Fifth generation (XA50)
2020 Toyota RAV4
The most reported problem on the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is overheating, with 153 complaints, usually around 42,000 miles.
- 635owner complaints
- 6recalls
- 17involved a crash
- 22,500median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your RAV4 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2020 model year.
Is the 2020 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has 635 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 2.7 times the median of 233 for 2020 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 RAV4 model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2019 and 2021
- Complaints ease off across these three model years. Counted per year on the road, the 2019 draws 110, the 2020 91 and the 2021 64.
- Top problem
- Overheating leads with 153 of the 635 complaints (24%), ahead of dead battery at 62. A quarter of the 61 owners who gave a mileage for overheating saw it by about 35,000 miles, and half by about 42,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 23 of the 635 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 17 reports mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 14 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 8 of 17, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Overheating and airbag each have a recall on the same system (20V-064; 20V-734 and 23V-865). Dead battery has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2024 at 176 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 68. So far in 2026, 38 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine overheats or leaks coolant, 153 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
635 complaints is 2.9 times the median 2020 model on this site and 2.7 times the median 2020 SUV. Among the 12 RAV4 model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2020 Toyota RAV4
Toyota filed 304 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2020 Toyota RAV4. 51 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car, 5 of those a warranty extension. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 10 bulletins · 153 complaints
Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience.
The specific condition covered by this program is for a small engine coolant leak that can occur from the flow shut-off valve that can allow coolant to drip on other parts of the vehicle.
8 more on this problem
Some 2018 – 2021 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, or M20A-FKS engine may exhibit a condition in which an “Engine Maintenance Required” message is displayed in the Multi-Information Display (MID).
CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 24TE04 Multiple Model & Model Year Toyota Vehicles Coverage for Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak Frequently Asked Questions
In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak on multiple Model & Model Year Toyota Vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 24TE04 Multiple Model & Model Year Toyota Vehicles Coverage for Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak
This Customer Support Program provides coverage as it applies to Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak on Certain 2019-2021 Avalon & Avalon HV, 2018-2021 Camry & Camry HV, Certain 2020-2021 Corolla, Certain 2019-2021 Corolla HB, 2020-2021 Highlander, Certain ...
This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
Some 2021 ? 2022 model year Avalon, 2018 ? 2024 Camry, and 2019 ? 2024 RAV4 vehicles with A25A-FKS engines may have a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) upon cold soak start up with engine coolant temperatures ...
TT: Some 2020 model year models equipped with A25A-FKS or A25A-FXS engine may exhibit a MIL ON with one or more of the following DTCs (P26CB71, P26CA14, and P26CA31) and/or coolant leak from electric water pump body or electrical connector.
Battery dies or the car will not start 6 bulletins · 62 complaints
TT: Some customers may experience an abnormal steering sensation (?pulling?, ?drifting?), which may be more pronounced after a cold soak. The steering angle value displayed in Techstream may be greater than +3° off when the steering wheel is held straight.
TT: Some 2019-2020 model year RAV4 HV vehicles may experience DTC codes P0AA649 / P1C8049. - P0AA649-Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage System Isolation Internal Electronic Failure - P1C8049-Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage System Isolation (Rear Motor Area) Internal ...
4 more on this problem
Some 2004 ? 2020 model year Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or debris in the HV battery intake filter or cooling fan. The condition could reduce the efficiency of the HV battery cooling system.
TT: A 12V Battery Discharged and / or Dead condition can be due to multiple causes. In order to properly diagnose and determine the root cause it?s important to follow a structured process to identify any contributing issues and determine the proper remedy.
TT: Some customers may experience an abnormal steering sensation (?pulling?, ?drifting?). Condition may be more pronounced after a cold soak. Steering Angle value displayed in Techstream may be greater than +3° off when the steering wheel is held straight.
A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life. These conditions include storage period, temperature, parasitic drain, and battery load.
Airbag warning light or recall 1 bulletin · 55 complaints
Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 12 bulletins · 54 complaints
TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 22TE09 HV FLOOR UNDER WIRE HARNESS AND REAR TRACTION MOTOR CABLE CORROSION CERTAIN 2019 ?2022 MODEL YEAR RAV4 HYBRID AWD (Amendment)
TT: Some 2019- 2023 RAV4 HV vehicles may duplicate an abnormal noise (Growl, Humming and/or other) from the Hybrid T/A and/or MGR at various vehicle speeds and normal drive conditions
10 more on this problem
Some 2020 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B15A804 is present in current or history. ?Red SOS LED stays on after bulb check.
Some 2020 ? 2021 model year TMMC and TMMK built RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit damp carpeting in the front floor area. This may be due a condition in which the inside of the HVAC drain cooler hose is obstructed with plastic.
