What 627 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hv

The manufacturer issued a recall for the air bag deployment system potentially not registering a passenger, thus not deploying, in December 2023. As of April 2025, there is still no remedy to fix this issue, which is a safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11656483

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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11656571

Shortly after having vehicle serviced at Toyota the engine maintenance light came on. Imagine my surprise at learning that many other Rav4 owners have the same exact issue right around the 65,000 mile mark. But regardless I toke it to the Toyota dealer to have them diagnose the issue and under the advisement of the technician opt in for the repair so that my car “wouldn’t have more serious problems as a result [of not fixing the coolant bypass valve].” So now I have to pay $1000 for repair when I have had the car just the tiniest bit over 4 years (which is how long the warranty lasted).

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The coolant valve is malfunctioning and causing an engine safety light to be on constantly

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Coolant bypass valve failure

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The wiring harness to the lithium battery is corroded, and it is unregulated. My repair shop said the car is unsafe to drive because of the amount of unregulated electricity in the battery. Also, the cruise control doesn't work. My repair shop says this is happening to other vehicles. Parts and labor total almost $7,000.

NHTSA ODI 11653453

After 4 to 5 years vehicle has begun to sporadically upon the first 10 minutes of driving to show a low power steering error message. The error message turns on and turns off within one second many people have been reporting the same issue with even their newer model RAV4’s. This is not acceptable.

NHTSA ODI 11653243

Recall has been available with no fix since 2023 They are not providing a repair time I feel unsafe driving the car

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Warning light: Engine Maintenance Required Coolant Bypass Valve

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Continuous Warning light display : Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer. The OBD diagnostic scanner lists the faulty system as follows: Code P268115. Engine coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open circuit. This appears to be a common fault on certain Toyota RAV4 years.

NHTSA ODI 11649709

Liftgate hinges on my 2020 RAV4 hybrid XSE failed, causing misalignment so the liftgate/tailgate does not close properly or completely. Liftgate hinges are made of materials that are not strong enough for consistent and safe operation. Toyota has not issued a recall or provided safety warnings or notifications, nor is the company providing replacement hinges. RAV4 owners are left to pay for the replacement of these hinges when it’s a quality issue that can impact the safe operation of 2020 Toyota RAV4s. Toyota recently settled a lawsuit brought by an individual because of this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11649073

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke and an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11649118

The coolant bypass valve has been failed prematurely therefor engine heat up and there is a warning on my dashboard that say "engine maintenance required"

NHTSA ODI 11647790

at only 55k miles my 2020 toyota rav4 has shown an “engine maintenance required” sign. not to be mistaken with general maintenance. apparently this is a widely common issue where brand new toyotas are having cooling bypass valve issue. however concerningly so, because there are no recalls for this problem yet seemingly every rav4 has this problem? how is there no recall, everyone is paying out of pocket for essentially poor manufacturing, its outrageous, also considering the part itself is under $100 but some dealers are charging anywhere to $600-$1300. it’s predatory and outright wrong.

NHTSA ODI 11647901

Hybrid System Malfunction. The warning lights came on notifying of an issue with the hybrid system. A certified Toyota service center inspected the vehicle and found the hybrid floor wire traction cable/wiring harness corroded. Issue started 3/1/25, car was inspected on 3/3/25. This is a known issue with Toyota. Vehicle will no longer start and could have shut off while driving without warning.

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I filed a complaint with Toyota to replace my vehicle and they said they denied my claim. They promised a fix by 2024 and it is already 2025

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Power lift gate not opening and shutting then noted that the mount on the passenger side is partially sheared off the car bracket and starting to separate on the drivers side. Was unable to close the hitch all the way, and beeping continuously while driving so brought to a toyota dealer service who ordered replacement pistons, in the mean time battery died due to being unable to close back. Once piston parts were obtained by toyota service center, had to have the car towed due to battery not able to be charged, then they noticed the bolts starting to shear off. Stated they have never seen anything like this but when looked online, found this has been a common problem and a class action suit has been filed for this exact reason

NHTSA ODI 11646164

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11645539

I am told my DCM is not functioning properly. I learned this when my remote start function was no longer working. The dealership ran a diagnostics then wanted me to pay almost another $200 to restart the DCM with no guarantee that would work. If that didn’t work then I would have to pay another $300 for them to do a more involved process. I declined because I feel this should not be a problem that I have to pay to fix. They indicated that my key fobs could eventually stop working at which point I decided to submit this complaint. The DCM seems like a pretty core function that should not have problems at this point (5 year old car) and if it does, it seems like something the manufacturer should be responsible for repairing.

NHTSA ODI 11644230

Engine maintnance light came on dashboard. Was not aware of this issue until doing research. Parts that needs replace - Cooling Bypass Valve

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It's been a year that this situation is still under a recall and there is no remedy. Keep receiving constant notices and every time I call its something new and yet they still don't have a remedy. I was told last year not to have anyone sit in my passenger seat until a remedy is found. I feel unsafe and have been financing my Toyota RAV4 since August 2020. My recent call they wont have a remedy June 2025 which I told believe being when I called last year I was told that the remedy would be September 2024. So basically they are telling me that if I were in an accident that the airbags will not go off is someone is sitting in my passengers seat being that what needs to be fixed is the airbag sensor. To be told that I shouldnt have anyone in my passenger seat until this is fixed is insane.

NHTSA ODI 11636023

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the hinges on the rear liftgate were bent, and the liftgate was misaligned. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,500.

NHTSA ODI 11635726

right rear hinge for hatchback failed and making my hatchback unusable. I have been on several websites and this common issue it seems for Rav 4. Toyota will not fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11634306

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

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

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