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)

Newest first · 627 complaints · page 6 of 26

Oct 7, 2024SteeringSuspensionBrakes

Since I've owned the vehicle it has made loud squeaking, scraping, popping, and clicking noises in the suspension and steering. When I first turn the vehicle on and use the brakes they are very loud as if they are worn. I've had the brakes checked and the dealer said the brakes are fine. When I turn the steering wheel it makes a loud crunching rubbing noise that I can feel in the floor board. My vehicle is less than 5 years old and less than 60,000 miles. I've never had a vehicle made so many noises and it's terrifying to wonder if something is just going to break off or stop working.

NHTSA ODI 11618398

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 30, 2024Body & structure

This vehicle is equipped with a power back door (PBD) that has begun to malfunction. March 29, 2024 was the first occurrence of the PBD malfunction when the opened back door would not fully close after clicking the appropriate button on the electronic key switch. There were no warnings that preceded the malfunction. The PBD would only close the back door a few inches before stopping. Additional clicks only closed it a few more inches and manual closing (requiring significant pressure) was required to fully close the door. Additional random occurrences of this PBD malfunction have happened over the past six months and have now become so frequent that on September 30, 2024 I turned off (via the multi-information display) the PBD function and must now resort to fully manual opening and closing of the back door. Based on multiple other complaints filed with NHTSA for this particular vehicle (2020 Toyota RAV4; NHTSA ID Numbers 11572353, 11572802, 11573768, 11579590, 11585733), I inspected the edges of the back door, the body's back door cavity, and the two back door spindles for damage, foreign objects, dirt, etc. that might impede PDB operation and found none. I also inspected the two back door hinges and saw no damage, no warping, no corrosion, and no movement of the hinges from their original installation locations. This PBD malfunction affects safety as the force required to manually open and close the back door is significant and operation of the back door might be impossible for people not physically able to effect the force needed. The vehicle is available for inspection and has not yet been inspected by the Toyota dealer where I purchased the vehicle in August 2020 or by others.

NHTSA ODI 11617360

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 27, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Toyota vehicles, namely RAV4’s are having a coolant bypass valve defect. And Toyota is denying this claim and charging to diagnostic and repair. This is a defect and should be set to recall as many owners are experiencing the issue. Mine began on a out of state trip with a engine maintenance light, and leaking fluid from the coolant valve, which can lead to engine stalling and issues while driving. Very dangerous! I took mine to my mechanic and had it repaired since I am beginning not to trust Toyota.

NHTSA ODI 11616968

Sep 26, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side rear side door became flooded after inclement weather. The contact stated that while attempting to open the door, there was a slushing sound coming from the door. The vehicle was not taken to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616603

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 18, 2024

My mechanic could not clear the "Engine Maintenance Required. Visit the Dealer." message after a routine oil change on my 2020 Rav4. It turns out that the coolant bypass valve is defective. I am now aware of the many, MANY issues other Rav4 owners are having with this same part and that a class action suit has been filed.

NHTSA ODI 11615196

Sep 17, 2024Airbags

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 not 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 11615060

Sep 16, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the battery was replaced. After the battery was replaced, the "Battery Charging" message would display on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced several times due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA ODI 11614787

Sep 14, 2024Engine

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

NHTSA ODI 11614594

Sep 13, 2024AirbagsCrash

Recall for passenger air bag may not deploy. Remedy is not yet avaliable, I purchased a safe vehicle for my family and now I shouldn’t have passengers in the front. Vehicle was in an accident 7/29/2024 and air bags did not deploy. I feel very unsafe driving this vehicle. Vehicle is still waiting for parts to be repaired from accident.

NHTSA ODI 11614538

Sep 12, 2024Airbags

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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 confirm parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11614201

Sep 12, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant bypass valve failure. The contact was informed that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that coolant bypass valve had been replaced twice. The contact stated that previously in August 2024, the failure had occurred, and the coolant bypass valve was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,793.

NHTSA ODI 11614271

Sep 10, 2024Airbags

Dear NHTSA, I am writing in reference to my Toyota RAV4, which is currently under an open recall. The tracking number for this issue is 11613535, and the VIN of my vehicle is 2T3F1RFV4LC120724. I am extremely dissatisfied with the way both Toyota and the dealer have been handling this recall, as they continue to shift responsibility between each other without providing a proper resolution. I have already communicated my personal experience and concerns directly to Toyota in writing. Driving this vehicle has caused immense fear and anxiety for both me and my family, and the situation has wasted a significant amount of my time and energy. Therefore, I kindly request your intervention to directly contact Toyota and help resolve this issue. I have also submitted my specific concerns and requests to Toyota, with their case number being #240909001372. I ask for your assistance in contacting Toyota to alleviate my concerns and ensure that this matter is resolved promptly. Thank you for your attention and assistance in this urgent matter. Sincerely, Xunan Feng

NHTSA ODI 11613875

Sep 9, 2024Airbags

My 2020 Toyota RAV4 has a recall, and I want to address it as soon as possible because I am very worried about this issue when driving. Right now, I feel anxious and uneasy, and I don't dare to drive the car anymore. I contacted Toyota, but they are evading the issue and have not provided a timeline for the repair. I also contacted the dealer where I purchased the car, but they are not taking responsibility for the recall. I hope you can help me and ensure this recall is resolved immediately, as it concerns the safety of both myself and my passengers.

NHTSA ODI 11613535

Sep 9, 2024Airbags

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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11613594

Sep 5, 2024Suspension

I took my car to the dealer this week and was told I need to replace both front lower control arms. I noticed other cars for that year have a recall for this specific problem so I called Toyota but I was told that I had 0 recalls on my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11612737

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, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's and both passenger's side doors were filled with water inside the door panels. The contact stated that the water had to be shaken out of the door panels. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer being serviced, the dealer unofficially informed the contact that the failure was due to failed door seals. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ODI 11612845

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

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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 →