TOYOTA RAV4 · model year

2020 TOYOTA RAV4

771 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020TOYOTARAV4 carries 771 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 28 crashes, 7 fires, 28 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 RAV4 is engine with 176 filings, followed by unknown or other (117) and electrical system (115). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 51 investigation files overlapping the 2020 RAV4, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

771
Complaints
28
Crashes
7
Fires
28
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 TOYOTA RAV4 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

771 filings

Crashes Reported

28 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE176
UNKNOWN OR OTHER117
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM115
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM89
AIR BAGS52
STRUCTURE:BODY39
POWER TRAIN35
STEERING25
SERVICE BRAKES16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL12
VISIBILITY/WIPER9
SUSPENSION9
SEATS6
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST5

Recalls (6)

20V73400025/11/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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, po

20V37300024/06/2020

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

23V86500020/12/2023

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

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 cir

20V28600020/05/2020

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

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.

20V06400006/02/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 l

20V68200004/11/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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, 20

Recent Complaints

20260217UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting this complaint regarding a structural failure of the rear liftgate hinges on my 2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE. The liftgate began opening and closing crooked, and I noticed the door was no longer aligned evenly. After inspection by Toyota dealership, I was informed that the metal hinges attached to the liftgate and body are cracked and must be replaced. This failure is not the result of an accident, misuse, or impact. I have never been in a collision involving the rear of the vehicle. I was told this damage is considered “wear and tear,” so my insurance company declined coverage. The Toyota dealership also declined to cover the repair, stating it is not covered under warranty so I will have to pay out of pocket. However, after researching this issue, I found that many other Toyota RAV4 owners have reported the same hinge cracking and liftgate misalignment problem. This appears to be a widespread manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear. This is a serious safety

20260208STRUCTURE:BODY

I am writing to formally report a significant structural failure regarding the power liftgate system on my 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE. Recently, the trunk began failing to close properly. Upon a detailed inspection, I discovered that the sheet metal surrounding the hinges has suffered catastrophic failure. The left-side hinge mounting point is severely fractured, and the right side is exhibiting clear stress cracks. This is not a case of "wear and tear." This is a structural failure where the force exerted by the factory power struts appears to have overpowered the vehicle's body structure, leading to metal fatigue and tearing. I would like to emphasize the following points regarding this case: Maintenance & Care: This vehicle has been maintained strictly according to Toyota’s recommended intervals and has been handled with the utmost care. There has been no external impact or misuse of the liftgate. Safety Risk: The inability to securely latch the trunk poses a severe safety h

20260206VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was water leaking from the sunroof. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that front alignment was needed, and that the roof rails needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,782.

Mileage: 149,782

20260206SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was water leaking from the sunroof. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that front alignment was needed, and that the roof rails needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,782.

Mileage: 149,782

20260131STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Rear hatch were repaired new actuators but still malfunctioning now hinges are defective dealer won't honor extended warranty suggest take to body shop have defective hinges replaced at my cost

20260125POWER TRAIN

When trying to start my vehicle this morning, the car was having a noticeable issue the minute I turned on the vehicle. It was making some weird noises under the hood, and it was starting to lose power. Then the engine would cut out and a warning would appear on my dash that read, "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" Thank God this happened while I was at home. What if this had happened while I was driving down the road, at a red light. I would have been a sitting duck in the middle of the road and would not want to put my kids or I in jeopardy of being hit.

20260125ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When trying to start my vehicle this morning, the car was having a noticeable issue the minute I turned on the vehicle. It was making some weird noises under the hood, and it was starting to lose power. Then the engine would cut out and a warning would appear on my dash that read, "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" Thank God this happened while I was at home. What if this had happened while I was driving down the road, at a red light. I would have been a sitting duck in the middle of the road and would not want to put my kids or I in jeopardy of being hit.

20260125STEERING

When trying to start my vehicle this morning, the car was having a noticeable issue the minute I turned on the vehicle. It was making some weird noises under the hood, and it was starting to lose power. Then the engine would cut out and a warning would appear on my dash that read, "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" Thank God this happened while I was at home. What if this had happened while I was driving down the road, at a red light. I would have been a sitting duck in the middle of the road and would not want to put my kids or I in jeopardy of being hit.

20251208AIR BAGS

I received recall notice December 2023 for defect in front passenger seat airbag that could cause the airbag to fail to deploy in the event of a crash. I have contacted the dealer several times and have been told each time that there is no remedy (yet). It has been two years and the risk to passengers in my vehicle has not been remedied. Fortunately, I have not had any collisions but the danger and safety concerns remain, and there has been NO ACTION BY TOYOTA ON THIS SERIOUS RECALL NOTICE The Recall Notice stills says “no remedy” and it has not been updated in the past year. This is a serious, potentially dangerous and life-threatening defect, a recall has been issued, and yet NOTHING has been done to remedy the defect FOR TWO YEARS. What remedies are available to me as a customer? Will action be taken on this complaint? Please let me know when I can expect a response.

20251201STRUCTURE:BODY

The door lock actuators required repair on all my doors for the RAV4 2020. They stopped working after the 3 year warranty was up. This is a safety issue. I had to manually lock and unlock my doors, which left in a dangerous position at night. Over the course of a year all 4 doors needed to have the actuators replaced. This happrened in 2024.

20251111STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint on my 2020 Toyota RAV4 (Blueprint color) is peeling and deteriorating prematurely, on the hood. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not been in any accidents. The paint started peeling without any external cause. I’ve noticed similar complaints from other 2020 Toyota RAV4 owners, especially those with the Blueprint color, reporting the same issue. This suggests a widespread paint or clear coat defect from the manufacturer. The peeling paint not only affects appearance but also exposes the metal body to rust and corrosion, which could eventually compromise the vehicle’s safety and structure. Toyota has not issued a recall or offered repairs for this known problem, and many owners are being asked to pay out of pocket for costly repainting. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential manufacturing defect and urge Toyota to take corrective action through a recall or warranty extension for affected vehicles.

20251111UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The paint on my 2020 Toyota RAV4 (Blueprint color) is peeling and deteriorating prematurely, on the hood. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not been in any accidents. The paint started peeling without any external cause. I’ve noticed similar complaints from other 2020 Toyota RAV4 owners, especially those with the Blueprint color, reporting the same issue. This suggests a widespread paint or clear coat defect from the manufacturer. The peeling paint not only affects appearance but also exposes the metal body to rust and corrosion, which could eventually compromise the vehicle’s safety and structure. Toyota has not issued a recall or offered repairs for this known problem, and many owners are being asked to pay out of pocket for costly repainting. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential manufacturing defect and urge Toyota to take corrective action through a recall or warranty extension for affected vehicles.

20251111STEERING

unknown power steering issues

20251107ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The screens will flicker and then dim on its own while driving.

20251012ENGINE

Engine light shows on in dash. Stopped to fuel up Car stalled, would not restart Diagnosed fuel pump No prior history of engine issue

20251003STEERING

For the last 2 months, a code comes up it says loss of electric power steering assist. It came up 15 times in two months. What happens is a steering wheel ceases up for a second or two and then the code goes away. This is something that could happen anytime especially if I have my grandchildren with me and ex steering wheel could freeze up and I wouldn’t be able to steer around an accident at an intersection or something. This is very hazardous to me and my family. There was a recall on some of the 2020 Toyota RAV4’s in the past. I’m telling you I’m not a liar. I do get this coming up this way too many times.

20250929ENGINE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The flow shut-off valve (coolant leak) failed. This exact component was later included in Toyota’s official recall. The defective part was diagnosed by a mobile mechanic and replaced at a licensed independent auto repair shop. The failed component itself is no longer available, but all receipts and repair documentation are available upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure of the flow shut-off valve caused a coolant leak that created a significant safety hazard, as it affected the vehicle’s performance and drivability. This posed a risk to both my safety and the safety of others on the road, which is why I had the repair completed immediately before the recall was issued. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was first diagnosed by a mobile mechanic and then confirmed by a r

20250929UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Power rear hatch does not always open all the way, sometimes stops after 1" of rise. I must then manually close the rear hatch and try again and again.

20250927UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We bought a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Limited with Sunroof. When we were driving in freeway, we noticed that a glass shattered somewhere in my car. We realized that the sunroof was completely shattered. There was no accident, just a heavy rain. We didn't know what to do, we didn't know if we have to call police in a matter as it was a potential safety hazard. We have seen a lot of complaint about this and there is no option to completely sealed it off or get rid of sunroof. We are now scared of driving this car in long distance, we will be trading this vehicle soon because of the incident.

20250917ENGINE

Bought the car with 114k on it now with 115k and I brought it in to Toyota because I have a “engine maintenance required” on the dash now they are trying to charge me almost $1000 because my car has over 100k miles on it and they said they won’t cover it.

Compare 2020TOYOTARAV4 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 have?
The 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 has 771 NHTSA complaints, 28 crashes, 7 fires, 28 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4?
The 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4?
Yes, the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4?
The most-complained component for the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 is ENGINE with 176 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.