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2020 Toyota RAV4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAV4 years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 258.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

195 reports with mileage · 439 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 180 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 90 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports5 fire reports11 injury reports

Lane Departure complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2025
Lane DepartureUnknown Or Other

Engine maintnance light came on dashboard. Was not aware of this issue until doing research. Parts that needs replace - Cooling Bypass Valve

NHTSA ODI #11643103

40,000 miles · Nov 1, 2022
Lane Departure

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Lane Departure System" jerked the vehicle into the left lane; the contact steered the vehicle back into his original lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated or warning chime had sounded. The contact stated that the …

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The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Lane Departure System" jerked the vehicle into the left lane; the contact steered the vehicle back into his original lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated or warning chime had sounded. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that he turned off the "Lane Departure System”. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #11491750

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2021
Air BagsLane DepartureSteeringCrashInjury

the car simply a LEMON big time was bought on 08/2020 thru the Santa Monica city Toyota Dealers...they are awful too. let my dad, 80, buy all extra insurances when its brand new car and has 3 years bumper to bumper warranty. he and me his daughter that is dedicated driver sometimes keep complain that its get bazuka after 35--39…

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the car simply a LEMON big time was bought on 08/2020 thru the Santa Monica city Toyota Dealers...they are awful too. let my dad, 80, buy all extra insurances when its brand new car and has 3 years bumper to bumper warranty. he and me his daughter that is dedicated driver sometimes keep complain that its get bazuka after 35--39 and move up miles per hours, power steering wheel Out of control basically. can be turn 65 to 90 degree angle without even sorry to say spitting on it..., the UGLY safety feature that will help you to change the lane on freeway, we wouldn't even will be mentioning that. I think its million dollars case here as a LEMON LAW against Toyota Corporation

NHTSA ODI #11435490

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureStructureCrash

I bumped the car in front of me when starting from a red light at an intersection. Impact speed was less than 3 MPH. The damage from this impact resulted in repair cost of almost $4,200. This is outrageous and an example of poor design on the part of Toyota. It is my understanding that the standards require vehicles to absorb up…

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I bumped the car in front of me when starting from a red light at an intersection. Impact speed was less than 3 MPH. The damage from this impact resulted in repair cost of almost $4,200. This is outrageous and an example of poor design on the part of Toyota. It is my understanding that the standards require vehicles to absorb up to 5 MPH frontal impact with no damage. Had I known this vehicle was so poorly protected I would have chosen to purchase something else.

NHTSA ODI #11421657

3,900 miles · Mar 8, 2021
Lane Departure

WHEN THE FEATURE IS ENGAGED, THE CAR CHANGES LANES. HAD IT INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED BY THE DEALER. DEALER SAID "IF I DON'T LIKE THE FEATURE, TURN IT OFF" SO I DO NOT USE THIS "SAFETY" FEATURE AS IT WOULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I'VE ONLY TURNED IT ON WHEN I CAN DO SO SAFELY WITHOUT SOMEONE NEAR ME TO SHOW. FEATURE IS ON…

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WHEN THE FEATURE IS ENGAGED, THE CAR CHANGES LANES. HAD IT INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED BY THE DEALER. DEALER SAID "IF I DON'T LIKE THE FEATURE, TURN IT OFF" SO I DO NOT USE THIS "SAFETY" FEATURE AS IT WOULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I'VE ONLY TURNED IT ON WHEN I CAN DO SO SAFELY WITHOUT SOMEONE NEAR ME TO SHOW. FEATURE IS ONLY ENGAGED OVER 35 MPH SO WHEN I AM ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11399805

5,000 miles · Feb 23, 2021
Electrical SystemLane DepartureSteering

NEW VEHICLE BROUGHT IN FOR IT'S 5K MAINTENANCE, TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM. I POINTED OUT SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK RANGE, BSM, CAMERA SHUTTING OFF, AND THAT I HAVE TO KEEP THE STEARING WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO GO STRAIGHT. 5K MAINTENANCE IS PERFORMED, THEY NOTICED THE …

