Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
624Complaints
6Recalls
16Crashes
5Fires
13Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (28.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 2.5× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
179 · 28.7%
Recalled
Recall 20V064000
Electrical System
117 · 18.8%
not available
—
Fuel/propulsion System
89 · 14.3%
Recalled
Recall 20V682000
Air Bags
54 · 8.7%
Recalled
Recall 20V734000 · Recall 23V865000
Structure:body
39 · 6.2%
not available
—
Power Train
36 · 5.8%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 624 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“NEW 2020 RAV4 HYBRID MAKES LOUD GRINDING NOISE SOMETIMES WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE AND EV MODE IS ENGAGED. APPEARS TO BE FAILURE OF SPRAG-TYPE DEVICE…”NHTSA complaint 11367034 — filed 10/29/2020 · ENGINE
“SERIOUS D-CELL BATTERY DISCHARGE ISSUE. TWICE OUR NEW RAV4 HYBRID HAS HAD TO BE JUMPED AND TAKEN TO DEALER FOR A DEAD BATTERY. DEALER FOUND…”NHTSA complaint 11343488 — filed 08/05/2020 · ENGINE
“PURCHASED 5/22/20. UNIT PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. WENT OUT TO USE THE AUTO AND ALL SYSTEMS FAILING IN AUTO. VEHICLE WILL NOT START. BRAKE ALERT, ENGINE…”NHTSA complaint 11327007 — filed 06/02/2020 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 179 of 624 NHTSA complaints (28.7%), followed by unspecified/other issues (118), electrical system (117), fuel/propulsion system (89). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have?
624 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V682000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Toyota RAV4's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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