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: structure
60 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Apr 29, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROOF RACK INTO THE INTERIOR CABIN AND A BY THE A-PILLAR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE WATER COULD CORRODE THE AIR BAGS CAUSING THEM TO NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAY BRANDT TOYOTA (2460 VETERANS BLVD, KENNER, LA 70062) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ROOF RACK SEALS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,100.
Structure, Feb 5, 2021
ON A CITY STREET, THIS IS A UNSAFE CONDITION ,THE CAR DO NOT HAVE A TOWING EYELET OR HOOK.VEHICLE BECAME STUCK, NO WAY TO BE REMOVE FROM STREET ,ACCIDENT ETC. .ALL RAV4 BEFORE HAVE THIS TOWING EYELET OR HOOK OR METAL RING TO HOOK A CHAIN AND REMOVE THE CAR FROM A DANGER SITUATION.
Structure, Feb 3, 2021
WHEN TAKING THE VEHICLE THROUGH A CAR WASH THE EDGE OF THE HOOD BY THE WINDSHIELD BUCKLES, FLEXES AND THEN RETURNS TO IT'S NORMAL SHAPE. THE HOOD ALSO HAS A RIPPLING APPEARANCE WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS AROUND 70 MPH
Structure, Jan 11, 2021
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2020
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2020
TOYOTA'S CLAIM OF A 3,500 POUND TOW CAPACITY IS NOT TRUE. I CANNOT TOW A 3,000 POUND HOUSE TRAILER LEGALLY WITH THEIR OEM 4-PRONG WIRING HARNESS. A 7-BLADE PLUG IS REQUIRED TO PASS STATE INSPECTION AND TOYOTA DOES NOT AND WILL NOT PROVIDE THIS HARNESS. FALSE ADVERTISING AND SUCKER PROMOTION IS THE PROBLEM. BAIT AND SWITCH!!! SO SAD. VERY ANGRY!
Structure, Aug 31, 2020
SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ON DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE VIBRATE WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND VIBRATE/SHAKE EXCESSIVELY TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GREATER THAN 50MPH. THIS REDUCES VISIBILITY AND CAUSES NAUSEA.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 9, 2020, crash
ON JULY 3, 2020 AT 2:30PM I WAS PARKING THE CAR INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A STRIP MALL WHEN I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR BUT THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PARKED CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, I PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AGAIN AND JERKED BACKWARDS, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, I PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PARKED CAR IN FRONT ON ME AGAIN FOR THE 2ND TIME. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAITED FOR THE OWNER OF THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE POLICE ARRIVED ON SITE AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *LN CONSUMER STATED BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED.*JB
Structure, Jun 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SUNLIGHT WAS REFLECTED OFF THE CHROME ON THE DASHBOARD, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VISION TO BE IMPAIRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE SIDE MIRRORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150. *BF*JB
Structure, May 22, 2020
YESTERDAY 05/21/2020 6 PM IN LAKE NONA ORLANDO , I STOPPED MY CAR ON THE ROAD DUE TO HAIL STORM AND RAIN AT 6 PM , I DIDN'T NOTICE THE DAMAGE IN THE NIGHT , WHOLE BODY IS DISFIGURED , NO GLASS BROKEN , EVERYWHERE DEPRESSION , I HAD RAV 4 2006 , PRADO 2014 IN UAE , THE BODY WAS VERY STRONG , BUT MY POOR 2020 RAV4 PREMIUM XLE CANT TOLERATE A SIMPLE HAIL STORM , I AM VERY UPSET , IF IT IS MADE OF STEEL IT WILL HAPPEN LIKE THIS , ITS PAPER LIKE ALUMINUM , I NEED A TOYOTA VEHICLE STRONG , NOT LIKE PAPER . KINDLY DO THE NEEDFUL, I BOUGHT THE CAR UNDER CAR LOAN , I SPEND ALMOST 38000$ ON IT 31000 PLUS INSURANCE PLUS INTEREST 4000 , TAX ETC WAITING FOR THE REPLY , OR PLEASE EXCHANGE WITH A STRONG SUV ANY MODEL WITH STEEL BODY , WHAT SAFETY FOR PASSENGERS , IN CASE OF A COLLISION , VERY UPSET WITH THIS SITUATION. *TR