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
635 reports, newest first.
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. $800 later, it’s fixed. Not covered under any warranty. Very common issue that Toyota charges a lot to fix.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 3, 2024
Coolant bypass valve
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 2, 2024
My 2020 Toyota Rav4 was just diagnosed with an engine coolant bypass valve failure. The leak from this valve could cause engine overheating. This seems to be a well known defective engine component that Toyota appears unwilling to address.
Engine, Apr 30, 2024
Coolant bypass valve is faulty, coolant leaks into sensor. Coolant regulation is important for maintaining proper engine temperature and failure with this system can lead to larger engine issues, possibly leading to catastrophic engine failure. Problem verified by independent mechanic and dealer. Issue was inspected by dealer. The message “Engine Maintenance Required // Visit Your Dealer” displays on dash.
Engine, Apr 30, 2024
Engine maintenance required. Found that coolant bypass valve has malfunctioned. Warranty will not cover due to being over 30k miles.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 29, 2024
Coolant bypass value failure 1000$ to replace on a vehicle that’s only a few years old Toyota refuses to fix it
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.
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2024
My name is [XXX] and I would like to file a complaint against Toyota. I purchased my RAV4 XLE in 2020 after returning home from military training. This was my dream car and I was filled with joy to be able to purchase it. In the four years I have had it, I have had minimal issues, nothing to note other than normal wear and tear, until recently. The "Engine Maintenance Required" light came on roughly 3 weeks ago. I deemed it to be my oil change notification and reset it knowing when my next oil change was due. The notification came back on to which I started investigating further. I typed in "2020 RAV4 Engine Maintenance Required" into Google and was surprised at how many car forums and complaints popped up for this exact problem. It was an astronomical number of complaints made by loyal Toyota owners. I scrolled for an hour reading everyone's story, which was almost identical to mine. I made an appointment at my nearest Toyota in Bountiful, UT to get a diagnostic test done. Not to my surprise, the code that was tripping the system was for the 'coolant bypass valve.' I was quoted $660 for the parts and labor. After getting a price breakdown and verbally stating how frustrated I was with this issue due to how many others online had the same issue and there not being a recall, I felt like my only option was to pay it and suppress my anger. I am not upset with the Toyota dealership I went to. I am upset that this is a very known issue that even the mechanic verbally stated knowing about, and that Toyota as a large corporation is not doing right by the people who swear by owning Toyota's and their reputable reputation. I called two private mechanics about the issue and they both stated that they have worked on several RAV4's with this issue. It is not cosmetic, it is a critical issue that needs to be fixed. I hope this complaint makes it to the right hands and a solution is implemented so people can enjoy their car without these worries. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2024
Coolant bypass valve
Engine, Apr 22, 2024
Coolant bypass valve error
Visibility, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the front windshield was struck by a small object and the contact noticed a huge crack displayed on the windshield. The contact stated that if a small object could cause a crack to the windshield, the contact was concerned about what might happen if the vehicle was involved in an accident. The contact stated that one of the children could be severely injured if ejected from the vehicle or an object could enter the vehicle through the windshield and strike the contact. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a severely damaged windshield. The windshield was replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred after a small objective struck the windshield and caused damages to the front windshield. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not provided.
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.
Service brakes, Apr 15, 2024
The ABS and brake booster systems failed, and my traction control was not working as intended. Every light related to the braking system came on all at once and the ability to break became slowed, could not stop if needed to at anything other than a slow decline in speed (wouldn’t be able to go to a full stop without ample planning or control - being cut off, too close to a red light or car needing to turn, or on the highway would’ve ended in an accident). Thankfully was on surface streets both times. Problem was recurrent. Toyota dealership confirmed issue and noted loss of braking power but noted the code was intermittent and failure not definitive, hard to reproduce. Attempted to repair issue, which temporarily worked but re-occurred 1 month later. End result - needed to replace battery, stroke position sensor, brake booster with master cylinder/ABS actuator, which was almost $4,000 in repairs, with no promise it would fix the issue. No warning lamps, signs, or notable symptoms before braking failure. Battery died twice before brakes situation, but attributed to a faulty update system sending data continuously.
Engine, Apr 15, 2024
Bypass coolant valve failure
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
Engine maintenance required see dealer
Power train, Apr 4, 2024
My car is 55000 Miles and coolant by pass valf is broken. it is common issue for this engine . Toyota shoul fix this issue as recall.
Power train, Apr 2, 2024
“Engine maintenance required visit your dealer” appeared on screen. After searching for similar issues. The coolant bypass valve has malfunctioned or failed. The fact that hundreds if not thousands of others have had this issue and it has not yet been recalled coupled with the fact that this isn’t covered under powertrain warranty is just crazy. Considering when reporting this issue I had to select powertrain that showed coolant / hoses under the menu baffles me even kore that it wouldn’t even be considered covered under warranty. There needs to be a recall. $700+ to replace a sub $100 hose and sensor that has nothing to do with normal wear and tear.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Mar 26, 2024
lift gate doesn’t open and close properly
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.
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.
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.
Steering, Mar 23, 2024
Electronic power steering failure. Upon starting the car, the steering wheel has no power steering. The steering wheel can still be turned but requires a lot of force. There were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard or infotainment system before or after the issue. Toyota has issued recalls for this issue but informed me that my car is not covered under the recall, despite having the exact same issue on the exact same model described in the recall. (NTSHA ID: 20V373000, Toyota ID: 20TB11 / 20TA11) This is dangerous as it could have failed while driving, leading to an accident.
Engine, Mar 20, 2024
I kept getting an engine maintenance message. The coolant bypass assembly failed.