NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A short circuit in the front passenger air bag sensor may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
This page covers 7 recalls, 627 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Toyota RAV4.
28–40 mpg combined
5.9–8.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2020 RAV4 cluster most heavily around the engine and, to a lesser degree, the electrical system. On the engine side, owners frequently report coolant leaks, often discovered while the vehicle is parked and with no warning light active, that dealers have diagnosed as internal engine failures requiring full engine replacement. The fuel and propulsion system draws a notable share of complaints as well, with some owners describing brake pedal loss accompanied by a "Pull Over" warning message. A recurring structural complaint involves the liftgate hinges cracking, warping, or separating from the body, leaving the liftgate unable to close properly; several owners report the problem appeared suddenly without prior warning, and some note visible weld failures or damage to adjacent tail light assemblies.
627
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has 7 recalls, the most serious involving front lower suspension arms that can develop cracks and separate from the wheel assembly, causing a sudden loss of vehicle control.
Vehicles with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine face a separate concern: internal porosity in the engine block can allow coolant to leak, causing the engine to overheat and stall while driving. The fuel pump can also fail without warning and stall the engine in traffic. On the steering side, water can get into the electric power steering gearbox and cause the system to lose assist, making the wheel noticeably harder to turn at low speeds.
Several recalls affect airbag and occupant protection. The front passenger seat sensor may misread the occupant and prevent the airbag from deploying in a crash. Two related recalls both involve the steering column: in one, the column can shift when the driver's airbag deploys, reducing how well it protects the driver; in the other, breakaway pins in the column designed to absorb crash energy may have been damaged, which can also affect how the driver's airbag performs in a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
A short circuit in the front passenger air bag sensor may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column may have been damaged during assembly. If the driver-front airbag inflates, the column could shift, reducing crash protection for the driver.
What the fix does
Toyota will mail you instructions to take your vehicle to a dealer, who will replace the steering column.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Breakaway pins in the steering column that normally absorb crash energy may have been damaged during manufacturing, which could reduce how well the driver's air bag works in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire steering column at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved version at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the steering gear box cover, reducing or eliminating electric power steering assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering gear box at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower suspension arms may develop cracks and separate from the front wheel assembly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Tiny holes in engine castings may cause cracks that allow coolant to leak inside or outside the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the entire engine block, including the engine, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
