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, Feb 3, 2024
Engine coolant bypass valve failure @40k miles. Could cause engine to overheat possibly be stranded.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 30, 2024
My car had a recall regarding the airbags and seatbell and I didn’t receive a letter yet regarding this issues from the manufacturer Toyota. I demand a answer as soon as possible because I’m scare to my airbags can deploy during any trip.
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
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.
Air bags, Jan 14, 2024, crash
Got T-boned going through a traffic light and was hit at approximately 15-20mph on my driver side. Most of the damage occurred to the front driver door and wheel. Airbags did not deploy, unsure if they should have? Car was totaled and is in the hands of Progressive There has been a recall on airbags for my car, but when looking up the VIN it does not say that my car is involved. Car after accident gave warning that there was an issue with the collision system. Car before accident was just inspected the day before the accident Just am not sure if airbags should have deployed
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.
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".
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
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2023
2020 RAV4 hybrid. Vehicle doesn't start; requires a jump, which is inconvenient or unsafe, depending on where it happens. Intermittent occurrence, ~ 3 times/year. Toyota checked 12V battery, pronounced OK, of course the car was driven to the shop for the check, so was operating at the time. I've checked the battery when the car wouldn't start and found it to be a little low (11.5V) but by no means fully discharged. Not associated with leaving components on (we are careful to turn everything off) or weather; the vehicle is garaged in the winter. I turned off the "Bluetooth" system which we never used and haven't had this issue over the past year. Suspect that the "Bluetooth" system was operating even when the vehicle was off?
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
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
Power train, Nov 14, 2023
Engine maintenance required signed popped on and wouldn’t go away. Took it to the dealership. They say it’s a common coolant bypass valve. Was charged a hefty amount of nearly $700
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.
Engine, Oct 27, 2023
Engine maintenance light came on and dealership indicates it’s the coolant bypass valve. This seems to be a common safety issue being ignored by both Toyota and the transportation safety board…
Engine, Oct 24, 2023
Engine coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. Seems to be a very common issue in 2019-2023 RAV4s but Toyota has not issued a recall and is making customers pay $600-900 to fix. I ask that Toyota take responsibility and issue the recall now so this can be fixed!
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2023
2020 Toyota Rav4 - Cooling valve failure reported and is not covered under warranty or recalled. Car only has 35k miles. This is apparently a common issue as the dealer knew the problem before even doing any diagnosis. Once I told them the "Engine Maintenance Required" message was on, they said "Oh, thats usually the coolant bypass valve". If it is that common an issue it should be recalled. Toyota should take ownership of this issue and fix / reimburse people for the problem. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Oct 24, 2023
Coolant bypass valve shorts out and doesn't open or close to allow coolant through it. "Engine Maintenance Required" message pops up for this. Toyota dealer inspected it and it replacing the part. NOT covered under my warranty.
Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2023
I have a 2020 Toyota RAV4, two weeks ago the following display appear "Engine Maintenance Require, Visit Your Dealer". I attempted to clear it but it cannot be done. I check online for similar issues. I found that the 2019 Toyota RAV4, Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES300H vehicles have similar issue with the 'coolant bypass valve'. Mine is also a 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine. I purchase my Rav4 on Feb 24, 2020. My car only has 15,429 miles and a possible fire issue makes me nervous. I also notice than some preselected 2020 RAV4 were added to the recall, but not my RAV. Should I wait till my engine cracks or the cooling system fail?