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ProblemsByVin File / 2020-TOYOTA-RAV4 NHTSA data synced 9 hours ago
2020 · Toyota

Toyota RAV4 problems

621 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2020 RAV4?
High-risk ownership

Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
136 reports · fails ~42,535 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
110 reports · fails ~12,821 mi · avg $850
severe
body
49 reports · fails ~33,528 mi · avg $1,500
severe
airbags
48 reports · fails ~50,671 mi · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
35 reports · fails ~69,900 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
26 reports · fails ~46,157 mi · avg $700
severe
visibility
13 reports · fails ~14,900 mi · avg $350
severe
brakes
8 reports · fails ~29,350 mi · avg $450
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2020 RAV4's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2020 RAV4?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2020 RAV4 · engine
Check engine light came on and noted a malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or transmission. When taken to the dealer they found code P012807 related to engine cooling and suggested a replacement of the thermostat. This part should have a life of 100k or…
2020 RAV4 · engine
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve B failed. The check engine light comes on and disables All-Wheel-Drive, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and interrupts functionality of the…
2020 RAV4 · powertrain
Coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced per Toyota. Many people are having this problem.
2020 RAV4 · engine
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.
View all 621 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2020 Toyota RAV4? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 20V373000 June 24, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS)

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

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 20V286000 May 20, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles

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

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 20V064000 February 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

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.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2020 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 621 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2020 Toyota RAV4?

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 110 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 2,135–10,009 mi; Body: 49 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 6,000–60,000 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2020 Toyota RAV4?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 136 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 42,535 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 42,535 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota RAV4 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2020 Toyota RAV4?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 621 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Toyota/RAV4. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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