CSR
Check a VIN

Look up

About

Toyota · NHTSA safety record

2020 Toyota RAV4

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 635 safety complaints about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 with the US government. Of those, 17 describe a crash, 5 mention a fire, 14 people were injured and no death is recorded. 6 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 180 complaints, 28% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 2,800 miles, the median across the 195 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers November 2019 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

635 complaints on file

635

Complaints

17

Describe a crash

5

Mention fire

14

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints halved year on year: 54 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 129 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 180 · 28%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 121 · 19%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 119 · 19%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 90 · 14%
STRUCTURE 60 · 9%
AIR BAGS 55 · 9%
POWER TRAIN 38 · 6%
STEERING 27 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 17 · 3%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15 · 2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14 · 2%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 10 · 2%
0 73 146

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 635.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2024 at 176.

188 141 94 47
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2019 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2020 Toyota RAV4, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV AWD SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 15.5% 15.9%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

6 on file

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

23V865000 · December 20, 2023

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

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 999,901 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

20V734000 · November 25, 2020

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

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 161 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

20V682000 · November 4, 2020

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

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 1,525,742 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

20V373000 · June 24, 2020

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

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 46 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

20V286000 · May 20, 2020

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

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 9,502 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

20V064000 · February 6, 2020

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 44,191 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 injured · crash · towed · 9,000 miles

The contact owned a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph with the cruise control activated and while coming to a red light, the driver depressed the brake pedal and the braking system malfunctioned causing the vehicle to not stop. The vehicle drove through a red light causing a collision with a second vehicle. During the crash the driver sustained rib and torso injuries, the front passenger sustained injured ribs and fractured tailbone and the rear passenger side occupant sustained a fractured tailbone. No further information was available regarding the second vehicle. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was taken at the scene and the

NHTSA complaint 11447512, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 injured · crash · towed · 37,000 miles

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at 8 MPH to an appointment and making several turns in the parking lot, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into the building. There were no warning lights illuminated. The top of the vehicle had to be cut off. The driver had a concussion, soft tissue injuries to the neck and back. The passenger sustained a fractured sternum, soft tissue damage, and dementia injuries, The two occupants were provided medical attention. Both of the occupants were wearing seatbelts. The airbags deployed. There was smoke inside the vehicle due to the airbag deployment. There were no reported fire. A police report was filed. The

NHTSA complaint 11663963, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 injured · fire

On 8/25/21, Toyota Rav 4 Vehicle was parked in garage and caught fire burning down garage and house, minor injuries to occupants in house. Vehicle had recently 7/01/21 been repaired at dealership for battery discharge when parked by installation of new update to DCM Software according to TSB-0095-20 Rev2. The vehicle has been inspected by police, Hidalgo County, Texas Fire Marshall and Progressive Insurance Company Progressive. Origin of fire started in vehicle but cause of vehicle fire undetermined by Fire Marshall, Insurance Company related fire to charger plugged into dash of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint 11447823. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 injured · crash · towed · 1,839 miles

ON JULY 3, 2020 AT 2:30PM I WAS PARKING THE CAR INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A STRIP MALL WHEN I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR BUT THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PARKED CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, I PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AGAIN AND JERKED BACKWARDS, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, I PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PARKED CAR IN FRONT ON ME AGAIN FOR THE 2ND TIME. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAITED FOR THE OWNER OF THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE POLICE ARRIVED ON SITE AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *LN CONSUMER STATED BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED.*JB

NHTSA complaint 11338404. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
Its the sway bar stabilizer bar in the front end of my 2020 rav4 i bought it brand new in 2020. After just 24k miles i had to replace the sway bar now just a few months later ima gonna have to get it back in the shop because its making the same noise as before

NHTSA complaint 11766886. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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

NHTSA complaint 11764071, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
cracking, bending, and failing liftgate hinges and struts.

NHTSA complaint 11762621. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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.

NHTSA complaint 11762068. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
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

NHTSA complaint 11762165, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.

NHTSA complaint 11760387. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Toyota RAV4

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 88 3 —
2024 174 3 —
2023 157 3 —
2022 145 1 2
2021 387 1 —
2019 879 7 —
2018 331 3 —
2017 307 3 2
2016 240 3 —
2015 304 4 1
2014 197 4 —
2013 257 2 1
2012 260 5 —
2011 287 11 —
2010 400 14 —

Other 2020 Toyota models

Highlander 317 Corolla 306 Camry 274 Tacoma 87 C-HR 64 Tundra 46 Sienna 38 4Runner 33

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Toyota on this site — 281 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst