. It turns off once I shut off the vehicle and start it up again. It only comes back on when I put the air conditioner or heater on. I was told it's the heater control valve/coolant bypass valve and would cost around $900+ to repair. I did some research and see that this problem is occurring alot.
Engine, Dec 7, 2023
Coolant bypass valve failed vehicle warning lights came on for this 2020 Toyota Rav4 at 31,641 miles. This is absolutely available for inspection on request. Safety as this can potentially cause overheating, coolant leaking, a cracked cylinder. The manufacturer (Local Toyota dealership - "Ed Morse Delray Toyota" inspected and suggested replacement of the coolant bypass valve for this 2020 toyota rav4 for a price around 800$. the technician say they see a load of these newer model Rav4's needing new coolant bypass valves. I opted not to immediately replace the valve due to it being a vehicle model-wide issue that should likely be a recall. These appeared the day before I brought it in to the dealer so withing 5-10 miles of the 31,641 miles for this 2020 Toyota Rav4. Warning just says "error please take in to dealership for service".
Engine, Nov 22, 2023
My coolant bypass valve in the engine malfunctioned and shorted at a mere 27,300 miles on the vehicle and I had to bring it into the dealership to be replaced. A coolant bypass valve failing or malfunctioning can cause the engine to overheat, catch fire, or cause complete seizure. Can also cause the vehicle to stall and possibly cause a crash or wreck. Toyota has acknowledged the problem in the RAV4’s but no recalls have been issued. Dealer knew exactly what the problem was when I mentioned that the ‘engine maintenance required’ light came up on my dashboard BEFORE mechanic diagnosed it and confirmed which tells me they are aware of the issue in these cars.
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
In September 12,2023 I took my 2020 Toyota Rava 4 vehicle in to Cobb Toyota for a coolant by pass valve to be replaced after my check engine light kept coming on. I only had 25 790 miles on my vehicle at the time. Anthony Sullivan was my service rep. at the time And he stated that this something has been common with this type of vehicle. But could not explain why. I just wanted to report this to Toyota. They need to know about this. And I need to be reimbursed for $99.30 for what I paid for this repair under warranty. Thank you,
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
engine coolant bypass valve short to battery
Engine, Nov 4, 2023
At 68,000 miles my Toyota Rav4 needs to have coolant bypass valve replaced. My understanding is this is getting to be a common problem and would like to see it placed on a RECALL. Thank You.
Engine, Nov 3, 2023
My 2020 Toyota RAV4, "Engine Maintenance Required: See Dealer" message came on my dashboard and would not go away when I cleared it. I took it into the dealership, and they stated that they had 1000s of RAV4's come in with this same message. They said it was the engine's coolant bypass valve. After diagnosing the problem, the dealership confirmed it was the coolant bypass valve. This was very expensive to fix, $926.67, to be exact. For a car that is just over 3 years old, less than 40,000 miles, Toyota knew of these defective parts and still put them in to get the car out of their factory and onto a dealer’s lot. They do not care if it kills anybody, just get the car sold. Toyota needs to have this bypass valve as a ‘recall’ and issue refunds to THEIR loyal customers, so they call us, loyal customers, not sure how much longer I will be a 'loyal' Toyota customer. I addressed this matter with Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. and the dealership I purchased my 2020 RAV4, Milton Martin Toyota of Gainesville, GA. They just blew it off. So, I went to another Toyota dealership to have the repair done.
Engine, Nov 2, 2023
Coolant Bypass valve has stopped working, which can cause engine issues and forces a message on LED display saying Engine Maintenance Required. Local Toyota technician admitted that they've had 100's of these issues with the Rav4 recently and it costs over $500 to fix.