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NEW VEHICLE BROUGHT IN FOR IT'S 5K MAINTENANCE, TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM. I POINTED OUT SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK RANGE, BSM, CAMERA SHUTTING OFF, AND THAT I HAVE TO KEEP THE STEARING WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO GO STRAIGHT. 5K MAINTENANCE IS PERFORMED, THEY NOTICED THE CAR NEEDED TO BE REALIGNED. DRIVING HOME, NO DIFFERENCE FROM WHEN FIRST BROUGHT IN. BRING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY, THE DAY AFTER, I'AM NOTIFIED THAT THE CAR IS READY FOR PICK UP, I ASK WERE IF THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND WHAT CAUSED THE AGLINMENT TO GO OUT A SECOND TIME. THERE RESPONSE IS THAT THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF WHAT CAUSED IT. INFORM THEM THAT 1. I'AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND 2. THE LONG TERM DAMAGE THIS IS CAUSING. THEY INFORM ME THAT THEY WILL LOOK INTO THE PROCESS, AND HAVE MANAGEMENT INVOLVED. NEXT DAY, MANAGER INFORMS ME THAT THE AGLINMENT MACHINE WAS OUT OF CALIBRATION, HE HAD TO STOP A TECHNICIAN FROM WORKING ON THE CAR, HAD THE MACHINE CALIBRATED, AND THAT HE PERSONALLY PERFORMED THE ALGINMENT. I PICK UP THE CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE TURNED TO THE LEFT TO GO STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 35-45MPH, SLOWING DOWN/STOPPING & ACCLERATING. BRING IT IN NEXT DAY, MANGER HAS 3 ALGINMENTS PERFORMED TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY VARIATIONS, TELLS ME EVERYTHING IS IN SPEC. IT IS SO PERFECT THEY DIDNT EVEN HAVE TO TAKE A WRENCH TO IT. REASSURES ME NUMEROUS TIMES THAT IT IS SAFE AND IN SPEC, HANDS ME A PAPER "PROVING" SO. DRIVE HOME, STEERING WHEEL IS STILL TO THE LEFT. I LOOK AT THE PAPER AND IT CLEARLY LISTS 3 VALUES THAT ARE MARKED AS NOT WITHIN SPEC, AND THAT IT MAY CAUSE WEAR, HANDLING AND SAFETY ISSUES. CAR IS TOWED TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP. DURING THERE TEST DRIVE THE TECH NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS JERKING TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEARING WHEEL NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE & THE ALGIMENT IS OUT OF SPEC.

NHTSA ODI #11397651

5,100 miles · Jan 30, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureService Brakes

A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2020 RAV4 XLE HYBRID, I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES SQUEAKS WHENEVER I MAKE A QUICK STOP, OR AFTER I RELEASE THE BRAKES AFTER STOPPING OR WHEN I AM BACKING UP. IT DOESN'T MATTER ON THE KIND OF ROAD THAT I AM ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID TO SQUE…

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A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2020 RAV4 XLE HYBRID, I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES SQUEAKS WHENEVER I MAKE A QUICK STOP, OR AFTER I RELEASE THE BRAKES AFTER STOPPING OR WHEN I AM BACKING UP. IT DOESN'T MATTER ON THE KIND OF ROAD THAT I AM ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID TO SQUEAKS DUE TO THE BREAK ACTUATOR. I KNOW PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA HYBRIDS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI #11390814

4,600 miles · Jan 25, 2021
Lane Departure

I HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF INSTANCES WHERE MY VEHICLE'S LANE KEEP ASSIST WILL RANDOMLY JERK ME OUT OF MY LANE. IN SEPT 2020 I EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT EVENT OF THIS HAPPENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE OF AN INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE JERKED RIGHT SUDDENLY, PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND ALMOST DROVE ME O…

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I HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF INSTANCES WHERE MY VEHICLE'S LANE KEEP ASSIST WILL RANDOMLY JERK ME OUT OF MY LANE. IN SEPT 2020 I EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT EVENT OF THIS HAPPENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE OF AN INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE JERKED RIGHT SUDDENLY, PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND ALMOST DROVE ME OFF THE INTERSTATE. ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT INSTANCE HAPPENED ON 1/23/2021. I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I-44 AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF 3 LANES. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT INTO THE LEFT LANE OF TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE NEXT TO ME SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER THINKING I WAS GOING TO HIT THEM. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER REGULAR INCIDENTS OF THIS HAPPENING, BUT NOT AS SEVERE AS THESE TWO.*DT*DT THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON I-44, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS TRAFFIC. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR TECHNICIANS WERE ABLE DULICATE THE FAILURE BUT, UNABLE TO REPAIR IT.

NHTSA ODI #11389740

3,000 miles · Jul 21, 2020
Lane DepartureSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 MILES, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITH AND WITHOUT THE LANE ASSIST FEATURE ACTIVATED. WITHIN ANOTHER 2-4 MILES THE FAILURE WAS INDEPENDENTLY REMEDIED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DELUCA TOYOTA (17…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 MILES, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITH AND WITHOUT THE LANE ASSIST FEATURE ACTIVATED. WITHIN ANOTHER 2-4 MILES THE FAILURE WAS INDEPENDENTLY REMEDIED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DELUCA TOYOTA (1719 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34471, (352) 732-0770) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. *LN*JB *BF *JS

NHTSA ODI #11340719

800 miles · Jun 24, 2020
Lane Departure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARKQUART TOYOTA (1844 COMMERCIAL BLVD, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI 54729), ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARKQUART TOYOTA (1844 COMMERCIAL BLVD, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI 54729), ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 800.

NHTSA ODI #11330596

Official recalls

6

23V865000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Dec 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

20V734000 · Air Bags:frontal; Steering:column

Nov 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal

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."

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Steering:column

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."

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V373000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V286000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V064000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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