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: other or unspecified
121 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2024
While under warranty, my vehicle's “engine maintenance required” alert came on. I called Toyota immediately and the customer service representative (not a mechanic) said it’s a common issue - coolant bypass valve. This is without me bringing the vehicle in for diagnostics. Shortly after the alert disappeared. Took it to the dealer and they said they didn't have any issues when they ran diagnostics. A few days later it came on again. I went to the nearest mechanic and they said that it should be recalled because there was no alert by the time I got there. I reached out to the dealership again and when they checked the vehicle they said the car alert needed to be reset. It’s been almost a year now and it’s back on and the dealership now wants $800+ to change the coolant bypass. The vehicle drives as it should with no issues other than the alert. I’ve read multiple forums where this is a common issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 12, 2024
I have had a Service Engine message on my dash that would return within seconds of my hitting the button to signal I received the message. When I took the vehicle to the dealership I was told it was a leaking coolant bypass valve and would need to be replaced. I was told the cost would be $215 plus three hours of labor. The final cost was $240 for the parts and $709 for the labor. The vehicle only has 31,209 miles on it. As I have researched the part, I have found numerous people have had the same issue within a similar range of mileage.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 31, 2024
I bought the 2020 Rav4 XLE back in 2019 and had driven for four and half years now. I went to the dealership to get my routine oil change just this Monday July 29th 2024. As usual, the dealership did multi-inspection on my Rav4 and didn't find any problem that requires immediate attention. Two days later, a warning message popped up on the MID screen right after I started the car and read "Engine Maintenance Required". After searching online, calling both local mechanic and Toyota dealership, it happens to be a well-known issue for many 2019-2023 Toyota models including Rav4, Camry, Corolla that the faulty coolant bypass valve has to be replaced. I'm not a car person and I don't know much about cars but I have had the radiator broken while I was driving on my old car due to coolant related issue and almost got me into an accident so I know I shouldn't overlook any issues related to coolant. That being said, Toyota dealership knew about the issue, my local mechanic heard about the issue, an overwhelming number of users had reported the issue on online forums, and with no surprise, a class action lawsuit was filed regarding this issue on June 2024. For a solid car brand that advertises reliability and accountability for its vehicles, not informing or recalling for affected customers is extremely disappointing and unacceptable. After all, I had to pay $785 out of pocket for a repair that should never be done in less 5 years/45000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2024
I had a message on my dash for "engine maintenance required" but my check engine light was not on. Coolant bypass Valve failed, it is definitely a known issue and the dealership knew the likely issue before the car was seen by any technician.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 16, 2024
We replaced the original battery on May 27, 2024. A few weeks later, on June 15, 2024, an "Engine Maintenance Required" message appeared on the display screen. A local mechanic diagnosed the code and stated that the oil level was low so we added one quarter of motor oil. We also called the dealership, which stated that this code generally indicates a coolant bypass valve malfunction. We topped off the coolant fluid but the "Engine Maintenance Required" message still appeared (we were not able to clear it). A few days later, we took the vehicle to another mechanic, who informed us that the coolant bypass valve was broken and needed to be replaced. Given the 95-degree temperatures, we felt that we had no choice but to replace the broken valve because we did not want the engine to overheat. So we paid $570.28 for the mechanic to replace the coolant bypass hose and valve. The mechanic stated that this issue should not occur in any vehicle with only 38,000 miles, which means the valve was likely defective to begin with. It is suspicious that this issue occurred about two weeks after we replaced the battery and about 2,000 miles after we surpassed the factory warranty. Please investigate!
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2024
Engine maintenance required message. Need to replace coolang bypass valve known to be common issue with rav4 2019 up models
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2024
my 2020 RAV4 (48,000 miles), when I start the engine and turn on the A/C, the warning light comes on:Engine maintenance required.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2024
Bypass coolant valve needed to be replaced after engine maintenance required warning came on
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2024
Coolant bypass valve replacement has been happening to many new Toyotas and needs to be recalled
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2024
Coolant Bypass Hose had to be replaced on a vehicle that only had 80,000 miles and only 4 years old. “Engine maintenance required” displayed. Took to dealer and code popped up with an issue with the coolant bypass hose. Nothing occurred to trigger replacement…it was a faulty part to begin with.
