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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.

About this comparison →

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

Unknown Or Other complaints

120 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2023
Unknown Or Other

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'…

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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?

NHTSA ODI #11551325

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

RAV4 53,000 miles on and engine maintenance required prompt came on. No other warning lights on dash. Took it to dealership and it was a coolant bypass valve. Read up on it and it’s been happening to many more people. Was originally charged $900 but got a discount ended up being $825

NHTSA ODI #11549835

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Got an engine maintenance required alert, took to Toyota and they advised the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced at just 38,000 miles. Googled this and found out many 2020 RAV4 with the same issue at just under 40,000 miles. Also a common issue is the voltage being low and we already had to get the battery replaced once a…

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Got an engine maintenance required alert, took to Toyota and they advised the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced at just 38,000 miles. Googled this and found out many 2020 RAV4 with the same issue at just under 40,000 miles. Also a common issue is the voltage being low and we already had to get the battery replaced once and still get alerts of it being low after replacement. Have to pay today $765 for the coolant bypass to be replaced, will have the receipt later in the day.

NHTSA ODI #11549407

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2023
Unknown Or Other

My Toyota Rav4 2020 had engane maintenance issue drive to dealer alert. I diagnosed the problem an it is the coolant bypass valve that is not working. As I researched, I came to find out that this is a common problem for 2018- 2023 Rav4, Camry, and Corolla. This should be recalled having so many malfunctions on the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11548247

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Not

NHTSA ODI #11544719

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Coolant bypass valve failure my car has less than 50k Dealerships informed me that they fix around 10 a month for that part there is a defect regarding this pump

NHTSA ODI #11544348

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2023
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or Other

On or about 8/21/23, we were driving from Vermont back to our home in New Jersey when the sound system started malfunctioning. First, we lost all sound (safety warnings, as well as radio). The sound returned and then cut out again repeatedly. Then, the speakers emitted loud (full volume) static and popping sounds despite the …

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On or about 8/21/23, we were driving from Vermont back to our home in New Jersey when the sound system started malfunctioning. First, we lost all sound (safety warnings, as well as radio). The sound returned and then cut out again repeatedly. Then, the speakers emitted loud (full volume) static and popping sounds despite the audio system being "off." At the time, we were driving at approximately 65 mph on a highway with our two young children. The noise was so loud that it was difficult to focus on driving. The static and popping sounds continued until we pulled over and shut the car off. These failures have continued and increased in frequency since that time. Our safety was put at risk in two ways: 1) all of the safety warnings were and are muted and ineffective and 2) a full-volume static/popping sound while driving at highway speeds could have caused an accident. Subsequently, we did the following: -Googled the issue and found a relevant Technical Service Bulletin published by Toyota in September 2020 that applies to our make/model and VIN. It is labeled T-SB-0086-20 and can be found here: [XXX] . This suggests the issue applies to multiple Toyotas. The Bulletin indicates the VIN number where the issued stopped -- suggesting Toyota took steps to fix it. There has been no recall related to this issue and we were never notified of this issue. The issue is apparently related to a defective amplifier. -Brought our vehicle to our local Toyota service center (Paul Miller Toyota of West Caldwell NJ). An employee there was able to reproduce and confirm the issue and recommended replacing the amplifier. -Called Toyota to report the problem and register a complaint given the safety issues, failure to notify us of the problem even though it was known to Toyota, and the cost of repair ($2640). There were no warnings, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure on or about 8/21/23. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11542654

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Toyota engine coolant bypass trouble code. Seems to be wide spread reports amongst customers with newer generation 5 Toyota vehicles. Dealer quotes the 20 minute repair will cost $700-900 USD & the part itself is on back order due to the increasing failure rate of the part. The faulty part seems to affect the cooling system of t…

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Toyota engine coolant bypass trouble code. Seems to be wide spread reports amongst customers with newer generation 5 Toyota vehicles. Dealer quotes the 20 minute repair will cost $700-900 USD & the part itself is on back order due to the increasing failure rate of the part. The faulty part seems to affect the cooling system of the car but due to the increasing amount of reports & failures of the same part, the dealer should be recalling & replacing the part for free rather than billing customers $700+ dollars. For reference, my vehicle is a model year 2020 & has 19,000 miles & the part has already failed.

NHTSA ODI #11542436

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Na

NHTSA ODI #11542229

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

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

NHTSA ODI #11541001

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.

Go deeper into Toyota RAV4 problems