Home · 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hv · Complaints

What 627 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hv

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (627)Crash / fire / injury (23)Engine (179)Electrical system (119)Fuel system (89)Body & structure (59)Airbags (55)Transmission & drivetrain (36)Steering (27)Brakes (19)Visibility & wipers (17)Engine & cooling (15)

179 of 627 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 2 of 8

Dec 31, 2024Engine

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 8-10 years and car currently has less than 60k miles and 4 years old. Asked the dealership about known recall 20TA04 - for engine cooling recall but they insisted my car was not impacted. This is a safety issue as it could result in overheating of the engine leading to fire hazards.

NHTSA ODI 11633334

Dec 30, 2024Engine

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 infortainment system. I am also worried that it could have a negative effect on the operation of the engine. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety or the safety of others was not put at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

NHTSA ODI 11633067

Dec 3, 2024Electrical systemBrakesEngine

•August 19, 2022: All emergency/error code lights came on the dash while driving on highway. The vehicle was taken to Don McGill Toyota for service. In that time, all error codes came back and went away a few times on their own. Vehicle was taken on 08/20/2022 (please refer to service records) in which it was originally deemed there were no issues with the vehicle. Toyota recommended that if the problem persists, bring the vehicle back in. •August 26, 2022: Vehicle emergency lights came back on while driving on the highway again. The vehicle was taken back to Don McGill Toyota for a service emergency. Was told the Vehicle needed a sensor replaced. Got the vehicle back on September 15, 2022. •September 6, 2023: Vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to Don McGill Toyota. Another part was replaced (please refer to service records) and the vehicle was returned on September 9, 2023. •August 2024: Vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to Don McGill Toyota for a break service as well as getting this emergency lights issue resolved. The vehicle was picked up 5 hours later, however upon driving a little in the dealership parking lot, emergency lights came back on. Immediately went back and brought it up to the service advisor, who then took the car back for another 1 hour and deemed the vehicle needed to be “recalibrated”. This recalibration was completed, then left the dealership. •September 3, 2024: Vehicle emergency lights come back on. This time the vehicle struggled to brake when the lights came on. The vehicle was taken into Don McGill Toyota for immediate service. Breaks were looked at and recalibration was completed. Vehicle returned on September 6, 2024. •September 14, 2024: Vehicle emergency lights come back on. The vehicle was taken to Don McGill Toyota for emergency service. Brakes were checked and the vehicle was driven around to bring the lights up. The vehicle was given back on October 1, 2024, after the ser

NHTSA ODI 11628641

Nov 21, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

My Toyota 2020 RAV4 has a dangerous design flaw. It rolls when turned off and in drive mode. For example, my driveway is on an incline, and a couple times I have pulled into my driveway, gotten distracted, and I forgot to put the car in Park. When I hit the on/off button, the car rolls backwards, accelerating due to gravity. If you're not quick, you can end up rolling out into traffic, or running someone over that is behind your car. All the other cars I've ever owned didn't roll when the car was turned off unless you were in neutral. I believe this is a design flaw because I've spoken to a few other RAV4 owners that have experienced the same thing, and on one occasion, I tested it on another RAV4 and it was the same. I can see this being very dangerous. If you are standing outside of the car and hit the on/off button while it's in drive, you would get knocked down by the door, and your car would be rolling without you in the car.

NHTSA ODI 11626724

Nov 15, 2024AirbagsSeat beltsEngine

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the driver's side seat belt sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to exceed 1,000 RPM while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11625465

Nov 14, 2024Electrical systemEngine

Known coolant bypass valve issue dealership declining to cover it although it’s impacting a ton of people.

NHTSA ODI 11625290

Nov 12, 2024Engine

Service engine message coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open code P268115

NHTSA ODI 11624817

Oct 17, 2024Engine

Engine Maintenance Light on. After inspection at dealership, the cause was determined as Coolant By-pass valve stuck closed

NHTSA ODI 11620404

Oct 14, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Broken- Coolant bypass valve My safety was put at risk as the coolant bypass value broke leaking coolant over my cars electrical components and not keeping my engine cool. This could have resulted in my engine, overheating, exploding while operating the car and putting my life at risk. Also “engine maintenance alert” that couldn’t not be dismissed by the driver, obstructed the view of my dashboard. This problem was confirmed by the the Toyota dealership There is currently a class action lawsuit against Toyota for this specific issue.

NHTSA ODI 11619658

Oct 14, 2024Engine

I have had an "Engine Maintenance Required" warning light on since I purchased the vehicle (used) and have had it checked out by my local mechanic and the Toyota dealer. It is due to the coolant bypass valve malfunctioning. Apparently this is an extremely common issue according to the class action lawsuit and should NOT be put on the customer to pay for this when my odometer has not even hit 60k. A recall needs to be issued for this once and for all.