Other or unspecified, May 30, 2024
Vehicle popped up Engine Maintenance Required. Not an oil change reminder as I’d just had that done a week ago. RAV4 XLE is at 60,820 and this is a common issue from the looks of it. Dealer wants $800 to fix but no physical codes came up
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2024
My 2020 Rav4 Limited AWD alerted me that the engine needed maintenance, and, so I parted it until Tuesday, After talking to the service professional at Passport Toyota, they told me about everything else but did not see that the light was on. They did my regular 55,000 miles maintenance on my car. So before driving away, I noticed that the alert was still blinking on my car. Their findings is that the coolant bypass valve/hose etc., has gone bad and is remaining in the open position. Apparently, this part isn't covered by warranty. After reading, there are a lot of years such as 2019, 2018 to name a few having had the same problem. And to fix the problem it is $857.22. Since this problem is occurring in a lot of Rav4's, and I noticed Camry's as well, should they look into why this is happening in a lot of models of their cars, SUV's etc.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2024
Engine Maintenaince Required, Visit Dealer message came on, googled problem and Coolant Bypass Valve keeps popping up.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2024
Toyota RAV 4 vehicles prior to their 2023 versions are subject to CAN bus injection attacks resulting in the theft of the vehicle. I demand that Toyota provide the encryption fix to all previous years of vehicles and/or provide a physical method for protecting vulnerable spots where CAN bus attacks can occur. Methods like air gapping connections to devices accessible to the outside of the vehicle as well as better encryption for their keys.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 3, 2024
Coolant bypass valve
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2024
I began having problems with my liftgate, i would press the button either in my vehicle or on top of the liftgate and it would only go up & down a little bit and stop. I took it to the dealer and was told the hinges are bad and I had to pay almost $500 to repair! Within a few days, I had the same issue again. After doing research I saw thousands of people complaining about the same issue and fee I completely wasted my money to the dealer as its worse then ever! Also, the several of the other owners of these vehicles are stating that after they paid to repair the hinges and took vehicles back to dealer, they are being told the need a motor and thats about $3500! I would love to see a recall as I am far form the only person with this issue, I will also be calling Toyota Customer Care as I will request a fix again or a complete refund. Thank you Please contact me if you have any questions.
Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2024
Coolant bypass valve
Other or unspecified, Structure, Mar 26, 2024
lift gate doesn’t open and close properly
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2024
Engine maintenance required, visit your dealer. There are a lot of Toyota owners with this issue and they said it is the coolant bypass valve. Toyota needs to fix/recall this issue. They want to charge us 700 dlls but it should be free.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2024
I have 48,000 miles on my 2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium, received an Engine warning system light on vehicle, I took the vehicle to my local Toyota dealer in Gastonia, NC, to be told it was a faulty coolant bypass valve. I have noticed online that this has been a reoccurring problem with 2019-2020 RAV4. They quoted me a price of $619.00 to fix. With my car being newer and only having 48,000 miles, I feel this is a fault of Toyota, not mine. Faulty equipment failure on their part.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
The engine coolant bypass valve was faulty. The car would not start so I was left stranded 15 miles from home and had to have car towed to Toyota dealer. The problem was confirmed by dealer and they were aware that it was a known issue. The vehicle was inspected by multiple Toyota dealerships. My vehicle displayed an engine maintenance light. The dealerships found the code P268115: Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Circuit short to battery or open
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2024
I was driving along at 70 mph on I80 near Park City, UT and heard a noise like a window was rolled down. Check the windows and none were down. Opened the sunroof cover and saw a large hole in the sunroof. It looked like it exploded outward. I duct taped the entire sunroof so it wouldn’t leave the vehicle. I noticed the edges of the sunroof are cracked. Toyota dealer wanted $11,000+ to repair. Insurance company wants us to use Sunroof Express to repair.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2023
Engine bypass valve sensor is faulty. Many users have reported this past 40k miles on RAV4 2019-2021
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2023
Coolant bypass valve less than 40k miles and there is hundreds of them going bad this needs to be a recall issue