2020 Toyota RAV4 recalls and problems

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has 6 safety recalls and 642 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
6
Complaints
642
Crashes / fires
17 / 5
Injuries / deaths
14 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Toyota RAV4 recalls

Recall 23V-865: Air Bags

Reported Dec 20, 2023 · 999,901 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-734: Air Bags, Steering

Reported Nov 25, 2020 · 161 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-682: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-373: Steering

Reported Jun 24, 2020 · 46 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 20V-286: Suspension

Reported May 20, 2020 · 9,502 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 20V-064: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Feb 6, 2020 · 44,191 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

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.

2020 Toyota RAV4 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine181
Unknown or Other122
Electrical System120
Fuel/Propulsion System90
Structure63
Air Bags55
Power Train39
Steering28
Service Brakes18
Engine and Engine Cooling15
Vehicle Speed Control15
Suspension10

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 41
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments — 12
  • Structure › Body › Door — 6
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 4
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 4
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,900 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Toyota RAV4 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Nov 9, 2026
The power liftgate hinges on my 2020 Toyota RAV4 have bent and deformed during normal use, and the power liftgate no longer opens or closes properly. I purchased the vehicle new in April 2020. The problem appeared at approximately 49,000 miles. The power liftgate has never been struck or misused. My local Toyota inspected the vehicle and confirmed the hinges are damaged. They quoted approximately $2,600 to repair it. This is a WIDELY reported failure on 2019+ RAV4 models and was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit (Hughes v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., N.D. Cal.). Toyota has…
Power Train · at 89,000 miles · reported Nov 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced hesitation upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, while approaching a hill, the vehicle drifted backwards while attempting to accelerate. The failure persisted after several restarts, and several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and a dealer, and it was confirmed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but the contact was informed that the part to repair…
Electrical System · reported Oct 27, 2026
Vehicle electrical failure when Driving with the automatic start/stop option turned on Vehicle shows a low voltage abnormality that kills all my electrical components including battery, sometimes it happens while driving on the Highway at 70 speed
Service Brakes · reported Oct 26, 2026
On [XXX], my 2020 Toyota RAV4 underwent brake service at an authorized Toyota dealership in New Jersey. The service included replacement of all four brake pads and both front brake rotors. On [XXX], while driving my [XXX] daughter to school, I experienced a sudden and severe loss of braking capability. The driver’s-side rear brake caliper had completely detached from its mounting assembly, rupturing the brake hose and causing a substantial loss of brake fluid. This failure created an immediate and serious safety hazard, as I was unable to brake normally. Fortunately, I was able to avoid a…
Structure · reported Oct 21, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Loose and Wobbling Hood on 2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE. The hood is loose and wobbles excessively. It moves when pressed while closed, appears uneven, and shakes or bounces while the vehicle is in motion. I am concerned that the hood may not be securely latched and could open while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. My vehicle has also undergone front-end accident repairs. I want the hood latch, secondary safety catch, hinges, alignment, mounting hardware, and any components affected by the…

Other Toyota RAV4 years

Compare all Toyota RAV4 years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2020 Toyota RAV4: 23V-865 (air bags), 20V-734 (air bags, steering), 20V-682 (fuel system, gasoline), 20V-373 (steering), 20V-286 (suspension) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Toyota RAV4?

Owners report engine problems most often (181 reports), followed by unknown or other (122). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,900 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.