TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID · model year

2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID

15 NHTSA complaints, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020TOYOTARAV4 HYBRID carries 15 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 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 HYBRID is air bags with 4 filings, followed by engine (2) and electrical system (2). 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 5 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 HYBRID, 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.

15
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. 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

15 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

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

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS4
ENGINE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
STEERING1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
SUSPENSION1

Recalls (5)

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

Recent Complaints

20251107SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the suspension. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the sound was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the front lower suspension arms were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that while coming to a stop on another occasion, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brake area. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V286000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

20250807ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power. The messages "PKSB Malfunction - Visit your dealer" and "Pre-Collision System Malfunction - Visit your dealer" were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired at a local dealer for a coolant fault and parts were ordered to repair the wiring harness. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related that failure to the Customer Support Program: 22TE09, however the warranty was not valid. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20250618AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. 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.

20250609AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20250404AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V86500 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and Northridge Toyota (9550 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91324) were contacted. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20250210ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was jumpstarted; however, two days later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred after 18 months. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where the vehicle remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,846.

Mileage: 33,846

20241206AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. 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.

20240820STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off on several occasions, the liftgate button was depressed and the liftgate was partially raised before freezing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver’s side liftgate hinge had cracked and snapped, causing the liftgate to become inoperable. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, the liftgate failed to close fully and failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side liftgate hinge had cracked and snapped. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240521VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the driver's side sideview mirror was vibrating excessively, distorting the image seen. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 53,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 53,000

20230621ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while using the A/C, there was an abnormally foul odor coming from the vents. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a mechanic discovered mice had entered the vehicle through an opening in the engine and that droppings were found in the air filter housing. The air filter was replaced, and the contact was advised to use Lysol spray to spray the air cabin. Upon investigation, the contact's husband discovered that the wiring was made of soy-based materials which attracted rodents to the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Mileage: 23,000

20230621ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while using the A/C, there was an abnormally foul odor coming from the vents. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a mechanic discovered mice had entered the vehicle through an opening in the engine and that droppings were found in the air filter housing. The air filter was replaced, and the contact was advised to use Lysol spray to spray the air cabin. Upon investigation, the contact's husband discovered that the wiring was made of soy-based materials which attracted rodents to the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Mileage: 23,000

20220706HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while his mother was driving 45 MPH, the electronic throttle control system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the MGR (Motor Generator Rear) system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

Mileage: 53,000

20220706VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while his mother was driving 45 MPH, the electronic throttle control system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the MGR (Motor Generator Rear) system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

Mileage: 53,000

20201026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL TANK WILL FILL UP COMPLETELY

20200805STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS FIRM AT VEHICLE START-UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CENTRAL CITY TOYOTA LOCATED 4800 CHESTNUT ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19139, (215) 476-1200, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY VOLTAGE WAS LOW AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR RECHARGED. THE BATTERY WAS RECHARGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Compare 2020TOYOTARAV4 HYBRID to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID have?
The 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID has 15 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID?
The 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 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 HYBRID?
Yes, the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID has 5 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 HYBRID?
The most-complained component for the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID is AIR BAGS with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 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 HYBRID 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.