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.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2023
Power steering light is on and possibly due to water penetration from recent heavy rainfall.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2023
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Steering, Electrical system, Aug 31, 2023
High Voltage Warning and Low Power to Steering reading on the dashboard. Service engine warning!
Engine, Aug 30, 2023
Coolant Bypass Valve on my 2020 RAV4. There needs to be a recall; even Toyota dealerships in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex say that there needs to be a recall. Service advisors say this is a big problem they see daily and with all cars and at all mileage. The cost to replace the Coolant Bypass Valve in my car = $855- RIDICULOUS!! In addition, due to the constant “Engine Maintenance Required” message on the screen triggered by the Coolant Bypass Valve needing to be replaced, that can’t be removed, all other car related information and/or service issues, is unable to be seen…which is dangerous!! Toyota used to be one of the best car manufacturers for quality and reliability, but now, their quality has tanked…
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 27, 2023
Coolant value had to be replaced apparently this happens more than we realize and if it’s a repetitive issue for many I believe it should be looked into. Thanks
Power train, Aug 21, 2023
Engine stalled on highway, was fortunate other drivers allowed us to get to the inside lane and on the shoulder. It bucked a couple times a few minutes earlier. A host of warning lights came on the dash. car did restart after ignition cycled off and on. Had over 1/2 tank fuel. Dash warnings that remained on CEL yellow. parking assist Radar and lane assist. Power steering seemed weak. No cruise control. Over the next 550 miles with engine shut offs during fuel stops dash warnings went out and car returned to normal. No longer trust this car with 70,000 miles.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 21, 2023
Fuel tank fill up only 9-10gal wherein published rating to 14gal tank. There should be a recall on changing fuel pump but my VIN does not show any recall
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Aug 20, 2023
There is a recall for the roof rails leaking water which can damage the air bags and electrical components. They will not fix the roof with new gaskets unless you actually see the water coming in. My concern is that it is leaking and I'm just not seeing it because the 110 degree weather. I do not want to be in an accident with my wife and kids in the car and have the air bags not work. They should fix the gaskets before it leaks and leads to further potential damage or even life threatening results(air bags being wet and not deploying). They will not fix my roof until it actually starts leaking even tho there is a recall in place. This is ridiculous.
Engine, Aug 19, 2023
My car is leaking coolant and needs a new coolant bypass valve. It seems like it is happening to every rav4 and camry. They put in faulty parts.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 19, 2023
I was driving and out of nowhere this warning came on engine maintenance required, and this now a normal maintenance required that means an oil change. The problem with this warning is the coolant bypass valve, and I’m not the only one with this issue, my car has only 32100 miles only, this a ridiculous for a new car. Plus it seem that this issue only comes on with tha A/C on
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2023
My Engine Maintenance Required light had appeared on dashboard and found out that is my coolant bypass valve that needed to be replaced. had on online, to find that this is a issue with Toyota, that people had to have this replaced. I had purchased my vehicle back in 2021, and just had this issue 2023. I took to the dealership and was told that it was that part. they are replacing the part going through the extended warranty insurance, but this is concerning, that if this OE part has a defect, that once my warranty expires that I will have this problem again and have no way on coverage.
Steering, Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power while accelerating. The contact heard a ding and became aware of an irregular voltage spike, steering power, and other unknown messages were displayed before quickly disappearing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,600.
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
Coolant Bypass Valve failure at 41K miles. Confirmed by dealership. "Engine Maintenance" warning light came on before taking to dealership.
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2023
The engine maintenance light came on to visit the dealer. It's because of the Coolant Bypass Valve.
Power train, Aug 13, 2023
Got an oil change Monday 8/7/23 When I left the dealership & arrived home the “engine maintenance required” light came on. Contacted dealership next day (service was done at Maita Toyota of Sacramento) let them know about what happened they told me they’d do a diagnostic on the vehicle. Car was at 43,772 miles when I dropped it back off at dealership. They ended up letting me know the diagnosis was the coolant by pass value / hoses were bad and needed to be replaced. However - Toyota would not cover the repair because of their current powertrain warranty expiring on my vehicle. After researching online this seems to be a common issue with this year of rav4. I was luck enough to have extended warranty and only had to pay a $200 deductible but had I not it would be been almost $800 I would have had to pay. Toyota should be made aware of this issue. As an overheating issue can cause dozens of other problems with the car.
Engine, Aug 12, 2023
Coolant Bypass valve internal short.
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2023
A known issue that has been occurring to many people with the coolant bypass valve system going out very soon after purchasing. I bought a 2020 Toyota rav4 and my bypass coolant valve has malfunctioned and needs replaced and of course is outside of the warranty. Per many google searches this is a common issue and should be addressed.
Engine, Aug 9, 2023
The engine maintenance required light came on at 56,000 miles and would not reset even after a scheduled oil change. The Toyota dealership neglected to evaluate this light when I brought my car in for servicing. After getting a diagnostic, it was found that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced which was at least $600. I was advised that the vehicle was to not be driven long distances as it could result in more damage to the car. This is my 4th expensive repair on this 3 year old car in 1 year. This is my very first Toyota, & I am extremely disappointed. I bought a Toyota anticipating a low maintenance, high quality vehicle and have had nothing but issues.
Engine, Aug 9, 2023
The Engine Maintenance Required Visit your Dealer came on and wouldn’t go away. I took it into Toyota and they charge $166 dollars to run a diagnostic. Plus what ever it cost to fix it. Turns out that 2020 Toyota RAV 4 Have an issue with the coolant by pass it’s a pipe if left unfixed it can make the car over heat and it’s part of the radiator can cost $700 to fix at the dealership. My car is only 3 years old it shouldn’t have this issues and be costing my hundreds of dollars to fix.
Engine, Aug 5, 2023
There is a known issue with the coolant bypass valve failing. Dealerships are charging over $600 to fix and many people are having the same issue. The engine maintenance required message is persistent, and will not allow you to bypass it.
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2023
Coolant bypass valve just gave out on car was informed by dealership that this is an ongoing problem with my make of car.
Engine, Jul 29, 2023
The vehicle has a message engine maintenance required. The Toyota dealership diagnostic was that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The dealer told us they are getting at least 6 Rav4 a week coming in with the same issue. The part replacement isn't covered manufacturer under warranty. This needs to be a recalled part.
Engine, Jul 28, 2023
Coolant Bypass Valve failure/malfunction. Frequently reported issue for model/year.
Air bags, Jul 26, 2023, crash
I was traveling at approximately 40mph when a car ran a light and came across in front of me at an intersection. I T-boned the other persons car which totaled my vehicle. The airbags in my vehicle did not deploy and I feel they should have. I was injured and have been to a doctor.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
The coolant bypass valve is defective on a 3 year old single owner, well maintained under 50,000 miles vehicle. This is a wide spread and known issue for Toyota which can result in engine overheating, causing potentially unsafe situations to occur for the driver. This can also severely damage the engine.