2020 Toyota RAV4

Above average

Owners filed 634 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

195 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 2,800 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine149
101
Electrical System94
011
Fuel/Propulsion System83
000
Unknown or Other81
110
Air Bags50
602
Structure › Body33
211
Power Train24
001
Steering21
101
Service Brakes15
203
Engine and Engine Cooling13
010

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification23V865000
Filed Dec 20, 2023999,901 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal20V734000
Filed Nov 25, 2020161 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump20V682000
Filed Nov 4, 20201,525,742 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System20V373000
Filed Jun 24, 202046 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm20V286000
Filed May 20, 20209,502 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling20V064000
Filed Feb 6, 202044,191 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 14, 2026AZ

While driving on the highway, the vehicle suffered a sudden loss of engine power and went into a low-power/vapor lock state due to severe fuel starvation. This created a major safety hazard by stranding the vehicle on the highway shoulder and exposing occupants to high-speed traffic. Prior to the power loss, there were no advance warning lights until the engine stalled. A diagnostic scan performed immediately following the incident confirmed code P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low), along with cylinder misfire codes P030027 and P030100. To allow the vehicle to safely limp home from a remote location, an independent technician cleared the diagnostic trouble codes. An independent scan tool report clearly documented and confirmed the low fuel pressure fault prior to code clearance. The dealership subsequently declined to perform a warranty or recall fuel pump replacement citing the absence of active codes upon arrival, despite receiving the timestamped diagnostic report of the failure. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer beyond the dealership's initial turn-away, but the vehicle and diagnostic documentation remain available for inspection upon request.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Sep 7, 2026IL

Cracking, bending, and failing liftgate hinges and struts.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Sep 4, 2026TN

The rear liftgate is no longer aligned and does not sit evenly when closed. After noticing the uneven fit, I inspected the liftgate hinges and found that both metal hinge brackets appear to be cracking and splitting at their mounting points. There were no warning lights or messages before the problem appeared. I am concerned that the hinges could fail completely, causing the liftgate to fall unexpectedly, detach from the vehicle, or create a road hazard while driving.

Power Train
Filed Sep 4, 2026KY

During summer 2026 i began to notice a noise/whine above 30mph that would only occur when foot is on accelerator. my vehicle has 83k miles on it (me being only owner with routine maintenance). as a responsible owner, i had my dealer do an inspection. after a drive and a listen, they claimed it was a transmission bearing failure and only solution is a $11k transmission replacement, with the commentary "we had a camry in last week with same issue". Being responsible owner, i got a second opinion from an independent shop who also verified "transmission bearing failure, you will need a new transmission. currently the part is on backorder because so many are needing to be replaced and no one should do a replacement with a used transmission". This is not the quality i expected out of toyota -- transmissions should not be needing to be replaced at 83k miles.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 28, 2026NC

Vehicle was parked in my garage and it was 80° outside. I was standing at the door and heard an explosion. I found out that the rear glass on my RAV4 SUV exploded. Just glad the wife or kids were not standing around the vehicle. I have filed on my insurance and it will be taken care of in a few days by my insurance company.

Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2026IA

"Engine Coolant Bypass Valve failed suddenly on highway (Code P2681-15), risking engine overheat and stall. Toyota acknowledged this defect under CSP 24TE04 but refused assistance due to vehicle having 103,660 miles (just past 100k miles). Failure causes immediate safety and overheating hazard."

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2026PA

**VEHICLE:** 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE **VIN:** [XXX] **CURRENT MILEAGE:** 126,776 miles **PURCHASE DATE:** October 2020 **COMPONENT:** Automatic Transmission (Power Train) **PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:** On XXX, I took my 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE to a transmission specialty shop (TJ'S Transmission Service Inc., Bedford, PA) because the automatic transmission was slipping while driving. The professional diagnosis (Invoice #XXX) confirmed the following stored fault codes: P2681, P2816, P08BA, P2713 The technician also confirmed that the transmission fluid was black and contained metal debris, indicating significant internal wear of clutch/band components. While researching these codes, I found that Toyota previously issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) T-SB-0160-18, titled "Transaxle Whine Noise, Harsh Shift, MIL ON, or Reduced Power," which acknowledges these SAME fault codes (P2816, P08BA, P2713, among others) as a known problem in the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80/UB80 family, manufactured by Aisin). This TSB was officially issued only for the 2017-2018 Highlander and Sienna models, but the 2019 and later RAV4 uses the same transmission family (UB80E/UB80F) for the 2.5L engine, suggesting this is the same design or manufacturing defect that has not been officially acknowledged for this model. This issue represents a safety risk, as unexpected loss of power or transmission slippage while driving (for example, when merging onto a highway or passing) can create a dangerous situation f

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Lock
Filed Jul 22, 2026PA

Front driver side door is not locking remotely or with manual door lock button. Door lock is open when driving. And need to be locked with finger.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 18, 2026CO

I ordered a plastic underbody cover (about 12×20 inches) through Toyota Arapahoe and paid $70 for the part. I was given an appointment for installation. When I arrived, I was told that the installation would take an hour and a half, even though the work consisted of fastening nine screws, while the old cover had been factory‑attached with only five simple self‑tapping fasteners, and this work was supposed to be free. After about an hour, I found my vehicle in the general parking lot, with no notification, no status update, and no explanation from the employees. When I asked why the work had not been completed, I was told: “There is not a single screw in the station,” “The screws may arrive in a week,” “The installation will cost about $100.” I asked the manager: “You want one hundred dollars just to fasten nine screws?” At that moment, the situation escalated. A man appeared who claimed to be “the boss of the entire station.” His behavior was aggressive and unprofessional. He refused to give his name or provide a business card. Because I speak English poorly, I asked him to say his name again. I tried to say “last name,” but due to stress I mistakenly said “famaly.” Instead of offering an electronic translator, this person began acting in a disturbing and irrational manner: shouting “family, family!”, rolling his eyes, moving around the room in an agitated way, and repeating the word loudly. I was confused and repeated the word after him, not understanding what was happening.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 14, 202625,000 milesGA