Some 2003 ? 2020 model year Prius, Prius C, Prius V; 2006 ? 2019 model year Highlander Hybrid Vehicle; 2007 ? 2020 Camry Hybrid Vehicle; 2013 ? 2020 model year Avalon Hybrid Vehicle; 2016 ? 2020 model year Mirai and RAV4 Hybrid Vehicle;
Some 2019 ? 2020 model year RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may experience a red or yellow Electronic Power Steering (EPS) light ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C05D604 present when starting the vehicle or while driving.
Some 2020 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?DTC B15A804 is present in current or history. ?Red SOS LED stays on after bulb check.
Some 2019 ? 2020 model year RAV4 HV vehicles may experience a difficult-to-start condition accompanied by a hybrid system warning lamp occurring during below-freezing temperatures (< 32°F).
Some 2020 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Toyota app does not accept the activation code and/or becomes inoperative, and/or the SOS call center does not receive the ...
Some 2020 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Remote Connect app does not accept the activation code and/or becomes inoperative, and/or the SOS call center does not receive the ...
TT: Customers may experience abnormal noise/vibration from the hybrid transaxle. Note: This is different from Vehicle Proximity Notification system.
TT: Customers may experience noise from the hybrid transaxle.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 13 bulletins · 35 complaints
Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/discolored engine oil.
TT: Vehicles listed above equipped with a Denso Ten radio (Entune Audio Plus or Premium Audio) may exhibit a condition in which the radio screen continues to show a Bluetooth phone call in progress after the call has ended.
11 more on this problem
Some 2018 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, or M20A-FKS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/Discolored engine oil.
TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle.
Some 2020 ? 2021 model year vehicles equipped with Audio, Audio Plus, or Premium Audio (versions 1784) or earlier may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Intermittent blank screen. ?Navigation map update fails. ?Album art inoperative.
Some 2020 ? 2021 model year C-HR, RAV4, RAV4 HV, Sequoia, Tundra and 2021 model year Avalon, Avalon HV, Prius, Prius Prime, and RAV4 Prime vehicles may exhibit inoperative Apple CarPlay® with all iPhone® 12 models.
TT: Some 2020 ? 2021 model year C-HR, RAV4, RAV4 HV, Sequoia, Tundra and 2021 model year Avalon, Avalon HV, Prius, Prius Prime, and RAV4 Prime vehicles may exhibit inoperative Apple CarPlay® with only iPhone® 12 devices (iPhone® 12, iPhone® 12 Max, iPhone® 12 ...
TT: Some customers may experience an abnormal steering sensation (?pulling?, ?drifting?). Condition may be more pronounced with ADAS systems (LTA, LKA, DRCC) turned on or after a cold soak.
TT: The microphone circuit passes through the DCM before reaching the radio/navigation system. To simplify the diagnosis of the microphone, Safety Connect SOS button lights, and DCM (Data Communication Module/telematics transceiver) inoperative conditions, ...
TT: Some 2020 model year vehicles may display abnormal Safety Connect operation during PDS or after replacement due to DCM activation issues.
TT: Some vehicles equipped with Dynamic Navigation may experience a pop-up message notifying them that their map update service will end soon. The date that is shown could be more than one year in the future.
TT: Some 2020 model year vehicles may display abnormal Safety Connect operation during PDS due to DCM activation issues.
Plus 1 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 19 complaints
Some 2019 – 2025 model year RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking.
Some 2019 ? 2023 model year RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brakes with light to moderate braking. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
2 more on this problem
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
TT: Some 2019-2020 model year RAV4 and RAV4 HV vehicles may exhibit a front brake squeal/squeak noise when braking at low speeds.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 4 bulletins · 16 complaints
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in this service bulletin to aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks
2 more on this problem
Some 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander and RAV4 vehicles, and 2022 model year Tundra vehicles equipped with a start/stop switch may exhibit water entry to the vehicle from the HVAC drain hose being disconnected from the air conditioning radiator assembly ...
TT: In certain cases of leaking air conditioning systems, the root cause of the leak is inadvertently overlooked, causing a repeat repair.
Car won't start 1 bulletin · 16 complaints
TT: When customers have a concern about a discharged battery, no start, or general battery concern, the DCA-8000 is the only appropriate tool to use for diagnosis
Complaints filed by year
176 complaints came in 2024. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2020 Toyota RAV4
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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 (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 and remedy
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 (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 and remedy
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 (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 and remedy
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 (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 and remedy
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 (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 and remedy
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.
All 6 recalls on the 2020 Toyota RAV4, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
Overheating, with 153 of the 635 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 42,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2020 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Of the 237 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 3,000 miles and half by about 22,000.
Is the 2020 Toyota RAV4 better or worse than the 2019 and 2021?
Counted per year on the road, the 2020 has fewer complaints than the 2019 and more complaints than the 2021: 91 a year against 110 and 64.
How many 2020 Toyota RAV4 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
23 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for overheating on the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 20V-064. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.