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
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 7, 2022, crash
On May 12, 2022 I was driving our 2022 Rav4 Hybrid. At about 10 am that morning I arrived at the Sherwin Williams store in Chandler, AZ. I applied the brakes and put the car in park. But the car did not stop! It continued to forge ahead, smashing into the building barrier and even then it kept trying to move forward. 1.The whole front end was smashed. 2.The first responders had to pry open the door to extract me from the car. 3.It was later determined that I had broken a rib. (I was lucky it was not more.) 4.The car was later declared “totaled” by the insurance company. By -standers immediately called the police. 1.The police officer confirmed that the car was in park, at the time of the accident. 2.The officer also confirmed with witnesses that the car was in park but was still moving ahead. 3.The officer recorded the witnesses’ names and contacts. 4.I have a copy of the police report, Before the accident, both my husband and I had noticed that the car had a tendency to jump ahead even after putting it in park. Since that time I have connected with other Rav4 owners on social media and have discovered that this “ jumping ahead” has been experience by a lot of other owners.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 1, 2022
My 2020 Rav4 transmission is lagging power during acceleration and will not get up to speed, and also is stumbling and making a pulse like motion during acceleration. My safety and my family safety and others safety are put at risk when entering a highway, feeder, any busy road. We have taken it to the dealer for them to inspect it and the mechanic told us that his personal Rav4 does the same thing but doesn't understand why. It has started a few months ago I don't remember the exact time but however it is becoming more common and there are no warning lights when this problem occurs.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 13, 2021
In the sring of this year, i lightly drove through a water filled pothole in a parking lot when all of the displays went dark for a split second and then came back on like the car had just started. I called my dealership right away and was told that maybe some water had gotten into some wiring and caused the glitch but to call again ASAP if it happened again. On Dec 9, 2021 under dry and even surfaces while making a left turn the vehicle went dark again while driving but this time took a touch longer to re-engage. I called the dealership again to report this to be looked at during a maintenance appointment. They found nothing wrong, but suggested it was a feature the car does not have was turned on and they turned it off. I was then shown the button responsible for this ... it was for automatic high beams, NOT some engine efficency button. On Sunday, 12 12 2021 i went to start the car to go to work and it was completely dead, just a small clicking sound to be heard within the cabin. i had to get the car jumped to get it started on the second turn of the key after i removed it from the first attempt. I drove it to the dealership that day and i am still waiting for results. This needs to be adressed ASAP because its a potentially dangerous if not deadly situation if it conks out at highway speeds in front of a semi.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 4, 2021
I have had issues with my 2020 rav4. I have had kickbacks during acceleration, antifreeze/coolant loss, abnormal amount of blow-by, engine runs loud at times, car shakes when I start it, weird noise from under the hood, the dash lights and screen lights went dark once. I have been to multiple dealerships not long after I bought it and they said they “could not duplicate the issue”.. when I went to them regarding the antifreeze leak they said it is normal in new cars which I know is absolute lies. I need help as they are not willing to find the issues. I have pictures and videos to back this up.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 27, 2021
TOYOTA HAS A SERVICE BUILTIN ON A DCM FIRMWARE UPDATE THAT FIXES AN ISSUE WITH REMOTE START AND WILL KILL THE 12V BATTERY EVEN BUT REFUSES TO NOTIFY OWNERS OR EVEN STATE PUBLICLY IF THEY INSTALLED THIS DURING THEIR INSPECTION ON MY CAR. HAVE BEEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAD AT LEAST ONE BATTERY REPLACED IN A 1 YEAR OLD CAR. HTTPS://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/THREADS/REMOTE-START-SOS-APP.309804/