The contact owned a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while pulling into a vertical spot and making a right turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb, the sidewalk, and continued driving down the sidewalk and crashed into a building. The brake pedal was depressed but was stuck. The vehicle failed to turn off, and the parking brake failed to engage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed as needed. A Police report was filed. The EMS workers were unable to depress the brake pedal. The undercarriage of the dashboard ripped the skin off both shins. The contact was transported to the trauma hospital, where medical attention was provided for four weeks to close the wounds. A skin graft was performed on both legs. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The black box data was retrieved, which showed the acceleration, but no information if the brake pedal was depressed. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Electronic Lock/Latch Actuator
Filed Jun 23, 2026WI

In March 2025 the driver door lock stopped working electronically and would only work manually. In August 2025 the passenger door lock stopped working noisy of the time. In Dec 2025 the rear passenger side does lock stopped working most of the time.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 19, 2026VA

The front brakes wear out too quickly. In the past 3 years, the front brakes and rotors have had to be replaced 5 times while the rear brakes only once. this is not normal. i have complained to the dealership but they have no answers.

Steering
Filed Jun 17, 202674,000 milesWV

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle felt like it was going to flip over. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V373000 (Steering). The contact associated the failure with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jun 9, 202660,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that there was an unusual sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact parked and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the rear passenger's side door, the contact noticed water leaking from the bottom of the door panel onto the ground. The contact stated about a gallon of water leaked from the rear passenger's side door panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 30, 2026CA

If I don't drive the car for 1 to 2 weeks, the car's 12v is completely drained of power and the care needs to be jumped, otherwise, it will not start. This is consistent. I've taken this to several Toyota dealerships and they all have reported my 12v battery is healthy. However, Toyota is aware and is charging for the fix, labelled as T-SB-0089-21. The known issue is a piece of electronics in the car that continually drains power because it does not properly shut off. This should not be a paid fix. This should be a recall. When the car is jumped and the car finally starts, it reports a message saying something about some safety features not available. The car needs to be moved every 2 weeks due to mandatory city street cleaning so at least once every month the car needs to be jumped if not used the week prior.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 28, 202687,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving, the contact observed a swishing noise coming from the rear passenger door. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed the swishing noise when moving the door. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that water had collected in the rear passenger door and all door seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed May 28, 2026176,009 milesNJ

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 59,475. The contact stated that while his father was driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled several times. The contact's father was a mechanic and was able to repair the vehicle. It was later discovered that Carfax reported the vehicle mileage as 176,009.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed May 26, 2026MO

Hinges on the trunk wore out abnormally fast causing the struts to fail and trunk to misalign causing further lift gate damage. Caused a roughly one inch gap in the trunk there light was visible and wind can be felt through. If not addressed the hinge will rip off and the trunk will go with it.

Engine
Filed May 23, 2026VA

Coolant bypass valve leak. An known issue however dealership will not pay for repairs due to vehicle having 106000 mile. 6000 over what the bulletin 24TE04 states it will cover.

Engine
Filed May 22, 2026NJ

Toyota made a defective coolant valve in their 2019-2021 cars that leaked spontaneously in these vehicles. Over 950,000 cars have been affected to date, including my 2020 Rav4. They are aware of the issue and made a customer support program for this issue which led to engines overheating/electrical code problems, which can cause a severe safety issue if left unrepaired. The program however has a limitation until November 2025 or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. When I was alerted of this, I brought my car to the dealer for service, but they wouldn't replace the part because it wasn't leaking too much at the time to need repair. However, just 4 months after the primary coverage expired, my engine code went off and when I brought my car, the coolant valve turned out to be defective and leaked into the electrical wire harness which then also had to be replaced in addition to the coolant valve. The repair cost was $1200 and both were required to keep the car driving safely and reliably on the road. Because my car had 120,000 miles and the known issue presented after Nov2025, Toyota refuses to cover the service, although it is a known manufacturing defect. Toyota is committing fraud to avoid covering this safety issue. The repair is expensive and if left unrepaired, the cars can spontaneously catch on fire on highways and in parks leading to wild fires and endanger others on the road. The toyota technician specifically informed me the issue was similar to other cars and known

20 of 634 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202586300Routine
2024173300Routine
2023153310Routine
2022144102Fatalities reported
2021385170Above average
2020 — this page634650Above average
2019877720Above average
20183313320High concern
20173073242Fatalities reported
20162393120Above average
20153034411Fatalities reported
20141974250High concern
20132572291Fatalities reported
2012260540Above average
20112871180Above average
20104001430High concern
20093271530High concern
200857514162Fatalities reported
20071,00414370High concern
20067041151Fatalities reported
2005141520Do not drive
2004154240Do not drive
2003314040Above average
20025270150Above average
2001309021Fatalities reported
200030302Fatalities reported
199962540Routine
199877500Routine
199754120Routine
199647120Routine
19951000Routine
19944000Routine

Compare every RAV4 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 20, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.