NHTSA ODI 11619713

Oct 8, 2024Engine

Coolant Bypass Issue. Engine Maintenance and contact dealer on the dash board.

NHTSA ODI 11618698

Oct 6, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The coolant bypass valve is needing to be replaced. The vehicle only has 52k miles and just happened after warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11618285

Oct 2, 2024Engine

While driving with the air conditioner on a message appears on the instrument panel ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED. From researching this message on the internet it appears this is due to an engine coolant bypass valve problem. From this internet search it appears to be happening to many other peoples Rav4. The cost of having this valve replaced appears to be close to $1000. It appears that this problem is a common thing. Toyota needs to have a recall on this problem. Most people report this happening at various mileage.

NHTSA ODI 11617674

Sep 27, 2024Engine

Premature coolant bypass valve failure. Vehicle has less than 70k miles, but past warranty, "Engine Maintenance Required-See Dealer" light randomly came on one day and would not go off. Scanner pulled no codes as to what the issue would be. Found out it is a known issue as hundreds, if not thousands of Toyota drivers, have experienced this and that specific warning message indicates that it is due to the coolant bypass valve having failed. Clearly this is a known issue.

NHTSA ODI 11616956

Sep 21, 2024Engine

Maintenance light is keep showing even after the oil change. After the inspection, mechanic found that it is due to Coolant Bypass pipe/hose. I didn't see a recall but I had to get it done before it get worse. It cost around $500 to change the Coolant Bypass pipe/hose with labor. Hence, I reporting to escalate it and requesting for reimbursement. Thanks.

NHTSA ODI 11615713

Sep 21, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

After only 35k miles the car start showing a failure in the coolant by pass valve that could cause major failure of the engine. It has been reported that it is an ongoing situation with most 2020 rav4. The repair is not covered by warranty and it cost over $700.

NHTSA ODI 11615725

Sep 20, 2024Engine

I noticed an “engine maintenance required” message on my dash when driving home yesterday. I took the car to the dealership today to have it inspected. I was told I need to “replace the engine coolant bypass valve malfunction” for $738.31. Even though I only have 38,984 miles on the car I was told it was outside of the basic warranty and was not covered by powertrain warranty. When I looked online on several Toyota Forums I noticed other 2019/2020 Toyota RAV4 owners were reporting the same exact issue. I believe this warrants an inspection to see if a nationwide recall is needed and Toyota should cover the cost and refund any and all out of pocket expenses. I’ve driven Toyotas my entire adult life and have never had any issues like this before. It’s very disappointing.

NHTSA ODI 11615668

Sep 14, 2024Engine

Engine Maintenance Light: Dealer found codes 48257 for coolant bypass valve short to open

NHTSA ODI 11614594

Sep 5, 2024Engine

The failed item was the coolant bypass valve, message came on of " engine service required" It has been replaced by the dealer Mileage at failure 40643

NHTSA ODI 11612806

Sep 5, 2024Engine

The engine coolant bypass valve requires replacement. This could result in engine failure.

NHTSA ODI 11612941

Sep 4, 2024Engine

2020 RAV 4 little under 34,000 miles. Coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. “Engine maintenance required visit your dealer” takes place on dash and cannot be cleared.

NHTSA ODI 11612689

Sep 3, 2024Engine

Air coolant bypass valve malfunction. Engine maintenance error message pops up, does not cool properly. Leaking ac fluid. Confirmed by dealership. Costs around 800 to 900 dollars to repair. Parts must be ordered ahead of time. No warning, just message showed up and will not go away. Doesn't let me see the speed I am going on the display since error message keeps popping up every minute.

NHTSA ODI 11612449

Aug 12, 2024Electrical systemEngine

I have had a Service Engine message on my dash that would return within seconds of my hitting the button to signal I received the message. When I took the vehicle to the dealership I was told it was a leaking coolant bypass valve and would need to be replaced. I was told the cost would be $215 plus three hours of labor. The final cost was $240 for the parts and $709 for the labor. The vehicle only has 31,209 miles on it. As I have researched the part, I have found numerous people have had the same issue within a similar range of mileage.

NHTSA ODI 11607952

Aug 12, 2024Engine

The problem starts with a service notice for the engine. when they check it at the dealer they say it is the coolant bypass valve and they charge 1000 dollars to fix the problem. a new car is not supposed to have these types of problems. they are making a lot of money by changing this part because there are many cars of the same year and with few miles that come to the Toyota dealer for the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11608132

Aug 8, 2024Engine

Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Failed expecting close to $1000 for repair. This is not a normal failing part. 2019-2023 rav4 and corollas have this faulty valve that fails prematurely. It is well documented throughout the internet and forums of people having the same issue. 3 dealerships I have spoken with list this as a well known issue that is common with the car. It throws engine maintenance required sign non stop.

NHTSA ODI 11607382

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Working with the data? Download all 627 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hv verdict →