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 7, 2021
AFTER THE CAR SITS FOR 3 OR 4 DAYS I DRIVEN THE BATTERY DIES AND NEEDS TO BE JUMPED TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN. NO LIGHTS LEFT ON OR ANYTHING. ON COLD START THE ENGINE MAKES A TICKING NOISE THAT HAS BEEN GETTING LOUDER OVER THAT LAST FEW MONTHS.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2021
THE MILEAGE I AM GETTING IS FAR BELOW THE STATED RATING ON THE STICKER. I AM AVERAGING ABOUT 33.5 MPG IN MIXED DRIVING WHEREAS THE STATED RATING IS 41 MPG OVERALL. IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE. THE TANK WAS RECENTLY REPLACED BECAUSE YOU COULD NOT FILL THE TANK. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THE MILEAGE WHICH WAS THE MAIN PURPOSE OF BUYING THIS VEHICLE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 26, 2020
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 27, 2020
CAR DID NOT START AFTER 2 DAYS OF NOT USING IT.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 16, 2020
OUR CAR SAT FOR 2 DAYS WITHOUT BEING USED AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. READ ONLINE MANY OTHER RAV4 OWNERS HAVING SIMILIAR ISSUES, SOMETHING IS DRAINING THE BATTERY
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 12, 2020
CAR HAS APPROX 900 MILES AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND JUMP STARTED 3 TIMES. TOYOTA SVC DEPT IS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE OR IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM, I WAS TOLD I'M NOT DRIVING THE CAR ENOUGH AND THAT THEY CAN'T FIX A PROBLEM WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS, I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL START OR NOT, VERY FRUSTRATING.
Power train, Engine, Oct 29, 2020
NEW 2020 RAV4 HYBRID MAKES LOUD GRINDING NOISE SOMETIMES WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE AND EV MODE IS ENGAGED. APPEARS TO BE FAILURE OF SPRAG-TYPE DEVICE TO DISENGAGE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION FROM ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM. MULTIPLE MEMBERS OF FRANK TOYOTA SERVICE DECLARED IT TO BE NORMAL AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY WRITTEN ENTRIES EVIDENCING THE COMPLAINT. THEY CLAIMED I WAS MISTAKEN WHEN I POINTED OUT THAT IT DID NOT BEGIN UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 600 MILES ON IT.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE COOLANT TANK WAS LOW. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WILLIAMS SCION OF ELMIRA (951 COUNTY ROAD 64, ELMIRA, NY 14903) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC FAILED TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE MECHANIC FOUND NO VISIBLE LEAKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V046000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,800.
Engine, Aug 17, 2020
CAR BATTERY DIED AFTER ONE DAY OF SITTING WITHOUT USE. DEALER DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. BUT IT HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES. TOYOTA DEALER OFFERED NO SOLUTION AND MANY OTHERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 5, 2020
SERIOUS D-CELL BATTERY DISCHARGE ISSUE. TWICE OUR NEW RAV4 HYBRID HAS HAD TO BE JUMPED AND TAKEN TO DEALER FOR A DEAD BATTERY. DEALER FOUND NOTHING FIXABLE BUT REPLACED THE BATTERY. 1ST TIME WE WERE STRANDED IN HOTEL PARKING LOT AFTER TRIP ABROAD. 2ND TIME WAS AT HOME. CARGURUS SENDS ME 5 COMPLAINTS A DAY FOR OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. VEHICLE IS NOT RELIABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V064000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LE MIEUX TOYOTA (2550 S ONEIDA ST, GREEN BAY, WI 54304) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jun 2, 2020
PURCHASED 5/22/20. UNIT PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. WENT OUT TO USE THE AUTO AND ALL SYSTEMS FAILING IN AUTO. VEHICLE WILL NOT START. BRAKE ALERT, ENGINE ALERT, AIRBAG ALERT, POWER STEERING ALERT, EVERY LIGHT ON INSIDE VEHICLE FLASHING WITH ALERTS THAT THEY ARE FAILING. *TR
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2020
THE GAS TANK WILL HOLD UP TO 10 GALLONS OF GAS AND TRYING TO ADD MORE CAUSES THE TANK TO OVERFLOW, EVEN WHEN THE FUEL LIGHT INDICATES THE GAS TANK ISN'T FULL. VEHICLE IS ADVERTISED TO HOLD 14.5 GALLONS. *TR